More Like The Real Thing (March 29 - Chapters 23 thru 27)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• This is a repeat question from our first session: How important is "imagination" (based on truth) in forming our understanding of Heaven? Why? (dictionary.com: "the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses")
• What attributes of the present creation would you like to see on the New Earth? Why?
• In each of the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) describe what your BEST day's activities would include. For example, "During a sunny winter's day, I would curl up in front of a warm, cozy fire with a cup of hot cocoa, and read my favorite type of book."
• When the author talks about the New Jerusalem as the capital city of the New Earth, what do you like and/or dislike about the concept of such a city?
• What do you understand about the purpose of the Tree of Life and its need both in Eden and the New Earth?
• The author, while talking about a first-class upgrade on an airplane, makes reference to the "liabilities of economy class are removed in first class, but the assets aren't" … how does this idea play in your thinking on the transition of God's creation from the "old" to the "new"?
• What is your thinking on the opposing concepts of space and time being non-existent versus its continuation?
• As a group, discuss the varying aspects of the New Heaven/New Earth and the sun, moon, stars, oceans, seas, weather, etc.
• Psalm 37:4 talks about being given the desires of your heart. What desires do you expect to receive and what are the conditions to receive them? Relate them to the New Heaven and New Earth.
• Is there anything else from the chapters this week that you'd like to comment on?

Blessings!!

Revisionist Ruling (March 22 - Chapters 20 thru 22)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm looking forward to seeing you!!

• Read Genesis 1. What is the singular "stand out" point of this chapter? Why? (Hint: in some translations it is repeated up to seven times.)
• As a group, create a list of "worldly" things and "earthly" things. Using scripture, how would you describe the difference between them?
• Discuss why "land" is so important in God's creation … read Genesis 12:1-7 as the basis of your discussion.
• Based on Genesis 1:28, describe the role that humanity was created to be. Be flamboyant in your description and discussion.
• How do the words "take charge", "rule", "subdue", "govern", and "authority" play in your imagination about the original creation and the re-creation?
• Where Isaiah 9:7 talks about the "increase of His government", what are your thoughts about an "ever-expanding" universe with new worlds being created?
• The author states (page 218, or page 226 revised) that "we would exercise the creativity, imagination, intellect, and skills" that would manifest God's attributes. Contrasting your current state (sinful, yet being redeemed) and your fully redeemed state, how does what the author states work in your thinking?

Blessings!!

To Be, Or, Not To See … That Is The Question! (March 15 - Chapters 17 thru 19)

Below are the questions that you'll use for your small group discussion. Additionally, we'll be taking some time out of this session to have a "white board" group discussion. I'm getting more excited as we delve further into this topic and begin to press our own personal boundaries, both present and future.

• In the 1871 published book "The Happiness of Heaven", the story is told of a blind, destitute orphan boy being taken in by kindhearted king as his son. At age 20, the boy's sight is returned via surgery. Imagine being blind for 20 years and then receiving sight … describe your personal experience and response.
• Using the concept of "sight restored", describe what it will be like to see God face-to-face?
• Romans 1:20 NLT says "For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God." As a group, create a list of "invisible qualities" of God. How do these qualities help you personally begin to understand what Heaven, or being present with God, will be like?
• Describe a few hindrances you have that keep you from imagining what seeing God face-to-face will be like. Of these hindrances, what do you need to "own" versus what you can attribute to Satan putting in your way? During your group prayer time, ask God to help you remove and overcome these hindrances.
• What does "worship" mean to you?
• After reading Revelation 5:11-14, discuss as a group what aspects of individual and corporate worship you've enjoyed, not enjoyed, want more of, and want less of.
• Read Hebrews 10:25 and as a group discuss the various ways we meet together and describe what we do when we meet.
• How might the interaction on earth between Christians be the same or different than what will take place in Heaven?

Blessings!!

Hmmm, What's In Store?? (March 8 - Chapters 14 thru 16)

I'm still waiting for direction from God on the course He'd like to take on Monday. Until then, please read through the assigned chapters for this week and be prepared for His plan!!

Blessings!!