It Is Finished! (But, Wait!! There's More Fun Activities)

THANK YOU!!!
First of all, we thank each of you for joining the Bible: Out Of The Box small group this season. You have contributed a significant and eternal element to other people's lives. Reading the Heaven book has given us an opportunity to challenge our thinking and lives both for the near term and the long term. We each cause a "ripple effect" upon every person we contact during our earthly journey. Make a BIG splash in life!

Second, we again thank you for the precious gifts you have given us. Though they are very nice and we will treasure them, they pale in comparison to the gifts each of you are to us and the impact you've each had in our lives. We are blessed and better people because of you.

Finally, here is a list of the "fun activities" which have been selected by the group. All are invited and more information will be sent out (I am more than happy to assist in passing along any email information you'd like to the group members - please send me the email and instructions). Thanks to the folks organizing these activities!!

June

• Hubble 3D at Pacific Science Center (TBD) :: Mike/Cindy
• Lunch And A Movie (TBD) :: Lori/Chuck

July

• Concert In Pioneer Park (July 8th) :: Jessica
• BBQ And A Movie (July 24th?) :: Mike/Cindy

August

• Bonfire (TBD) :: Sara
• Game Night (TBD) :: Peggy/Warren

God Bless each of you and the Jesus Journey you walk with Him!!

"The Ripple Effect" (May 10 - Chapters 44 thru 46)

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!!

• Do you experience joy in using your knowledge, skills, services, and products to help and please others? Why or why not?
• The author has challenged our thinking a number of times during this book on the topic of separating those things which are part of the Curse from those which are not part of the Curse. How has your thinking changed on this? Describe how you have been able to distinguish between the two in your world.
• Will there be new inventions or refinements of old inventions? Why or why not?
• Realizing the author is attempting to stretch our concepts and boundaries of thought, he states the following: "God hasn't exhausted His creative resources. He never will … I anticipate an eternity of delight in watching and discovering what He creates to reveal more of Himself to us." Share your reaction to these statements in regard to space/time travel and other, non-earthly life in creation.
• In the last chapter, there is a section called, "Questions In Light Of Heaven", select two questions from that list and share your thinking with the group.

Come prepared with suggestions for summer fun activities - we'll list and multi-vote on them!!

"When You Painted On Earth" (May 3 - Chapters 41 thru 43)

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!!

• When people (you, perhaps?) talk about Eternity being boring … from where do you suppose this thinking originates? Please give an example.
• How does a boring Heaven reflect upon God as being boring?
• Other world religions have a concept of Heaven (Eternity). Share an example of that concept, either from personal knowledge or through knowledge shared by another person.
• How does that concept of Heaven compare with what the author is portraying?
• The author states, "Every day on the New Earth will be a new opportunity to live out the dreams that matter most." What activity, task, or dream are you looking forward to doing in Eternity?
• Discuss, as a group, the differences/similarities of the "lifeboat" theology vs the "ark" theology.
• Discuss, as a group, the concepts of entertainment, arts, sports, etc. in Eternity. Specifically, if they will exist or not. Explain your answer.
• The author states, "God wired us this way" in describing various activities we'd experience in Eternity. He further states, "We were made to live vibrant lives." Describe what this looks like to you and how it may differ from another person's understanding.

PLUS ULTRA

Blessings!!!