Friday, June 27, 2008

"Standing Tall" Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION

In this three part series on freedom we have gone with the big idea that you cannot have freedom without courage. In the first message we duly noted this fact. In the second message we talked about a sure source for courage, God's promises. In this last message we ask the question, "How do you gain freedom when courage isn't enough?"

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are some circumstances that no amount of courage will change? (i.e. death of loved one)

2. Read Exodus 14:1-5. How did the Israelite's absence motivate Pharoah to go back on his word to let the Hebrews go?"

3. Read Hebrews 14:6-7. Why did the author make note of the size of the Egyptian army? How does this relate to the fear of the Jews trapped by the Red Sea? How does this relate to our fear when courage doesn't seem to be enough?

4. Read Hebrews 14:10-12. Why were the Israelites so willing to go back to what they, at one time, cried relief from? How does this relate to us?

5. Read Hebrews 14:13-14. Does Moses response make sense if you are an Israelite? Why or why not?

6. Why do the Israelites assume God is out of control if they are out of control? Are we the same? Different?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

How can you stand firm in your faith when everything in you wants to stand down from your faith?

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Ex 14:13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Ex 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)

Friday, June 20, 2008

"A Promise to Stand" - Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION

We celebrate courage in our culture. We have The Incredible Hulk fighting monstrosities in the middle of the streets, Iron Man flying against the bad guys, and soon Batman bravely fights off the joker. Kids this summer even have the great Kung Fu Panda, who saves the local village from the rampages of the enemy.

We celebrated the firefighters of 9/11 for thier courage. We honor the troops who fight in freedom's name. We respect those who find the courage to place others before themselves, like the mother who died covering her baby in a house fire, saving her baby's life.

We celebrate such courage, and rightly so. The truth is we all will need some courage one day, to do the right thing, to speak out, to protect someone else from harm, to make that hard decision no one else can make for you. We will all need courage.

Question: Where do you get it?

Read Joshua 6:1-8:2

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Who is a hero in your life? What makes them so courageous?

2. Look at Joshua 6:1. We discoverd in the message on Sunday the phrase "Lord said" is the same phrase used when describing how the universe was created. The city of Jericho was going to fall just as sure as the ground Joshua was standing on. Joshua was able to act because God gave him a promise. How can you be sure God's promises are true for you?

3. After the defeat of Jericho Joshua sent the Israelite army to defeat the city of Ai. They failed because Achan kept some of the bounty from Jericho for himself instead of bringing it to the temple as God instructed. How does our behavior affect the promises of God in our life?

4. How can God's promises give you courage?

5. What do yo uthink of this statement, "You gain courage to find freedom from God's promises when you operate under the authority of God."

6. Do you know God's promises? How can you apply these promises to your life? Psalm 27:14; Job 22:29-30; Psalm 113:1, 3; 2 Chronicles 30:9

SOMEHING TO THINK ABOUT
7. What great thing might you attempt now in your life is you were assured by God of your success?

CHANGING YOUR MIND
"Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and fighting men." Joshua 6:2

Friday, June 13, 2008

Chasing Freedom- Part 1

"Gaining Freedom" Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION

In order to gain freedom you must have courage. We see this illustrated all throughout history. Navy Seals, sailors, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, all gained freedom for countless others and themselves because they displayed courage. Paul wrote, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." This freedom comes when we have the courage to face what oppresses in this life with Jesus Christ.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read 1 Corinthians 16:13.

1. Of the five oppressors mentioned in the message, which one do you relate to the most?
A. Substance Abuse (Money, Food, Alcohol, etc..)
B. Your Past
C. Circumstances
D. Confusion
E. Your own Stupidity

2. Why is it important to keep alert as a Christian?

3. To "stand firm" means to keep your allegiance with Jesus. How can you do this?

4. Of the three parts of courage; 1. Facing reality; 2. Taking responsibility; and then 3. Taking action; which one is hardest for you to do? Why?

5. How can you grow strong in courage?

6. When you are seeking to overcome what is oppressing you why is it important to keep loving those around you? How can you do this?

THINK ABOUT IT

Recall the story of David and Goliath. What is your Goliath? How can David's statement to Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) help you defeat your "Goliath?"

CHANGING YOUR MIND

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied!" 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)