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03
May 2011

1. Discuss what it means to have an unearthly joy that transcends the temporal joys and sorrows of life. 2. Discuss the reference to the gospel ( “in this”) and what it is about the gospel that offers a transcendent joy. 3. How can this unearthly joy be real in the presence of trials? Discuss how the gospel calls us to and enables us to live with antinomies? 4. Grammatically, ‘rejoice’ may be either a command or a statement. Either way, why should there be an expectation of joy even in the......

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25
Apr 2011

Discussion Questions The Servant’s Glorious Triumph over Suffering from God’s Perspective Isaiah 53:10-12 10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.  11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear......

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19
Apr 2011

Discussion Questions on Isaiah 53:1-9 The Glorious Triumph of the Suffering Servant As seen by redeemed sinners How does the text indicate that Isaiah, the prophet, speaks proleptically (puts himself in the place) of some in the future who have witnessed both the sufferings of Christ and his resurrection and who have responded in faith? How does 1 Peter 2:21-25 use of Isaiah 53 indicate that this is not only Israelites who come to recognize that Jesus is the Messiah, such as at Pentecost, but also believers from among the nations? In......

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05
Apr 2011

Discussion questions on 1 Peter 1:3-5 Who am I? – I have a living Hope How does being an exile and sojourning among the nations of the world compare to  a ‘short-term mission trip’? How does the above create the possibility for fear, isolation, retreat, and even hatred of the world in which we dwell? Why is it important to remember that our psychological response to the world in which we live (i.e. fear vs. confidence; despair vs. hope) is rooted in our theology? In what sense are all the events or......

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22
Mar 2011

Grace Group Discussion Questions on 1 Peter 1:1-2 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. PART ONE Why do you think that Peter used terms to describe New Covenant believers even though they formerly identified Israel? Discuss what is entailed......

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27
Jan 2011

A Servant’s Gospel – Community Philippians 2:19-30  19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.  20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.  21 They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.  23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as......

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10
Jan 2011

Pursuing the Gospel-Character of a Servant of Jesus Christ Philippians 2:1-11  This passage is one of the most wonderful texts on the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The phrase translated in the ESV and NIV “made himself nothing” is literally – ‘he emptied himself. We will see later in the message exactly what that means, but for now let me say that this is the heart of a Gospel-character is to be emptied of self.  Interestingly, philosophers and cultural analysts talk about the empty self.  By ‘empty self’ they actually describe something that......

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26
Dec 2010

Luke 2:22-35  Introduction: I love Christmas but not necessarily because it is a Christian holiday. I read statistics the other day on those who celebrate Christmas and why they celebrate it. Family Trumps Jesus in Christmas Celebrations Family is the “reason for the season” for 81 percent of people who celebrate Christmas in America, according to a Lifeway Research survey. The study found that nine in 10 Americans (91 percent) personally celebrate Christmas and those aren’t all self-identified Christians. A majority of agnostics or those claiming no preference (89 percent), individuals claiming other......

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21
Sep 2010

The Gospel and Marriage Mark 10:1-12   1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.     2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 “What did Moses command you?” he replied. 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” 5 “It was because your hearts were hard that......

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