en To know God & make Him known thru His Son Jesus the Christ http://www.newburghchurch.org © Copyright 2000 - 2009Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=209 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=209&article_id=202 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Amazing Grace 6-14-2009 Breaking the Ice: What is so amazing about grace according to the lyrics of John Newton’s classic hymn of that name? Please Read: Luke 7:36-49 1. Why did the woman respond the way she did to Jesus? 2. How should your response to the forgiveness of sins in Jesus be similar? 3. We speak of God’s grace as “unmerited favor.” What does unmerited mean and what does favor mean? Please Read: Romans 4 4. What does it mean to have righteousness imputed (KJV) or credited (NIV) to a person? 5. According to this chapter, what does it take for righteousness to be imputed to you? Please Read: Ephesians 2:1-10 6. What were the driving forces in your life prior to Jesus? 7. List the things these verses say that God did for you. 8. What’s the difference between a gift and a wage? 9. If your salvation is a gift of God, what can you brag about? 10. Why did God save you from your sins and grant you eternal life? Amazing Grace Lyrics John Newton (1725-1807) Stanza 6 anon. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace. When we've been here ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we've first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:01:32 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=208 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=208&article_id=201 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 5-31-2009 Hope Floats Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all. ~ Emily Dickenson If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breaking the Ice: Besides heaven, what do you hope most for right now in your life or the lives of those you love? Please Read: Romans 15:4 & Titus 1:1-3 1. According to Titus 1 what is it Christians hope for and on what is that hope based? 2. What role does scripture play in your hope for the future? 3. How is the hope described in these verses different than the way people commonly use the term “hope” as in they hope they will win the lottery? Please Read: Romans 4:18-25 & 5:1-5 4. According to the apostle Paul, why did God consider Abraham righteous (i.e. without sin in His sight, acceptable to God)? 5. How are you made righteous before God today? 6. What does it mean to “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God?” 7. What makes the hope Christians have different than the hope other religious people have according to Romans 5? Please Read: Romans 15:13 8. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life to give you hope? Please Read: I Peter 1:3-6 9. How is your hope as a Christian a “living” hope as Peter describes? Please Read: Hebrews 10:23, Galatians 5:5, & I Thessalonians 4:13 10. How is the way a Christian approaches death different from others in the world? Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:41:43 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=207 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=207&article_id=200 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 5-3-2009 Are You Faithful? Breaking the Ice: List the attributes your group would ascribe to a friend who one considered “faithful.” Please Read: Psalm 117 1. In what ways does the Lord’s faithfulness endure forever and how does that impact you personally? Please Read: Revelation 2:8-11 2. What did being faithful entail for the Christians in Smyrna? 3. Do you think persecution strengthens or weakens a congregation and why? Please Read: James 2:18-20 4. If salvation is by grace only then what does James mean that faith without works is dead? Please Read: Acts 2:42 5. What kinds of activities were the earliest Christians devoted to and how does that correspond to what we do as Christians together today? Please Read: Romans 12:10 6. Give some practical examples of what being devoted to one another looks like in real life. Please Read: Romans 8:29 7. Without getting into a lengthy discussion of predestination, discuss what it means to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Please Read: Romans 12:4-8 8. What is the best way, in your opinion, to get people to recognize and use their gifts for the good of a congregation? Please Read: Ezekiel 3:16-21 9. While this charge is specifically to Ezekiel for his prophetic ministry to the remnant of Judah in exile, what principles from this scripture if any apply to Christians today? 10. What have you found is the best way to share your faith in Jesus with others? Mon, 4 May 2009 12:48:25 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=206 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=206&article_id=199 Check out our summer of 2009 on Facebook Sun, 3 May 2009 19:22:39 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=205 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=205&article_id=198 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 4-26-2009 A Patch of Green Grass Breaking the Ice: Share with your group a word of encouragement someone gave you which inspired you to achieve something you considered significant? Please Read: Ephesians 4:29 1. In the context of this verse what kinds of things would fall under the category of “unwholesome” talk? 2. The Bible here says that the only kinds of words which should come out of your mouth directed to other people are? 3. What does “according to their need” mean and how might that differ from person to person? 4. How do you balance building people up and holding them accountable for bad behavior? Please Read: Ephesians 4:30-32 5. According to these verses what grieves the Holy Spirit of God and why do you think this is so? 7. Why is forgiveness so important to getting along with other people? 8. How do you personally deal with people who will not accept your sincere repentance and forgive you? Please Read: Psalms 19:14 9. What is the relationship between what you think in your heart and what you say to other people? 10. What have you found to work in your life to help you lift people up and not tear them down with your words? Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:50:43 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=204 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=204&article_id=197 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 4-19-2009 Parables of Jesus Series It’s Not Too Late Breaking the Ice: Share with your group one thing you are very confident will take place tomorrow. 1. Why is determining the context of a parable so important to understanding its meaning? Please Read: Luke 14:25, 15:1-3 2. Who is the audience in each of these verses? Please Read: Luke 15:4-32 3. Each of these parables share a common theme. What is it? 4. Whom does the older brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son represent? Please Read: Luke 16:1&13-15 5. The story of the rich man and Lazarus follows these verses. To whom did Jesus specifically address this teaching and what was it in reaction to? Please Read: Luke 16:19-31 6. Speculate how Jesus’ immediate audience would have responded to this teaching. 7. Whom did the rich man represent and how does this teaching support Jesus’ reason for it in context? Please Read: Ezekiel 17:1-4 8. What elements in this story are unrealistic and how does this parable differ from those of Jesus? 9. Why does it matter if the story of Lazarus and the rich man is a parable or an allegory? Please Read: Revelation 20:13-15 10. What indications are there from the story of Lazarus and the rich man itself and from Revelation that the rich man was not in his final place? Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:41:41 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Thanks for visiting our website! Check out our postings, watch an archived worship service, join us for worship live on line each Sunday morning, or better yet visit us in person. Worshipping with us you'll experience a warm welcome, heartfelt congregational singing, weekly communion honoring Jesus, and a biblical message that's relevant to your life. But, following Jesus is so much more than just a once-a-week worship experience. Here we challenge you to transform your life daily as you learn His words, build real relationships with other followers, and find fulfillment in serving others in His name. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:24:12 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=122 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=122&article_id=118 www.acappella.org Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:21:06 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=188 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=188&article_id=181 See this link- http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158499~PBS_program_claims_Bible_is_historically_unreliable Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:18:32 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=143 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=143&article_id=139 Click Here Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:13:13 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47&article_id=39 Ben Riley, one of our shepherds, has written several articles on science and its coexistence with religion. This is an ongoing series. Articles will be added as written. This is such an important series of lessons as the world of science and technology has in some circles replaced a Divine Creator as the source hope, knowledge, and faith. Author Biography 1. Physics and Christianity 2. Theory 3. Language 4. The Visible and the Invisible 5. Last Lecture - Audio New If you have questions or ideas for future topics feel free to e-mail Dr. Riley by clicking here. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:44:18 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=194 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=194&article_id=187 Senior Minister - Paul DeHart This is where you get to learn something about the guy standing in the pulpit most Sunday mornings here at the Newburgh Church of Christ. The apostle Paul said, "follow my example" but he added, "as I follow the example of Christ." (I Corinthians 1:11 - New International Version) He also said, " I decided that while I was with you I would forget about everything except Jesus Christ and his death on the cross." (I Corinthians 2:2 - New Century Version). I've been some places, had some experiences, and learned some things. And, none of that really matters does it? If you're focusing on me or any other leader in this congregation then we're blocking your view of Jesus and need to get out of the way. However, for those who are just curious: I grew up in the Northeast; served an enlistment in the Army as a German linguist; married Leann (best thing in my life next to Jesus); got a degree in English & a commission in the Air Force from Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX; helped Leann have our son Matt (next best thing in my life next to Jesus); retired from the Air Force after a career as an intelligence officer and instructor; got a degree in ministry from Southern Christian University, Montgomery, AL but like most in our fellowship have been studying the scriptures seriously since meeting Jesus; served as a minister in congregations in Randolph, NJ, & Horseheads, NY; and taught at a private Christian school in Pottstown, PA & at my alma mater Newton High School, Newton, NJ. It has been my pleasure in the Lord to serve as the senior minister at the Newburgh Church of Christ since May 2005. If you want to know more about Jesus Christ I invite you to attend one of our LIFE Groups, come to our Sunday morning bible classes & worship services, or contact me for a personal bible study at: pauld@newburghchurch.org. Secretary - Becky Pruden Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:30:26 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=196 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=196&article_id=189 One of the greatest messages of the New Testament is that every single person matters to God. We want you to know that you matter to us. Whether you are a member or a visitor we are interested in helping you know God better through His son Jesus the Christ. If you would like someone from the church to come by to follow-up with you, then please contact the church office at 812.858.0181 or email Paul DeHart. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:20:17 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=197 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=197&article_id=190 The body here at Newburgh has been working with Baja Missions since 2004 and works with the congregation in Vicente Guererro, Baja California, Mexico. Mission teams visit two or three times a year for short-term missions. Projects include: medical, dental, construction, classes for men, women, and childern, and food/blanket distribution. We have gotten to know and love the body of believers in Vicente Guererro. Many people have gone to give and found that they get more in return than they give. The next trip is planned for July 2009. 2008 Summer Trip Blog View Larger Map Tue, 7 Apr 2009 07:00:03 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=203 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=203&article_id=196 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 4-5-2009 Parables of Jesus Series Making the Right Investments Breaking the Ice: Have each person in your group share on a scale of one to 10, one being the least, how financially secure each one feels. Please Read: Luke 12:1-12 1. How many people had gathered to hear Jesus? 2. To whom does Jesus address these verses? 3. On one hand Jesus says fear God and on the other hand he says not to be afraid. What’s the difference? Please Read: Luke 12:13-15 4. Come up with a group definition of greed or covetousness. 5. What was wrong with the man’s question about his inheritance? Please Read: Luke 12:16-21 6. What did the rich man do wrong? 7. Describe the difference between a person who lives for themselves and one who lives for the Lord. 8. How do you balance this teaching with being a good steward and saving for your own retirement? Please Read: Luke 12:22-34 9. According to Jesus what should be your attitude towards material things? 10. Why are there some faithful Christians living in poverty? Fri, 3 Apr 2009 16:10:47 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=202 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=202&article_id=195 Click Here to Find a Group Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:52:43 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=201 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=201&article_id=194 Sundays at 10:30 Central - Click Here Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:42:12 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=200 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=200&article_id=193 Children's worship is available for children two years old through 1st grade most Sunday mornings beginning about 25 minutes into our worship service. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:14:06 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=199 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=199&article_id=192 We have classes for most all ages on:Sunday mornings at 9:30Wednesday evenings at 6:30 We typically have two adult classes from which to chose. K-12 classes are grouped by grades, including a middle school and high school classes. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:03:32 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=77&article_id=72 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:46:04 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=198 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=198&article_id=191 Are you looking for what Christians in the first century experienced as they spent time together with each other more than just once a week (Acts 2:46)? Are you willing to help and be helped by other believers on the path to heaven? Would you like an opportunity to further explore your questions about the bible? Do you want a chance to help impact your community? Answering yes to these questions indicates your readiness for a deeper commitment to Christ as part of this congregation. We promote a small group ministry here to provide a place for you to connect with other Christians and members of the surrounding communities. Our small group ministry’s mission statement is: “The small group ministry at the Newburgh church exists to: help members and seekers grow closer to God and each other through fellowship and bible study in an atmosphere of encouragement and welcome-ness. Small groups will help ensure that no one is left behind.” There are literally hundreds of books and articles written on small group ministries. Each author has a slightly different take on what small groups are all about. Sifting through this volume of information can be confusing. Additionally, most believers have had some type of small group experience with “cottage meetings,” “care groups,” “brother’s keeper’s groups,” or something similar. L.I.F.E. Groups to Grow. Our small group ministry is specifically designed to help us grow by attracting people from our communities who are not currently committed to a church and connecting them to our members in meaningful relationships. We call our groups "L.I.F.E. Groups" because they are organized to balance four purposes: Love (sharing our needs); Instruction (knowing God better through His word in the bible); Fellowship (enjoying our relationships together);and Evangelism (introducing people to Jesus Christ & starting new groups). We are continually forming new L.I.F.E. groups. If you are interested in participating in a group contact the church office via phone 812.858.0181 or email: pauld@newburghchurch.org and put LIFE Group in the subject line. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:30:27 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=195 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=195&article_id=188 Our purpose is to clasp the feet of Jesus and worship Him like the ladies in Matthew 28. Our goals are:1. Relevance - to meet the needs of this church. 2. Environment - a worshipful attitude. 3. Some special services. 4. People sharing - testimonies giving people role models for expressing our faith. 5. Be based in the scripture. 6. Planned spontaneity. 7. Involvement of people. . Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:50:42 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=14&article_id=7 Archived Services "Great is the Lord almighty and most worthy of praise!" Psalm 48:1. This is an exciting time for the family here at Newburgh as the Lord is blessing us! I praise God for the way in which you all allow Him to use you. I want to take this moment to especially thank you for bringing to worship a heart that is ready to meet Jesus. Each time we meet together serves only to strengthen the body and bring glory and honor to the Father for all that He has done. But as we go through the week and Monday night turns into Wednesday ball games and we've had it up to here with work where is worship? Or where is Jesus? We need to realize that worship doesn't start with the first song and end with the song of encouragement. Remember that God seeks our continual praise. John 4:24 says "Worship God in spirit and truth." Do we really think this just means when we decide to make worship official? Paul says, "Pray without ceasing." I'm convinced that God seeks to be in constant contact with His children. God's children. Just imagine your children not speaking with you for an entire day even though they inhabit your house. What kind of feeling would that produce? Would you be angry, sad or maybe just confused? Here you've done so much for them. You've provided a safe place to live, food and nourishment, clothes, you name it! What right do they have to...I think you're getting the picture. In 2nd Peter 1God promises to provide everything we need for life and godliness according to His own glory and goodness. We've definitely got reason to praise. Paul in Ephesians encourages us to be "filled with the Spirit" and the command is given to "speak to one another with psalms hymns and spiritual songs". Great! Now we know how to conduct a part of our worship time! The verse does not stop there; it continues to say, "always giving thanks to the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." We must expand our worship time to all the time. Think on Romans 12:1, and our lives as a "spiritual act of worship." It's a daily struggle and challenge to let God into all of my life. There are things I do that I wish He didn't see. Please join me in a life that attempts to give all things as praise to the Father and a life intent on building up the body of Christ. By our lips, our service, and our lives we worship the Lord God Almighty. Worship is a key, dynamic component of The Newburgh Church Family. - Tracy Hayford Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:41:38 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=123 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=123&article_id=119 We are a group of believers who love the Lord and seek only to do His will. We have no creed, but Christ. We find the Bible to be sufficient, since it is literally God-breathed. We seek to simply be the church that we find in the New Testament. We are not the only Christians, but we are Christians, only. Simple, New Testament Christianity             The Newburgh church of Christ is an independent congregation of Christians trying to follow Jesus Christ according to the New Testament.  We have no church authority beyond the Bible. Our leaders are chosen from the congregation according to the qualifications found in Scripture.  We believe that all Christians are members of the one body of Christ and that we can be united spiritually if we return to biblical teachings. Our goal is to be Christians only while recognizing that we are not the only Christians.  Our faith and worship are drawn from our understanding of the New Testament.  We meet together on Sundays to remember Jesus in the Lord's Supper, pray, sing, and hear a message from the Bible.  Our commitment to two practices of the first century church distinguishes us from some groups of believers today:  a cappella singing in worship and adult immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins as a believer's response to the gracious work of God.             We consider ourselves a part of a larger fellowship of New Testament congregations, all which grew out of the Restoration Movement in the US in the 1800's.  Their premises were "Speak where the Bible speaks; remain silent where the Bible is silent," and "In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; and in all things, charity."              The Newburgh church of Christ first met as a congregation in the early 1990s at Camp Brosend in Newburgh.  Later it met for a time at the Seventh Day Adventist facilities in Newburgh.  In the mid-1990s the congregation purchased and renovated its current facility - a former barbeque restaurant - at 5111 S. Plaza Dr. in Newburgh (two blocks east of SR261 off Robin Hill Rd.).   The auditorium seats 250.              While we look to the past in the New Testament for our guidance we work now to help people and look forward to when Jesus comes again. The congregation is dedicated to foreign mission work having sponsored missionaries all over the world.  Since 2004 the Newburgh church of Christ has been involved in mission work in Vicente Guerrero on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.  In 2007 we sent three teams including members from our own congregation, other churches of Christ, and other churches in the Evansville area.  We conducted medical clinics, handed out food packages, taught adult and children's bible classes, and helped build a new bathroom facility for the church building.  In addition to sending mission teams to build relationships with our Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ in person we also provide annual financial support to the full-time minister for the congregation there.              Locally, in 2007 the Newburgh church of Christ gave more than $30,000 towards  and provided the bulk of the labor for a Habitat for Humanity home in Chandler, IN.  Nearly half the members of the congregation worked on the Habitat house at some time over the course of the build.             In response to the November 2005 tornado which hit Evansville and Newburgh, the congregation in conjunction with the churches of Christ Disaster Relief, Inc. of Nashville, TN donated 24 sets of brand new refrigerators, washers & dryers, and electric ranges to tornado victims.              We maintain an interactive website at www.newburghchurch.org where one can watch our services streamed live at 10:30am on Sundays or archived on line.   Our Senior Minister since 2005 is Paul DeHart and he can be reached for further information at 812.858.0181 or via email at pauld@newburghchurch.org. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:25:45 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=2&article_id=4 The Mission of the Newburgh church is: o To know God and make Him known through His Son Jesus the Christ We Value: o Biblical, relevant, and joyful worship to God o Rewarding relationships with other Christians o Challenge and support to live the Christian faith daily o Bible study and spiritual development for all ages o Healing for the hurting o Serving people in our church, community, and around the world o Sharing the good news of eternal life in Jesus Christ with everyone Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:22:44 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=193 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=193&article_id=186 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 3-18-2009 Parables of Jesus Series And They All Fall Down Breaking the Ice: Most PC’s have a version of MicroSoft Windows operating system. Apples have the Mac operating system. How would you describe the operating system of your life? What guides your decisions? Please Skim Matthew chapters 5-7 1. How many times does the word “kingdom" appear in these chapters? 2. List the topics Jesus addresses in this “Sermon on the Mount.” Please Read: Matthew 7:15-20 3. How can you recognize a false teacher? Please Read: Hebrews 13:7-8 4. How can you know enough about any teacher to tell whether or not they are from God? Please Read: Matthew 7:21-23 5. Why will some people be rejected in the end? Please Read: Matthew 7:24-27 6. Why do you think this parable is at the very end of the Sermon on the Mount? 7. Which do you think is the bigger problem today – people not knowing or not following the Bible and why? Please Read: Matthew 7:28-29 8. Why do you suppose that their teachers did not teach with authority as did Jesus? 9. Jesus said in Luke 21:33 that His words would never pass away. What did He mean by that and what implications does that have for the church today? Please Read: John 12:47-50 10. What will judge you on the Last Day and how do you feel about that? Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:11:11 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=192 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=192&article_id=185 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 3-11-2009 Parables of Jesus Series Let It Go Breaking the Ice: What indicates to you personally that you have truly forgiven someone who has wronged you? Please Read: Mark 10:23-45 1. How did Jesus expect his followers to treat one another? 2. How was this different from what most people experienced? Please Read: Matthew 18:1-4 3. What are some possible motives for someone to ask a question about who would be greater than someone else? 4. What is Jesus’ answer? Please Read: Matthew 18:21-22 5. In terms of forgiving other people, what does Jesus expect of you? Please Read: Matthew 18:23-35 6. How does this parable illustrate Jesus’ expectations above? Please Read: Matthew 5:21-24; 6:9-15; Hebrews 12:14-15; and Ephesians 4:31-32 7. What are the consequences for a Christian who won’t forgive others? Please Read: I John 1:7-9 8. What does forgiveness of sins and walking in the light have to do with fellowship if anything? Thu, 5 Mar 2009 12:24:00 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=191 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=191&article_id=184 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 3-3-2009 Parables of Jesus Series Lord Reign In Me Breaking the Ice: Discuss in your group who reigns in America and how they do that. 1. What does it mean to you to say that Jesus is Lord of your life and what do you think that term means to unbelievers? Please Read John 18:33-37 2. What does this passage tell you about the kingdom of God? Please Read Matthew 6:9-13 3. What does this passage tell you about the kingdom of God? Please Read Matthew Chapter 12 4. Suggest one title which captures the theme of this entire chapter. 5. According to Matthew 13:1-3 when did Jesus teaching the parables to follow take place? 6. How might the timing have effected His choice of themes to teach? Please Read Matthew 13:3-9 & :18-23 7. Condense the message of this parable into one sentence. Please Read Matthew 13:24-31 & :36-43 8. How does this parable relate to the events in Matthew chapter 12? Please Read Matthew 13:47-50 9. What are the similarities in this parable and that of the sower? Please Read Matthew 13:31-33 10. What is the main point of these two parables? Please Read Matthew 13:44-46 11. Both of these parables stress sacrifice for something of value. What must you sacrifice to let Jesus reign in your life? Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:40:23 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=190 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=190&article_id=183 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 2-25-2009 Parables of Jesus Series Hitting Your Heart Breaking the Ice: Share with your group the theme of a recent movie you enjoyed. Please Read: II Samuel 12:1-10 1. Why do you think Nathan’s story was so effective in getting through to David? 2. What does the old proverb “some people can’t take a hint” mean and describe a person (no names) who fits that bill. 3. Why are stories more effective in teaching some people than others? 4. What are some limitations of teaching in stories? Please Read: Matthew 13:10-17 Parable: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin parabola, from Greek parabolē comparison, from paraballein to compare, from para- + ballein to throw. The root idea is that of comparison: a likeness between two realities is indicated or implied. 5. Why does Jesus say He taught in parables? 6. What makes it difficult for us today to figure out exactly what Jesus meant to teach with a particular parable? 7. Do the parables apply to you or just to the original audience who heard them? Please Read: Luke 13:1-9 8. To whom was Jesus speaking? 9. Summarize in one word the theme Jesus was trying to get across. 10. How did this parable illustrate Jesus’ theme? 11. What is the message of this parable to you today? Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:05:10 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=189 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=189&article_id=182 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Ready or Not. . . 11-12-2008 Breaking the Ice: Why do you think there seems to be a lot of interest in these days among Christians about Jesus’ Second Coming? Please Read: II Peter 3:1-2 1. The Apostle Peter gives what reasons for writing his second letter? 2. What things does he want his readers to remember? Please Read: II Peter 3:3-6; Genesis 6:5-8, & 17-24; John 1:3&10, Colossians 1:15-17 3. Describe a “scoffer” (NIV) or “mocker” (NAS). 4. What motivates these people according to Peter? 5. According to the text of Genesis how extensive was the flood? 6. Why does Peter reference the flood? 7. What is Jesus’ connection with the universe? Please Read: II Peter 3:7, 10, & 12; I Thessalonians 5:1-5 8. Describe the events which will happen on the Judgment Day according to the Apostles Peter and Paul. 9. How extensive will the destruction of the universe be? Please Read: II Peter 3:8&9, 11, 14; Revelation 20:11-15 10. Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet? 11. How should Jesus’ second coming and the events of judgment day affect how you live today? 12. According to Revelation what is the fate of those whose names are not in the book of life? Please Read: II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-8 13. What do these scriptures tell about the days after Judgment Day? Thu, 6 Nov 2008 11:30:35 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=187 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=187&article_id=180 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Trust the Source 10-29-2008 Breaking the Ice: If you wanted to learn about the history of the people who have lived in your town or city where would you begin? 1. Why do you think fewer and fewer people today trust the Bible as a source of spiritual truth? Please read: II Peter 1:1-4 2. In what ways has God given you everything for life and godliness? 3. What are the “precious promises” to which Peter refers? Please read: II Peter 1:12-15; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; I John 1:1-4; I John 5:13; Jude 3-7. 4. Compare the reasons Peter, Luke, John, and Jude give for why they are writing. 5. What language was the New Testament written in? 6. Share what you know about the original documents of the writers of the New Testament – “the autographs.” 7. What are the earliest copies of the New Testament we have today? 8. How confident are you that we have a reliable idea of the original text of the New Testament documents and why? Please read: II Peter 1:16-19 9. Why does Peter say you can trust his testimony? Please read: II Peter 1:20-21; Ii Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:8-11; Galatians 1:11-12; and I Peter 1:22-25 10. What do these scriptures and others tell you about the concept of “inspiration.” Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:47:24 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=186 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=186&article_id=179 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Give As You’re Given 10-19-2008 Breaking the Ice: Why do you think that Jesus talked about how people handle money more than any other single topic? Please Read: Deuteronomy 15:7-11 1. When Moses told the people of God not be hardhearted towards the poor among them what did he mean? 2. What do you think that being openhanded towards the poor entailed for the average child of God in Israel? Open Hearts Please Read: Proverbs 14:21; Galatians 6:2 & 10 3. What do these verses say regarding your attitude towards others who are in need especially those in your church? Please Read: II Corinthians 9 4. According to the apostle Paul what were some wrong motivations for giving? 5. What do you think it means that one should give as “he has decided in his heart to give” (NIV)? Please Read: Acts 4:32 - 5:10 6. How much were Ananias & Sapphira required to give from the sale of their property? 7. What was the problem with their giving? Open Hands Please Read: Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 11:25; Luke 6:38; I Timothy 6:17-19; and II Corinthians 9:11-13 8. What is the common thread in how people should or did give in these scriptures? Please Read: Genesis 14:17-20 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29 9. When did the tithe originate and what was its purpose under the law of Moses? 10. Is giving a tenth of all one has to the Lord a generous gift? 11. As a Christian do you feel an obligation to tithe? Why or why not? 12. If you don’t tithe, how do you determine what you will give to the Lord? Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:05:27 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=185 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=185&article_id=178 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Follow the Leader 10-15-2008 Breaking the Ice: Which has a bigger impact on the success of a sports team: the coach/es or the players and why? Please Read: I Peter 5:1-4 1. What did Peter claim qualified him to give advice to congregational leaders? 2. According to Acts 1:15-26 why was being a witness to the events of Jesus life so important? 3. How did Peter’s approach in dealing with the elders to whom he was writing differ from how some church leaders deal with their “subordinates?” 4. What are acceptable motivations for one wanting to be an elder in a congregation according to Peter? 5. What are some practical ways church leaders can avoid “lording it over” the flock? Please Read: I Peter 5:5-7 6. What reason does Peter give for people in the church to submit to one another? 7. What do you do if you fundamentally disagree with the leaders of your congregation over something really important to you? 8. How does the fact that God cares for you effect the way you handle life? Please Read: I Peter 5:8-9 9. How much power do you think the Devil has in the world today? 10. Peter links resisting the Devil with standing firm in the faith. How do you stand firm in the faith? Please Read: I Peter 5:10-11 11. What does Peter promise God will do for you after you have suffered? Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:42:07 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=184 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=184&article_id=177 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Leave the Party 10-8-2008 Breaking the Ice: How do you answer those who say to you that they don’t want to be Christian because Christians don’t have any fun? Please Read: I Peter 4:1-2 1. Towards what does Peter tell believers to have the same mind or attitude as Jesus? 2. How are suffering and sin related in these verses? Please Read: I Thessalonians 4:1-8; Ephesians 5:8-13; and II Corinthians 5:9-10 3. How do you figure out what pleases the Lord in your life? Please Read I Peter 4:3-4 4. What do you think Peter means that you spent enough time doing those things that pagans do? 5. How does this apply to Christians who came to Jesus very early in life and weren’t ever into the paryting lifestyle? 6. Share with your group what you know about what kind of behavior is acceptable among the majority of kids at your local high schools. 7. How can you help Christian young people be faithful to Jesus in an environment like that? Please Read: I Peter 4:5-6 8. What are some possible interpretations of who “those who are now dead” are? 9. What’s the point of these two verses? Please Read: I Peter 4:7-11 10. How near do you think the end of all things is? 11. How does love cover a multitude of sins? 12. List some practical ways you can show hospitality to people you don’t know very well yet? 13. Write down the name of someone in your church you will contact this week to serve them in the Lord this week. Thu, 2 Oct 2008 11:40:33 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=183 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=183&article_id=176 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Who’s in Charge? 10-1-2008 Breaking the Ice: What do you think it takes for a president to be an effective commander-in-chief? Please Read: I Peter 3:15 in the KJV and a few more modern versions. 1. What are the differences in the translations? Please Read: I Peter 1:3 in the same translations. 2. What are the differences in this verse and how does this verse contribute to understanding the most accurate translation of I Peter 3:15? 3. The word “lord” – Greek Kurios - occurs more than 9000 times in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and over 700 times in the New Testament. What does the word “lord” itself mean? 4. How do you go about sanctifying or setting Christ apart as lord in your heart? 5. Do you believe you will go to heaven when you die? Why or why not? 6. In what manner are Christians supposed to share their faith in Jesus? Please Read: I Peter 3:18 7. According to Peter what purpose did Jesus’ death serve? 8. Why do you think it might have been important for Peter to emphasize to his audience that Jesus died in the flesh? Please Read: I Peter 3:19-20 9. Please share with your group some of the differing interpretations you are familiar with for this difficult passage. Which makes the most sense to you and why? Please Read: I Peter 3:21-22 10. What’s the connection between the flood of Noah’s day and water baptism? 11. How does baptism “save” you according to verse 21? Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:04:05 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=182 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=182&article_id=175 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Upgrade Your Operating System 9-24-2008 Breaking the Ice: What is the operating system on your computer and how does it perform for you? Please Read: I Peter 3:8 1. Peter uses a number of words only found here in the entire New Testament. Why do you think he went into such detail about how to deal with others in the family of God? 2. How can you live in harmony with someone who holds a completely different view of a bible doctrine which you consider essential to salvation? 3. Imagine explaining the term “sympathy” to a five year old. How would you illustrate it in a way he could understand? Please Read: Luke 14:7-11 4. What are some ways you can take the lowest place in dealing with someone else in your congregation? Please Read: Romans 12:14; I Corinthians 4:12-13; and James 3:9-12 5. What are some practical ways to deal with a member of your congregation who continually puts others down and sows seeds of discord while keeping in the spirit of the verses above? Please Read: I Peter 3:10-12 6. In Peter’s quote of Psalm 34:12-16 what does it take for you to have an enjoyable and good life here on earth? Please Read: James 5:9 7. Give an example of grumbling against someone in your church. Please Read: Hebrews 12:14-15; Romans 12:18; & I Timothy 5:12-15 8. What makes peace so hard that it has to be actively sought and pursued? Please Read: I Peter 3:13-14 9. Under what circumstances could you see someone suffering for doing good today? Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:45:32 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=181 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=181&article_id=174 http://www.mendingthesoulministries.org/recreadings/Clergy%20Responses%20to%20DV%20Priscilla%20Papers.pdf Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:32:37 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=180&article_id=173 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Suffering Submission 9-17-2008 Breaking the Ice: Please have only the women only in your group answer this question. How do you feel about your church’s interpretation of the teaching about submission? The Greek word for submit (hupotasso) is used in its various forms the New Testament 40 times. It occurs 7 times in I Peter. Please Read: I Peter 2:13 & 18; 3:1- 6 & 22; 5:5 1. Who is told to submit in these verses to whom and why? Please Read: Ephesians 5:21 and James 4:1-10 2. Compare these verses with I Peter 5:5. What do they all have to say about submission? 3. How is a Christian wife’s submission to her husband different than the obligation of all Christians to submit to one another in the Lord? Please Read: Genesis 1:26-31 4. How did God feel about both men and women when He created them? Please Read: Genesis 3:16-19 5. According to this account what are the effects of the Fall on men and women? Please Read: Matthew 22:30 6. What does this verse say about men and women in heaven? Please Read: Galatians 3:28 7. What does this verse say about men and women in the kingdom of God? 8. In what ways could a misapplication of the biblical teachings on submission contribute to domestic abuse in Christian families? 9. Sadly, the research according to Dr. Steven R. Tracy (http://www.mendingthesoulministries.org ) and others indicates that Christian women who are being abused don’t feel they will get help from their church leaders or churches. Why do you think this is the case? 10. What can you do to prevent domestic violence against women or help those who are victims in your congregation? Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:43:30 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=179 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=179&article_id=172 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Live Civilly 9-10-2008 Breaking the Ice: What is best form of government according to the Bible? Please Read: Matthew 26:47-54 & John 18:33-36 1. Why didn’t Jesus advocate armed rebellion to establish His kingdom? Please Read: Luke 6:35-36 & II Timothy 2:24-26 2. How does the Lord expect His followers to respond to people who treat them badly? Please Read: I Peter 3:17 3. How can you respect or honor someone without agreeing with them? Please Read: I Peter 1:22 & 3:8-9 4. Whom do you consider your brother or sister in Christ? 5. How should you deal with other believers who hold unbiblical doctrines as you understand them? 6. Compare and contrast what Jesus says in Matthew 13:24-30 with what John teaches in II John 9-11. Please Read: I Peter 2:17, Deuteronomy 10:12, & I John 4:16-18 7. As a follower of Jesus how do you understand the command to fear God? Please Read: I Peter 2:13-16 & Romans 13:1-7 8. What do you understand your obligation to the government to be? 9. How would that obligation change if you were under another form of government? Fri, 5 Sep 2008 13:31:17 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=64 Click Here to hear our latest radio thought. var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-3818915-1"); pageTracker._initData(); pageTracker._trackPageview(); Thu, 4 Sep 2008 13:39:46 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=178 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=178&article_id=171 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Fight the Right War 9-3-2008 Breaking the Ice: Which side do you think God was on in the Revolutionary War – the British or the American? Explain your answer. Please Read: I Peter 1:22-2:3 1. How do the behaviors in verse two above effect relationships in the church? 2. What advice would you give new Christians on how to rid themselves of these things? 3. How does one “grow up” in salvation? 4. “Tasting that the Lord is good” is a metaphor for what? Please Read: I Peter 2:4-5 5. What does it mean that as a Christian you are a living stone being built into a spiritual house? 6. According to: Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15-16; and Psalm 51:16-17, what are some examples of acceptable spiritual sacrifices to God? What else might be a spiritual sacrifice to God? Please Read: I Peter 2:6-8 7. How is Jesus a stumbling block to those who don’t believe in Him and what does that mean? Please Read: I Peter 2:9-10 8. Who is the apostle speaking of in these verses? 9. What’s the purpose of people in the nation of Jesus? Please Read: I Peter 2:11-12 10. What is the right war for a Christian to fight? Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:42:08 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=177 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=177&article_id=170 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Break the Mold! 8-27-2008 Breaking the Ice: Who or what has the single most positive influence on your faith in Christ. Please Read I Peter 1:13-16; Philippians 4:6-9; & Romans 12:2 1. How does what you let your mind dwell on effect your beliefs and conduct? 2. How can you keep from dwelling on thoughts which negatively affect your faith in Christ? 3. What do II Corinthians 4:16-18 and II Timothy 1:12-14 tell you about how to persevere in your faith? Please Read I Peter 1:17-19 & Romans 11:22 4. How do you understand that Christians will be judged in the last day? 5. According to these verses what should your motivation be for remaining faithful to Christ? Please Read I Peter 1:20-21 6. The Jews in the First Century already believed in God. What does Peter mean when he says of Jesus “through him you believe in God?” 7. According to I Corinthians 15:1-19 what are the most important things for one to believe about Jesus? Please Read I Peter 1:22-25 8. According to these verses how is a person born again? 9. What characterizes one who is born again? 10. According to the apostle Peter here and the apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15:1-2, how important is it that Christians believe what they preached and why? Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:26:08 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=176 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=176&article_id=169 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 8-13-2008 Breaking the Ice: Please describe a time when your faith in the Lord was really tested. 1. Suffering is a major theme in the letter of I Peter. Why do you think the apostle Peter focused on suffering and is this theme as relevant to our lives as Christians today as it was back then? Please Read I Peter 1:1-12 2. How do you account for the similarities between what the apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 1:2 and what the apostle Paul wrote in II Thessalonians 2:13-15? 3. In what ways do the two verses above support the concept of God in three persons? 4. What was the significance of sprinkling with blood in Exodus 24:3-8? 5. What does it mean that your heart is sprinkled with the blood of Jesus? 6. Please read I Corinthians 15:1& 2. According to that verse and I Peter 1:5 what is your part in securing your salvation until the end? 7. What do you think causes people to lose faith in Jesus? 8. Why does suffering strengthen some people and cause others to fall away from God? 9. What do the verses in I Peter 1:10-12 tell you about the Holy Spirit? 10. What have you found effective for strengthening other’s wavering faith in Christ? Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:45:20 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=175 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=175&article_id=168 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide 8-6-2008 Breaking the Ice: What kinds of behavior or actions do most people expect from Christians today? Please Read the following scriptures: Matthew 5:13-16 & 16:24-26; and Ephesians 5:8-11. 1. List some practical ways in which you can be salt and light to the people in your life. 2. In what ways have you had to give up your life for Jesus? 3. How do you figure out what pleases the Lord? Please Read the following scriptures: Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 15:1&2; Philippians 1:27; I Thessalonians 2:13; II Thessalonians 2:15-17; and II Peter 1:16. 4. According to both the Apostles Paul and Peter what makes their writings any more special than any others of their time? 5. Why do you think that God chose to have His message written down? 6. Jesus warned about false prophets. How can you tell the difference between a false prophet and one that is true to the teachings of Jesus? Please Read the following scriptures: Galatians 6:7-10; I Peter 1:22; I John 3:17-18; and Hebrews 13:7 & 17. 7. According to these verses how can you stand up for Jesus in your congregation? Please Read the following scriptures: Ephesians 5:21-6:4; and Colossians 3:18-21. 8. What should make Christian husbands and wives different than other couples in the world? 9. What should characterize the relationship between Christian parents and children? Please Read the following scriptures: Colossians 3:22-25; and Ephesians 6:5-9. 10. What makes a Christian worker stand out from the rest? 11. What makes a Christian employer stand out from the rest? Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:07:12 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=44 Jim McGuiggan: http://www.jimmcguiggan.com/ Christian Chronicle: http://www.christianchronicle.org/ Christian Literature on the internet GospelCom: Devotionals GospelCom: On-Line Bible (6 versions) Gospelnet.com Heartlight - Daily Internet Magazine Herald of Truth God's Yellow Pages - Topical scripture studies Promise Keepers Bible Study Guides Drama Share - Christian drama theater resources Blue Letter Bible - Commentaries, maps, Greek and Hebrew interlinear, word searches Disclaimer: We do not control the content of the websites listed on our links pages. The websites listed are ones our members have found helpful or edifying in the past. The fact that they are listed is not an endorsement of their teaching. As always one must view any teaching in light of the scriptures. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:25:58 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=174 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=174&article_id=167 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide The LORD Knows You 7-23-2008 Breaking the Ice: Describe a time in your life when you felt totally alone and misunderstood. Please Read: Psalm 139:1- 6 1. How does it feel to know that the creator of the universe has investigated you and knows everything there is to know about you? 2. How did David feel about the fact that God had him “hemmed” in (NIV)? 3. If God is omniscient – all knowing - how can you ever feel a sense of privacy? 4. List the elements of synonymous parallelism in this passage. Please Read: Psalm 139: 7- 12 5. Why do you sometimes want to run from God? 6. Why is it easier to see God at work in some places in the world compared to others? Please Read: Psalm 139: 13 – 18 7. When did David believe God began being involved in his life? 8. What do these verses mean to you in terms of the pro-choice, pro-life debate? 9. What do you generally go to bed thinking about? What did David think about before he slept and what was the result? Please Read: Psalm 139: 19 – 24 10. How do you account for David’s hatred of his enemies and His request that God would kill them? 11. What do verses 23 and 24 say about David’s heart? Please Read: Romans 12:2 and II Corinthians 3:18 12. What do these verses and what you learned from Psalm 139 say about your own heart and mind? Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:54:48 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=173 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=173&article_id=166 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide A Light to the Nations 7-16-2008 Breaking the Ice: Please allow people in your group to share their experience on a mission trip or in talking with a missionary. What effect did it have on them and others? 1. According to II Peter 3:9 God is interested in saving whom? Please read: the following selections from Psalms: 22:27-31; 47:1&2; 67:1-7; 96:7-9; 105:1&2; and 117:1&2. 2. What do these Psalms reveal about how the LORD views those who are not of the household of Israel? 3. Do you think the Hebrew people at the time of these Psalms viewed the pagans in the same way God did? Why or why not? Please read: Genesis 22:1-19. 4. What was the LORD’s promise to Abraham for his faithfulness? 5. How do you think Jewish people of the time of the Psalms believed this promise would be fulfilled? 6. According to the apostles Peter in Acts 3:24-26 and Paul in Galatians 3:16 how would the promise to Abraham be fulfilled? 7. How is Jesus the light to the nations? Please read: Matthew 24:14 & 18:16-20; Acts 8:4; and Romans 16:25-27. 8. What do these verses tell you about what the earliest Christians thought about their obligation to tell others about Jesus? 9. According to King David of Judah what is a motivation for telling others about God? 10. Why do you think so many Christians find it hard to share their faith in Christ? Please Read: Galatians 6:10 and I Peter 2:12. 11. What do these verses tell you about your ability to impact other people for Jesus Christ? Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:19:33 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70&article_id=64 Hi! Thanks for visiting our website. Leann and I hope you can see from our website, our L.I.F.E. Groups, or from joining us at a worship service some Sunday morning that our congregation really loves Jesus Christ. We just want to know Him better and share His love with you. As followers of Jesus we are dedicated to learning how to live from what He taught in the Bible. We are committed to helping each other deal with the challenges of life here on earth on our way to heaven. And, we are serious about serving others in His name. We look forward to meeting you in person. May God bless you as you seek Him. Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:37:41 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=172 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=172&article_id=165 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Rejoice in the LORD! 7-9-2008 Breaking the Ice: Please describe for your group a time when you can genuinely say you felt joy and what was it that made you feel that way? 1. What’s the difference, if any, between joy, happiness, and contentment? 2. Is joy more of an emotion or a decision of the will and why? 3. What were the reasons for the people of God expressing their joy in the following scriptures? a. Psalm 19:7-11 b. Psalm 42:1-4 c. Psalm 51:7-13 d. Psalm 67:1-7 e. Psalm 100:1-5 4. How did the people of God express their joy in the following scriptures? a. Psalm 9:1-2 b. Psalm 33:1-3 c. Psalm 95:1-7 d. II Corinthians 8:1-4 e. III John 1-3 Please Read: Colossians 3:16 & Ephesians 5:18-20 5. So many of the Psalms contain instructions to praise the Lord in song and with musical instruments. What do you understand about why some churches including most churches of Christ worship together only a cappella or without musical accompaniment? Please Read: Nehemiah 8:1-18 6. What initial reaction did the people have to the reading and understanding of God’s word? 7. If joy is just an emotion then how could the leaders of Israel command the people to feel it? 8. What does it mean that the “the joy of the LORD is your strength?” Please Read: Philippians 4:4-7 9. What does the apostle Paul say is the secret to rejoicing in these verses? 10. Why do some Christians find joy despite very difficult circumstances while others seem down-trodden in seemingly easy situations in life? Wed, 2 Jul 2008 14:14:44 MST http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=170 http://www.newburghchurch.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=170&article_id=164 LIFE Group/Family Discussion Guide Trees for Jesus 6-29-2008 Breaking the Ice: To whom do you most often go for advice on life - in modern vernacular who’s your life coach? Review - Please Read: Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 1. How were the Psalms used historically in Israel and in the early Christian church? 2. What’s the difference in studying a song and singing a song? Please Read: Psalms 1 3. Western poetry and song are often structured with rhyme and meter. Examine a Christian song lyric and pick these elements out. Structure Stuff. A basic structure of Hebrew poetry and song is parallelism where whole sections or lines are compared to one another. The three types of parallelism in the Psalms are: antithetical, synonymous, and synthetic. 4. Antithetical parallelism is one line, thought, or section contrasted with another. What two things are contrasted in verse six? 5. Synonymous parallelism is when the same concept is restated in different ways. What concept is in verse one and how is it repeated in several different ways. 6. Synthetic parallelism is harder to pick out but is when one line builds on a previous one not just restates it. How do the ideas in verse three build on one another? And so what? 7. How do the action verbs in verse one indicate a progression towards evil? Please Read: Luke 15:1-2; Matthew 5:13-16; & 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 8. How can you have a relationship with evil people without them influencing your own behavior for evil? 9. What two choices are presented to people in Psalms one? 10. What are the results of each choice? Wed, 2 Jul 2008 13:08:23 MST