Life Group Discussion Guides

“Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving” by Pastor Tony

Group Discussion Guide

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Prayer:  Knowing and Experiencing God  Sermon Series
“Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving” Pastor Tony
Choose the best question(s) for your group

 November 25, 2018
Questions:  Contact Pastor Ric,  

Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in.  You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon, click on the speaker icon. 

Texts:  Philippians 4:4-9;  Genesis 50:20;  2 Kings 6:15-17;  Philippians 1:6;  Romans 8: 31, 37;  Jeremiah 10:6;  1 Chronicles 17:20;  Exodus 15:11;  1 Samuel 2:2

1. Does God really have a specific plan for your life: Who to marry, what church to attend, what profession or line of work to enter?  Or, could his plan for you be more about becoming the right kind of person?
   
   
2. What is your plan for praying about everything?
   
   
3. If we believe prayer is a conversation between God and people, how do we hear from God?  What are the things in life that hinder us from hearing his voice? How do we get rid of them?
   
   
4. What are your strategies regarding prayer and your Oikos? How do you use the power of prayer for godly influence among those friends who do not consider themselves followers of Christ?
   
   
5. How does one practically utilize the God’s great power for us who believe?Specifically, where do we struggle in our faith with all the evil we see in the world? 

• Give some thought to having concerts of prayer in your Life Groups. What would it look like for your group (from time to time) to focus only on prayer for our church, each other, our Oikos, our community?

"Pray for my Enemies?" by Dr. Ed Scheuerman

Group Discussion Guide

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Prayer:  Knowing and Experiencing God Sermon Series
“Pray for my Enemies?”  Dr. Ed Scheuerman
Choose the best question(s) for your group

November 18, 2018
Questions:  Contact Pastor Ric,  

Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in.  You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon, click on the speaker icon. 

Texts:  Matthew 5:43-48;  Romans 5:6-8;  Colossians 3:12-14; Ephesians 4:31,32;  Romans 12:9-21;  Ephesians 5:18

1. Are you able to identify your enemies? What makes them your enemies?
   
   
2. Romans 12:9-21. What would it look like to bless your enemies?
   
   
3. R. T. Kendall, in his book Total Forgiveness, talks about three types of forgiveness (see below). Are you able to assess where you are with these in mind? What would it take to move to “Full (total) forgiveness?”

• “Detached forgiveness—there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, but no reconciliation takes place.
  
  
• Limited forgiveness—there is a reduction in negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is partially restored, though there is a decrease in the emotional intensity of the relationship.
  
  
• Full (total) forgiveness—there is a total cessation of negative feelings toward the offender, and the relationship is fully restored.” (10)

4. Why are we so tempted to talk to others, rather than to God?
   
   
5. How does God get glory by our praying for our enemies?
   
   
6. How are we blessed when we pray for our enemies?
   
   
7. Read Ephesians 5:18. What would keep us from praying for our enemies?