You can access the LifeConnect Group discussion questions for the message “Peace With God”, for September 23, 2018, here: 2018 09 23 lcg questions
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Category: LifeConnect Group Discussion Questions
Cannibalism!
A lot of people over the years have assumed that when Jesus talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, there was cannibalism involved. A lot of others have assumed that Jesus was foreshadowing the last supper. But is that what Jesus really was talking about? Follow along in John 6.52-59, and listen to or watch this message. I began the message by showing this video.
LifeConnect Group discussion questions for this message can be found here: 2018 09 16 lcg questions
CHRISTIANITY 101: THE APOSTLES’ CREED – 10. Catholic? Of course!
In many cultures, there still is a lack of understanding between Roman Catholics and Protestants – to the point that many on each side don’t understand the meaning of the term “catholic”. Yet in the Apostles’ Creed, we say, “I believe in…the holy catholic church.” What does that mean? (Further, we also say we believe in “the communion of saints”, which is what makes up the holy catholic church.)
Many Roman Catholics think it’s talking about them. Many Protestants think it’s talking about Roman Catholics, too. So why do Protestants say they believe in the holy catholic church? Based on Ephesians 4.1-16, you can find out why by listening to this message.
Near the end of the message, a video is shown, which you can watch here. (We stopped it at 6:16 when the story was finished!)
The LifeConnect Group discussion questions for this message can be found here.
CHRISTIANITY 101: THE APOSTLES’ CREED – 8. Judgment Day
“Judgment Day.” When you hear those words, what do you think of? Arnold Schwarzenegger or fire and bristone? Peace and love? Sheep and goats? In the Apostles’ Creed, we state that Jesus, from the right hand of God, “will come to judge the living and the dead.” What does this mean?
The Bible – Old and New Testaments – is replete with allusions to a coming judgment. In the Old Testament, it was most often referred to as “the Day of the LORD” (as in Joel 2.31). In the New Testament, Jesus’ return and judgment can be found in several places (check out the LifeConnect Group questions below for some references).
For this message, I chose the difficult passage from the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 25.31-46 to help us understand the reality of the coming judgment. Many people read this and think that our ticket to heaven is all about how we help the needy, but a more careful reading suggests otherwise. “These brothers (and sisters) of mine” actually refers to followers of Jesus!
You can listen to the message by clicking here.
You can review the LifeConnect Group discussion questions here.
Christianity 101: The Apostles’ Creed…I Believe
The Apostles’ Creed has been around for some 1600 years. In some churches, it is said weekly; in others, around the time of a baptism or the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. In some churches, it isn’t said at all – but all people who are part of the Christian church can affirm the words in this creed. But what does it mean?
This series is looking at the Creed and its meaning for today. This week, we are looking at the first stanza: “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”. Based on Psalm 24, the first part of the “Christianity 101: The Apostles’ Creed” can be heard by clicking this link.
The LifeConnect Group questions for this message can be found here.
Olympic Determination
Olympians are marked by their determination. You can’t achieve the kind of results they seek without being determined!
The apostle Paul demonstrates in Philippians 3.12-4.1 that determination is part of the Christian life: a determination to press on, to forget the past, and to make a difference in others’ lives by the power of the gospel.
You can listen to this message here.
The LifeConnect Group Discussion Questions can be downloaded here.
Olympic Sacrifice
When we think of the Olympics, we can’t help but think of sacrifice. Think about everything that athletes have to give up in order to focus on their sport, and their desire to be the best in the world at it!
God calls the church to make Olympic Sacrifices. If we are going to reach the community for Jesus, we need to step away from our comfort zones and be the church that has an irresistible environment in which people can encounter God and engage in a relationship with Jesus.
At St. Paul’s we seek to encourage people to connect with God, grow in Christ, and serve in community. And to live that out, we need to sacrifice.
Based on Paul’s words to the church in Philippians 3.1-11, you can listen to the message here.
The video used in the message can be viewed (though not with great clarity or completely) here.
The LifeConnect Group Discussion Questions can be downloaded here.
