Acts 4:1-31

Our study of the book of Acts is well underway!  We’ve covered the very early days of the church, from Jesus’ ascension to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and have touched upon the miraculous explosive growth in the resulting days.  By Acts 4, however, the shadow of persecution was beginning to loom over the believers, as the religious leaders were disturbed by the truth that refused to die.  The disciples, on the other hand, were increasingly committed to prayer, trusting that God had a much bigger plan.

OPENING QUESTION:

In what situations do you find yourself praying most easily?  Explain.

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Acts 4:1-22.  What do the religious leaders want to know about the healing described in Acts 3:1-10?
• What does Peter make most prominent in his defense?
• What strikes you as the boldest part of Peter’s defense?
• How do the authorities know that Peter and John were people who “had been with Jesus” (v.13)?
• How are Christians to show respect both for human authorities and God’s authority?
• Read Acts 4:23-31.  How does this Scripture passage set a context that helps those early Christians understand and deal with their own situation?
• Who or what is opposing your witness or your church’s witness for Christ?

These questions, among others, will be the focal point of our conversation this coming Thursday morning.  Hope to see you!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Acts, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Multiply III:3 - Studying Logically

This is the final week before we begin our journey through the overarching narrative of the Bible.  This week's chapter exhorts us to consider how we read and study the Bible.  Of note, Francis Chan points out that this includes taking the Bible at face value instead of searching for deeper, hidden truths, and paying close attention to the context in which a particular Scripture is written.

Next week, the real adventure begins, but this week's discussion should be no less engaging!

Hope to see you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part III - How to Study the Bible: Studying Logically

1. Think about the way you tend to study the Bible. Would you say that you make an effort to seek out what the Bible is actually saying? Do you pay attention to the context? If so, how has this helped you? If not, how do you think this might change the way you read the Bible?
2. In your own words, why is it important to distinguish between interpretation and application?
3. In your own words, why is it important to look for the plain meaning of each passage rather than seeking out a deeper meaning?
4. Would you say that your study of the Bible is focused on finding the plain meaning of each passage? Why or why not?
5. Do you have a tendency to interpret the Bible allegorically or figuratively? If so, why do you think you tend to do this?
6. In your own words, explain why paying attention to the grammatical and historical context is important. How should these concepts shape your study of the Bible?
7. What would it mean for you to read the Bible with an awareness of your own baggage and a willingness to get rid of those assumptions for the sake of understanding God’s truth more clearly?
8. In light of what you have thought through in this session, how do you need to change your approach to reading and studying the Bible?

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply III:2 - Studying the Bible Prayerfully and Obediently

This week's reading invites us to take some time to consider not only how we approach the Bible, but our attitudes in doing so.  Is it a joy, or is it a burden?  Do we approach it from a perspective of history, or from a perspective of expectancy?  Are we putting what we read into practice, and even more importantly, are we letting it transform our hearts and minds as we encounter the living God through its pages?

Fall in love with the Word all over again!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part III - How to Study the Bible: Studying the Bible Prayerfully and Obediently

1. Describe your experience with studying the Bible. What approaches have you tried? What has been effective? What has been ineffective? What have you learned in the process?
2. What does it look like to take joy in reading the Bible? Have you ever experienced this? If so, what is it like? If not, why do you think you’ve never enjoyed the Bible?
3. Read through Psalm 119. What do you find striking, challenging, or encouraging?
4. In practical terms, what does it mean to study the Bible prayerfully? What can you do to build prayer and dependence on God into your study of the Bible?
5. Take a minute to think through the commands that you know God wants us all to be doing (for example, loving the people around you, forgiving others, praying, etc.). Write down a handful of these things below.
6. Take a minute to examine your life in light of what you already know about the Bible. If you find that you haven’t been applying biblical truth to your life, then what changes do you need to make to the way you study the Bible?
7. In your own words, explain what it means to study the Bible with faith. Do you see this playing out in your life? How so?
8. Take a minute to consider everything you’ve thought through in this session. What changes do you need to make in the way you study the Bible?
9. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to give you a heart for His Word. Ask Him to help you approach His Word devotionally and obediently.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply III:1 - Why Study the Bible?

Before we ask the "HOW," we must ask the "WHY."  Have you ever given thought to exactly WHY we should study the Bible?  The answer seems obvious upon first reflection, for we believe it to be the inspired Word of God.  Yet, all too often, we tend to neglect this precious book, occasionally coming back to it as the situation warrants, but perhaps not as often as we should.

Even if we DO attend to it regularly, the question remains: "Why?"  What is our motivation for reading it?  Is it, as Francis Chan writes in this week's chapter, out of guilt?  Religious obligation?  Tradition?  Are we utilizing it primarily for teaching material, and failing to drink deeply from its rich wells for our own personal growth?

As we enter into this three-week series on studying the Bible, let us first ask ourselves "Why study the Bible?"  The answer may be yet more important than we think!

I'm looking forward to your thoughts!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part III - How to Study the Bible: Why Study the Bible?

1. Take a few minutes to examine your motivations and write down a few thoughts below.
2. Take a minute to think about your past experience with studying the Bible. Which of the wrong motivations listed above (guilt, status, teaching material) are you guilty of? Can you think of any others?
3. Take a minute to think through why God gave us the Bible. How should these things affect the way you think about studying the Bible?
4. How do you tend to respond to the Bible’s teaching? Would you say that you approach it humbly with a desire to change? How do you need to adjust your approach to studying the Bible?
5. Rather than thinking about all of the arrogant people you know, take a minute to consider whether or not your efforts in studying the Bible have simply puffed you up. How has studying the Bible changed you? Are you more arrogant, argumentative, or judgmental? Write down a few thoughts below:
6. Take a minute to meditate on 1 Peter 2:1–2. What would your life look like if you desired the Word as Peter described?
7. Close this session by praying. Ask God to purify your heart with regard to Scripture. Ask Him to produce in you a longing for the pure milk of the Word.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply II:3 - The Global Church

We regularly pray for a spiritual awakening, for a revival, for the sleeping church to rise, for a lost and sinful world to discover the glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ... but even with that kind of outward attitude, do we truly have the ultimate big picture in mind?

As Francis Chan writes in this week's reading, "If your church bands together and reaches out to every individual in your community, you are still not done with God’s mission. No matter how big of a revival you experience, your area is still only a small part of the world that God has sent us to transform through His gospel. Until our vision of the church encompasses the entire globe, we do not have an accurate view of God’s church or His plan of redemption."

To bring this point very close to home, while it's easy to imagine someone for whom you've been praying for a long time come to Christ, it's harder to imagine that one person who is the constant thorn in our side to also come to salvation.  Yet, this is exactly what God's plan of redemption entails!  The invitation to the Kingdom has been extended to ALL, and it is our role to make sure that the invitations are delivered.  We are not to show favoritism nor to judge another's potential receptivity to the Gospel.  Instead, just as Christ died for all, so we must clothe ourselves with this same attitude.

This week's chapter takes this concern to a global level, challenging us to think about our attitudes toward unreached people around the world, and to ask ourselves (and God) if we are being called to literally go to the ends of the earth to reach others.  It is an uncomfortable subject, but one that deserves discussion, nonetheless.

Hope to see you at Christ & Coffee!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part II - Living as the Church: The Global Church

1. In your own words, why is it important to think about God’s plan of redemption in global terms?
2. When you think about the mission of your church, does the rest of the globe factor in at all? How so?
3. Take some time to think about the passages above (Romans 15:20–21, Isaiah 52:7–10, Romans 10:12–15). How should these truths affect the way we think about our calling?
4. Have you given much thought to the unreached people groups around the world? If so, how does this affect your thinking and lifestyle? If not, why do you think you have never thought about it?
5. Take a minute to pause and ask God what He wants for your life. Ask Him to break through any excuses you may be hiding behind and idols you might be clinging to. Ask Him to make you willing to follow Him in whichever direction He might lead. If you have any thoughts based on this time of prayer, make a few notes below.
6. How would you describe your role in furthering the gospel around the world? If nothing comes to mind, write down a few things that you can begin to pursue in order to make missions a part of your life.
7. In order to faithfully follow Jesus and play your part in God’s plan of redemption, what should your life look like right now? (This is a huge question, but try to write down a few things to guide you as you seek to put the things you’ve learned into practice.
8. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to help you submit to Him entirely. Ask Him to guide you and empower you in anything He calls you to do. Pray that God would use you in your neighborhood and around the world in any capacity that He sees fit.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply II:2 - The Local Church

"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."  -- JESUS (John 17:20–23)

To read this week's chapter, click here.

Hope to see you at Christ & Coffee!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part II - Living as the Church: The Local Church

1. Would you say that your church is more inwardly focused or outwardly focused? Why do you say that?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 13. Would you say that the life of your church is characterized by love? Why or why not?
3. What steps can you take to be an example of love in your church? Whether you are an official leader in your church or not, how can you lead others in being more loving?
4. Read John 17. Pay careful attention to Jesus’s desire for His followers. Would you say that your church could be characterized by this kind of unity? Why or why not?
5. Take some time to think about your church and your unique cultural setting. What would it take for your church to be united, and for that unity to be displayed to the unbelieving world?
6. Do you ever feel like a salesperson when sharing your faith? What steps can you take to change this?
7. What would it mean for your church to live as a compelling community—a group of people who demonstrate love, unity, and hope in such a way that the unbelieving world is compelled to find out what is going on?
8. Read 1 Peter 2:4–12. How should Peter’s description of our calling as the church affect the way we think about and interact with our surrounding community?
9. Spend some time in prayer. God’s calling for your church is too important to neglect, and it’s too important to take on without the power of the Spirit. Ask God to so fill the life of your church with His Spirit that your community notices a difference. Ask Him to equip you for the role He has called you to play in His plan of redemption.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply II:1 - Life in the Church

This week, we begin the second section of Multiply, in which we will spend the next three weeks focusing on the purpose, role, and function of the church, and our place in it.

As Francis Chan candidly points out, we were not meant to live as 'Lone Ranger Christians.'  The church is really not an optional expression of faith; it is the central means of Christ's plan to reconcile the world to Himself.  It is even more than that - the church is the Bride of Christ.

On this note, I want to encourage you to join us on Thursday mornings as we journey through this study together.  "Church" happens whenever and wherever two or more of us gather in His name, including over coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

Come and be a part of the living church!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part II - Living as the Church: Life in the Church

1. Why do you think the New Testament places such a priority on Christians being committed members (or parts) of local churches? How can this priority best be reflected in your life?
2. Read Ephesians 4:1–16. How should this passage affect the way you view your responsibility to other Christians in the church?
3. Think about your unique setting and identify a few opportunities that God has given you to minister to the people around you. Have you taken advantage of these opportunities?
4. Take a few minutes to meditate on Galatians 6:1–2. What would it look like to help bear someone else’s burden? Is there anyone in your life right now whom you should be helping in this way?
5. Why do you think we tend to focus on the external circumstances and behavior when we try to help people change?
6. Using your own words, try to explain why it is essential to get to the heart of the problem rather than merely addressing the circumstances and behavior.
7. How should the truth of the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit affect the way we approach helping people change?
8. Would you say that your church body is characterized more by defeat and isolation or the power and transformation of the Holy Spirit? Why do you say that?
9. What steps can you take right away to help your church function more like God intended?
10. Would you say that you have been playing your part in the body of Christ? If so, how might you still need to grow in this? If not, are you ready to get involved? What steps might you need to take?
11. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to give you confidence in the Spirit’s power to use you in ministering to other people. Ask Him for the wisdom to know what to do and the discernment to recognize people who need help. Pray that God would use you and your church to continue His plan of redemption in your unique setting.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply I:3 - The Heart of a Disciple Maker

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor. 13:1–3)

We can do all the right things, say the right things, spend of our time, talents, and treasures in all the right areas... but if our heart is not motivated by authentic love for God and man, all of our best efforts are for nothing.

In this week's reading, Chapter 3 of Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, Francis Chan concludes the first section of the book with a challenge to examine our motives for ministry, as well as to search ourselves for any signs of hypocrisy even as we endeavor to teach His truths to others.

This particular study covers many basics of the faith, but each chapter, in addition to equipping us to share the Bible as a cohesive narrative, serves as a timely reminder to continually lay our hearts bare before him and our own eyes.

Come on out to join the conversation!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: The Heart of a Disciple Maker

1. Take a moment to examine your heart. In all honesty, why do you want to make disciples? Do you struggle with wanting your actions to be noticed by others?
2. Read James 3:1–12 and meditate on James’s warning. How do these powerful words affect you? How might you need to adjust your approach to making disciples?
3. Up to this point, would you say that your desire to make disciples has been motivated by love? Why or why not?
4. Describe your love for the people God has placed in your life. What evidence can you point to that shows that you love the people around you?
5. In addition to praying fervently, what practical steps can you take to increase your love for people?
6. Would you say that your life is being transformed by the truth of God’s Word? Why or why not?
7. What changes do you need to make in order to live the truths that you will be teaching other people?
8. The things you’ve been thinking through in this session are not easy to address—there are no “quick fixes“ here. End your time with this session by praying that God will give you the proper motivation to make disciples, increase your love for Him and the people around you, and empower you to live out the truths that He has called you to teach to others.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply I:2 - The Command to Make Disciples

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us also celebrate that the story doesn't end there.

In between the empty tomb and His ascension into Heaven, Jesus spent time with his disciples reminding them of all that He'd taught them through their time together and commissioning them to take the message outside of the boundaries of Jerusalem, of Israel, into the entire world.

This week's reading, Chapter 2 of Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, reflects upon this command of Christ, and challenges us to look at the people around us with a deeper perspective.

As with the previous studies we have worked through together, anyone is welcome to join us at any time.  Though 7:30 AM comes early for many, the coffee and conversation is well worth the morning sacrifice.  I'd love to see you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: The Command to Make Disciples

1. Stop for a minute and read Matthew 28. Try to place yourself in the disciples’ shoes as they witnessed these things and heard these words from Jesus. How do you think you would have reacted?
2. Assess your church experience in light of Jesus’s command to make disciples. Would you say that your church is characterized by disciple making? Why or why not?
3. Have you identified yourself with Jesus through being baptized? If so, why do you think this was an important step for you to take? If not, what is holding you back from being baptized?
4. Would you say that you’re ready to commit yourself to studying the Scriptures and investing in the people around you? Why or why not?
5. What excuses tend to keep you from following Jesus’s command to make disciples? What do you need to do in order to move past these excuses?
6. Whom has God placed in your life right now that you can begin making into a disciple of Jesus Christ?
7. Whom has God placed in your life for you to partner with in making disciples?
8. Spend some time praying that God will make you into a committed and effective disciple maker. Confess any feelings of unpreparedness and insecurity. Ask Him to empower you for the ministry He is calling you to. Ask Him to lead you to the right people to partner with and the right people to begin discipling.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Multiply I:1 - What is a Disciple?

"Come, follow Me."

Jesus' invitation to Peter, James, John, and the other original disciples are just as relevant to us today in the 21st century as they were in those early days of Christianity.  We must never become so busy in our lives that we neglect the central commands of Jesus to "follow Me" -and- to "go and make disciples."

Through this material freely offered by Francis Chan, we as Christians are challenged to revisit what these commands mean, to examine ourselves in our obedience in heeding the call, and to be equipped to do so.  Some portions of the materials are elementary refreshers of truths we are well familiar with; other portions present us with a mirror to reflect upon our own spiritual journey.  Through it all, Chan presents a cohesive overview of the Bible as a singular narrative from Genesis to Revelation, illuminating the grand design established from the very beginning.

The complete text of the book can be found at multiplymovement.com, not only as text on a web page, but as downloadable PDFs, -and- MP3s of Francis Chan reading each chapter.  Additionally, the book is available on Amazon.com here.

I invite you to join us as we make our way through this book, and deeper yet, the great Book it points to!  Christ & Coffee meets at Dunkin Donuts in Woodsville, NH on Thursday mornings at 7:30 AM.  We would love to see you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: What is a Disciple?

1. Up to this point in your life, would you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ? Why do you say that? Do you see evidence of your faith as described in Luke 6:40?
2. Read Ephesians 2 carefully and take some time to consider the truths it presents. Do you trust in the death of Christ for your salvation? Do you ever struggle with believing you need to do something to save yourself?
3. Evaluate your approach to following Jesus. Would you say that you view Jesus as your Lord, Master, and Owner? Why or why not?
4. As you look at your life, how would you say that your love for God is shown in your actions? (If you’re having trouble coming up with an answer, take some time to think through some changes you may need to make in your lifestyle.)
5. If you choose to obey Jesus’s call to follow, what might it cost you? (Avoid being vague. If following Jesus would cost you specific possessions, comforts, or relationships, list them below.)
6. What might hold you back from following Jesus at this point? Are you willing to let go of these things if necessary?
7. Before you end this session, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to work in your heart and prepare you for what is ahead. You don’t need to have all the answers or know specifically how God will use you. He simply calls you to follow wherever He might lead. As you pray, be honest about your doubts, hesitations, and fears. Ask Him to give you the strength to proceed and follow Him no matter what the cost. In other words, place your faith in Him.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.

Coming Soon

“Yet somehow many have come to believe that a person can be a “Christian” without being like Christ. A “follower” who doesn’t follow. How does that make any sense? Many people in the church have decided to take on the name of Christ and nothing else. This would be like Jesus walking up to those first disciples and saying, “Hey, would you guys mind identifying yourselves with Me in some way? Don’t worry, I don’t actually care if you do anything I do or change your lifestyle at all. I’m just looking for people who are willing to say they believe in Me and call themselves Christians.” 
― Francis Chan, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples

Romans 14:1-23

It happens all too often.  One believer is convinced that the Christian life is to be lived according to specific rules and rituals, and looks with judgment and condemnation upon a fellow believer whom they perceive not be be living a "good enough" life.  Another believer is convinced that Christ has freed them from the burdens of performance and legalism, and looks with judgment and condemnation upon a fellow believer whom they perceive to be a modern day Pharisee.

In this week's chapter, Romans 14, Paul speaks to this gaping distance between those who are supposed to be united in Christ, pointing to the underlying attitudes of the heart that are far more important than any of the preceding views.

Without a heart of authentic love for our fellow believer, even the most well-meaning of us completely miss the point of our faith, and are actually working against God's ultimate purposes in the church and in the world.  Instead, Paul pleads with us to "make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification."  We may know that we have liberty in certain matters, but it is far better "whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God," or to even voluntarily abstain from something altogether if we know that it may prove to be a stumbling block to a brother or a sister in Christ.

OPENING QUESTION:

What are some of the differences of opinions within your Christian community, church or small group?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 14:1-23.  Who does Paul consider to be the "weak in faith" and, by implication, the "strong in faith"?
• What attitudes are the two groups to have toward each other?
• Over what issues in today's church are we in danger of judging one another because of things that Paul would declare to be unimportant?
• How can condemnation become a consequence of differing opinions (vv. 7-12)?
• How can we as believers know on which issues we can live with differences of opinion and which we cannot?
• Paul says in verse 14 that nothing is unclean in itself, but how does he say something can become "unclean" (vv. 13-23)?
• In what specific ways does the church today reverse verse 17 and make God's kingdom about "food and drink" rather than about justice, peace and joy?

After this week, we only have two chapters of Romans remaining, but a vast wealth of riches yet to be gleaned from the Bible ahead of us.

Come and partake of good coffee, conversation, and Christian community!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Romans 13:1-14

We're on the final stretch of chapters in Romans!

In Chapter 13, it is equally important to study the context of any given Scripture.  Like many other passages, Romans 13:1-7 has been misused and abused by others for less than godly purposes, even justifying turning a blind eye to injustice and acts of atrocity.  This is not at all what Paul is writing about here; instead this very topic is worthy of constant discussion.

Likewise, the remainder of the chapter speaks to our hearts, our attitudes, and our personal responsibility to be followers of Christ in an ever-darkening world.

OPENING QUESTION:

What happens in a society when there are no properly accredited and generally recognized rulers?  What examples can you give?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 13:1-14.  According to Paul in verses 1-5, what is to be the role of government?
• Paul describes the "ruling power" as "God's servant" twice in these verses.  How can government be a servant of God?
• Read Acts 16:35-40 and 23:1-3.  How can what Paul says in Romans 13:1-7 regarding government be reconciled with Paul having no hesitation in telling authorities they are acting illegally or unjustly?
• Verses 8-14 show Paul using the idea of fulfilling the law through love. How can love fulfill all of the law?
• In verse 13, Paul notes three pairs of activities Christians should avoid.  How are bad temper and jealousy just as destructive in a Christian community as drunkenness and sexual immorality?
• Paul's solution to avoiding the activities of the night is to "put on the Lord Jesus" (v. 14).  How are we to do this?
• Think about your Christian community, your church or a small group.  In what ways can your community live in a way that is more attractive to the surrounding culture?

From this point out, the book of Romans speaks primarily to this theme.  We are nearing the end of  this study, but the practical applications of it will forever impact how we live in this world as a community of believers, and as individual followers of Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful to be sharing the journey with you!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Romans 12:1-21

Jesus commanded us to "love one another," a command He gave equal weight to as the command to "love the Lord your God."  Not only did he perfectly live this out, but the entire New Testament is replete with "one another" commands that echo and expand upon this central component of the Gospel.

Loving one another, however, involves practical action.  The book of James says, "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?" (James 2:14-16)

This week's reading takes us to the very altar of God, exhorting us to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God  What does this mean?  Fortunately, Paul doesn't leave us hanging there, but proceeds to expound upon this idea by addressing our relationships with each other, our attitudes and motivations, and the unique callings and giftings that God has entrusted to each of us.

In 1 Peter 4:10, Jesus' disciple Peter writes, "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

OPENING QUESTION:

Describe the gifts that you believe God has graciously given you that are or can be an asset to your community of faith.  Don't be shy about sharing the wonderful ways God has gifted you.

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 12:1-21.  What does it mean to be "living sacrifices" (v.1)?
• Why does Paul emphasize the mind in verse 2?
• How do Paul's words in verses 3-5 help Christians be more unified in one body?
• In verses 6-13, how does Paul suggest that the gifts he mentions are not just ways in which we are carried away by supernatural power but that they also involve plain hard work?
• How, according to Paul, might our attitude make a big difference as we express our gifts?
• What do you find particularly challenging in verses 6-13?
• How is Christ himself a living example of living out what Paul calls for in verses 14-21?
• The early part of Romans 12 (vv. 1-13) deals with what we might call the inner life of the church.  This last section (vv. 14-21) is about how Christians behave within the wider public world.  How would the wider world respond to seeing the church live out what's described in 14-21?
• In what specific ways can you be a "living sacrifice" to those around you right now?

From this point out, the book of Romans speaks primarily to this theme.  We are nearing the end of  this study, but the practical applications of it will forever impact how we live in this world as a community of believers, and as individual followers of Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful to be sharing the journey with you!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Romans 11:1-36

Jealousy can be a dangerous thing, and it is something we are often warned against in Scripture.  This week's reading, however, discusses a healthy kind of jealousy.  Where jealousy inspired by limited, worldly possessions or positions produces all manner of evil actions, jealousy inspired by witnessing God's grace and favor freely given to others can be a motivation to seek the same kind of relationship with Christ.

After all, God has made these great and precious gifts available to all who would open their hearts to receive.

OPENING QUESTION:

How do Christian believers who aren't ethnically Jewish respond to the Jewish people today?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 11:1-26.  Once again Paul raises the question of whether God has abandoned Israel and perhaps broken his promise to them.  In verses 1-6 Paul uses the story of Elijah (from 1 Kings 18-19).  How are Paul and Elijah similar?
• The idea of a "remnant," a few people who remain after a great disaster, comes from the heart of the Old Testament, from Isaiah 10:20-23 where the prophet describes those who will return after the punishment of exile.  Who is the remnant Paul has in mind?
• Verses 7-15 (and all of Romans 9-11) echo the stories of tensions between younger and older brothers from Genesis (Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Joseph and his brothers) as well as Jesus' own parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15.  In all these cases God establishes and vindicates the younger over the older.  How is Israel now in the position of being the older brother in the prodigal son story?
• How might jealousy, as described in verses 11-15, actually draw Jews to Christ?
• Verses 33-36 end chapter 11 by using the rich traditions of Hebrew praise from Isaiah and Job.  How does Paul want us to feel and respond at the end of this amazing discussion of God's grace and faithfulness?
• Once Israel arrogantly assumed it was the sole repository of God's mercy and blessing.  Paul warns the Gentiles against a similar arrogance in Romans 11:20.  How does the danger of arrogance, which was a temptation for Jews and Gentile Christians alike, seep into our churches today?  How are you tempted by it in your own life?

I look forward to your insight!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

Romans 9:30-10:21

This weeks reading concludes our study of Chapter 9, and takes us through Chapter 10.  In the middle of the book of Romans, we find these two chapters speaking to the collision of the old system of the Law and the new system of Christ.  Though the Jews based their faith around the idea of being made right with God through obedience to the Law, a task Scripture clearly paints as impossible, Jesus Christ was "the end of the Law," declaring people right with God through faith alone.

This simple truth has long been a stumbling block for those who hold a merit-based faith, by which our standing with God is directly in proportion to how good we are.

Instead, the heart of the Gospel is presented clearly in one sentence, found here in the heart of Romans 10:9 --

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

This reiterates what Jesus plainly taught in John 6:29,

“This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

As you read this week's passage, Romans 9:30-10:21, bear in mind that this message of Christ was not only foolishness to the Jews, but a perceived offense to their very system.  In the big picture, however, God had been laying the foundation for this redemptive plan from the very beginning.

OPENING QUESTION:

Do you long for certain people to find God?  What is the substance of your prayers for them?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Isaiah 28:16 and Isaiah 8:14, which Paul combines in Romans 9:33.  Looking at Romans 9:30-10:4, what is Paul trying to communicate by saying that Christ, the Messiah, is both a stumbling block and a reliable block?
• In 10:4 Paul says the Messiah, Christ, "is the goal of the law."  Christ is the end, the final purpose of the law, where God's purposes that began with Abraham were headed all along.  The purpose of the law is not to accumulate a treasury of moral merit, but it is the assured status of belonging to God's people.  How does Christ accomplish the purpose of the law?
• In Paul's world, "Lord" was a title for Caesar.  Saying that Jesus was "Lord" meant, ultimately, that Caesar was not.  Today, when we say Jesus is Lord, who or what are we saying is not Lord?
• How does Paul also make the case that even Scripture itself foresaw that those who weren't even looking for salvation from Israel's God would stumble into it?
• At the end of this chapter of Romans we do well to stop and ponder the strange path by which the gospel first made its way into the world, humbling the proud and lifting up the lowly.  Is this what happens with the preaching of the gospel today?  If not, why not?

This is deep material, but praise God, we have the Author Himself to teach us all things!  Come ready to dive in headfirst, and to enjoy our regular fellowship!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.

1/8/15 Study Cancelled Due to Weather

We've decided to cancel tomorrow morning's study at Dunkin Donuts, due to severe cold weather anticipated throughout the night and into tomorrow.  We will resume next Thursday, January 15th, bright and early!

Stay warm, stay safe, and stay blessed!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Romans 9:1-29

The holidays are over, a new year has begun, and we are resuming our study of the book of Romans with some very deep material.  At the heart of the first half of chapter 9 lies the statement, "So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen."

This is a challenging truth, one that invites discussion and even debate, as we compare this to 2 Peter 3:9, where we read, "He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

This doctrinal question has been debated for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, and certainly not be resolved once and for all on a Thursday morning over coffee.  However, that should not dissuade us from starting off the new year by digging deep into the Word, exploring its plain meaning and its relevant application to our contemporary lives, and letting the Holy Spirit impart fresh truth to us through our conversation and collective study.

OPENING QUESTION:

Think of something you have made with your own hands (a work of art, a meal, a piece of furniture, etc.).  What was your purpose in making it?  How did you feel about it once it was done?

STUDY QUESTIONS:

• Read Romans 9:1-29.  What seems to be the tone of this chapter?  What is Paul feeling as he writes this section of his letter?
• What is the cause of Paul's emotions in verses 1-5?
• God has to reshape Israel because of their failure to live out the purpose to which they had been called, just as a potter molds a lump of clay for his own ends.  The church has also been called to a purpose in the world.  What is that purpose and how well is the church living this out?
• What needs to happen for your Christian community to live out its purpose more strongly?

I look forward to seeing you there!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from N.T. Wright’s study guide on the book of Romans, and are posted here to provide a general sample of the in-depth study each chapter entails.  Though the study guide is not required for participation in our weekly study, it is an excellent resource for advanced study of God’s word.