options… April 9, 2009

Here’s one option… due to the fact that I’ve recently begun serving on our outreach team as a personal outreach coordinator, my mind has been on personal outreach lately.  This study is very practical as it calls us to take advantage of everyday opportunities to point people to faith.  I think there is a DVD series that we could watch as we go through it (or maybe instead of reading it, not sure).

This recent book, “Surprised by Hope” is about our Christian hope:  the resurrection (ours!), Heaven, the new earth, and eternity with God – and how that shapes the mission of the Church today.  I think it talks some about the book of Revelation.  I’ve mentioned it a little in our small group about how he challenges the idea that our primary destination is Heaven when the biblical picture doesn’t really match that idea.

This book “Four Views on the Book of Revelation” might be interesting too…

I’m also looking into some of the DVD series’ our church has and some other options… so keep checking in here for updates.  Also, let me know if you have ideas!!!

Some study options…. May 6, 2008

Okay everyone… here are some ideas… JUST IDEAS about books we could study at small group. I would love it if we would actually each couple buy the book and read it chapter by chapter (come on, you can read a chapter every two weeks). This way we all have our impressions of the material. I am hoping to check out some actual group bible studies in the bookstore, but here are some ideas for actual books that might be interesting:

This book is basically a general overview on Christian faith and life… it would be mostly helpful for us to understand and share our faith with others.

“Sex God” is by Rob Bell (the dude in the Nooma videos). It would be a good book for us as couples to think about …. you know….

The next four books would be more along the lines of what we’ve been talking about. They will be more “provocative” and push us as Christians to seek out what living as disciples of Jesus truly means.

Feel free to post a comment if you have any ideas or if you hate all these books or if you just want to follow up on Brent’s sermons or if you just want to have BBQ’s at Matt and Tanya’s every week or what. No, seriously… give some feedback or i’ll pick the most boring one.

Dust parts 1 & 2 February 18, 2008

For those of you who missed group last night, we began our discussion on this video. Please watch!

So, near the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called his disciples in a fairly upside-down way.

Read:
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
and ask: Do insecurities play a role in your life… in your faith?

Love February 14, 2008

I’ve been kindof racking my brain lately about what we’re gonna “do” in our small group.  I mean… what is the point, right?  Yes, i’m pumped about getting to know everyone, but what is THE point? 

I think Jesus probably has the best answer.  In Matthew ch. 22 and John 13:35 he basically says, “this is what its all about – LOVE GOD…. then love each other… that is how you will make me known to the world” (Adam’s special translation from the Greek).   

I wonder if the “Love God” part is necessary for the “love others” part.  I think so…  

As you ponder about how much you love your spouse on Valentine’s Day, I challenge you to think about where you are at with the “Love God” part.  Are you continually growing in your love for God?  Are you in a period where you don’t really feel much love at all?  These are some questions that I think we need to begin to think about as we begin our small group.   Any thoughts?