tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79758971705223048442024-03-12T17:10:37.754-07:00OLD Crosspointe Church Village People Life GroupTHE NEW BLOG IS HERE:
<a href="http://vplg.blogspot.com/">http://vplg.blogspot.com/</a>.Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-40802527047031147242009-03-23T07:52:00.000-07:002009-03-23T08:01:39.147-07:00Things You Miss When You Don't go to Church!!!<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx36491__sU1ESY1OsLCuxw99uOvm5VaBalLn-KyUJo17fX3jCrlbBHRCtcRFRhnQtCaweYYIHN-0s0Qy1qxw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-22712764595361643042009-03-15T13:30:00.000-07:002009-03-15T13:38:22.298-07:00John 6:1-24 and Matthew 14<p><strong><em>Link to text: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%206:1-24;&version=31;65;">John 6:1-24</a> and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%2014;&version=31;65;">Matthew 14</a></em></strong><br /></p><p><strong><em>Crushed Ice<br /></em></strong>1. Do you prefer to socialize at large parties, have a dinner for four, or spend a quiet evening with a friend or spouse? Why?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313516206027498450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/Sb1m1lCM49I/AAAAAAAAE5k/7_ypZ4__6dk/s400/galilee.jpg" border="0" /><strong><em>Discussion</em></strong><br /><strong>v. 1-15 – Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand<br /></strong>1. How is the context different in Matthew and John when reading about “Jesus Feeding the Five Thousand?” (Matthew 6-12)<br />2. Why did the crowd follow Jesus? What did they think about him?<br />3. What do you think Jesus was thinking about in Matthew 14:13?<br />4. What was the test that Jesus used on Philip?<br />5. Compare and contrast the responses of Philip and Andrew in John 6:7-9 to Jesus’ question about how to feed the people.<br />6. Was he little boy the only one with food? Why did no one else come forward?<br />7. Even though the provision seemed meager, what did Jesus do before passing out the food?<br />8. Why was there more food after the feeding than before? What does this story teach us about God’s provision?<br />9. Even though Jesus was sad about John the Baptist, and probably tired and wanted some time alone with his Father, he shows compassion and heals people, then serves them dinner. What does that show about Jesus?<br />10. How do you respond to others when their presence requires a change in your plans? Can you remember a specific instance?<br />11. What new power do the disciples discover in Jesus? What is the lesson here?<br />12. What was the response of the masses to Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand? In what ways is this still a common response to Jesus?<br />13. Why was Jesus trying to evade the people in v 15? What does Jesus’ response indicate about his idea of his kingship?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313516366829089618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 336px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/Sb1m-8ESc1I/AAAAAAAAE5s/v8GGEIjX5xY/s400/galilee+map.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>v. 16-24 – Jesus Walks on Water<br /></strong>14. Why are the disciples leaving in a boat and leaving Jesus behind?<br />15. What are the disciples feeling at the time when they see Jesus on the water?<br />16. How would you have reacted if you saw Jesus on the water? When he climbed in the boat?<br />17. Why would any rational person say what Peter says in Matthew 14:28? What must have been going through his mind? What do Peter’s words and actions say about him?<br />18. What was the first thing Peter had to do to get onto the water?<br />19. Why is Peter successful in walking on the water? Why does he then sink?<br />20. Even though Peter eventually sank, contrast Peter’s faith and risk-taking to that of the 11 other disciples in the boat.<br />21. What is the relationship between risk-taking and faith?<br />22. Has Jesus ever frightened you? How?<br />23. This story occurs immediately after Jesus feeds the five thousand. Why do you think Jesus separates himself from the crowd and the disciples and spends time alone in prayer?<br /><br /><strong><em>Bottom Line Point(s):</em></strong><br />1. Jesus power is not limited by earth physics.<br />2. God’s provision can take our little contribution and multiply it abundantly.<br />3. If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat.<br />4. From Ortberg’ book…<br />· Water-walkers recognize God’s presence<br />· Water-walkers discern between faith and foolishness<br />· Water-walkers get out of the boat<br />· Water-walkers expect problems<br />· Water-walkers accept fear as the price of growth<br />· Water-walkers master failure management<br />· Water-walkers see failure as an opportunity to grow<br />· Water-walkers learn to wait on the Lord<br />· Water-walking brings a deeper connection with God<br /><br /><strong><em>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?<br /></em></strong>1. When has God stretched your limited resources (physically or emotionally) far beyond what you could have imagined? In what way do you need to trust him to do so now?<br />2. How are you like Philip and Andrew – failing to remember something about Jesus when you face a difficult situation?<br />3. How are you at “stepping out of the boat” and taking risks?<br />4. Where do you feel God is leading you to get out of the boat now? What might keep you in the boat or cause you to sink?<br />5. What needs to happen to strengthen your faith?<br />6. Where in your life do you need Jesus to say “It is I, don’t be afraid”?<br /><br /><strong><em>Bibliography</em></strong><br />1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"<br />2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"<br />3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"<br />4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”<br />5. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”<br />6. John Ortberg, “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get out of the Boat”<br />7. ESV Study Bible.</p>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-76292802783653462662009-03-13T15:27:00.000-07:002009-03-15T15:31:55.379-07:00Durham Rescue Mission—Saturday SuppersIt is hard to believe that within a 20 minute drive from our church campus there are people who are struggling to find a meal, but the reality is, there are many people in our own city who fight hunger on a regular basis.<br /><br />We have been given the opportunity to be a part of the solution through our partnership with Durham Rescue Mission. During the months of March, April, and May we hope to be a practical part of alleviating hunger in our area by providing meals at the Good Samaritan Inn on Saturday Nights. We would like to invite your small group to be a part of it.<br /><br /><strong>The Details:</strong><br />Time: 4-7pm.<br />Actual Meal Time:5pm<br />Address:Good Samaritan Inn<br />507 E Knox Street<br />Durham, NC 27703Contact:<br />Rodney McClain 688-9641 Ext 5025<br />Number of people: You should prepare enough food to feed about 35 people.<br /><br />Next Steps:<br />1. Talk to your group and select a date that many of you can help.<br />2. Contact Pam McKerring at <a href="mailto:pmckerring@crosspointe.org">pmckerring@crosspointe.org</a> to make sure that date is available. You may want to assign a member of the group to coordinate the meal and take the lead on communication for this project.<br />3. Start planning your meal. Coordinate within your group to provide the meal, drinks and dessert.<br />4. The Monday before your night to serve contact Rodney at the number above to verify the number of people who will be eating. Add your group members to the total so you know how many to cook for.<br />5. Arrive by 4pm the night you are serving and help get everything ready to go for dinner at 5pm.<br /><br />Durham Rescue Mission Suggests you provide a main course 2 sides and a bread. They also eagerly welcome dessert and drinks. Here are some meal suggestions:<br /><br /><strong>Main Course:</strong><br />Spaghetti<br />Sloppy Joes<br />Casseroles<br />Chili<br />Soups/Stew<br />Lasagna<br />Taco Bar<br />Enchiladas<br />Meatloaf<br /><br /><strong>Sides:</strong><br />Green beans<br />Baked beans<br />Potato Salad<br />Salad<br />Cucumber Salad<br />French Fries<br />Bakes Potatoes<br />Rice<br />Corn<br />Cole Slaw<br />Pasta Salad<br />Fresh Fruit<br />Mashed Potatoes<br />Sweet Potatoes<br />Rice<br /><br /><strong>Desserts:</strong><br />Cake<br />Brownies<br />Cookies<br />Fruit Salad<br />Ice Cream<br /><br />Groups have done this meal sharing differently, and it has always worked out. One group did chicken casserole and every family made a pan. This resulted in a variety of different casseroles and the ladies loved the variety. Another group designated portions of their meal to group members. Some did dessert, some did the meat, some did the sides. Group members who couldn’t be at the mission that night took their portion to a group member who could the night before. This also worked out well.<br /><br />Things to note:<br />1. Cameras are welcome, but please respect the ladies and their kids. Ask their permission and if they prefer you don’t take a picture please don’t.<br />2. Paper products are not necessary, they have a fully stocked industrial kitchen, but if you group doesn’t want to wash dishes you can opt for paper instead.<br />3. Some women will be hesitant to initiate conversation with the men, but will eagerly talk if the men take the first steps.<br /><br />Please contact Pam McKerring if you have questions or need further guidance. Conversation starters, meal planning help and suggestions for overcoming hurdles can be found on the Group Leader Resource Site.Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-23208160223997247762009-03-03T13:27:00.000-08:002009-03-15T13:29:53.815-07:00John 5:1-18<p><strong><em>Link to text: </em></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%205:1-18;&version=31;65;"><strong><em>John 5:1-18</em></strong></a></p><p><strong><em>Crushed Ice<br /></em></strong>1. When you are sick, what are you like? Oscar the Grouch? Superman? Rip Van Winkle? <br /><br /><strong><em>Discussion</em></strong><br /><strong>v. 1-6</strong><br />1. Describe what it must be like to suffer with a problem or illness for 38 years? What sort of outlook would someone like that have?<br />2. Why did Jesus have compassion for this man?<br />3. In what ways does the suffering man represent all of humanity?<br />4. Why does Jesus ask him, “Do you want to get well?” How is this question relevant for anyone suffering with a problem or issue?<br />5. What did the man hope Jesus might do?<br />6. Describe a time when you would have (or know someone who would have) said “Yes” or “No” in response to the question Jesus asked.</p><p><strong>v. 7-11<br /></strong>7. What was the man’s response to Jesus’ question? How does that compare to the types of answers or excuses we give when we have problems?<br />8. Jesus tells him do 3 three things: “Get up,” “pick up your mat,” and “walk.” Discuss the relevance of each in a physical restoration (ie. physical healing), emotional restoration, and a spiritual restoration? <br />9. Right away the man meets opposition (v 10). Again, how is this relevant to physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration?<br />10. Why does God allow opposition into our lives when we are trying to do the right thing?<br />11. What is the Sabbath and for whose benefit is it? (see Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13-14; Mark 2:27)<br />12. Was the man really breaking the Commandment about keeping the Sabbath when he was carrying his mat?<br />13. Why was the Jewish interpretation more specific and legalistic than what the Bible actually says?<br /><strong><br />v. 12-15<br /></strong>14. The man admits he did not know who had healed him. Why did Jesus not reveal himself to the man and instead “slip away into the crowd?”<br />15. The man had faith even though he did not fully have a complete knowledge of Jesus. What can we learn from that as we consider faith in Jesus or know others who are considering faith?<br />16. What can you infer in knowing that Jesus found the man? <br />17. Why was Jesus looking for the man?<br />18. What can you assume in knowing that Jesus found him at the temple?<br />19. When Jesus told the man, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you,” was he threatening him? <br />20. How do you think the leaders responded to the healed man’s testimony (v 15)?<br /><br /><strong>v. 16-18<br /></strong>21. Seven times Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Why would he do that if he knew he would get in trouble with the Jews? <br />22. Was Jesus violating the law by healing on the Sabbath? If so, how can Jesus get away with that and still claim he fulfilled the law and didn’t sin?<br />23. What is the “work” Jesus refers to that he and his Father are doing? (v. 17)<br />24. When you boil down all the 10 Commandments, what is the summary? (Luke 10:27)<br /><br /><strong><em>Bottom Line Point(s):<br /></em></strong>1. New faith does not require a complete knowledge of Jesus.<br />2. Steps to active restoration: Start. Take responsibility for what is yours. Move forward.<br />3. The Sabbath is not a legalistic rule to please God, but a loving commandment designed to help you honor your own well-being, your family, and God.<br />4. Sabbath: Uncluttered time and space to distance ourselves from the frenzy of our own activities so we can see what God has been and is doing. If we do not quit work for one day a week we take ourselves far too seriously. Sabbath-keeping: Quieting the internal noise so we hear the still small voice of our Lord. Removing the distractions of pride so we discern the presence of Christ. -- EUGENE PETERSON<br /><br /><strong><em>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?<br /></em></strong>1. What ailments (physical or spiritual) do you need Jesus to treat in your life? Are you trying to be “healed” without Christ? What responsibility are you willing to carry to prove your willingness?<br />2. If Jesus were to drop in on you today, what would he ask you? <br />a. “Do you want to get well?” <br />b. “What are you doing with your life?” <br />c. “Are you satisfied with your life?” <br />d. “Are you looking for the real thing?” <br />e. “When will you quit complaining and be content?”<br />3. Do you have Jesus’ compassion so that you deliberately seek out lonely, helpless, suffering people and offer his healing to them?<br />4. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.<br />5. What are some ways you can observe a day of rest in keeping with the spirit of God’s commandment?<br />6. Whether you are the person with a problem, or are in a position to help someone, the first step is to take action.<br />7. On the Sabbath, ask yourself: “When I work, am I working for God? When I rest, am I resting for God? Does my resting refresh me for work? How does my time of rest include devotion to God? How well do I understand that one person’s work is another person’s rest?” (example: gardening)<br /><br /><em><strong>Bibliography</strong><br /></em>1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"<br />2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"<br />3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"<br />4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”<br />5. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”</p>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-31226147067841653342009-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:002009-03-15T13:26:32.273-07:00John 4:1-42<strong><em>Link to text: </em></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204:1-42;&version=31;65;"><strong><em>John 4:1-42</em></strong></a><br /><br /><strong><em>Crushed Ice</em></strong><br />1. When you were growing up, what part of the city or country were you told to avoid? What would have happened if you would have gone there?<br /><br /><strong><em>Discussion<br /></em></strong> v. 1-6<br />1. Why did Jesus leave Judea and head towards Galilee?<br />2. What is significant about going through (or avoiding) Samaria? Why did the Jews avoid this area?<br />3. The woman visited the well at noon which was an unconventional time of day to draw well water. Why did she go then?v. 7-10<br />4. Why did Jesus ask for a drink of water?<br />5. Why was the woman surprised that he asked her for a drink?<br />6. What did Jesus mean by “living water”?v. 11-15<br />7. The woman was talking about physical water, but this could represent anything that we seek physically to satisfy a need. What types of “water” do we use to quench our “thirsts” these days, and how long does that satisfaction last?<br />8. What was the “water” that Jesus offers us and how can we get that?<br />9. What does the “spring of water welling up” mean?<br />10. What was the woman thinking in v. 15?v 16-18<br />11. Jesus appears to change the subject when he asks about her husband, but what is he really doing in bringing up her love life?<br />12. What do you think the woman thought after she realized Jesus knew her history (v. 18)v 19-26<br />13. Now the woman appears to change the subject to “where to worship.” Why?<br />14. How does “you worship what you do not know” apply to many religious people today? (v 22)<br />15. What did Jesus mean when he said “salvation is from the Jews?” (v 22)<br />16. What is Jesus saying about where to worship? (see 1 Corinthians 3:16)<br />17. What does it mean to worship in “spirit and truth”?v 27-42<br />18. The woman leaves the scene and her jar and goes to town and tells people about Jesus, many of whom believed in him. What are some overall lessons of this story? <br />a. about how to have a conversation with someone we might want to help spiritually? <br />b. about how the woman left her jar (both literally and symbolically)? (v 28)<br />c. about who can be an effective witness with regard to knowledge? with regard to reputation?<br />19. Compare/contrast the interaction with the woman at the well with that of Nicodemus.<br /><br /><strong><em>Bottom Line Point(s):<br /></em></strong>1. Jesus offers us living water which will quench our spiritual thirst.<br />2. Jesus can work through anyone to spread his message.<br /><br /><strong><em>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?<br /></em></strong>1. What are you thirsting for in life right now?<br /><br /><strong><em>Bibliography</em></strong><br />1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"<br />2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"<br />3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"<br />4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”<br />5. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-86858244770116923232009-01-13T13:21:00.000-08:002009-03-15T13:23:18.364-07:00John 3:1-21<p><strong><em>Link to text: </em></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:1-21;&version=31;65;"><strong><em>John 3:1-21</em></strong></a></p><p><strong><em>Crushed Ice</em></strong><br />1. What interesting stories have you heard about your birth?<br /><br /><strong><em>Discussion<br /></em></strong>1. To see all the Nicodemus sightings, check out John 19:39-40, then work backwards, to 7:50-52, then to John 3. For each passage, what relationship does it seem Nicodemus has in relation to Jesus?<br />2. Why did Nicodemus come at night? (v 2, v 19-20)<br />3. What is your understanding of “kingdom of God”? (v 3)<br />4. Compare/contrast citizenship in a world’s kingdom versus the kingdom of God.<br />5. What is the significance, if any, of the difference in v 1:12-13 (“..born of God”) and 3:5 (“…born of water and the Spirit”)<br />6. What does it mean that “spirit gives birth to spirit” (v 6)?<br />7. What does Jesus have to do with Moses’ snake? (v 14, Numbers 21:5-9) What are the parallels in the Old Testament scene in the dessert and what Jesus is talking about here?<br />8. What point is Jesus making in comparing spiritual birth to the wind? (ie. What is wind like?)<br />9. How does Jesus account for Nicodemus’ lack of understanding?<br />10. Compare/contrast a newborn baby to a newborn Christian.<br />11. What does Jesus claim about himself in v 13-15?<br />12. From v 16-18, what stands out to you about God? About what he wants to do? About how a person is condemned? How will belief show itself (v 15-21)?<br />13. How is Jesus’ use of the words “born again” similar to and different from the way it is used today?<br />14. How would you define “born again” in your own words?<br />15. What is “eternal life”? (v 16)<br />16. Why did God send Jesus into the world? (v 17)<br />17. What does “believe in him” mean? (v 16, 17)<br />18. Before talking to Jesus, what was Nicodemus’ likely understanding of who would see the kingdom of God? Who does Jesus say has the opportunity to see the kingdom of God?<br />19. What are the practical truths in v 19-21? Ie. Are there real world examples of this?<br />20. Given the other two passages about Nicodemus later in the New Testament, what practical insights do you gather regarding evangelism?<br />21. If there are other ways to see the kingdom of God, then is Jesus lying?<br /><br /><strong><em>Bottom Line Point(s):<br /></em></strong>1. God loved. God gave. We believe. We receive.<br />2. Faith is a journey.<br /><br /><strong><em>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?<br /></em></strong>1. Live in the light – above reproach.<br />2. Don’t rush pre-Christians.<br />3. Believe in Jesus and you will be born again, and will see the kingdom of God.<br /><br /><strong><em>Bibliography</em></strong><br />1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"<br />2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"<br />3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"<br />4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”<br />5. Mears, “What the Bible is All About – Bible Handbook”<br />6. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”<br />7. Grudem, “Systematic Theology”</p>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-83199346191879783172009-01-04T13:16:00.000-08:002009-03-15T13:20:18.669-07:00John 1:1-18<em><strong>Link to text: </strong></em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%201:%201-18;&version=31;65;"><em><strong>John 1:1-18</strong></em></a><br /><br /><strong><em>Crushed Ice<br /></em></strong>1. What was your nickname growing up? How did you get that name? Did it stick?<br /><br /><strong><em>Discussion</em></strong><br />1. Take a look at the first few verses of the other gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and contrast to how John begins.<br />2. Compare to beginning of Genesis. Which sounds like it came first, chronologically, John 1:1 or Genesis 1:1? Or were they simultaneous?<br />3. Why did John write his book and why did he start differently than the other gospels and similar to Genesis? (hint 1: John was written a generation after the other gospels, after many false teachers had denied Jesus was the Son of God)(hint 2: John 20:31)<br />4. Just reading verses 1-5, what or who is “the Word”? What can you conclude about “the Word” in v 1-5?<br />5. Who or what fails to comprehend the light? Why? (v5, 10-11)<br />6. John the Baptist (not John the disciple, & author) is mentioned in v. 6. What was his purpose? <br />7. How does being “born of God” relate to or differ from being “born of natural descent” in v. 12-13?<br />8. Read v 14 in the context of v 1-5. What or who is “the Word”?<br />9. Read v 17 in the context of v 14, and v 1-5. What or who is “the Word”? <br />10. Read Colossians 1:15-17. What additional information do you find in Col 1:16 that you do not find in John 1:3?<br />11. Read Genesis 1:26 in the context of this passage. Who is “us” and “our” referring to?<br />12. Sometimes “the Word” is used to describe the Bible. Is that the intent here? What is the Bible about?<br />13. Respond to the C.S. Lewis excerpt below. Do you agree or disagree?<br /><br /><strong><em>Bottom Line Point(s):<br /></em></strong>1. As the Word, the Son of God - Jesus Christ, fully conveys and communicates God.<br /><br /><strong><em>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?<br /></em></strong>1. If you want to know God – know Jesus.<br /><br /><strong><em>From “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis…</em></strong><br />I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I am ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.<br /><br /><strong><em>Bibliography<br /></em></strong>1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: John"<br />2. MacArthur, "John – Jesus, the Word, the Messiah, the Son of God"<br />3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"<br />4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”<br />5. Mears, “What the Bible is All About – Bible Handbook”<br />6. Bible Study Fellowship International, “The Gospel of John”<br />7. C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity”<br />8. Grudem, “Systematic Theology”Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-40803678796524139652008-10-07T13:10:00.000-07:002009-03-15T13:24:23.774-07:00James 4:1-10<p><strong><em>Link to text: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%204:1-10;&version=31;65;">James 4:1-10</a></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Crushed Ice</em></strong></p><ol><li>Whom did you quarrel with most while growing up?</li><li>What purchase is highest on your “wish list”?</li></ol><p><strong><em>Discussion<br /><br /></em>v 1-3</strong><br />1. What is the root of fights and quarrels?<br />2. What are 3 problems with prayer that James refers to? Or reasons for unanswered prayer…<br />3. What are some examples of wrong/right motives when praying?<br />4. Is it wrong to seek influence, or a good standard of living?<br /><strong><br />v 4-6</strong><br />5. Why does James use such a strong word as “adulterous”?<br />6. In John 3:16 what does God say about the world? What is different?<br />7. What desires seem to drive the world around us?<br />8. How does God “oppose the proud?”<br />9. What’s God’s purpose in this?<br />10. What’s so wrong with pride?<br />11. What does true humility look like in our lives?<br />12. What is a pitfall of complimenting humility?<br />13. How can you encourage humility?<br /><br /><strong>v 7-10<br /></strong>14. What does “submit” mean and what does it look like today?<br />15. Is that a hurdle for you?<br />16. What things in life are easier/harder to submit than others?<br />17. How do we come near to God? What are some ways?<br />18. How does God come near to us?<br />19. What is double-minded?<br />20. What are we grieving, mourning, and wailing about in v9? Where’s the joy and laughter?<br />21. What does Luke 18:9-14 tell us about our prayers and humility?<br /><br /><strong><em>Bottom Line Point(s):<br /></em></strong>1. Humility unlocks the door to effective prayer.<br /><br /><strong><em>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?<br /></em></strong>1. Check your motives when you pray.<br />2. Seek ways to replace pride with humility in everyday interactions.<br />3. Seek ways to draw near to God.<br /><br /><strong><em>Bibliography</em></strong><br />1. Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: James"<br />2. MacArthur, "Guidelines for a Happy Christian Life"<br />3. "Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"<br />4. “Life Application Study Bible, NIV”</p>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-55041801628579691082007-11-25T20:37:00.000-08:002007-11-25T20:54:42.061-08:00Notes: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (for 12/04 home group)<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/R0pN9ZFY1XI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/_UhaY9OL01A/s1600-h/judge.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137004042070316402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/R0pN9ZFY1XI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/_UhaY9OL01A/s200/judge.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Discussion</strong><br /><br /><ol><li>Before reading this passage in 1 Corinthians 5, what was your opinion about or experience with judging others? What is the typical public opinion on judging others? (Matthew 7:1-5)</li><li>From your recollection of Jesus’ encounters with people during his ministry, who did he typically spend time judging? …not judging? </li><li>How is the church today perceived with respect to judging people outside and inside the church? </li><li>What happens when a church is more concerned with judging those outside the church than evaluating and dealing with their own behavior? </li><li>Do you think that believers today typically give one another a “pass” when it comes to calling out sin in their lives? Why or why not? </li><li>What wrong attitude toward the problem in their church did the Corinthians have? (v 2) </li><li>What does “hand this man over to Satan” mean and how could that be good for the man? (v 5) </li><li>From the yeast metaphor (v 6-8) what would have been the result if the church had continued to ignore this man's behavior? </li><li>What are the goals of the action of expelling the immoral brother as described in this passage? </li><li>What two conditions should be present before you are ready to judge another believer? (v2, Matthew 7:5) </li><li>What is the benefit of removing the plank from your own eye before judging another believer? </li><li>Why are there two different standards for judging - one for Christians and one for those who are not Christians? </li><li>When we judge people outside the church, who are we acting like? (v 13) </li><li>How different would the worldview of Christianity be if we got this right? </li><li>As a believer, and given the understanding of the intent of the passage, do you accept that someday a brother or sister in Christ may judge you? How does that make you feel?</li></ol><p><strong>Bottom Line Point(s):</strong></p><ol><li>Sometimes judging is the loving thing to do.</li><li>To refuse to judge is to fail to love.</li></ol><p><strong>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?</strong></p><ol><li>How does your attitude towards those <strong>outside</strong> the church need to be adjusted? </li><li>How does your attitude towards those <strong>inside</strong> the church need to be adjusted?</li><li>Who is a Christian in your life headed in the wrong direction? What is your responsibility to him or her? What will you do to help this person get back on the right track?</li></ol><p><strong>Biliography</strong></p><ol><li>Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: 1&2 Corinthians" </li><li>MacArthur, "1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems" </li><li>"Serendipity Study Bible for Groups" </li><li>“Life Application Study Bible, NIV”</li><li>Tyler Jones, Vintage21 Church, Sermon on same topic 11/18/07</li><li>Andy Stanley, North Point Community Church, “Judgment Call: Double Standard,” 10/27/07</li><li>Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, “Judging Like Jesus,” 2006<br /></li></ol><p></p><p></p>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-13855595348337853172007-11-11T20:12:00.000-08:002007-11-12T17:39:56.778-08:00Notes: 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 (for 11/13 home group)<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Men: Husband and Father</span></em></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Men are:</strong><br /><ul><li>5 times more likely to commit violent crimes<a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RzfUiPwcaLI/AAAAAAAAAgE/th9-2JUJVuE/s1600-h/simba.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131803985222330546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RzfUiPwcaLI/AAAAAAAAAgE/th9-2JUJVuE/s200/simba.jpg" border="0" /></a></li><li>More likely to be Imprisoned –90% of prisoners </li><li>Murdered –79% of murder victims</li><li>Commit Suicide –4 times more likely</li><li>Illegal Drugs –3 times more likely </li><li>Drinking problem –5 times more likely an alcoholic </li></ul><p><strong>40% of 25 million children grow up without a father. Fatherless homes account for: </strong></p><ul><li>90% of runaway children</li><li>71% of high school dropouts</li><li>85% of youths in prison</li><li>More than half of teen mothers</li><li>70% of prisoners</li></ul><p><strong>Verses</strong> </p><p>1 Corinthians 4:14-17, 1 Peter 3:7, Ephesians 5:25-33, Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21, Proverbs 4, Proverbs 13:24, Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Genesis 18:18-19<br /><br /><strong>Discussion</strong></p><ol><li>The husband is to treat his wife in a certain way (Eph. 5: 25-31, I Pet. 3: 7).</li><li>There is more to fatherhood than just being responsible for conception. The father is presented in the scriptures as also the leader in the training of the children (Eph. 6: 4, 1, Prov. 4: 1-13).</li><li>The father should be an example regarding leadership and headship (Eph. 5: 22).</li><li>The father should be a disciplinarian (Eph. 6: 4, Prov. 13: 24).</li><li>The father should take a leadership role in teaching his children about God, the plan of salvation, the church, conviction and morals, and living the life of the Christian and general character development (cp. Deut. 6: 6-9).</li><li>What are the qualities of fatherhood evident in God? How can we model these to the children we care for? </li><li>Is it necessary to be a biological father, in order to take on the role of a father? Are there any children or young people in our community who lack fathers? How can we help them? </li><li>What is the role of a father in training a child? What responsibilities does a father have to a child? Do these include spiritual responsibilities? (Consider Genesis 18:18-19, Deuteronomy 6:6-7.) </li><li>Colossians 3:21 says ‘Fathers, do not embitter (provoke, irritate) your children, or they become discouraged.’ What do you think is meant by this? How can a father create the atmosphere in which a child will flourish into maturity?</li><li>Sixty-one percent of the people in churches are women. Often, wives are more spiritually engaged (church attendance, prayer, bible reading, etc) than their husbands. Why is that?</li><li>Women: How important is it to you to have a husband who is growing in spiritual maturity & living out God's commands?</li></ol><p><strong>Bottom Line Point(s):</strong></p><ol><li>God wants men to be men.</li></ol><p><strong>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?</strong><strong><br /><br /></p></strong><ol><li>Men: Man-up </li><li>Women: Pray for your husbands.</li></ol><p><strong>Bibliography</strong><strong><br /><br /></p></strong><ol><li>“The Bible and Fatherhood,” bibletruths.net. </li><li>“Bible study: Fatherhood,” by Rev Joe M Kapolyo.</li><li>Tyler Jones, Sermon on 1 Cor 4:14-21, Nov 11, 2007</li></ol>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-21786589117939575312007-11-04T19:40:00.001-08:002007-11-04T19:47:42.356-08:00Notes: 1 Corinthians 4:1-14 (for 11/06 home group)<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/Ry6R5lvh4RI/AAAAAAAAAfk/WND6gklixOY/s1600-h/mcdonalds-793457.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129197444191609106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/Ry6R5lvh4RI/AAAAAAAAAfk/WND6gklixOY/s200/mcdonalds-793457.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Discussion</strong><br /><ol><li>What is the most menial job you ever had? What did you like or dislike about it?</li><li>How does knowing that God will “bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose he motives of men’s hearts” (v 5) make you feel? </li><li>Corinthian factions judged one another by the reputation of the leader they followed. What does Paul mean by the saying he quotes in verse 6? (“Do not go beyond what is written?”) How does this apply today? </li><li>Of everything God has given you, what do you tend to take credit for yourself? </li><li>How does knowing that our talents are from God keep us from thinking that we are better than others? </li><li>Is there anything wrong with taking credit for our accomplishments? </li><li>How would Paul respond to the phrase “God wants you to be happy, healthy, and successful”? </li><li>In verses 8-13, Paul rather sarcastically compares his situation with the Corinthians’, who have a mistaken idea of wisdom and power. If there were a line between Corinthians (prideful, self-centered, power-oriented) on one end, and Paul (humble, persecuted, slandered, scum of the earth) on the other end, where on the line would you characterize your Christian life? Would you like to be in a different place than you actually are? </li></ol><p><strong>Bottom Line Point(s): </strong></p><ol><li>Don’t judge yourself or others based on who they follow, what they do, or why they do it. </li><li>Paul wanted Corinthians to turn from their sin and use their talents and resources in service and obedience to Christ. </li></ol><p><strong>How can you apply what you’ve learned here? </strong></p><ol><li>Ask God to reveal your pride and give you a servant’s heart. </li></ol><p><strong>Bibliography </strong></p><ol><li>Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: 1&2 Corinthians" </li><li>MacArthur, "1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems" </li><li>Lucado, “Life Lessons with Max Lucado – Book of 1 Corinthians” </li><li>"Serendipity Study Bible for Groups" </li><li>“Life Application Study Bible, NIV” </li><li>Tyler Jones, Vintage21, Sermon on same topic 11/4/07</li></ol>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-18602136468255843072007-10-21T12:49:00.000-07:002007-10-21T13:17:33.342-07:00Notes: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (for 10/30 home group)<strong>Discussion</strong><br /><div><ol><li>What does it mean to be “God’s fellow workers?”</li><li>What usually motivates people to volunteer or serve in the community or church?</li><li>In what way can we build on the foundation God has laid?</li><li>What are attributes that describe a church or person built with “gold, silver, and precious stones?”<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RxuzJv5fg7I/AAAAAAAAAHM/r5vrn5MdQsw/s1600-h/LegoFoundation.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123885981121872818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" height="109" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RxuzJv5fg7I/AAAAAAAAAHM/r5vrn5MdQsw/s320/LegoFoundation.jpg" width="280" border="0" /></a></li><li>What are attributes that describe a church or person built with “wood, hay, or straw?”</li><li>Describe what kind of work counts for eternity – ie. What kind of work “survives?” </li><li>How does this passage compare to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24-27?</li><li>Does it really matter what we do, as long as we are serving somewhere / somehow? (v.13; 2 Cor. 5:9-10)</li><li>What are you expecting (or hoping for) when you get the Heaven and are judged?</li><li>On a scale of 1 (straw) to 10 (gold) how sturdy is your spiritual “building?” How does that compare to one year ago?</li><li>What are you doing to grow as a Christian? What do you need to do?</li></ol><p><strong>Bottom Line Point(s):</strong><strong><br /></p><ol><li></strong>What you do now matters later… to you and to others.</li></ol><p><strong>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?</strong><strong><br /><br /></p><ol><li></strong>Re-evaluate your service and calling and determine if (a) you are building on the foundation of Christ, and (b) are you building with the right materials?</li><li>Determine if there are some actions you need to take to grow deeper and more mature as a Christ-follower, as discussed in questions 10-11.</li></ol><p><strong>Bibliography</strong><strong></p><ol><li></strong>Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: 1&2 Corinthians" </li><li>MacArthur, "1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems" </li><li>Lucado, “Life Lessons with Max Lucado – Book of 1 Corinthians”</li><li>"Serendipity Study Bible for Groups" </li><li>“Life Application Study Bible, NIV”</li><li>Tyler Jones, Vintage21, Sermon on same topic 10/21/07</li></ol></div>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-35983749710645507772007-10-03T19:50:00.000-07:002007-10-17T19:13:38.903-07:00Notes: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 (for 10/9 and 10/16 small group)<strong>Discussion</strong><br /><ol><li>Can you think of any examples where people or churches do or should work together with people/churches they disagree with? Are there any limitations to this? Any examples where that is not advisable? </li><br /><li>Why are cliques and divisions and disagreements in the church so damaging? How big an issue has this been in your church? How has this affected you personally?<a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RwRWi_5fgxI/AAAAAAAAAF8/G-sVuniif1s/s1600-h/argue-tm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117310235867841298" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RwRWi_5fgxI/AAAAAAAAAF8/G-sVuniif1s/s320/argue-tm.jpg" border="0" /></a></li><br /><li>Do you have any biases for or against styles, methods, preferences, or other churches that are taking a higher priority than they should?</li><li>If ministries, events, or expectations in church don't work out the way you hoped, how do you handle that? What determines whether you will stick it out, or throw in the towel?</li><li>What keeps you going?</li><br /><li>Do you ever put any of your own preferences or expectations above the mission God is calling you to, or the gospel itself?</li><br /><li>What were the people really saying in v 12? </li><br /><li>How does church disunity affect unbelievers outside the church? (John 17:20-23)</li><br /><li>Can you think of any specific practices a church might use to help maintain unity within the church? … between churches?</li><br /><li>Have you ever held a spiritual leader in such high regard that you, perhaps subconsciously, put more faith in them, than in Christ?</li><br /><li>In reading verse 17, what advice would Paul have for today’s pastors?<br /></li></ol><p><strong>Bibliography</strong><br /></p><ol><li>Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: 1&2 Corinthians" </li><br /><li>MacArthur, "1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems" </li><br /><li>"Serendipity Study Bible for Groups" </li><br /><li>Tyler Jones, Vintage21, Sermon on same topic</li><br /><li>Mark Driscoll, Mars Hill Church, Sermon on same topic</li></ol>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-17594908795808209332007-09-23T20:00:00.000-07:002007-09-23T20:05:32.634-07:00Vintage21 Cary Blog is Open<a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RvcpT_5fgrI/AAAAAAAAAFI/7_P2nr74BMg/s1600-h/v21caryicon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113601325449314994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_lSyd9MsmmkI/RvcpT_5fgrI/AAAAAAAAAFI/7_P2nr74BMg/s200/v21caryicon.jpg" border="0" /></a>As announced today, we now have a <a href="http://vintage21cary.com/">vintage21cary.com</a> website, which is a blog similar to this one. This will give us a place to have some Cary specific communications. Please check it out when you have a chance.Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-71891451207604432542007-09-20T19:40:00.000-07:002007-09-20T20:45:15.122-07:00Tour of Raleigh Rescue Mission 10/02 Tue 6pmIn preparation for a possible service project with the <a href="http://www.raleigh-rescue.org/index.shtml">Raleigh Rescue Mission</a>, Bruce Storer has agreed to give us a tour on 10/02 Tue 6pm (314 E Hargett St). I asked if there was anything they needed at this time, and there was. Here is our exchange...<br /><blockquote><em>I think you're wise to take your time. Taking a tour as the 1st step will be of great value in that your small group will come away with a greater understanding of the problems of poverty, homelessness & addiction, and of the Mission's ministries. Our experience indicates that this usually helps individuals and groups make volunteer service choices that are more suitable & enjoyable for them.<br /><br />We urgently need the following:<br /><br />*Pull-ups<br />*Men's underwear (size 34-36)<br />*Men's polo style short sleeve shirts XL and up<br />*Twin sheet sets<br />*Shower shoes (men & women)<br />*Sugar<br />*Cooking oil<br /><br />If your group would like to pass on those items, then "gently used" clothing, particularly fall & winter, would be fine.</em></blockquote><p>I encourage you to consider bringing some of these items. Let's shower them with a little love!!</p><p>After the tour, we will be having a social time dinner together as a group at the Raleigh Times Bar (14 E. Hargett St.). </p><p>Please RSVP to Blain and let me know if you will be coming for the tour, dinner, or both.</p>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975897170522304844.post-83472598590623838332007-09-18T19:15:00.000-07:002007-09-20T19:32:44.169-07:00Notes: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9<ol><li>Why did Paul emphasize that he was an apostle (v1) ?<br />Because he was about to give them some strong correction and wanted them to know his authority.<br /></li><li>What did Paul mean when he called the believers “saints” as the ESV and NKJV says in v2: “ 2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those(<a title="See cross-reference C" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%201:1-9;&version=47;#cen-ESV-28349Ccen-ESV-28349C">C</a>) sanctified in Christ Jesus,(<a title="See cross-reference D" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%201:1-9;&version=47;#cen-ESV-28349Dcen-ESV-28349D">D</a>) called to be saints together with all those who in every place(<a title="See cross-reference E" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20cor%201:1-9;&version=47;#cen-ESV-28349Ecen-ESV-28349E">E</a>) call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: “<br />· Saint – not special self-sacrificing Christian selected by a church process<br />· Greek for “saint” – hagios, meaning “set apart one” or “holy one”<br />· All believers have been sanctified in Christ and are “saints” by calling. The Corinthian believers were holy in God’s sight, regardless of their sinful living.<br />· Saints - because they had been sanctified (hagiazo), made holy in Christ Jesus. Saint ~ sanctified<br /></li><li>Based on what you know about Corinth, what do people in the Triangle (or our church) have in common w/ the Corinthians?<br />· Wealth? Immorality? Divisions?<br /></li><li>What are some of the spiritual gifts inferred in v7? Which one(s) do you believe you have?<br />· Romans 12: giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, teaching<br />· 1 Corinthians 12: administration, apostle, discernment, faith, healing, helps, knowledge, prophecy, teaching, tongues<br />· Ephesians 4: apostle, evangelism, pastor, prophecy, teaching<br />· Misc. Passages: celibacy, martyrdom, missionary, voluntary poverty<br /></li><li>What benefits of grace are you thankful for in the…<br />· Past? v4… grace of salvation<br />· Present? v5-7… enriched with spiritual gifts, not lacking<br />· Future? v8… strong to the end </li></ol><p><strong>Bottom Line Point(s):</strong></p><ul><li>When we follow Jesus, we are made holy.</li><li>Christ has got us covered, past, present, and future… We have salvation, are not lacking gifts, keep us strong to the end. </li></ul><p><strong>How can you apply what you’ve learned here?</strong></p><ul><li>We need to recognize that we each play a part in the church. </li><li>Need to find our gifts and use them.</li></ul><p><strong>Bibliography</strong></p><ol><li>Barton & others, "Life Application Bible Commentary: 1&2 Corinthians"</li><li>MacArthur, "1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems"</li><li>"Serendipity Study Bible for Groups"</li><li>Tyler Jones, Sermon on same topic</li></ol>Blain Dillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13611057744139491489noreply@blogger.com0