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Discussion Guide on July 26 Message

(To be discussed on August 2)

MORNING MESSAGE

“Education” – Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Message Outline:

Baptist Faith and Message:  Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and intelligence. In Jesus Christ abide all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All sound learning is, therefore, a part of our Christian heritage. The new birth opens all human faculties and creates a thirst for knowledge. Moreover, the cause of education in the Kingdom of Christ is co-ordinate with the causes of missions and general benevolence, and should receive along with these the liberal support of the churches. An adequate system of Christian education is necessary to a complete spiritual program for Christ's people.  In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility. Freedom in any orderly relationship of human life is always limited and never absolute. The freedom of a teacher in a Christian school, college, or seminary is limited by the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ, by the authoritative nature of the Scriptures, and by the distinct purpose for which the school exists.

Big Idea:  As Christians we are to be growing in Christ by maturing in our faith.  How?

I)                  Examine our diet (5:11-14).

II)               Examine our direction (6:1-3).

Leading the Session Helps/Discussion Questions

v     Take a poll. How many different denominations are represented in your Sunday School Group? Ask your group what other denominational churches they have been a part of? (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Nazarene, Church of God, Presbyterian, etc.) As a matter of fact, we have at least these different denominations represented in our church. What are the positives that this fact brings? What could be the negatives?

v     What is the lesson parallel of the eagle Larry mentioned?

v     What is a disciple of Christ?

v     How do you know if you are a maturing Christian?

o       Have you become dull to God’s word? (verse 12)

o       Are you sharing God’s word with others?

o       Are you able to tell what is spiritually good and bad for you? (verse 14)

o       Is the Bible being lived out in your life?

o       Are you closer to the Lord than you were last year?

v     What did Larry mean by the expression “squeeze the sponge”? How does this relate to the Jerusalem Project? How would you respond if someone said that we have not had church on Sunday nights the last few weeks? (We have been about the business of being the church instead of being at the church.)

v     What does it mean to set spiritual goals? What are some? Why not set one?

o       Church attendance goal

o       Daily Bible reading for 5 minutes

o       Daily Prayer for 10 minutes

o       Sharing Christ with someone this week

o       Tithe

o       Friendship Accountability

Then write it down and tell someone.

v     How many of you set a spiritual goal last week. Share it with the group.

Application

v     Prepare a discussion on the Bible in the expectation that you will get to lead it.

v     Prepare for Sunday morning Bible study as though you will lead the discussion.