February 6th Discussion Questions

I Corinthians 2:6-16:  

1.     Please read over this passage and be ready to share any nuggets you find in it especially any not addressed in the following questions.

2.     CJ mentioned that in Paul’s day that Christianity was despised by both the Jewish and Gentile cultures, that it was completely foreign to those cultures.  Is that different in our day and culture?  If so how?

a.               He said that the cross is emptied of its power when mixed with the wisdom of the world.  Are you tempted to do so when communicating the gospel or your testimony?

3.     CJ said that “what matters” is not how cool (or rich or smart) one is but whether one is saved from the wrath of God; that what matters is the day of judgment.

a.               Do you tend to think that way (to have that divine perspective)?  Give examples of how that perspective can make a difference in your own life and the circumstances you find yourself in.

b.               How easily do you lose sight of that truth?  In what ways?  

4.     As you look back on your conversion share how it was God who opened up your spiritual eyes and revealed himself and the gospel to you.  This could have been a dramatic occurrence or happened over time.

5.     Has the understanding that God came looking for you (rather than the other way around) helped you to grow in humility and gratefulness?    

Dearest Hgers...

 

Oh, my.  Mike called us "dearest"...

Dearest hgers - Phil mentioned on Sunday that the hg meetings in February are cancelled.  That's only part true.  We will have hg on Feb 6th and we will be discussing CJ's teaching.  If you meet new people on Sunday invite them to our homegroup.  The following hgs will be cancelled so we can go to the classes that will be running during those times = Feb 20th and March 5th.  Note that the classes are being held on Tuesday nights not Wednesdays.  We are being encouraged to sign up for the classes - they are not just for new people.  But they are a great place to meet and greet new people.  If you have any questions check the church calendar on the web site.  Mike

January Prayer Requests

Mike:
prayer for my shoulder

my production would continue well at work

God would work grace and truth in my life

Connie:
Praise God for giving me sleep

diligence in organizing my home

area for Holy Spirit's help: to think more of others and less of myself

Jenn:

to not love my job too much

Dan:

to be more willing to be led by Holy Spirit in conversations with non-Christians

diligence in school

Dave and Donna:

Joshua's salvation

Dave to be filled with God's spirit

Charlie:

help with tapering off Zoloft

Holy Spirit would grant greater sense of assurance

Victoria:

wisdom with homeschooling

Timothy:

for boldness in sharing the gospel

for wisdom in leading my family

Jeanne:

healing of skin abscess

grace for Grand Opening/ wisdom to plan well

business success with website

Amy Kay:

wisdom and grace as I start a new semester on Tuesday, 1/22

that the Holy Spirit would cultivate a servant's heart in me

Nicki: 
Please continue to pray for my mom's recovery.  
My dad's salvation.
and my attitude at work to be calmer and more patient.  I need to lower my expectations for the children and not get angry or frustrated so easily.

Praise!! My mom did not have Cancer, but an infection.
Also that a situation at work was resolved.

Christmas in Hawaii Luau

Our homegroup Christmas party theme was "Christmas in Hawaii".  December 19.

Discussion Questions for January 2

Romans 1:17-23:  

1.     Why is v17 such a dramatic, significant statement?

2.     Why do you think Paul goes from rejoicing in the gospel (v15-17) to a lengthy discussion on God’s wrath against sinful man?

3.     Define God’s wrath.  Why is it so important to understand it?  What does it reveal about God?

4.     Paul says in v16 that he is not ashamed of the gospel.  Why is it a temptation to be ashamed of the gospel?  When do you find yourself tempted to do so?

5.     What do verses 19-23 help you to understand?

6.     Phil said that even more important then asking what are the idols of our age is asking what are the idols we personally struggle with.  Here are some of the ways he said we could help identify them: -        

What gives you meaning and or comfort more than anything else?-        

What do you live for?-        

What do you serve?-         What is the most glorious thing to you? (from Daniel’s teaching)-        

What make you angry? (from Connie)                

What do those questions help you to see about yourself? 

7.     Phil mentioned the “inglorious” exchange found in v23.  He then ended his message talking about the great exchange.  What are each of these?

Christmas in Hawaii Party

Date:  December 19, Wednesday
Time:  6:30 pm
Where:  Our usual homegroup location
Attire:  Beach/Hawaiian

Food: See emails from Jeanne

Remember to bring a white elephant wrapped gift for our Bad Santa game.

November 7th Meeting

Hey fellow bloggers - this week for hg:
     1.  come ready to discuss your favorite passage in Romans.  or at least one of your favorite passages - trying to narrow it down to the favorite is like going to a buffet and saying what is your favorite food.
     2.  also concerning the book of Romans which will be the preaching series for the next 18-24 months: feel free to do some background check on the book.  there could be a test.
     3.  normally our following hg meeting would be on nov 21st which is the night before thanksgiving (and all thru the house not a turkey was stirring... oh sorry i was just trying to embrace my "inner goofiness").  let's discuss whether we'd rather meet tuesday the 20th or the following wednesday the 28th.

Dear hgers - Sorry to get this out to you late.  If you don't get this email before the meeting we will review it there.  We're not going to have alot of discussion, just talk about an introduction to Romans.  I'd like to take a little more time in our worship and prayer Specifically I'd like you to come having thought about the following:
 What one area in your life would you'd like to see more of the Holy Spirit's power and presence (e.g. =more boldness to evangelize, more clarity in studying the Bible, the grace and annointing to prophesy...) ? Come ready (and in faith) to pray for one another.  Also is there a time you'd like to share about when you saw the Holy Spirit's power at work in a remarkable way?
Mike