+ The Good Life

What about the Church? - Alpha 11

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word ‘church’?

1. We've covered a lot of aspects of the Christian life, and you’ve had a chance to experience some of what this means. How has God been working in your life during these weeks of Alpha?
2. What are some important characteristics for Spirit-Filled church?

1. One of the images from the talk today is that the church is God’s family. What do you think your role or contribution could be to this family?
2. How has your view of the church either changed or been confirmed during these weeks?
3. The Greek word for church is ‘ekklesia’ which means ‘a gathering of people’. Which type of gathering have you experienced personally – large: celebration event, medium: congregation gathering or small: cell group.
4. Nicky said, ‘we cannot be Christian alone’. Do you agree with this or not? Why?
5. Do you think a person can thrive as a Christian without attending church?
6. There seems to be so much division between churches and sometimes within churches. What do you think about Meldenius’ quote: “On the necessary points, unity; on the questionable points, liberty; in everything, ”?
7. In our world of emails, Facebook, MySpace etc, we seem to have lost the gift of each other’s presence. Professor Gordon Fee wrote, “Nothing else can take the place of presence, not gifts, not telephone calls, not pictures, not momentos, nothing.” How does church help us regain this gift?
8. Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist) is a way that Christians offer thanks to God, remember the Second Coming of Christ, and celebrate unity. What are your thoughts about this tradition?
9. What is the most important thing that you will take away from the Alpha course?

 

Does God Heal Today? - Alpha 10

Do you know anyone who has been healed miraculously? What was the circumstance?

1. How did you think or feel about today’s message?
2. What issues were raised for you by today’s message?
3. What is your biggest take away from today?

1. Nicky shared a few stories from the Old and New Testament (Bible) about people who were healed, and said that healing still applies to us today. What do you think?

2. In the video, Nicky said “the commission to heal is for all of us.” What do you think about ordinary Christians being used by God to heal other people?

3. Not everyone we pray for will be healed, but it is important to reassure people of God’s love for them regardless of whether they are healed or not. How can we ensure this?

5. What are some ways God can heal people emotionally? Mentally? Socially? Financially?

“Let’s take this opportunity to pray specifically for healing. We can go around our group and share one or two things we'd like healing for, either for ourself or someone we know. Let’s support each other by praying one or two simple sentences. If you’d rather not pray, feel free to just tell the person next to you, “I’ll pass, go ahead” and that’s perfectly fine.” 

Why and How should I tell others? - Alpha 9

What are some negative and positive ways Christians have sought to ‘spread the Gospel’’? (without giving specific names of churches or groups)

1. What have your friends’ and family’s reactions been when you told them you are attending Alpha? Was this difficult for you
2. Since everyone is at a different place in their spiritual journey, what are some things you can ‘tell others’ about what you’ve learned or experienced so far? (love, acceptance, forgiveness, etc)

1.  If you did not know anything about Christianity, how would you like to be told about it?
2. Do you have any friends or family members who are not Christians? Do you think they might like to know more about Christianity?
3. What do you think or feel about the idea of telling others about Christianity?
4. Nicky mentioned the “two opposite dangers” when telling others about Jesus (insensitivity & fear). Which one of these do you identify with more?
5. The Bible says we need to be ‘the salt of the earth’ and the ‘light of the world’. What are some ways we can live this out in our daily lives at home, at work, with friends?
6. How should we respond when people have negative reactions to our sharing about Jesus?
7. Nicky said that ‘prayer is essential in the area of telling others the good news’. Is there someone you know that we can pray for, who might be searching for more to life than this? Let’s pray they will come to Alpha when it starts up again next
8. What is your biggest take away from today?

How can I resist Evil? - Alpha 8

The Alpha study for today explores the question of evil.

What do you think of evil?

1. Do you think a power of evil exists? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think the world is such a mess?

1. Nicky mentioned several tactics the devil uses in an individual’s life. (deception, doubt, temptation, distraction, shame & blame, false guilt) In your own experience, which of these tactics has been most challenging for you?
2. What is the difference between “temptation to sin” and sin itself? Why is that distinction so important? 
3. How does our relationship to the devil change when we become Christians? 
4. Nicky mentioned there is a spiritual struggle that takes place when we get closer to God. Have you experienced more challenges since you’ve begun your spiritual journey?
5. What are some everyday examples that we can ‘put on the ‘armour of God’?

• Belt of truth: (foundation of Truth to recognize devil’s lies) read Bible, go to church, home groups, Christian books
• Breastplate of righteousness: (right living protects our heart) connecting with God & others
• Shoes of the Gospel of peace: (readiness to speak God’s hope & healing everywhere we go)
• Shield of faith: (faith), stops the devil’s attacks, opposite of doubt, cynicism, etc
• Helmet of salvation: (salvation), protects our thots, peace of mind, total assurance we are saved
• Sword of the Spirit: (Word of God), offensive, move forward; study, speak & live the Word of God
• Praying in the Spirit: intentional, specific, according to the will of God

 

How does God Guide us? - Alpha 7

What are some ways people try to find out their future?

1. How do you respond to the idea of God having a plan for you?
2. What are the ways that God speaks to people today? Have you experienced this?

1. How do you feel about the idea of being guided by God? Is that comforting or scary?
2. Does anyone think they might have experienced God’s guidance in the last few weeks?
3. What should we do if we believe we have made a mess of our lives?
4. Nicky talked about 5 ways in which God speaks to people today. Have you ever experienced any of these?

   a) Commanding Scripture – through reading the Bible

   b) Compelling Spirit – as an impression/desire on your heart

   c) Common Sense – thinking rationally & practically about a situation

   d) Counsel of Saints – through the advice/feedback from godly Christians

   e) Circumstantial Signs – as God opens doors/closes doors

5. What suggestions would you make to someone who was looking for a “spiritual advisor”?
6. What should we do when the answer we need from God is taking a long time?
7. What should we do if we have made a “mess of our lives”?
8. What is your biggest take away from today?