Arrow #2

After we trust Jesus for salvation, God changes us from the inside out. Now we live to honor God and grow in a relationship with him. Talk about good habits, core doctrine and more. These are Topics 7-9 in The Pursuit.

A New Life: How to Live as a Christian

Posted: January 10, 2013 | 0 comments
At salvation we are given a new nature... but old habits die hard. To honor God in our new lives we'll need help from three sources.

Talking Points:

  • We need more than will power to honor God. The Spirit leads from the inside out, empowering us to honor God every day. Ezekiel 36:26-27
  • We need a new way to think. The Bible guides us and shows us the attitudes and actions that honor God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • We can’t live this new life on our own. Other believers help us stay on the right track, both one-on-one and in the local church. Galatians 6:1-2
Discussion Questions:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. If you’re a Christian, talk about how your life has changed since you came to faith. Give a few specific examples.
  3. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Share a scripture verse that has been “useful” for you.
  4. Share a teaching from the Bible that surprised you when you first heard it. Did you obey it? Why or why not?
  5. Read Ezekiel 36:26. Describe the difference between a “stony” heart and a “tender” heart.
  6. Give an example of how the Spirit empowers us to live to honor God. How is this different from sheer willpower?
  7. Read Galatians 6:1-2. Share a time when another believer helped you on to the right path.
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

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Core Doctrine

Posted: October 24, 2019
The early Christians kept their faith pretty simple. Here are three core doctrines fundamental to Christianity over the ages.

Talking Points:

  • The Bible is inspired by God and always tells the truth. Christians submit to its authority above their own opinions and feelings. 2 Peter 1:20-21 
  • The God of the Bible is one being who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. This makes him different than – and mysterious to – us. 1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 2:9, John 1:1-4
  • The atonement is the work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation. He absorbed the wrath of God in our place, once for all. Isaiah 53:4-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24
Discussion:
  1. What’s your initial reaction to this topic?
  2. Read 2 Peter 1:20-21. What does it mean that the Bible is “inspired”? In your church, what percentage of people believe this?
  3. What are some concepts or verses in the Bible that you’ve struggled to understand or believe? What does it mean to submit to God’s perspective in those areas?
  4. Read John 1:1-4. What do these verses say about the nature of God?
  5. Try to explain the Trinity in a sentence or two. Why do you think this doctrine is so hard to understand?
  6. Read 1 Peter 2:24. What does the word “atonement” mean? What does it mean to you personally?
  7. Make a list of some other doctrines you’d like to learn more about after this track. Check out the theology category for topics to cover next with your mentor.

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