Staying the Course

Connection Group Questions: March 4, 2012

“Staying the Course” 

Opening 

Make sure everyone is aware of events and opportunities happening at Connections.

This is the last week of our Winter Semester.  The plan is that Groups take a March break the weeks of March 11 and 18.  Then we will start our Spring Semester the week of March 25, and run up to Victoria Day weekend (approximately 8 weeks).  Our hope is that your Group will continue, and all members will participate, and new Registrants can join!  But none of this is taken for granted.  Discuss with the group what your plans are for the Spring, and if you want to plan any special activities/events over the break.

Recap

Review our theme verse: Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is;  and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.  ~ Jer. 6:16

Review the Principle if necessary:

Direction, not desire, determines our destination.

Does this principle match your experiences in life?  How is the Principle affecting some of the major paths of your life:

• Marriage, relationships, family, job, finances, physical health, walk with God...

At any point this past week were you able to employ “The Best Question, “In light of my past experience and my future hope, what is the wise thing to do?”

Bible Study

The Path is narrow

Read Matthew 7:13-14

What are the negative connotation of narrow?

What are the positives of narrowness?

What is the difference between being a spiritual seeker, and a finder?  Why does is seem so cool to seek, but not to find?

Jesus declares his mission to “Seek and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:10)  What does it mean that Jesus is actually the one seeking us, finding us, saving us?

The Path is not the easiest route

Following Jesus, and seeking obedience to him, is to be our joy.  But it can also make our life difficult.

Has following Jesus made your life more difficult in any particular ways or areas?  What are some situations where you didn’t want to do “the Christian” thing to do?

What are some of the hardships or struggles that are particular to Christians?  Do we, our our time and culture, suffer for our faith?

The Path is Jesus

Read John 14:1-6

What does Jesus mean by saying, he is the way, the truth and the life.  Followers of Christ were originally called, “People of the Way.”  Reflect on what that means. In what “way” does Jesus lead us?  

What does it mean that Jesus is the truth?

Have you experienced a new or different kind of life with Jesus?

Close with a time of prayer for one another.