In Colossians 2:6 Paul gives us a key instruction for our spiritual growth – we are to continue to “walk” with Jesus in the same way that we received him. How did you receive Christ? What are the implications of this truth for your current “walk” with the Lord?

What role does “effort” play in our spiritual growth? Are we simply to, “Let go and let God”? If not, how do we know when our efforts to grow spiritually become legalistic and pharisaical?

“In our Christian journey, our goal should be progress not perfection!” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

Have you encountered false teachers and if so how were you able to discern their errant teaching?

Has anyone let you down and later returned to have a strong friendship? What made the difference?

What is your favorite Bible passage which contains the conjunction, “but”?

Our natural tendency is to think that additional rules, discipline, and self effort will lead to change. According to Col. 2:20-23, how effective are these in truly transforming our character? Why do you think Paul uses a metaphor of “fruit” to describe the character of transformed believers in Galatians 5:22&23? What does this tell us about the nature and process of change? See also Ps. 1:3

Our thought life and mental focus seem to be absolutely vital in the process of change (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:1&2; Ps. 1:2). How much time do you spend using your mind to think through the truths of the Word? In all honesty, what tends to consume the largest part of your mental focus and energy?

“Unless Jesus has and his Gospel capture our hearts and minds, we will find ourselves powerless to resist the alluring idols of our flesh.” Do you agree with this quote? Why or why not?

A sense of our own righteousness and moral superiority can often lead us to view and treat others with contempt. Are there any groups of people that you tend to view contemptuously? What can help us steer clear of spiritual pride and self-righteousness?

According to Jesus, the tax collector rather than the Pharisee left this time of prayer “justified”. What does the tax collector in this parable tell us about how someone becomes truly acceptable to a holy God? On what are you depending to become accepted by the God and Creator of our universe?

If someone asked you to explain the Gospel, what would you say? How does good “news” differ from good “advice”? Do you think it is significant that the heart of Christianity is called the “good news”?

Buddah’s last words were reported to be, “Strive without ceasing!” Jesus’ last words were, “It is finished!” In what sense do these final words capture the essence of “religion” and the essence of the Gospel? Are you striving or resting?

Why was the cross necessary? Why didn’t God simply decide to forgive us without going through the agony of the cross?

Cook Out Wednesday, July 28, 6:30-8:30pm.  RSVP is required for food planning.  Cost-$5

Pool Party on August 1st right after the Sunday service from 1-4pm.  Location to be announced.

No meeting August 4th.

Fall Kick-off on Wed.,  August 11.  Games, food, talk about the coming school year.

Water Bottle Outreach Saturday, August 14th – tentative.  Sharing the love of Jesus by passing out water bottles to people working on their yards.

Pizza and prayer Sunday, August 21st right after the Sunday service.

Contact person:  Bill DePury

How does the Word of God answer the question, “What is wrong with us?” The concept of sin is rarely spoken of in our culture and even in many churches today. We prefer to view ourselves as generally “good” people who may “mess up” a bit every once in awhile. To view ourselves as “sinners” seems overly negative, puritanical and a bit extreme. What are the consequences of losing our concept of “sin”? How does that impact our view of the Gospel?

In the Scriptures, sin is viewed as enslaving and as addicting. How have you seen these realities of sin lived out in your experience?

We often view sin as merely “lawbreaking” (which it is). Yet, repeatedly in Scripture, the Lord views our sin as spiritual adultery. How does this view of sin impact you? Does the fact that we can grieve the heart of God cause you to take your sin more seriously?

According to this concluding song in the Psalms, God and his “acts of power” and his “surpassing greatness” should be the focus of our praise. How important is my emotional response to a time of praise? When we say, “Worship was great!” or “Worship was OK” on what are we basing our evaluation?

What is the most appropriate musical style for praise? Should we seek to praise God with reverent, quiet, and meditative songs or with exuberant, loud, and expressive songs? What body postures or movements are appropriate during our times of praising the Lord?

The manner in which we praise the Lord has become a very divisive issue in the church today, how can this be an area in which we “consider others more significant than ourselves” and “look out for the interests of others”? (Phil. 2:3&4)