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  • Posted on December 03, 2012

Revelation

These readings bring us to the end of the Bible and the end of the E100 readings.  It all started “in the beginning” (Genesis 1:1) and ends with Jesus’ assertion that “ I am making all things new” (Revelations 21:5).  In Revelation, we glimpse a cosmic contest between good and evil that has been going on since the beginning.  Although Revelation was written 2,000 years ago for God’s people who were suffering horrific persecution, it gives us some wonderful glimpses of the final victory of the Lord Jesus over all evil, suffering and death.  This book was written by John, a young disciple of Jesus who has now grown old and who knows what it means to follow the Lord.  There’s so much we can learn from him.

Purpose:  To understand how the end of this age will herald the beginning of the next, and to see how Christ and his followers continue to be an integral part of God’s plan for the world.

Discussion Questions:

Revelation 1

  • What would you say are the benefits and dangers of wanting to know more about the future?  What can and can’t we know?
  • What do you learn about Jesus in the first chapter of Revelation?  Does any of it surprise, confuse or upset you?  Explain.

Revelation 2-3

  • After reading John’s letters to the seven churches, how do you think Jesus would feel about your church and churches in your area?  What might he say to them?
  • What’s your view of heaven?  What is it like and who is it for?

Revelation 4-7

  • If God asked you “Why should I let you into heaven?,” what would you say?  Are you confident you’d get in?  Why or why not?
  • The later chapters of Revelations speak of the final judgment and the return of Jesus Christ.  Do you think this could happen in your lifetime?  Explain.

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  • Posted on November 30, 2012
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The Apostles’ Teaching

These readings focus on teachings of the Apostles James, Peter, John, and Paul.  They were all inspired by the same Holy Spirit, yet each has a somewhat different emphasis or perspective that adds to our understanding of what it means to live a Christian life; a life of faith, love, hope and steadfastness in the face of trouble.  As in all of the Bible, there is a great richness and reward to be gleaned from these great teachers of the faith.

Purpose: To explore in greater depth more of what it means to live a life that pleases God and reflects his Spirit working within us.

Discussion Questions:

1 Corinthians 13

  • 1 Corinthians 13 is often called “the love chapter” because it describes the essence of real love.  What’s the greatest example of love you’ve seen or experienced?
  • Why do you think that Paul says love is the greatest virtue?  Do you agree?  Explain your answer.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6:2

  • In what ways do you think one becomes a “new creation” as a result of following Jesus?  What was your own experience?
  • How can an ordinary person be an effective ambassador for Christ?  Do you know one?  If so, share.

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  • Posted on November 13, 2012
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Operation Christmas Child – 2012

For the past several years Orange EM has participated in Operation Christmas Child, but last year I truly saw how much it meant for a child to receive a gift.  We showed a video from the organization and it showed a boy receiving his gift for the first time.  As soon as he received this box, he was SO excited.  He jumped and danced and smiled and he didn’t even open it yet!  His joy was undeniable.  He was able to receive not only a tangible gift, but the gospel.  I may never have a chance to go to Africa, India or Vietnam, but through Operation Christmas Child I can contribute and pray that the child I packed my box for will receive Christ as their personal savior.  That is why I make my shoeboxes every year.

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  • Posted on November 06, 2012
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E100 – Paul to the Leaders

These readings in Paul’s letters cover a wide range of topics.  Paul gives encouragement to his disciple and “son in the faith,” Timothy, sets forth standards for church leadership, teaches about money, and describes what will happen to Jesus’ followers when Jesus returns.  Paul warns against false teachers who seek to mislead the church and he encourages Timothy to be faithful to the Bible, the Word of God, which enables every believer to grow and mature.  There’s a lot of common sense, practical teaching and wise counsel in these passages!

Purpose: To learn more about the qualifications for leadership in the church, how to live a godly life, and the importance of the Bible.

Discussion questions:

1 Timothy 3

  • Which leadership characteristics given by Paul in this passage are most common and most uncommon among Christian leaders you know?
  • In what ways should a leader of a church or Christian organization be different from leaders of other organizations? Why?

1 Timothy 6:3-21

  • How would you summarize Paul’s teaching about money? Do you agree?
  • What is our society’s view of money? What is yours? How do they differ from the Bible’s teaching on the subject? Explain.

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  • Posted on October 09, 2012
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E100 – The Travels of Paul

These readings begin with Paul’s dramatic encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus. So life-changing an encounter that Paul stopped persecuting the early Christians and began playing a major role in spreading the Gospel. From these passages, we learn much about where, what and how Paul preached during those early years of the church. We’ll also learn much that can help us be effective witnesses for Jesus today, just as Paul was then.

Purpose: To examine the events surrounding the birth and growth of the early church and discover what they might mean for us today.

Discussion guide:

Acts 9:1-31

  • Paul had a dramatic experience of God on the road to Damascus. Have you or someone you know had a dramatic experience of God? What happened?
  • Do you think it is possible to “see the light” about Jesus without having a dramatic experience like Paul’s? Explain.

Acts 13-14

  • What is your view of missionaries? Are they a positive influence in the world? Why or why not?
  • It seems that Paul and Barnabas risked mistreatment or death almost everywhere they went. What risks have you taken for what you believe?

Acts 15

  • The Council of Jerusalem settled a big disagreement among early Christians. Who do you think has more disagreements-Christians or non-Christians? Why?
  • What does the passage on the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) teach you about how to resolve disagreements in the church? In your family? In other relationships?

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  • Posted on October 03, 2012
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E100 – The Church is Born

Purpose: To examine the events surrounding the birth and growth of the early church and discover what they might mean for us today.

Discussion Questions

Acts 2

  • The Holy Spirit came upon believers that first Pentecost.  What do you believe about the Holy Spirit?  Does the Holy Spirit still “fill” people today?  Explain.
  • Have you ever sensed the Holy Spirit at work in your life?  If so, how?

Acts 3-4

  • Share your view of the church.  What should it be like?  Why does it exist?
  • What would you suggest as the best “church growth strategy?”  Explain.

Acts 6:8-8:8

  • Why do you think the religious leaders were so threatened by Stephen’s sermon? What “threatens” the religious people you know?  Why?  Is it bad to be religious?
  • Have you ever been ridiculed or persecuted for what you believe?  If so, share why and tell what happened.

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  • Posted on September 26, 2012
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E100 – The Cross of Christ

Our readings in this section cover Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial and crucifixion. But that, of course, was not the end of the story. Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death forever. After he rose, he continued to meet with his disciples until he ascended into heaven.

While these passages are primarily historical narratives, they do contain many practical lessons for followers of Jesus in the 21st century, also.

Purpose: To take a fresh look at the death and resurrection of Jesus and what that means for his followers today.

Discussion guide:

Luke 22:1―46

  • Imagine you were at the Last Supper. What might you have felt and thought at this “first communion”?
  • What helps or cause you to “remember Jesus”? Explain how and why. Does anything ever cause you to “forget Jesus”? If so, explain how and why.

John 18

  • How would you explain the motives and actions of Caiaphas, Pilate and Peter during the arrest and trial of Jesus? What was their attitude toward him?
  • Pilate asked “what is truth?” Do you believe there is such a thing as “absolute truth”? Why or why not? How can we know?

John 19

  • Why did so many people to hate Jesus? Do people still feel that way about him? Why do you think they feel that way?
  • Why is the significance for you of Jesus’ death on the Cross?

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  • Posted on September 19, 2012
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E100 – The Miracles of Jesus

In this section, we read about the remarkable things that Jesus did during his three years of earthly ministry. His miracles range from feeding over five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish, to healing a man born blind, to raising Lazarus from the dead. Miracles such as these don’t fit with the way most people today think the world works.  Are they just “fairy tales” or is Jesus showing that there is more to life than we often think? Let’s read on and see for ourselves.

Purpose: To explore Jesus’ miracles and ask what they tell us about him and what he was teaching when he performed them.

Discussion Guide:

Luke 9:1—35

  • Do you believe that miracles still happen today? Why or why not? Have you been involved in any?
  • What’s your view of the miracles of Jesus? Do you believe they actually happened as reported in the Bible? Does it matter? Why or why not?
  • Matthew 14:22—36
  • What does the miracle of Jesus walking on the water teach you about him?
  • Have you ever trusted God during a stormy period in your life? What happened? more…