Discussion Questions: 

1. Paul writes to Titus who is on the island of Crete.  He gives a small insight into the Cretan society and culture when he quotes a poet of the time.  He says: “Someone said from out of their own, a prophet from among them: Cretans always are liars, evil beasts, idle bellies. This testimony is true. What do you make of this statement? What does this tell us about the history and culture of Crete 2000 years ago in the context of being an island nation in the Mediterranean world. Try searching for information about Cretan culture and family life in the first century AD and discuss the differences between that culture and ours in 21st century New Zealand.  

2. Paul writes a description of the characteristics that are looked for in elders of the church and gives a list of what to avoid as well. In the light of Cretan culture why do you think he also wrote a list to avoid? Paul also writes on the same topic to Timothy (1 Timothy 3). What are the similarities and differences in these descriptions of Elders? Does Timothy being in Ephesus and Tutus being in Crete make a difference? What do you think these scriptures say about women being in leadership in the church?  

3. Paul teaches strongly to Titus about Christian living and how this is a powerful way of sharing the gospel, and not bringing Jesus or his gospel into disrepute.  What is our response in the 21st century to this same call on our lives? What do we need to change to bring a fresh clarity to our own lies as we meet and work and live our lies with those that do not know Jesus yet so that they more clearly see and experience the life transforming love of Jesus? Make a list and commit with one person to change something in your life to make Jesus better known to those around us that do not know him yet.

Discussion Questions:  

1 When you hear songs about peace during the Christmas season, what do you imaging that looking like? In light of this week’s message, what now surprises you most about that?  

2 How have you experienced God’s peace in your life? Where has he been your refuge?   

3 Peacemakers are desperately needed in our world. Peace-making is something we actively pursue. What does pursuing peace with others looks like?   

4 Biblical peace means that while we don’t have to love everything as it is, it does mean we can cope with those things we most dread. How can Psalm 46:1-3 and 10-11 help us better learn to experience peace even in the hard times?   

5 What would help you in your effort to live at peace with everyone in your family? Work? School? Church? Community?  What area of your life do you need more peace?   

6 Jesus came as the Prince of Peace so we can all have peace with God. As followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to offer this same peace to others. Who in your life would you love to see experience peace with God during this Christmas season?   

7 In addition to prayer, what could you do that might help you nudge the person you named above toward the Prince of Peace? What could you do to nudge yourself towards peace with others?

Discussion Questions:  

1. What does the idea that sin is the reason for the season make you think about?  

2. Now what does the outrageous love God has for you make you think about?  

3. Have you accepted how valuable you are in light of God’s love shown to you? What difference does that make, or could make, for your life?  

4. What are a couple of ways you could demonstrate the reality of God’s love to others during this Christmas season? How about during the other non-holiday days?  

5. What traditions does your family have, or you could start this year, that help keep Jesus at the centre of Christmas?

Discussion Questions:

Discussion Questions

Luke 7:36-50

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you maintain a close listening ear to The Shepherd?

2. How might attending small groups help us to remain Christ centred?

3. In what way has lockdown given you an appreciation of  your church community? What have you missed the most?

4. What does Christ’s ownership of you look like in your life?

5. How might challenging times reveal God’s protection of His Church?

6. Share a story of how God has restored a broken relationship in your life.

7. In what ways can you help reach those who do not know the Good Shepherd?

8. What are some of the ways the Good Shepherd has protected you? Pray with thanks for the different ways God protects us.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to have faith in Jesus?

2. Think about the characters of the bible that you know. Which stories help us understand faith?

3. In the contemporary world, what characters come to mind that through their lives we get an understanding of faith God?

4. In your own life, are there any instances where you felt God was teaching you about faith. If comfortable recount and share these stories with the group.

5. How do we as a community of Christ express and communicate the faith we have in Jesus to the world around us? How should we?

Discussion Questions:

1. What will you take away from the story of Rich Mullins life and how will you apply it to your life?

2. Do you have a hero of the faith? How did they come to faith?

3. How does the apostle Paul's message apply to you today?

4. Rich Mullins talked of others being "nuts and bolts” for him. What examples can you think of when someone was a nut or a bolt for you?

5. Can you be a nut or bolt for someone else in or out of the church?

6. How can you get involved in the next Alpha course? What skills could you bring to the team? Who could you invite to join you on the course?

Finally, Learn more about the music and ministry of Rich Mullins at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mk5vYDj3is

Learn more about Alpha at https://www.alpha.org.nz/ and email [email protected] for more information.

Discussion Questions:

Discuss your picture and understanding of Jesus:

Having developed these three visions of Jesus, compare and contrast them.

Take time to pray together and acknowledge Jesus in all his glory.

Discussion Questions: