Discussion Questions May 17, 2020
1st Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am
nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

1. The irony of finding this amazing chapter about love in a letter to the Corinth community is that there was such disagreement and disputes between the people of that new Christian church. The whole community of Corinth was known for its diversity and for a variety of cultures. How is that similar to communities in our world today? What challenges does that bring?

2. In the sermon, I described how this chapter expresses God’s vision for what love is. In
what ways does this chapter describe things that contrast from a more popular or cultural
understanding of what love is?

3. Jesus once talked about LOVE when he was asked about the greatest commandment.
His answer is often summed up: “Love God, Love one’s neighbor, Love oneself.” Do you
think those commandments are deceptively simple? What makes them anything but simple in practice?

4. What about when it comes to someone with whom we greatly disagree? What if your
politics or world-view, or Bible view is vastly different from others? Does the description of
what it means to love someone change when there’s significant differences? When it comes to relationships and people with whom there are big differences, what’s the faithful response as a disciple of Jesus Christ?

5. Since we’re living through a time of great disagreement about how to deal with the global pandemic (especially in terms of when or how to re-start public gatherings and our economy) what are some practical decisions we might make or approaches we might seek to live, that will help us adhere to what Paul refers to as “a still more excellent way.” (1st Corinthians 12:31) which he then shows in chapter 13 with his description of Love?

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Discussion Questions May 10, 2020

Read Acts 18:1-11 & 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
1) Can you think of a time in your own life when your efforts
produced “mixed results”? What emotions accompanied that
experience for you?

2) In Corinth, Paul was “opposed and reviled” by some, but there
were others who became believers, dear friends, and co-partners
with Paul in mission. How do you imagine this experience felt for
Paul?

3) How was the response to Paul’s message similar to what Jesus
experienced during his time of ministry? What can we glean from
both Paul & Jesus related to our own ministry efforts among our
neighbors and in our community?

4) Paul received multiple sources of encouragement during his time
in Corinth: the hospitality of Aquila & Priscilla, the arrival of Silas
& Timothy, and a vision from the Lord. What sources of
encouragement have you received in these past several weeks?
Pause to thank God for them!
5) In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul addressed divisions within
the church. Throughout this pandemic, where have you seen or
experienced prior divisions being overcome? Where have you
seen or experienced new divisions forming?
6) Paul’s appeal for the Corinthian believers to be “united in mind
and purpose” is rooted in the “power of the cross”—through
which boundaries and divisions are overcome. How can we, as the
church, be “united in mind and purpose” even when there are
disagreements among us?
Putting it into practice:
Paul offered encouragement, guidance, and blessing through writing
letters. Even when he wasn't able to be with people, he found
meaningful ways to stay connected. How could you offer
encouragement, guidance (where asked for), and blessing to others
during this time? What will you commit to do this week?

Discussion Questions May 3, 2020 

Acts 17:1-5 

17 After Paul and Silas had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three sabbath days argued with them from the scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This is the Messiah, Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you.” 4 Some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews became jealous, and with the help of some ruffians in the marketplaces they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. While they were searching for Paul and Silas to bring them out to the assembly, they attacked Jason’s house. 

1st Thessalonians 1:1-3 

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
 Grace to you and peace. 2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

1. The reading from Acts 17:1-5 describes the earliest days of Paul’s missionary work in Thessalonica. How did he experience success through his efforts? How did he experience hardship? 

2. The ones mentioned as his adversaries are referred to as “the Jews”. Did all the Jews he met at Thessalonica become his adversaries? Were any of those who became part of the new Christian community established also parts of the Jewish community? 

3. If all you had to go on was the Acts 17 description of Paul’s earliest experiences there, what would be your assessment of Paul’s initial ministry among the Thessalonians? 

4. The reading from 1st Thessalonians 1:1-3 includes the first few verses of Paul’s letter. Some time has passed since his missionary work among the people of that community. What’s surprising about the thankfulness in Paul’s letter even after “the uproar in Thessalonica” described in Acts? 

5. Let’s take careful note of what Paul is so thankful about... and what he is not thankful for. He never mentions being thankful for the uproar. But he is thankful for what he remembers from the people of that community and he describes as “works of faith” and “labors of love” and “steadfastness of hope”. How is it possible to be thankful for the biggest things, even when also living with or through hardships in life? 

6. When it comes to the power of Christ’s resurrection, lives and communities get re-defined. The mission statement of LUMC connects to this power of God through Jesus Christ (“Inviting people to relationship with Jesus and each other so lives and communities are changed.”). Can you identify a way that your life or community has been re-defined lately and that you are less than fully thankful for? How about something you are also experiencing from God about which you, like Paul, are thankful for? 

Join us for worship as we ask the questions "what if...".

Discussion Questions                April 26, 2020 

John 20:24-29

1.  In today’s sermon, we were invited to ask some “what if” questions about Judas.  What if Judas would have waited longer before ending his life?  Long enough that he encountered Jesus risen from the grave?  What do you think it would have been like for Judas and Jesus to have met each other at some point on that first Easter Sunday?

2.  In the reading from the gospel of John, we hear the story of Thomas and Jesus’ other disciples which took place a week after Easter Sunday.  What is your understanding of Jesus’ words of greeting when he miraculously appeared: “Peace be with you”?

3.  When Jesus responded to Thomas’ declaration of faith, he said in vs. 29” “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”  What’s been helping us lately to believe even though we are not always seeing?  And what are we truly seeing lately, that is also helping us to believe?

4.  The mission of Lithopolis UMC is all about inviting ourselves and others to relationship with Jesus and each other.  What if we focused on living out that mission even now?  What if either on Facebook or in other ways, we offered to share our online worship videos?  What if we started making plans now for when small groups of people can once again safely gather together (like hosting a “watch & worship party” or home-study group)?

5.  Here’s a more personal question that we may be okay sharing with others, or possibly we might choose to consider this more in our own hearts and thoughts.  Can you identify some memories from over the years that might cause you to ask yourself, “What if…?”  So, what if we left our regrets in God’s hands and looked with hope toward what God will do?  How would that make a difference in our lives?

Our story doesn't end with Easter...or the coronavirus.  Before we go decide to go back to "normal" or Palm Sunday people, let's see what God is wanting to change in and around us right now.

Discussion Questions - April 19, 2020

Read Acts 1:1-8

1) Can you think of a time in your own life when you found yourself asking the question: Now what? Share about that experience. What ended up happening next? How was that experience formative for you?

2) What do you think prompted the disciples to ask the question: “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” In what ways might we be asking similar questions today?

3) What is your initial reaction to Jesus’ response? How do you think the disciples felt about Jesus’ response to them?

4) In his message, Alex talked about death and resurrection as not only a history-changing event, but as “the divine pattern for transformation.” How have you seen that pattern at work in your own life and in your own heart?

5) Where have you already seen that pattern at work in our current crisis? Where do you see potential for that “divine pattern for transformation” to be present in the days ahead?

6) Do you agree that “this is our chance to define a new version of normal”? Why or why not? How do you feel about that “opportunity”? What do you envision that “new version of normal” will look like for you? What things in your life might best remain “torn down”—or on pause—when we come to the other side of this crisis?

Join us for Easter Sunday.  Let's celebrate the risen Lord together!

The Seven Next Words of Jesus after he rose from the tomb:

1.  “Who are you looking for?”  (John 20:15)

If you take seriously that Jesus has conquered death for all who follow him, how might that make a difference in who or what you are looking for in life?

2.     “Greetings… Don’t be afraid”  (Matthew 28:9-10)

How is Jesus’ word of reassurance helping us where we might be afraid today?

 
3.  “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?”  (Luke 24:17)

Is there sadness you too could describe to Jesus as he invites you to share your heart… as he invites us to know that he listens?

 
4.   “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36; John 20:19)

Jesus talked about peace a lot.  Peace on earth as in “the things that make for peace”… Peace of heart and mind as in “Peace be with you”… After seeing Jesus die on the cross, perhaps as much as anything, what was not filling the hearts and minds of the disciples was in fact, PEACE.

Remember John 14:27… not long before Jesus’ arrest…

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

The message that Jesus is risen from the grave is meant to change everything.  And if we embrace that good news, it truly does.

Where are you in need of the peace of God through Jesus Christ?

 

5.  “Go into the world” “As the Father has sent me, so I send you”  (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:45-49; John 20:21)

“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” attributed to St. Francis of Assisi.

How might God be calling you right now to go into the world at your place of work or your neighborhood… to be sent by Jesus to share the good news by word and action?

 

6.   “Have you caught any fish? (John 21:5)  ...No?  Then cast your nets on the other side of your boat.

Where are our lives RIGHT NOW teaching us or showing us that there are things which haven’t been working for a long time and that we can do something different?

7.   “Wait for the gift” (Acts 1:4)

This word refers to the gift of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide and teach and empower us.  Jesus’ seventh word after he arose tells us to: “Wait for what God will do… wait for the gift that is to come.”

What are you waiting for God to do in you?  Are you open to living a life more focused on God as you wait for God’s gift?

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Discussion Questions:  
Read Mark 11:1-11

1) How would you describe what you are hoping (and praying) for right now? Does that hope feel more rooted in your own will or in God’s will? How do you discern the difference between the two?

2) Palm Sunday is typically a celebratory day. We sing “hosanna” and our kids parade through the sanctuary with palm branches, even though Good Friday is right around the corner. What does it look like (and feel like) for you to celebrate the kingship of Jesus right now, even in the midst of the collective uncertainty, hardship, and sorrow we are all living with?

3) What one thing can you do this week to intentionally remind
yourself of the truth that God is in charge?

(Having difficultly thinking of something? Here are a few suggestions.)

Bible Readings for Holy Week:
Monday – Mark 11:12-33 
Tuesday – Mark 12:1-44 
Wednesday – Mark 13:1-37 
Thursday – Mark 14:1-31
Friday – Mark 14:32-15:41 
Saturday – Mark 15:42-47 
Sunday – Mark 16:1-20
 
Some possible ways to connect with God & be reminded of God’s faithfulness...
- read Scripture daily (you could start with our Holy Week readings!)
- watch the sunrise or sunset (and be thankful for the gift of a new day or the day that is drawing to a close)
- post a Bible verse on your bathroom vanity or in another prominent location in your house (maybe even try to memorize it by the end of the week!)
- take a break from the news to listen to worship music or your favorite hymns
- call a friend to encourage them (and be encouraged by them!)
- write out your prayers in a journal
- go for a walk in the woods (and pay attention to the new growth that is popping up!)
- pray with a liturgy

Here are a couple online options:
commonprayer.net sacredspace.ie

- read a daily devotional

There are several that are free and available online. Here are just a few:
Our Daily Bread – odb.org
The Upper Room – upperroom.org
God is with Us (from our district superintendent, Tim Bias) –
transformingmission.org/god-is-with-us
Daily Hope with Rick Warren - pastorrick.com/devotional
Daily Meditations from Henri Nouwen –henrinouwen.org/resources/daily-
meditation

Discussion and Reflection Questions – March 29, 2020 

How are you... really? What one word would you use to describe how you have been doing over this past week? 

What might be one thing that would help you today, or tomorrow? Something specific. 

Our Bible reading today seemed to start out with a casual observation about the Temple of Jerusalem and the huge stones used to construct the ancient buildings. But Jesus pointed out how temporary are even the most impressive human achievements. What has the Coronavirus experience begun to teach us about temporary things on which we might often depend? Are there more valuable parts of life that you are appreciating more under these circumstances? What are they? 

Today’s sermon brought up something that often makes us uncomfortable: not knowing. Can you think of some questions you have, that for now are unable to be answered? What makes that hard? And how can our faith in God through Jesus Christ help with our limited knowledge and understandings? 

The Bible makes it clear that no one can know the when, and people often get confused (or do not agree) about the what when it comes to the 2nd coming of Jesus and the end of the age. So we rightly turn to a focus on how to live in the meantime. Can you identify 1, 2 or 3 things you might list that you will choose to do as a way to live out your faith even in a season like this with so many questions? 

Today’s sermon shared several things that are happening through the church and there are many, many creative things people are doing to help the community in our homes, extended families and neighborhoods. Please feel free to share an email or phone call to the church to tell about how you are living in the meantime as a person of faith ([email protected]; 614-837-2230). 

Our world is filled with uncertainty these days.  The Israelites faced also had their fair share of uncertain times and challenging situations.  Instead of capitalizing on their fear, the prophet Jeremiah spoke words of truth and comfort to them.  He wanted to fill their hearts and minds with God's truth - "do not fear", "I am with you", "I will hear you".  Join us as Pastor Alex walks us through Jeremiah 29 and the hope God give us.

Our series during this season of Lent brings an invitation that we: “Love God, Love People, and Live Like Jesus”.  That may sound deceptively simple.  If you’ve ever tried to love someone, let alone love God, you’ve probably discovered that there are several things always involved.  Decisions about our highest priorities.  A willingness to look at a matter from someone else’s point of view.  In short, what’s always involved is what Jesus both taught and showed: that living his way means putting ourselves last and seeking to serve others rather than seeking to be served.  The six weeks of Lent are meant to help us take stock of our lives and open our hearts to God in ways that lead to spiritual growth and even to changed lives.  Here’s something I try to remember that always helps with such a thing:  It is always much less about what I can do for myself (even with great determination) and always so much more about what only God can do to transform and renew my nature from the inside to the outside.  Growing spiritually taps into God’s grace in just that way.