Group Discussion & Life Challenge
Use these notes as discussion prompts for your group, or in your personal time with God.
Connect:
Get to know each other. Connect, warm up to each other, fellowship.
Care:
Carry each other’s burdens. Share life’s challenges and practice Soul Care. Pray together.
Challenge:
1. What’s the difference between guilt and shame, and why is it so important for us?
2. What has been your experience with “The Shame Cycle” that Aaron presented?
3. Why do quick-fix, short-term band-aid solutions fail to produce lasting change in our lives?
4. What are some of the deceptions, fears, or unmet needs and longings that are sometimes unearthed in a season of reflection and repentance?
5. Have you ever struggled with lingering shame – shame that hangs around long after repentance and forgiveness? What truths can we affirm to combat the underlying lies of lingering shame?
6. How does confession to God and confession to others help us in the restoration and healing process?
7. As a group, talk about ways in which you might be able to incorporate confession with one another.
Clarify:
Does anyone need clarity on something? Are there any big God questions you are wrestling with?
Celebrate:
Celebrate life’s successes and God’s provision. Worship God’s presence. Time to brag about God.
BibleApp
Through the Bible in one Year
Join us in reading through the entire Bible in one year. Each day of this plan guides you through passages from both the Old and New Testaments, allowing you to see connections between the history of our faith, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Readings average four chapters in length, so it is posible to do. When you use the YouVersion Bible App, you can even have the app read the Bible text to you – very useful when you are in the car or otherwise occupied with your hand.
All you need to do is click the link to the Bible Plan, which should lead you straight to the Bible app. Your two options are now (1) to read the plan on your own, one day at the time. Or (2) you can make it more fun and rewarding, by sharing the plan with one or more friends, and then even “Talk about it”.