Small Group Questions for Guest Speaker Series Week 5 Justin Raulston

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1) Icebreakers: 
 

a) One illustration given in the sermon was about "Sea World". Have you ever been to Sea World? What was your experience like? Did you sit in the splash zone?
 

b) Another topic discussed during the sermon was "hiding". Would you rather play hide and seek in a dark, abandoned building or in a large, open field? Are you any good at hide and seek? When was the last time you played?
 

2) "Hiding" is mentioned often in the Bible

a) In Psalm 139:7-12, the psalmist acknowledges that God is everywhere and there is no place where we can hide from Him. Why do we sometimes try to hide from God, and how can we learn to be more open and honest with Him? In what ways have you tried to hide from God? Or what have you tried to hide from Him?
 

b) In Genesis 3:8-10, Adam and Eve hid from God after they sinned. What were the consequences of their decision to hide, and how can we learn from their mistake?
 

c) In John 3:19-21, Jesus speaks about how people sometimes hide their sins because they are afraid of being exposed. How can we overcome our fear of being exposed and learn to confess our sins to God and others?
 

d) In 1 John 1:5-10, John writes about the importance of walking in the light and confessing our sins. Why is it important to be honest with ourselves and with God about our sins, and what are the benefits of doing so?
 

3) Committing to the "slash zone" can appear uncomfortable. Justin, the speaker, discusses the idea that a full commitment to the full experience of God is important to our journey will Christ.
 

a) Luke 9:57-62, Jesus speaks to several people who express a desire to follow him, but are hesitant to fully commit. What do these interactions teach us about the importance of fully committing to God, even if it means sacrificing other things in our lives?
 

b) In James 1:22-25, James speaks about the importance of not just hearing God's word, but also doing what it says. What are some practical ways we can put our faith into action and fully commit ourselves to following God's will?
 

c) 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul reflects on his own life of ministry and the importance of persevering and finishing well. What are some of the challenges we may face in fully committing ourselves to God over the long term, and how can we stay faithful and focused on our calling?
 

Pray