- Does this message to the church in Smyrna sound very encouraging to you? Why or why not?
- In what ways are Christians today drawn to a strategic alliance with government? What are the dangers?
- Does the persecuted church in other parts of the world occupy much of your attention? Why?
- Why do people see death as such a negative thing?
- What are the benefits and detriments of having a church in a place that’s known for immorality?
- Why do you think Christians who really emphasize the truth might have a harder time being loving?
- What memories do you have that bring you closer to a loving mindset?
- How hard is it to love people while hating what they do?
- What is the greatest blessing (besides salvation) that you have ever received?
- In what ways does looking at your future without God lead to fearful living?
- How does your faith affect you in the face of death?
- In what ways can you bless others in your life?
- How do you decide when enough is enough? What boundaries do you draw in your life?
- Have you ever suffered because of bad leadership? Have others ever suffered because of your poor leadership?
- Why is the idea of sacrifice such a big thing to God?
- What do you think makes people so cheap toward God?
- Who are some of the people who would be on your list of those who supported you and never got credit?
- Why is it so easy to forget about people who have helped us in the past?
- Who is a person who has come to mind for you as one who supported you and didn’t receive a lot of credit?
- Does our culture make it hard for leaders to be honest about their flaws?
- What does Memorial Day mean to you?
- What is the greatest act of faith you have witnessed personally?
- What would you have done in Abraham’s situation?
- What in your life is hard for you to trust God with?
- When are the times in your life when you have truly grown to know the Lord?
- Which of the mothers we looked at in this study was your personal favorite? Why?
- Which of the mothers in this study remind you most of your mother? Why?
- Which of these mothers get less attention than they deserve?
- What is the biggest impact your mom had on your life?
- Which mom other than your own had the greatest impact on your life?
- What has been your favorite worship experience in your life? What made it so special?
- Why do you think David used extreme weather conditions as a part of his description of God?
- Do you have more of a tendency to identify with your successes or your failures? Why?
- Why is it so rare to see great people who are truly humble?
- Have you ever had things happen in your life that seemed horrible at the time but you realize now that they were beneficial?
- Have you ever had God lead you to do something that most people thought was wrong?
- What are some of the greatest ethical dilemmas you’ve faced?
- Do you have any loose ends you should probably be tying up in your life?
- Have you ever struggled to find your place in the world?
- Have you ever had an opportunity to be promoted beyond your level of giftedness?
- Why is it so much easier to criticize the job others are doing rather than to do something yourself?
- When do you feel most like you are in your wheelhouse?
- Why does God seem to prefer using flawed people?