Care Group Questions

The following are the latest care group questions for May 9th:

  1. Filter through this chapter and isolate the verses or sentences that you personally find most inspirational or comforting. Why?
  2. Think about it—what are some reasons why it is so important for us in the present to keep one eye cocked on our future and not just preoccupied with the challenges and struggles of the moment?

May 2

  1. What are some of the reasons (according to the Scriptures) that God does not hear our prayers (or at least appears not to)? (See James 3.2-3; Romans 8.25; 1 Peter 3.7; Luke 18.1; Matthew 21.22)
  2. What is the overarching principle to take away from verses 15c-20 (see especially verse 20)?

April 18

  1. In verse 6, what do the phrases "while He may be found…while He is near" mean? May not God always be found? Isn't He always near?  Explain.
  2. The first three lines of verse 7 are examples of what is known in Hebrew poetry as synonymous parallelism—lines that all express a kindred idea.  Since this is a patch of text instructing the lost about how to find God and receive His forgiveness, sum up in “one” word the divine stipulation or condition expressed in those three lines.
  3. What are two airtight assurances (in verse 7 last three lines) God gives to those who will in faith repent?
  4. When we individually marinate our minds in God’s Word, when we teach God’s Word faithfully, what can we be sure of, despite appearances maybe to the contrary? Verse 11? (See Hebrews 4:12 for the unique character of the Word of God.)

April 11

  1. If you came to Christ as an adult, relate some of the things that you personally remember trying to relieve your spiritual hunger and thirst when you were still in ‘Babylon’. (Verses 1-2)
  2. Embedded in the language of verses 6-7 are several important truths to share with anyone seeking to know God. Tease them out.
  3. Note carefully what verses 8-11 declare about the word of God. What is so reassuring about those statements?

March 21

  1. In contemporary life where do you see at least a potential duplication of the spirit the Lord reproves in verses 1-2?
  2. Can you think of situations where we may be at risk of misappropriating or miss-assigning God’s glory to another? (Verse 11)
  3. Can you think of circumstances where we may be tempted to transgress God’s precepts or principles under the mistaken notion that doing things God’s way will hurt us and doing things our way will help us?

March 14th

  1. This morning the pastor taught that idolatry is a phenomenon as modern as it is ancient, despite the fact that we do not see physical idols dominating the landscape and devotees bringing offering sacrifices and offering incense before them. Is there any biblical evidence that idolatry is not defined so much by its outer form as by an inner spirit? See Colossians 3:5
  2. In principle, what defines idolatry, according to the pastor? Give some examples. How do we guard against slipping into misplaced trust?
  3. Review your experience with the true and living God and share some instances where the Lord has proved faithful to His promises in your life.

More About Our Community Care Groups

Care Group Activities

The Community Care Ministry is the place where our passion for truth and people is put into practice. We have identified several communities in the Portland Metro area where people who attend Lake Bible Church reside. Within each Community there are one to several Care Groups who carry out the ministry and mission of Lake. These Care Groups focus on study, fellowship, relationships and prayer. In Acts 2:42-47 we see the early church dedicated to the apostles’ teaching, dependent on prayer, committed to the fellowship and engaged in service.

Study - “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching . . .” Acts 2:42(a)

Fellowship – “They devoted themselves to fellowship . . .” Acts 2:42(b)

Relationships - “They devoted themselves to the breaking of bread . . .” Act 2:42(c)

Prayer – “They devoted themselves to prayer . . ” Acts 2:42(d)

The Community Care Ministry is the church in action. We become God’s heart, voice and hands to our church and into the community. Discover your place at Lake Bible Church by becoming involved in your Care Group.

Study

Care Groups meet weekly and study the previous Sunday’s teaching. It is in these groups where God’s Word is examined, discussed and applied. It is about discovering God, His love and His desire for our lives. The Care Groups are the place where questions can be asked; doubts can be expressed; and concerns raised and still experience acceptance, security and love.

Fellowship

Fellowship literally means to have in common. We have a commonality that unites us as believers and these are manifested in the Care Group. At the heart of fellowship is our common belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. We also have a common desire to love God and love others. This is manifested when needs are shared and met through the Care Group as we minister to each other.

Relationships

In the early church the breaking of bread pointed to the relationships that were being built. Not only is our relationship with God strengthen in the Care Group, but our relationships with those in the church and even into the community are embraced. Being loved is at the core of our existence. We crave it; long for it and desperately thirst for it. The Care Group is the place where we experience love at its deepest points. But equally important is our need to love. People need you. God desires you to reveal His affection through your compassion to others especially those who are in the faith. The Care Group provides opportunities for you to love others in the church and community.

Prayer

Just as study opens us to the mind of God, prayer connects us with His heart. The Care Group becomes a place where conversation with God is a reality. When we pray for ourselves, others in our church and for those in the community, we recognize that God does care and He will intervene in accordance with His plan for our lives.

Questions? Contact Lori Miller at lorim@lakebiblechurch.com or 503-699-9840, ext. 207.