CARING TIME / 45 Minutes

CARING TIME / 45 minutes

Talk briefly about who you know that would benefit from an invitation to the next meeting.

Who has snacks (or portion of the meal) next week? (if your group is just having snacks, someone volunteer to make a snack signup sheet and pass it around next meeting)

[for groups with children: Who is responsible for childcare and/or children’s teaching next meeting?]

Prayer Requests: Go around the group and let anyone answer this question:

“How can we help you in prayer this week?”

Prayer: Close with a short time of prayer, remembering the requests that have been shared. (However, you don’t have to re-read all the requests, since God heard about them when they were mentioned. Encourage everyone to remember these throughout the week.)

Remember also to pray for the “Empty Chair” - asking God to fill it and give us the opportunity this week to invite someone to come to the next meeting.

—————

End with snacks (if no meal)

(remember to be sensitive to your host’s time schedule)

Small Groups

ICE-BREAKER / 10-15 minutes

[If you have new guests, make sure to tell your name when answering the Ice Breaker question]

- The best gift I’ve ever received is.

[If you want to sing a couple of songs, now might be a good time. If you have children, consider having a brief prayer time with them before then head of to class or whatever is planned for them.]

BIBLE DISCUSSION / ~30 minutes

Introduction:

Have someone read aloud the Scripture passage [or have each person read one verse a piece as you go around the group] . Then read the first question and let anyone speak up.

Remember there are no right or wrong answers — so don’t be afraid to share. Be sure to wrap up in time to save enough time for the Caring Time. (you don’t have to ask all the questions)

HEBREWS 11: 1-2, 8-16 – Ancient Faith

1. In the definition and focus of verse 1, what verbs describe faith? What is the object of these verbs?

2. I think our faith should be focused toward:

a. the past – remembering what God has done.

b. the present – making faithful decisions in all circumstances

c. the future – living expectantly, trusting that God is working things out for the best.

d. other ______

3. If you were Abraham in verse 8-10, what would you think about God sending you someplace without even telling you where?

a. excited – I love a good mystery

b. uneasy – I like to know the plan first

c. frustrated – It takes me a long time to pack

d. confused – I thought here was where God wanted me to stay

e. other ______

[if someone knows what promises God made to Abraham about his future children, tell the group – Genesis 15:5; 17:2,6]

4. How is faith demonstrated or explained in Abraham’s life in verses 11-12?

Read Hebrews 11:32-40

5. List some of the great accomplishments that were made in faith?

6. List some of the prices paid in faith?

7. Based on the lives of these faithful people, what do you think about faith?

a. it’s exciting – never a dull moment

b. it’s motivating – I want to accomplish something great too

c. it’s scary – some difficult times ahead?

d. it’s intriguing – not sure yet what it all means

Wrap up:

1. Who in the hall of fame of faith in Hebrews 11 is a hero for you? Why?

2. From the answers given from question 1) above, what are some character traits or habits that you would like to possess?

3. What can members of this group do to help you gain some of the character traits or habits that you mentioned?

4. If you were to set some faith goals for the future, what would they be?

This week: ______

This month: ______

This year: ______

Next five years: ______

Ten or more years out: ______

______