Large group - How should we pray?

1. As you know, Jesus taught us how to pray, Matthew 6:9-13. What are the main parts of how we are to pray? 1. “Hallowed be your name.” 2. “Your kingdom come.” 3. “Your will be done.” 4. “Give us today our daily bread.” 5. “Forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors.” 6. “Lead us not into temptation.” 7. “Deliver us from the evil one.” What do each of them mean?

2. There are (at least) five related aspects of prayer.

a. Praise and thanksgiving: (related to “Hallowed be your name”), e.g. Psalm 138 or Psalm 145.

b. Consolation and comfort: e.g. Psalm 88.

c. Healing: e.g. Jeremiah 17:14.

d. Preparation, protection, and the Armor of God: e.g. Ephesians 6:10-17.

e. Praying for others: e.g. Colossians 4:12, Ephesians 6:18-20.

Are there other aspects as well?

3. Luke 11:5-13. “Seek.” Read through the parable; what does it mean? Does seeking imply persistence? What or who are we seeking? Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18. What is the meaning of Luke 11:11-13?

4. Further instructions on prayer, Matthew 6:5-8.

a. “Do not be like the hypocrites.” Why have they received their reward in full? What is their reward?

b. “Do not babble on like the pagans.” What does this mean? Does it mean that long prayers, formulaic prayers, or repetitive prayers are intrinsically bad? Or does it have more to do with an attitude of the heart? Are there pitfalls for long or formulaic prayers? Are they useful?

5. Matthew 6:8. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Why do we pray then? Well, Jesus tells us to. But, Techers like to understand things (and we are called to chase after God with all our heart, mind, and strength). Maybe the power of words (e.g. Hebrews 11:3, Proverbs 18:21)?  How else does prayer make sense biblically?

6. Is it okay to be angry or sad or happy or serious or scared or exhausted or _____ when we pray? See the diversity of the psalms. However, with what attitude do we come before God (e.g. 2 Chronicles 20:12)? What can we ask for (see Ephesians6:18)? Might the answer be ‘no’ (see Luke 11:11-13)?

7. Are seeking to be more like Jesus (e.g. 1 John 2:3-6) and striving to have an attitude of prayer (e.g. Colossians 4:2) intimately tied? How does one gain an attitude of prayer (asking, practicing, Daniel 6:10)? How does that look practically?

8. Matthew 5:44. Is that hard? Discuss.

9. Prayer and action. Jesus’ life included both prayer time and action (check out the gospels). Read 1 John 3:17. How does this tie into prayer?

Large group - Apologetics

This week we will be discussing Apologetics in Large Group. Apologetics comes from a Greek word that means defense, and is often used to refer to defense of the faith. This week we will primarily be focusing on some basic principles and apologetics toward non-theists (agnostics and atheists); we will probably have at least one other large group about apologetics toward non-Christian theists later in the term. 

Discussion Questions

1.       Why apologetics? Why are they important? Matt 28:19-20 and 1 Peter 3:15.
2.       In what spirit should we take up apologetics? (1 Peter 3:15 is also useful here).
3.       When defending the faith, especially in a discussion with a non-believer, what is the end goal? On what time scale should we expect apologetic work to be successful (if at all)? To what degree is this success, or lack thereof, dependent on the efforts of the apologist?
4.       How do we carry out the command in 1 Peter 3:15 if we are not trained in apologetics? What are some common tactics we can use? How can asking the non-believer questions be useful in apologetics?

Some Questions to think about:

1.       Is the absence of evidence itself evidence of absence? Under what conditions might this be true and under what conditions might this be false?
2.       Does the atheist have to prove his viewpoint or does the burden of proof only fall on the believer?
3.       A common question is “are things good because God commands them or does God command things that are independently good?” Is either of these viewpoints correct? Is there another option?
Feel free to share questions that you have seen or been asked before and discuss them.

Notes from FBM #1

FBM 1 - Notes on what went well and what didn't go well this year as well as suggestions on how we can do things differently (or keep things the same)

• Club Fair/Frosh
• Flyers are good
• The flyers are updated; Robb will print more
• Give out easter eggs with verse+candy
• Buy a bunch for next year…
• Frosh outreach – have a lunch/dinner to meet frosh at the beginning of the year
• Many frosh come first large group, half come to second, and then third and beyond continue to come
• Visit the frosh who come to the first large group and those who check the CCF box on prefrosh interest sheets at their rooms
• A group of 5, 10 people with doughnuts/chocolate visiting the rooms of these frosh
• Writing to prefrosh postcards before the start of term inviting them to come
• 24 hour prayer vigil
• everyone signs up for a 30 min or 1 hour shift praying for the prefrosh, the harvest, the year
• Turtle Prayer
• Hard to find a time that works for everyone
• David likes afternoons, Daniel likes mornings
• Good time of fellowship
• Can be used for finding discipleships
• Two-tiered form:
• Catch-up / fellowship
• Prayer
• Once a week morning, once a week evening, the rest afternoon
• Sync CCF calendar to phone, keep it up to date
• One week of prayer before classes at 7 am – keep, good for frosh
  
  

Large group - Not just sacrifice...

1. Read Hosea 6:4-6. Now read Matthew 12:3-8: what do these words mean, “For I desire mercy not sacrifice…?” Who’s mercy? Who’s sacrifice? See also Matthew 9:10-13.

2. 1 Samuel 15:22-23. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” How is this the same as desiring mercy and not sacrifice? Why is obedience better than sacrifice? Do obedience and sacrifice sometimes go hand-in-hand (see, e.g., Jesus’ example in Luke 22:42)? How can we tell whether we are being asked to sacrifice? Is extra sacrifice, for the sake of sacrifice, more commendable (see also Matthew 10:16 and compare with 1 Peter 3:17).

3. Freedom in Christ; Galatians 5:1. What does it mean to be free in Christ (see Galatians 5:2-6, for example, where Paul chastises those who depend on something other than Christ’s resurrection)?

4. A BIG QUESTION. Romans 14:15, how do we decide whether to refrain from an activity (assuming it’s not blatantly a sin…); see also 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 10:23 and context.

5. Compare these two types of ‘freedom:’ freedom in Christ and ‘freedom’ from lawlessness (i.e. ‘doing whatever you want’); see 1 John 3:4. Where does freedom in Christ lead to, where does ‘freedom’ in lawlessness lead to; see Romans 6:15-23? Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; in Christ there is freedom and that freedom leads to transformation.

6. Romans 14:1-23 (see also Colossians 3:12-17). Think about this in the context of 1 Corinthians 12 (the Body of Christ).  Discuss Romans 14:1; what are disputable matters? Romans 14:4, how can we judge others when we do not know their heart (what are the two ways that we are allowed to judge biblically: Matthew 7:16-20, Galatians 1:8-9)? Romans 14:8, how should we govern our actions and decide whether what we are doing is in accordance with living like Jesus? What is the meaning of Romans 14:19-21?

Large Group - Maturity and the Rag Program

Hi CCFers,

In our final Large Group of term, we will be talking about Christian maturity. To contextualize this conversation, we will examine a “coming-of-age” program (called the YMCA Rag Program) involving different stages that one will encounter as a maturing Christian.  In the early 1990s CCF adopted the Rag Program and modified it slightly to suit the needs of our fellowship (although, like many things we do, it is a purely optional program designed only as a tool and a framework for personal growth as a Christian). Through the lens of the Rag Program, we will examine seven different ‘steps’ of growth to maturity as a Christian and emulating Jesus more and more (although, again, there are clearly other ways of thinking about it!). Jonathan Gardner, a CCF alumnus will be joining us to share his perspective on “The Rag.”

May you know faith, hope, and love,

Peter

P.S. Here are the discussion topics:

1. Do all mature Christians look the same? Recall our discussions of 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 and Ephesians 4:1-6. Are unity and uniformity different?

2. The Rag Program divides up the path to maturity into seven different colors, with each step building on the lessons learned and growth in the early steps. The ‘goal’ of dividing it into different steps is to allow one to focus on particular areas of growth. My personal experience (and of many ‘Raggers’ I have talked to) is that this works. In general, for each step, one chooses a mentor (someone who has already taken the challenge to grow in the ways defined by that particular color), and creates 3ish personal goals related to the general theme of the color, and then asks for God’s help to grow generally in the theme of that color and specifically for those personal struggles. As many of us know, asking God to grow us can be quite scary! The mentor is often a good way to start a discipleship and to help guide us as we grow.

The colors (very briefly):

1. Blue, “Leaving.” The general theme can be summed up as making a commitment to Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  That is, to take a first step into devoting your life to God and to trusting Him. What are some of the things that stand in our way of making this commitment?

2. Silver, “Finding.” The theme of the Silver Rag is to commit to finding out more about who God is—a servant God—and to commit to emulate him, as well as to finding out more about who you yourself are. Philippians 2:5-11 and Luke 10:27 touch on this idea. What are some ways we can understand who God is (scripture, prayer?)? How can we better understand who we are (perhaps in community with others?)?

3. Brown, “Service.” The commitment to the brown rag is the commitment to grow in service and the building of a servant’s heart. Matthew 25:34-36 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 introduce these concepts nicely. In what ways can we serve individually, as a group? How can we develop and grow a servant’s heart (maybe asking God, or choosing to act in a particular way even when we don’t feel like it)?

4. Gold, “Understanding.” The gold rag is the commitment to take service to an even deeper level, more than just providing for the general needs that we all have. This commitment is to grow to a level of understanding of those around you that you can serve them personally and know how to build them up, even when they are different than you. Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 generally describe the commitment of the gold rag. How can we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes; how can we love one another personally?

5. Red, “Sacrifice.” Taking the red rag means that you are committing to sacrifice of your time, talents, and personal will and to submit fully to God. This is a hefty commitment. The challenge of the red rag is well summed up in Isaiah 6:8 and Matthew 26:39.

6. Purple, “Deepening.” For n raggers, there exist > n+1descriptions of the purple rag. To me, the mood of Psalm 139 comes closest to capturing the feeling of the purple rag, that of deepening in understanding of the five commitments that have come before the commitment to the purple rag.

7. White, “Standing (A Lifetime Commitment to Christian Service).” Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” The white rag is the commitment to be a disciple of Jesus, through-and-through, that to be a Christian is the defining characteristic of who you are.

Large group - Leadership

Hi CCFers,

This week we will be talking about leadership, looking at both biblical examples and thinking about leadership in CCF (including a brief introduction about how leaders are chosen next term).  First and foremost, we must remember that we serve a servant God who, though He is master of the universe, humbles himself to die for us.

May you know faith, hope, and love,

Peter

P.S. I have attached this week’s discussion questions below:

1. Our God is a servant God. How does Jesus call us to lead (Matthew 20:25-28)? See also Philippians 2:5-11. What happens when we don’t lead as servants?

2. 1 Samuel 8:1-22. Start with 1 Samuel 8:3-5; is there an extra special responsibility to walk in God’s ways as a leader? Compare how Samuel’s sons acted with the way Daniel (who also has much power) acts in Daniel 2:27-28 and Daniel 2:46-47. Now continue on in 1 Samuel: what does God say to Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:6-8? What is the importance of this? Samuel warns the people in 1 Samuel 8:10-18 (if you’re familiar with 1 and 2 Kings, did this happen?); now consider the state of the world, or simply the USA. How does it compare with Samuel’s warning?  In 1 Samuel 8:19 the people ask to be like all the other nations. How does this compare with Matthew 20:25-28?

3. What happens when we don’t listen to God (as leaders)? See 1 Samuel 15:26; see also Ezekiel 34:1-16. How can we be good stewards of leadership and listen to God and walk in His ways (hint: think back to previous Large Groups)? Perhaps Proverbs 11:14 is helpful?

4. Nehemiah 5:1-18. How does Nehemiah help the poor?  Is he firm? Do you think that the nobles liked hearing what he was saying? Now, zoom in on Nehemiah 5:17-18. Nehemiah gives up many things that are his right as governor. But he still has some ‘perks’ (i.e. he still has food made for him every day and wine prepared for him frequently and lots of people come dine at his table). Are there some benefits due to a leader? How much? How little? How does Nehemiah choose what is enough and what is too much?

5. Exodus 18:13-26. Is it okay to delegate? Is it okay not to delegate? In which circumstances? What does this story about Moses tell us? How should one delegate tasks (see Nehemiah 13:13, for example)?

6. Take a look at Hebrews 13:17. Leaders have special responsibility and special obligation to serve; being a leader is not easy (see, e.g., Numbers 11:1-23). What are ways that we can support those who have chosen to take on the burden of service and leadership?

7. Discuss how Family Business Meetings (FBMs) work to pick leaders for CCF.

Large Group - Service

1.  Love. Perhaps one of the best known passages on love is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. How does love relate to service? Is love a feeling, or an attitude, or a decision, or all of these, or something else? Connect this with Philippians 2:1-4; how does humility fit into the picture (Romans 12:3-21 and 1 Peter 5:6)?

2. Acts 20:32-35, Matthew 25:34-46. Here are some passages about service. How do they relate to love? See an example of Pharisee-ism (Matthew 23:4; especially, “will not lift a finger”). How is service at odds with Pharisee-ism; how are the hearts and attitudes different?

3. Let’s look at faith and works in James 2:14-26. What is the difference between faith and works?  How are they complementary? How does this passage relate to our discussion of the previous questions? What is the attitude behind service?  Does that attitude come naturally?  Can that attitude be built up? How?

4. Here is a poem/prayer about service, from the YMCA Rag Program:

O, Lord, I pray, that from this day
No love of ease
Nor pride prevent my good intent
Not to be pleased, but to please.
This, too, I pray, that from this day
I may not swerve
By foot or hand from Thy command
Not to be served, but to serve.

Is it easy to serve?  How does this poem/prayer make you feel?  Mark 10:43-45 might be encouraging. Whose example do we follow; why do we serve?  Recall what Jesus has done for us (stop and think about it!). As always, where does our strength come from (see Isaiah 40:29-31, Psalm 119:28)? How are ways we can be strengthened to serve (see prayer & scripture: Psalm 1, speech: Proverbs 10:11 & Ephesians 4:29, works: Hebrews 10:24-25). Will being in a community of people living out their faith strengthen us and encourage us (see 1 Thessalonians 3:6)?

5. Discussion about how we (as CCF) want to put this discussion into action.