Prayer
Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
Opening Question
Summer is winding down for many people in the next few weeks. What’s one fun thing you’d like to do before it’s over?
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.
I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.
Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.– Psalm 119:105-112
Trusting the Bible Historically
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan shared data on how the New Testament excels as a historically accurate text, its manuscripts and fragments being both numerous and verified as being written early in its timeline.
Does the data presented in the sermon impact how you view the New Testament?
How would you talk about the historical accuracy of scripture with a friend or acquaintance who might doubt its veracity?
If you are particularly interested in history and how it relates to your faith, are there any books or resources you could recommend to others?
Trusting the Bible Scientifically
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan pointed out that the Bible is not primarily a scientific text, and is actually many different genres of literature gathered into one. He encouraged us to read scripture with an eye toward seeking the author’s intent in any given book or chapter, given the type/genre of literature it is.
What resources do you use (study bibles, websites, books, podcasts, etc.) to aid you in knowing what the author’s intent was for any given book of the Bible?
Do you tend to enjoy books of the Bible that are similar in genre (ie. Old Testament narrative, poetry and wisdom literature, epistles, New Testament narrative)? Are there any parts of scripture you tend to avoid reading?
If you are particularly interested in science and how it relates to your faith, are there any books or resources you could recommend to others?
Trusting the Bible Culturally
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan encouraged us to lean in when something in scripture offends our cultural ideas and perspectives, to ask why it’s offensive and if we are sure it’s teaching us what we first assume it is.
What practices help you remain faithful to God’s authority and lordship when you are working through feeling offended by something in scripture?
Cultural beliefs and values vary in the world, and our own culture’s beliefs and values change as time moves on. What spiritual advice can you offer someone navigating different people, places, and systems?
If you are particularly interested in how our culture interacts with our faith, are there any books or resources you could recommend to others?
Trusting the Bible Personally
In the sermon, Pastor Morgan reminded us that everything we read in the Bible is really meant to point us to Jesus and the truth of the gospel.
What is one passage or verse that you find particularly meaningful personally?
How does the truth of the gospel shape your daily life and choices?
What role does reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible play in your faith?
Closing Thought
In your final time together, spend some time thanking God for the gift of the Bible, and ask him to help us be faithful to him as we read scripture and grow in our understanding of it.