August 2014 – Mariners Church Flow Questions

Daniel 3:1-30 // Bow Down For What?!: Epic Wk 8

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some bold ways you’ve shown support for a team or generated awareness for a cause?

Sample answers may include…

Taken a challenge to raise awareness
Painted your face for a game
Ran a marathon
Gave money

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Daniel 3:1-30

What sticks out to you about the story?

What do you learn about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego?

The Story

There is a clash between King Nebuchadnezzar and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
King Nebuchadnezzar builds an image of gold to be worshipped
Music is used to initiate the worship
No one seems to have a problem bowing down except for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego
The penalty for not worshipping the image is death by furnace
King Nebuchadnezzar becomes furious at Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s refusal to bow and throws them into the fiery furnace

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

They are officials in the Babylonian Kingdom
They refuse to bow down and worship the image of gold
They take a stand
They are willing to be thrown into the furnace instead of worshipping the image
God allows them to be thrown into the furnace but shows up in the fire alongside them
The faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego inspires the faith and worship of Nebuchadnezzar
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are a unit or community throughout the story

Commentary: The King of Babylon—King Nebuchadnezzar—conquered Jerusalem and carried away articles from the Temple as well as some of the Israelites from the royal family and nobility (Daniel 1:1-3). These conquered people were to be assimilated into the Babylonian culture by learning the language and literature, eating the food and wine, training, and even receiving Babylonian names. However, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego emerge as unique and exemplary characters for their ability to assimilate while also remaining committed to The Lord.

Look Out // 20 minutes

What are the things people are standing for today?

Leader Note: The question can either solicit positive or negative responses. As a leader, the key is to look for the story behind the response as it can provide some insights into the group member’s life. As always, be ready to provide your own responses and stories to the question, which will invite others to share.

Look In // 15 minutes

Where in your life do you feel nudged to take a stand?

Who are people in your life that could take a stand with you?

Leader Note: The Look In question is designed to let the truth that’s in their heads, sink deep into their hearts. Help your group to identify specific areas where they feel prompted to take a stand. It could be areas such as: an unhealthy relationship, growing debt, problems at work, or taking a stand for faith in Jesus.

Live It Out // 10 minutes

What would happen if this was the week you took your stand?

Leader Note: Listed below is a Key Verse and Key Thought that is designed to help your group have one simple takeaway from the discussion. Encourage the group to possibly memorize the verse and discuss how it impacted them at the next life group gathering. Also, discuss with your group a possible action item to do or experience, in the week ahead, that might help reinforce what you have learned.

Key Verse(s): “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:17-18

Key Thought: Knowing who you are is the secret to where you will place your trust.

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Mark 5:1-20 // Riskology: Epic Wk 7

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s a great risk you’ve taken?

Sample answers may include…

Relocating to a new place, not knowing any one
A business investment
Leaving a career to pursue a dream

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Mark 5:1-20

What do you observe about the man with impure spirits?

What do you learn about Jesus from his interaction with him?

The Man

Lived in isolation, despised and marginalized
Tormented by demonic spirits
Unnatural strength
He knew he Jesus was, the messiah
He knew Jesus’ power
His identity was completely taken over by the demonic spirit… Legion
Once the impure spirits left him his sanity is restored
He wanted to be around Jesus, recongnized what he did for me
He was obedient to Jesus, began telling everyone about Jesus and what he did for him
His life served as a testimony of Jesus healing power for others

Jesus

He notices the man a long way off
He immediately recognizes that the man has an impure spirit
He speaks with authority over the spirits, commands them to leave
He speaks directly to the spirit, not the man
Jesus doesn’t allow the man to just stay with him, he sends him out to tell others

Look Out // 20 minutes

Where have you seen a persons life transformed by Jesus?

Leader Note: Invite stories here from where people have witnessed or been involved in seeing people come to faith in Christ. What were the circumstances, what prompted the change and how has the persons life been impacted?

Look In // 15 minutes

How do you feel about telling your story of faith to others, what holds you back?

Leader Note: This is a great week to refer your group back to Wk 9 of Rooted, Why and How Should I Tell Others? Remind them of the importance in engaging in their story of faith, the before and after pieces of how their life has been impacted by Jesus. You may want to spend time asking each person if they can clearly communicate their “before” and “after” sections. Use some of questions below from Wk 9 of Rooted to help guide the conversation.

Your Story Before…

What was your lifestyle like?
What were your emotions in your day-today life?
How did you deal with challenges, setbacks and crises?
What did you feel was lacking in your life?
What were your hopes and dreams?
What did your relationships look like?

Your Story After…

How has Christ made a difference in your life?
How has forgiveness impacted you?
How have your thoughts, attitudes, and emotions changed?
What has changed in your relationship with others?
How does your faith in Jesus affect your hopes and dreams?

Live It Out // 10 minutes

Who can you share your story of faith with this week?

Leader Note: One of the main components of Life Groups at Mariners is that they would continue to live out the rhythms of Rooted; service, prayer (including breaking strongholds and taking communion) and sharing our faith. Encourage your group to ask the Holy Spirit to increase our awareness of where he leads us to share with others.

Key Verse: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” Mark 5:19a

Key Thought: Jesus transforms our lives to free us and use us to tell others about Him!

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Judges 11 // Let’s Make A Deal: Epic Wk 6

Lean In // 5 minutes

Who have been some “unknown” heroes in your life?

Leader note: We all have people that have positively impacted our lives but are mostly “unknown” to the outside world. Listed below are some suggestions but be ready to jump in and lead the Lean In question with examples of your own. This opening question is designed to engage the whole group and create energy.

Sample answers may include…

Teacher
Coach
Mentor
Co-worker
Neighbor
Youth Worker

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Judges 11:1-8; 29-35

What do you learn about Jephthah and the elders of Gilead?

Sample answers may include…

Jephthah

He is a mighty warrior (v. 1) and a leader (v. 3)
Born into brokenness: His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute (v. 1)
Rejected: …they drove Jephthah away…because [he] was the son of another woman. (v. 2)
God is with him (v. 29)
Jephthah attempts to secure victory through a rash vow (vv. 30-31)

Elders of Gilead

They are in trouble and need a commander to lead the fight (v. 6-7)
The elders represent the people that rejected Jephthah (v. 7)
In desperation, they turn to Jephthah to lead them (v. 8)

Commentary: In Judges 10, we learn of the context for Israel’s situation and the need for Jephthah. Israel had rejected The Lord and began serving other gods (Judges 10:6). As a result, they were crushed and oppressed by their enemies. Out of desperation, the Israelites cry out to the Lord, looking for a deliverer. Help your group to see how the story of Jephthah is an embodiment of Israel’s story. Israel rejected God but then turn to Him out of desperation, just like they did with Jephthah. If you have time, it may be helpful to read Judges 10:6-17 along with Judges 11:1-8 to see the parallels. Also, in Judges 11:29-35, we learn about a vow that Jephthah makes with The Lord in an attempt to secure the victory. It is not clear if the vow meant that he would sacrifice his daughter or dedicate her for a life of service. The thing that becomes clear is the incredible cost of Jephthah’s decision.

Look Out // 10 minutes

When do people turn to God?

What are some of the “deals” people attempt to make with God?

Sample answers may include…

If God bless me financially, then I’ll…
If God takes care of this problem, then I’ll…
If God brings me a spouse, then I’ll…
If God fixes this relationship, then I’ll…

Look In // 20 minutes

Where are you attempting to negotiate a deal with God?

What might it look like to simply turn to Him with no strings attached?

Leader note: We are often unaware of the expectations we bring into a relationship with God. And, although it is very human to do so, they can potentially become damaging when or if the “deal” or expectation goes unmet. As your group wades into the question, help them to identify some of these possible “deals” or expectations and invite them to imagine what it might look like to simply trust God regardless of the outcome.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we let go of the conditions and simply received God’s gift of relationship? What will it speak to those around us?

Key Verse: “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now…” –Judges 11:8a

Key Thought: Victory is given, not negotiated

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Psalms 103

Note that the questions for this week do not correspond to the weekend message. The passage has been selected from last week’s Daily Message reading plan.

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something you dreamed about having growing up that you eventually received?

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Psalms 103 (message translation)

What do you learn about being thankful from the passage?

Leader Note: Psalm 103 reads like a laundry list of things for which we would be thankful. Have someone read the passage and ask the rest of your group to record that list.

Here are some of the observations your group should find in the passage:

The psalmist says we should praise the Lord with our whole heart
We should praise his holy name
Praise with all that I am
Never forget – remember the good things He’s done
He forgives all
He heals all
He redeems us from death
We are crowned with mercy and love
He fills my life with good things
He renews our youth
He gives righteousness and justice to those treated unfairly
He has revealed his character and his deeds
He is compassionate and merciful
Patient and filled with unfailing love (grace)
He will not accuse or remain angry
He does not deal harshly and punish us as we deserve
He doesn’t jus forgive our sins he removes them as far as the east is from the west
He is tender and compassionate like a father to his children
His love remains forever
His salvation extends to generations
Praise him for everything he has created, everything in His Kingdom

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do you see people living thankful lives? Where don’t you? What are the results of each type of living?

Look In // 20 minutes

Where in your life do you express thankfulness? Where don’t you?

Leader Note: Encourage each person to address both sides of this question. In the areas where they find it difficult to be thankful ask them to identify why they think that is and what they need in order to grow in that area.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in you and in the lives of others if you expressed thankfulness in every area of your life?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Matthew 14:22-33 // Man Overboard: Epic Wk4

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some things you are hoping to accomplish “someday”?

Leader note: This question is intended to be light-hearted to get the group talking and create energy. As a leader, jump in and guide the direction and tone of the discussion.

Sample answers may include…

Get married
Have kids
Travel
Go back to school
Buy a boat
Retiring
Learn a skill

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Matthew 14:22-33

What do you observe about Jesus and the disciples?

Sample answers may include…

Jesus

After feeding the five thousand (Matt. 14:13-21), Jesus gets alone to pray (v. 23)
It is Jesus who comes to the disciples (v. 25)
Jesus shows up in the storm, walking on water (vv. 24-25)
Jesus reveals his identity and calms the disciple’s fear (v. 27)
After rescuing Peter, Jesus handles the doubts of the disciples (v. 31)
Jesus calms the storm (v. 32)

The disciples

The disciples battle a storm for most of the night (vv. 24-25)
They are afraid when Jesus comes walking toward them (v. 26)
Wanting Jesus to verify his identity, Peter asks if he can walk on the water too (v. 28)
Peter is the only disciple to get out of the boat and walk on the stormy water (v. 29)
After Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, the disciples confess him as the Son of God (v. 33)

Commentary: When Jesus sends the disciples away by boat, they traveled about a mile or two off shore but were caught up in an intense wind and storm. Also, it was just before dawn before Jesus came to the disciples, which meant they had been battling the wind and storm for a large part of the night. Although they were exhausted, cold, and wet, Matthew focuses on their fear when they see something walking on the water and toward them. Jesus’ walking on water is suggestive of his mastery over the chaos of the storm and the disciple’s fear. Help your group to see that not only can Jesus walk on the stormy waters of life but he also invites us to do the same.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people take risks to start something new?

What are the barriers of launching into something new?

Sample answers may include…

Quitting a job to follow a passion
Adopting kids when the house is full
Moving to a lower income neighborhood because you feel called to it
Giving generously when faced with hardship
Getting out of an unhealthy relationship without knowing what’s next

Look In // 20 minutes

Where in your life is God inviting you to get out of the boat?

What is holding you back?

What’s a truth from the passage that could help you take a step?

Leader note: It is important to help your group understand that just because you take a risk, it doesn’t always mean success. God doesn’t promise success, in the way that we might understand it, but he does promise the power of his presence. When Jesus showed up in the midst of the stormy water, he didn’t immediately calm the storm and fix the situation. However, he did provide his presence and an invitation to step out into the impossible in the midst of the unthinkable. As we take a step of faith, help your group see that we don’t have to be afraid because God is already there.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we responded to God’s invitation and took “that” step out of the boat? How will it strengthen our faith and also inspire the faith of those around us?

Leader Note: As you finish the discussion and enter into a time of prayer, help your group to imagine what it could look like to step out. As a leader, it is difficult to take people to places that you haven’t been. Before leading the group, take some time to consider this question for yourself. What would it look like for you to take a step of faith in a specific area? Find some time this week to pray about where God may be leading you as well as your group.

Key Thought: God invites us into the impossible in the midst of the unthinkable.

Key Verse: But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

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