ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

PICTURES OF THE CHURCH 5: GOD'S FAMILY

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions on the fifth of our series on Pictures of the Church. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. In what ways do you think of God as 'Father'? How did this come about in your life?

2. Here's something written by the apostle John: 'How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!' (1 John 3:1). Why is the truth that Christians are God's children a result of the fact that he loves us? What has God done to bring this about?

3. Now turn to Hebrews 12:4-13. What aspects of the parent-child relationship are being highlighted here?

4. In what ways do you think you have experienced what this passage is talking about?

5. Having God as Father means that we also have our fellow Christians as brothers and sisters. What difference does this make? How do you feel about this?

6. Have a look at each of the following passages in turn: Galatians 6:9-10, Acts 4:34-35, Galatians 6:1-2. What do these verses tell us about what is involved in being a member of the Christian family?

7. How are these different aspects reflected in the life of our church?

8. Do you think we could improve? How?

9. Take some time to pray about the different things you have talked about in this study.

David Stone
23 June 2008