Topic: Church
Series: Hearts On Fire Focus Series 1
Title: So The Next Generation Would Know
Text: Psalm 78:1-8
We cannot be so focused on our own spiritual walk that we neglect the spiritual health of the generation after us. How can we help the next generation to know God?
General Questions:
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Sir Isaac Newton, the famous English scientist, once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” How have you benefited from the wisdom of those who came before you?
Perspective Questions:
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Building or investing in the youth is a familiar concept to both believers and non-believers. But what distinguishes believers from non-believers in the way we build the next generation?
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What are some reasons believers may be reluctant to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord” (v4)?
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Our time on earth has an expiration date. After we are gone, what do we want to leave behind for those after us?
Application Questions:
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Among “Build bridges, not walls”, “Role-model commitment to God” and “Influence the youths in our sphere”, what are the immediate steps you can take in the coming weeks? What are efforts the LG can take together, especially during Hope Conference?
With revival comes a fervent longing to live for God and a deep concern for the souls of others. In this 7-part series, discover how we can allow God to search, purify, and ignite our hearts.
Title: Focus 2023
Text: Various
What is the focus of Hope Singapore this year? How does it impact us?
Perspective Questions:
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The Holy Spirit is a refining fire – calling out sins, setting us free, and transforming us to be like Christ. Share one area that the Holy Spirit has started working in your life in 2022. How would you say you have grown since last year?
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This year, our focus is “Hearts on Fire.” We want to see revival in the hearts of individuals. What does revival within a person look like to you? What are some signs that a person has been revived by God?
Application Questions:
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Reflect on the Spirit’s refining work in your life. What is one way you can yield to the Spirit more?
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People who are eager for revival are desperate for God to work deeply within them. How can you prepare yourself for God’s deep work in you this year?
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Consider God’s heart for the youth in Singapore and for believers in other parts of the world. How do you see yourself participating in His ministry among these people groups?
In February 2022, we received a prophetic vision of the Holy Spirit dropping dollops of salt upon each of our tongues to induce an insatiable thirst for more of God.
Come thirsty to receive what God has in store for our church and personal lives as we move forward in 2023.
Series: Let’s Talk About Sexuality
Title: In His Image
Text: Various
In the midst of changing sexual norms, we anchor ourselves in unchanging truths from the Bible that shape our understanding of sexuality, guide our response to pro-homosexuality arguments, and encourage us in our struggles.
General Questions:
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Why do you think it is important that believers understand God’s view of sexuality? What happens if we disregard God’s intent for sexuality? What happens if we live out God’s design for sexuality?
Perspective Questions:
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Reflect on the three points about sexuality: “Sex is a gift from God,” “Sex is a form of worship to God” and “Sex is to be enjoyed within marriage.” How do these biblical truths differ from what the world says about sex?
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In light of the debate over the repeal of S377A (a law that criminalises sex between men), the church in Singapore is forced to clarify its teaching on homosexuality. While it is clear from Scriptures that homosexual behaviour is prohibited, some pro-homosexuality arguments have emerged over the years that do not actually hold water. What are some examples of these arguments? Why do they fail to hold up when confronted with the truths of Scripture?
Application Questions:
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Discuss ways believers can create a safe environment for one another to be open about their struggles, whether sexual or not. What are some fears that we may have when opening up? How can we allay these fears?
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The church needs to be ready to journey together in living out God’s design for sexuality. What are some essentials we must take to go on this journey? What is the destination we are heading towards, and how can we keep on the right track?
Series: A Brick In His House
Title: From Darkness Into Light
Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Christ-followers are called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light. The church, which is the body of Christ, are set apart by God and for God. What does it mean for the Church to be set apart?
General Questions:
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What are the privileges and blessings that you have personally received from Christ since coming to know Him? Share your personal experiences.
Perspective Questions:
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What comes to your mind when you think of holiness? The Church is holy when we are set apart for God’s purposes. What then are God’s purposes? What part do you think you play in fulfilling these purposes as part of the body of Christ?
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Gratefulness for the mercy that we have received from God should be the motivation for us to obey and declare God’s goodness. Why do you think it is important to have the right motivation in obeying or serving God? What will happen if we obey or serve with the wrong motivation? Are there times when you did not have the motivation to serve? Why?
Application Questions:
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How do you think you can participate in God’s purpose for the world through the church? Are there areas that you are prompted to start serving in (e.g. in Church ministries)?
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What are the ways that you think your LG can work together to proclaim Jesus to the pre-believers?
Series: A Brick In His House
Title: From Stones to a House
Text: N.A.
Many structures of wood, brick and steel are built and established by the hands of man. Yet none of them, from shophouse to skyscraper, compares to the Church, the spiritual house of God.
Discover what makes up His House and how we are called to be part of it!
General Questions:
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How did you come to Hope Church? Why did you eventually decide to stay and root yourself here?
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What do you think are the purposes of the church?
Perspective Questions:
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1 Peter 2 talks of Jesus as the cornerstone of the Church. Read up about the functions of the cornerstone in ancient buildings (foundation, reference point, alignment). How should knowing the role Jesus plays in the church affect the way we view and be involved in church? What does it mean for us as believers today?
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Some people think of church as a service, building or organisation. How does the bible define the church? How should I consider my role as a member of the church?
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“I love Jesus but not the church!” is a refrain we hear. Is it possible to be a follower of Christ without the church? What are the dangers of not having a community to support your journey?
Application Questions:
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Being part of a community is difficult. Why should we still love the church and be a part of it despite its imperfections? What should I do in a church that is imperfect? What role do we play in the church?
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In our fast-paced society, we have so many other things fighting for our attention. Why should we prioritise the church? What does it look like? How can the life group aid your journey to put Jesus first?
Many structures of wood, brick and steel are built and established by the hands of man. Yet none of them, from shophouse to skyscraper, compares to the Church, the spiritual house of God.
Discover what makes up His House and how we are called to be part of it!
Series: Which is Better?
Title: Online Church or Physical Church?
Text: Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Romans 1:11-12
Now that safe management measures are relaxing, should watching livestreams of church services and meeting online continue to be the main mode of gathering for believers?
General Questions:
- Reflect on your experience watching livestream services or meeting your LG online during the pandemic. What are your thoughts? How do you feel?
Perspective Questions:
- Hebrews 10:24-25 calls believers to be ministers. While ministering can take place both online and onsite, do you think it is more effective in person? Why or why not?
- As helpful as technology is, most if not all us would not want our most treasured relationships to be completely virtual. What do you think are the possibilities and limitations that technology brings to our relationships?
Application Questions:
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It takes time and effort to meet physically more frequently again. How can the LG take concrete steps?
In this fast-changing world, we often grapple with choices that aren’t so black and white. Which is right? What is biblical? Or are both needed?
Examine these contemporary issues that are relevant to our faith and spiritual growth as a Christian.