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APR | MAY | JUNE 2016

GROUP
DISCUSSION
GUIDE
A

BIBLE READING PUBLICATION

How to Use the Encounter with GodExtra

Discussion Guide
The Encounter with GodExtra Discussion

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Encounter with God daily Bible reading

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Topical
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Guide is a companion to Scripture Unions

Read: 2

My Insig

guide, published quarterly. The Discussion Guide

or Grou
ps

features a set of questions based on a topic arising

small group or Sunday School class to share per-

Extra

from the previous weeks readings. It enables a

sonal insights from their readings in Gods
Word that week and then discuss the topic,
using the suggested questions.

May

discussion page will look like this:

May 22

Each weeks Encounter with GodExtra

28

To get the most from your discussion time, just

follow these 5 simple steps:

w Prepare to read and discuss God's Word. That may include worship
and/or prayer.

w Share insights each has gained from the past week's readings.
w Read the passage chosen for your groups
discussion this week.

w Discuss the passage, using the discussion questions as a guide.

w Pray about what youve learned from Gods Word. You may use the

Prayer Journal on the inside back cover of the Encounter with God
daily Bible Reading Guide for personal prayer reminders.

April 3 April 9

Out of Control Rage

Read: Esther 3:115

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

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1) In the notes, the writer speaks of generational hostility

(Mordecai, a Jew; Haman, an Amalekite) contributing to
Mordecais unwillingness to kneel in homage to Haman. Do
you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

2) In what ways has your family/ race influenced your ability

to relate to those who are of a different social/ ethnic group?

3) Arrogance and pride drove Haman. In what healthy or unhealthy ways have you been driven to seek recognition or
prominence?

4) In what ways do you think Gods presence is seen, behind

the scenes, in this event?

Enduring Legacy
My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

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1) Ignoring the past, as if there are no lessons to learn, only

leads to continuing ignorance (Mary Evans). How does this
quote relate to the events recorded in 10: 21-21?

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

Read: Esther 9:1810:3

2) What lessons learnt from your past have changed your life?

3) How do your emulate Mordecai in your conversation and correspondence? His letter contained words of goodwill and assurance (30)?

April 10 April 16

4) Mordecai worked for the good of people and spoke up

(10:3). How can you work in the same ways; working for the
good of others, and speaking up for their wellbeing?

April 17 April 23

Imperishable Inheritance
Read: 1 Peter 1:112

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

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2) How do you understand Christian hope, as explained by

Peter (3ff)?

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

1) In what ways was the Trinity involved in youre becoming a

Christian (2)? Explain.

3) How have trials in your life contributed to your spiritual

development (8ff)?

4) How does Christian joy manifest itself in your life (8ff)?

Born for Eternity

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

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1) How do you define Christian love and why (an emotion, an

act of the will, an .)?

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

Read: 1 Peter 1:222:3

2) How do you feel when you consider Peters yardstick of

Christian love (22b)?

4) How can we develop a hunger for the things of God (2:1-2)?

April 24 April 30

3) In what ways has the new birth transcended the cycle of

life and death (23)?

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

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May 1 May 7

Resolute and Steadfast

Read: 1 Peter 5:814

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

1)

Share your understanding of the Devil/ Satan (8)?

2)

What does it mean to be alert and of sober mind (8)?

3)

How can we resist the Devil and be firm in our faith (9)?

4)

How does Ephesians 6:1020 (with the outline of the

Christians armor), help us in our fight with the Devil, sin,
and temptation?

Waiting Well
My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

2)

Sow a thought and you reap an act, sow an act and you
reap a habit, sow a habit and you reap a character, sow a
character and you reap a destiny. What do you make of the
truth of this saying?

3)

How do we handle, on a daily basis, the thought of Christs

return?

4)

Who are the scoffers today (3-7)?

May 8 May 15

In what ways does our experience of reflecting on Gods

Word (2), stimulate us to wholesome thinking (1)?

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1)

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

Read: 2 Peter 3:17

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:16

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

1)

In what ways is the gospel being misrepresented today?

2)

How can we deal with people who are blinded to the truth
of the gospel?

3)

How can we be a servant of those who do not believe in the

gospel?

4)

In what ways is God shining his light on us, giving us new

insight and renewed devotion?

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

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May 15 May 21

Blind to the Light

Ambassadors for Christ

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

2)

Read verses 1415. What do you think of Pauls definition

on the gospel?

3)

Paul speaks about the newness of life in Christ (17). Share

how you think this newness has been manifested in your
life?

4)

In what ways can we implore others to be reconciled to God

in Christ (20)?

May 22 May 28

What is there about Gods love in Christ that compels us to

share him?

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1)

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:116:2

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

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May 29 June 4

Ten Covenant Words

Read: Deuteronomy 5:122

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

1)

The first four commandments (7-15) deal with our relationship with God. What do these commandments teach us
about Gods nature and the kind of relationship he wants
with us?

2)

The final six commandments (16-21) are concerned with our

interpersonal relationships. What do these commandments
teach us about the kind of relationships God wants us to
have with his children?

3)

What impact do these ancient laws have upon the shaping of

our lives today?

4)

Which of the ten do you think is the most difficult to follow

and why?

Habits of Generosity
My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

2)

What promises are given to those with a generous heart?

3)

What does the New Testament say about generosity?

4)

Why do you think God commands us to give?

June 5 June 11

What attitudes and behaviors, (as outlined in vs. 1 11), can

and will you adopt?

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1)

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

Read: Deuteronomy 15:118

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

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June 12 June 18

To the Future with Christ

Read: Deuteronomy 31:113

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

1)

One way in which God speaks to us is to say no. This happened to Moses (2). Has God denied you a hearts desire?
How did you handle it? What lessons did you learn?

2)

Sometimes new ventures can be scary (new job, school,

neighborhood, relationship). Relate how you have experienced in your life the truth of v. 3b, The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. See also v. 8

3)

Share with the group if you have an area of your life where
you need special courage and strength. Where will you find
it?

4)

Who has a been a special mentor and what did you learn
from them?

Leadership Crisis
My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

2)

There are five different groups mentioned in verse 4. What

special care is needed for each group?

3)

In what ways can you shepherd others?

4)

What does this parable teach about the mission of Jesus (4)?

June 19 June 25

In this parable, who are the shepherds? The sheep? What is

God promising to do for the sheep?

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1)

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

Read: Ezekiel 34:131

Topical Bible Studies for Individuals or Groups

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June 26 June 30

From Despair to Hope

Read: Ezekiel 37:114

My Insights: What did you learn from Gods Word this past week?

1)

Ezekiel gave his prophetic utterances during Judahs captivity in Babylon. What do you think would be the mood of
the Jews during this time?

2)

Describe a time when you despaired of your future.

3)

How does Ezekiels version of the valley of dry bones speak

to us today?

4)

What role today does the Holy Spirit play in the spiritual renewal of the church?

Notes

Get Your Copy of Encounter

with God

Encounter with God is the quarterly Bible Reading Guide

that takes you through the Old Testament once and the New
Testament twice in five years, reading 10-30 verses per day.
It includes in-depth commentary on each passage, prayers,
applications and more. To get your copy, contact your
church or Scripture Union: 1-800-621-LAMP (5267),
www.scriptureunionresources.org. Thanks!