THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
There’s still time to support local organizations through our Giving Tables. If you picked up a list at your campus, be sure to bring items to services next weekend. To view lists and send items directly to the organizations, visit adabible.org/givingtables.
GROUP VALUES
This month we look at the group value of Spiritual Practices. We have a section in our Growing Spiritually Learning Module on Spiritual Disciplines. Look through this module and consider one of the suggested practices to discuss and implement as a group. Find the module at https://learning.adabible.org.
GROW AS A LEADER
Have you joined our Small Groups Leaders Facebook Page? This group is a great place to connect with leaders from other campuses, ask questions and learn together. Join us at facebook.com/groups/adasmallgroupleaders.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
This is the fourth week of our series called THE BIBLE. This week’s conversation from our guest pastor, John Dickson, looks at doubt and three things the Lord wants us to find in the Scriptures.
What plans do you have for the summer? Are you traveling, doing home projects or hosting friend gatherings?
Have someone read Luke 1:1-4. What are some words or phrases that stand out for you and why?
SOLID
In this passage, Luke explains why he chose to write. What are some of his reasons, and why might they have been compelling to him and Theophilus?
What do you know (or what can learn from your Bible’s Introduction to Luke’s gospel) about Luke and why he may have been a specifically skilled person for the task of writing this gospel?
Pastor John Dickson used the metaphor of a denarius coin from the time of Jesus to indicate something solid. In what ways is Scripture solid, and how is this a helpful way for you to think of the Bible?
FULFILLED
Some people might say, “Sure, you can verify Jesus’s life, healings, death and even resurrection, but you can’t verify the Old Testament!” What are some reasons people may have to be critical of the Old Testament?
Have someone read Luke 24:44-45. How do these verses connect the Old and New Testaments?
Why do you think Jesus took the time after his resurrection to meet with these followers and explain so much about himself?
HISTORICAL
We heard how, compared to other religious texts, the Bible is a unique historical document focused on actual events. How can this help us have confidence in the Scriptures?
We also need to remember the Bible isn’t just history but an ancient document that sometimes asks different questions or has a different purpose. What might be some differences between reading Scripture and reading a modern history book?
DOUBT
Pastor John Dickson gave an important reminder that saving faith should not be confused with intellectual certainty. Why might it be helpful to remember that trusting our lives to the Christ revealed in the Gospel should be our primary goal for our faith?
“Moral doubt,” is when we doubt Scripture because we want to live differently than what the Bible teaches. How can we keep each other accountable and steer clear of this kind of “double-mindedness”?
Have someone read Jude 22-23. Scripture offers tenderhearted words for those who find themselves in doubt. What kind of advice would you give to someone doubting?
WRAP UP
Today we talked about doubt and three things the Lord wants us to find in the Scriptures. Which of these did you find most helpful, and how might this change how you read and interact with the Bible?