Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Stuff that doesn’t belong in a disciple’s life

1Corinthians Chapter 6

Why is corruption so loathed in public officials?
Why is doping so hated in sports celebrities?
Why is embezzlement so strictly punished for business moguls?

Read verses 1 – 8.
Describe Paul’s attitude towards Christians in Corinth who are getting all litigious.
Why is Paul so vehemently against suing other disciples?
When would be some examples that it would be appropriate for a Christian to go to court?
How should your attitude towards other disciples change based on the principles in this text?
Why is it so difficult to treat others the way we should?

Read verses 9 – 11.
Describe the other kinds of behavior that should not be character defining for a disciple.
What is it about these behaviors that demonstrate a lack of commitment to Kingdom values?
What does Paul’s list tell us about the church in Corinth?
How can we know that it is possible for Christians to have victory over these behaviors?
Which of these behaviors are most tempting to you?
What are you going to do to embrace victory in that area this week?

Read verses 12 – 20.
Based on Paul’s answers, reconstruct the questions the Corinthians must have been asking.
According to Paul, why is sexual immorality a sin that has particularly steep consequences?
What about our reality as disciples makes sexual sin incredibly nauseating to God?
What are some strategies you have found effective in running from immoral behavior?

Dealing with Grievous Public Sin in the Church

1Corinthians Chapter 5

Describe Paul’s attitude towards this church at this point. Why is he so incredibly upset?
How would you describe the kind of sin for which Paul is insisting on banishment?
Why does Paul insist that this person be separated from the community?
If all sin is eternally serious before God, what makes one sin more “grievous?”
What are some serious sins in your life that you need help and accountability in overcoming?
What does this chapter tell us about how to go about helping those trapped in grievous sins?

Why does Paul use the leaven analogy? How is sin similar to yeast or to a virus?
Compare Jesus with the Passover sacrifice in Exodus chapter 12.
What is the reason it is so important for us to remove sin from our lives as Christians?
How can we more effectively remove sin from our lives?

Why does Paul have a different set of expectations for Christians and non-Christians?
What are some things for which you tend to judge the world around you?
What are some sins in the church that we tend to ignore or excuse?
Why is it OK to be judicious in the church based on Jesus says in Matthew 7:1?
Why is it so much easier for us to judge the world that for us to judge ourselves?

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

15 Seconds of Fame for 1 Hour on the Train

Well, not exactly the greatest way we have gotten our names in the press, but hey, here it is. The fireworks show in Millennium park was great, the trip back was a bit adventurous.

Chicago Sun-Times Articles

TV Story involving our kids and relatives on the CTA as follow up from Sun-time article.

FOX News Chicago