– Red Steagall (Texas Poet Laureate)
Watch the Study Trailer
Watch Session One:
Same as Me
- When you consider the time you placed your faith in Christ, did it look more like Debbie’s (well researched/C. S. Lewis–like) or Ron’s (rather quick and immediate/Damascus road–like)? Share a little bit about that experience.
- What are some of the dreams you have for your life? They may be personal or corporate or both. Do you feel that any of those dreams are God-ordained, something you have to do, and that they might call for extraordinary faith?
Different than Me
- Ron and Debbie Hall were Texans, accustomed to a certain lifestyle, living in the bustling metropolis of Dallas/Fort Worth. That’s their story. What is yours? Where do you find yourself in life at this time? Be as specific as you can.
- Initially, Denver was skittish around Ron and Debbie, not really knowing their intentions. What about you? Has there been a time when someone significant to your life reached out to help or befriend you, but you initially kept that person at arm’s length? Share briefly about that time. How can that memory inform some of your own attempts at helping in the present?
The Real World
- Take a few moments and come up with two ways you can practice extraordinary or even scary FAITH this week. As you think about those scenarios, who are the other characters involved (family, friends, coworkers)? If you had to guess, what would some of their reactions be to your exercise of risky faith? Will they be supportive? Surprised? Might they just walk away? As you share your thoughts, remember that you are committing to the other members of the group an intention to actually try to exercise a level of faith that’s uncommon for you.
Two words of encouragement:
- Start small; don’t try to change the other person or the world or yourself overnight. And remember Philippians 4:13.
- At the same time, don’t forget that Philippians 4:14 reminds us that when we run out of strong, God wants to strengthen us by the presence and support of our brothers and sisters in the body of Christ.
After everyone has had a chance to share, take a few minutes to pray, asking God to bless the group’s efforts at extraordinary faith in the week ahead.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress. – Philippians 4:13-14
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Your Turn
What are your responses to the study questions? Are there people in your life who are extremely different from you – different economic situations, different lifestyles, different ways of practicing faith in Jesus? Come join the conversation on our blog!