Fresh Wind Fresh Fire CH 7
CHAPTER 7: The Lure of Novelty
STARTER QUESTION
If you could have 50 lbs. of anything other than money, what would you want?
PRAYER REQUEST
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Pastor Cymbala writes, "In the church today, we are falling prey to the appeal of 'New!' The old truths of the gospel don't seem spectacular enough. We're restless for the latest, greatest, newest teaching or technique."
14 Comments
1. Have you seen novelty or innovation or methodology supplant calling out to the Lord as the means to spiritual and numerical growth of the church? If so, in what ways?
2. Can novelty or innovation or methodology be used in a good and healthy way in the church? If so, how? If not, why not?
3. Has the pursuit of the "new" in place of the enduring truths of the gospel affected Shalom in some way that you see? If so, how? Where do we need to be the most guarded?
4. What are the enduring truths that need to be always be part of our core message as a church?
5. Why do you think people are attracted to things other than the "plain gospel" Jesus proclaimed?
6. As you look back on your life, what impact has the basic gospel message had on you?
7. The lure of novelty is based in a desire to witness the power of God. Instead of pursuing novelty, what should a Christian pursue in order to witness the power of God at work in them and around them?
Pastor Cymbala writes, "The Bible speaks more about resisting the devil than it does about binding him [1 Peter 5:8-9]."
8. How does one go about successfully resisting the devil? Read James 4:7 and Ephesians 6:10-18 before discussing the answer to this question.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
nEphesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
9. How does a community of Christians together resist the devil and his attacks against an entire church?
10. Pastor Cymbala writes, "As a minister I firmly believe that I am not allowed to preach what is not in the Bible." (p. 116) Does additional wisdom from life experiences or experts in certain fields like counseling have a place in the pulpit too? Why or why not?
11. Some people in the church blame the devil instead of facing the sin in their lives and repenting of their own wrongdoing. What is the result when people tend to focus on how they have been victimized rather than focusing on their personal responsibility and the transforming power of God that can enable them to work in his service regardless of their past?
12. Jim Cymbala declares, "God is more powerful than anybody's past, no matter how wretched. He can make us forget-not by erasing the memory but by taking the sting and paralyzing effect out of it." (p. 119) Have you personally experienced this truth in your own life? If you feel comfortable, share how God has done this great work in your life.