Demystify - Kensington Church - Archive

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Demystify Pg 1 Week Four – Act 2 BOTTOM LINE

The story of the Bible is our story.

GOAL OF THE GROUP

To discuss our understanding of the Bible and create meaningful conversation that stretches our faith and draws us closer to the heart of God.

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:27-28

THINK ABOUT Preparing for a long trip, a traveler said to his friend: “I am just about packed. I only have to put in a guidebook, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, a volume of fine poetry, a few biographies, a package of old letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer and a set of books I have been studying.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (Note: this study guide is adapted from the Demystify Engagement Plan found of the Kensington App.) READY YOUR HEART - Prepare yourself. Before you begin today, start with this prayer: “God, please open my heart to the greatest story of all – your story of redemption. Only you can restore me and redeem me. Please draw me close and speak to me right here, right now.” 1. Great stories can be powerful. We are all drawn to stories; they hold a special place in our hearts. What makes a good story? 2. If we were honest with ourselves, we all want to live a better story. We have goals, dreams, and ideas about our lives and many of us look at our current situation and say “things could be better.” Do you often or sometimes feel this way? Why? 3. Have you ever considered your life to be a story filled with sin and redemption? Why or why not? 4. When sin enters your story, how does it cause you to doubt God’s goodness and wisdom for your life?

“But,” the friend replied, “you can’t get all that into your bag.”

ENGAGE - Dive into the text. Read Genesis 1:1 NIV: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

“Oh, yes,” replied the traveler, “it doesn’t take much room.” He placed his Bible in the corner of the suitcase lid and closed the lid.

Genesis 1:27-28 NIV: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.””

~The Employment

6. This past week, we talked about the Bible in four distinct chapters: “God set forth a world that was PERFECT, but through SIN a chasm has been drawn between us and God. The only SOLUTION for that is Jesus Christ whose death and resurrection paves the way for us to be made right with God. Embracing Christ then positions us to be people who both live our lives within the divine calling of bringing hope and peace to our world, while simultaneously living within the hope that PERFECTION to our world will one day come with Jesus’ return.” How does this impact your view of sin?

Counselor

5. Every story in the Bible points to a greater story, and when we look at the story of God, we can see how it weaves into our lives. In what way are you a character in God’s story? Is the story still being written? How?

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Demystify Pg 2 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 7. Genesis 1:27 says “God created mankind in his own image”. Does image mean to reflect the purpose of God, to share in God’s authority, or both? Why? 8. Humans are given the task of developing the potential of the created world. The world is given as a gift to grow and bring to its fullest. Human existence is tethered to living in peace with God and one another. How do these thoughts challenge or confirm your faith story? APPLY - Take a step. 9. In Genesis chapter 2, it doesn’t take long before humans are at the crossroads of Good vs. Evil. The same question exists today as it did then – will you trust God’s wisdom for your life or define good and evil on your own terms? How do you answer this question today? 10. How can your faith allow you to turn your trials and suffering into something that is good and life giving? 11. Ultimately, the Bible can help us live our best possible story. God invites us to partner with Him. He makes a way for us to follow Him and trust Him with our lives. He invites us into the story He’s had for us all along. How can you follow Jesus into the story and redemption He has for you? 12. Do you accept the gift of salvation in exchange for all of your sin? DECIDE - Change your heart. To wrap up your time, pray this prayer or a version of this prayer: “God, please save me, redeem me and set me free. Thank you for sending your son to die for me. His sacrifice removes sin and doubt from my life. It allows me to write a new story for life with you directing my path.”

1825 E Square Lake Road Troy, MI 48085 | kensingtonchurch.org