Elephant Issues - Study Guide - Sample by Lifetogether Ministries

TOO BIG TO IGNORE

DALE OQUIST LEAD PASTOR PEOPLES CHURCH

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Copyright © 2014 by Dale Oquist. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by Lifetogether Ministries, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means -electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise -- except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ISBN: 978-1-940077-17-8 Printed in the United States of America

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Endorsements 4 Foreword by Mark Batterson 7 Welcome 8 Using This Workbook (Read This First) 10 Outline for Each Session 12

SESSION ONE:

Truth: Can we trust the Bible?

SESSION TWO:

Faith: Aren’t all religions the same?

SESSION THREE:

Hell: Why would God send anybody there?

SESSION FOUR:

Pornography: What’s the big deal about lust?

SESSION FIVE:

Gambling: Isn’t it just a game?

SESSION SIX:

Homosexuality: What’s a Godly response to the gay community?

82 100

APPENDICES Frequently Asked Questions 119 Small Group Agreement 121 Small Group Calendar 122 Spiritual Partners 123 Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review) 124

SMALL GROUP LEADERS Hosting an Open House 127 Leading for the First Time 128 Leadership Training 129 Prayer and Praise Report 132 Small Group Roster 133 Notes 134

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ENDORSEMENTS Whenever I listen to a speaker, my first question naturally relates to the person’s credibility. I want to know if he or she can be trusted. Are they more interested in selling books and gaining recognition or are they motivated by a desire to glorify God and help people? Pastor Dale Oquist is motivated by the right things. He has earned the right to speak out on “tough issues.” Every follower of Christ will be inspired by Elephant Issues. Hal Donaldson | President & Co-founder of Convoy of Hope, Inc.

Elephant Issues addresses some of the most vexing questions of our time. The sessions are engaging and each question is treated with courage, clarity and grace. Dale Oquist has rightly discerned the elephants in the room and gets us talking about them. Michael J. Beals, Ph.D. | President of Vanguard University

It is so easy and convenient to evade tough issues. It is about time we confront them in the church. Thankfully Dale Oquist is addressing these controversial topics in such a way that equips and helps me to dialog with others in reasonable fashion. Honorable Jim Patterson | Member, California Legislature Representing Central California

As Christians, we are instructed to love our neighbors as ourselves and bear one another’s burdens. Easier said than done, particularly when your neighbor is different and his burden is controversial. In concise and powerful words, Elephant Issues answers those questions many are afraid to ask. This series captures the truth and the heart of scripture. Dale and I have been friends for about 30 years and I know his passion to teach. Dale hits the nail on the head. Rod Allen | TV Analyst, Detroit Tigers Baseball Club

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FOREWORD MARK BATTERSON Jesus never shied away from uncomfortable subjects. He did the opposite. Yet, over the last 2,000 years, the Church has struggled to deal effectively with many core issues, often times doing more harm than good. Today is no different. We major in minors and minor in majors. There are many issues the Bible clearly addresses and upon which we all agree. But we tend to stay in this ‘safe-zone’ and share encouraging words with one another along the way. But what happens when we are faced with very specific and volatile questions like homosexuality, addiction, pornography, or religious conflict? Far to often, friendships are strained, families are in conflict, and churches are split. As Christians, we need to have the courage to dig deeper, go further, and be stronger in our loving pursuit of those answers. One key is operating in grace and truth, like Jesus did. Truth means I’ll be honest with you no matter what. Grace means I’ll love you no matter what. When we approach things with both grace and truth, change happens in our lives. Dale Oquist has been a friend for years. I respect him for his effective ministry, his diligent study of God’s Word, and his heart of compassion. Through this study, Elephant Issues – Too Big to Ignore, you will hear powerful testimonies, see God’s heart, and be equipped to deal effectively with the issues that confront us today. Are all religions the same? Is there really a hell and how can a loving God send people there? What is the Godly response to the gay community? How do I respond to a loved one caught in the grip of addiction? If you enjoy your ‘safe-zone’, read no further. However, if you want to know God’s heart more clearly, and desire to truly love your neighbor, then press forward and enjoy the journey.

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WELCOME

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Welcome to Elephant Issues, a new study on some of the biggest issues of our day—issues too big to ignore. In this six-week study, you will tackle some tough topics and see what the Bible has to say about each of them. You will study and discuss sensitive issues like pornography, gambling, what the Bible says about hell, and more-all in the context of community. As you delve into these topics, you will have the opportunity to think about how your faith relates to big issues. So, no, this is not a light study, but it is one that will make you think. I hope it will also help you not only understand more of what the Bible says, but know how to share those insights with others. Elephant Issues integrates what you learn in church on the weekends with what you study in your small group and with your individual times with God. In the context of your small group, you will dig into the Scriptures. You will learn, discuss and grow. Between meetings, you will be guided through rich devotional times that integrate with what you’re learning and experiencing at church and in your group. This study consists of six sessions—each focused on an elephant-size issue. You’ll have a chance to learn together, to discuss and share your own stories in a way that focuses on practical real-life application as you find your story in God’s story. At the end of each session, you’ll find daily devotions that will allow you to slow down and reflect on God’s promises and precepts. You will then have a chance to respond by journaling. By doing this study, you’ll learn with a large group in church, a small group in a living room, and alone with God in your own prayer closet. Each of these experiences will build on the other, giving you a chance to dive deep into each topic. In addition to the written study, this curriculum includes a DVD with teachings from your pastor. In your discussion, you’ll dig into the Bible, as well as respond to what you watched on the DVD. Our prayer is that you would experience God in a fresh way as a result of this study.

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USING THIS WORKBOOK 1

Notice the three sections in the Table of Contents: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some excellent examples, with hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

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Enjoy your small group experience.

Pray before each sessionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for your group members, for your time together, for wisdom and insights.

Read the Outline for Each Session on the next pages so you understand how the sessions will flow.

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OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION Life change happens in small groups. In the setting of community, we can obey Jesus’ command to love one another. In this study, you’ll not only read and discuss biblical texts, you’ll think and talk about how to apply what you’ve learned to your everyday life. The goal is not that you would accumulate knowledge, but that your life would be transformed, and your character will reflect that of Jesus Christ.

A typical group session for the Elephant Issues study will include the following sections: INTRODUCTION Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session. SHARE YOUR STORY The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members, your spiritual partner(s), for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey. HEAR GOD’S STORY In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teachings, in order to hear God’s story— and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you 12

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to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ should be your greatest aim. STUDY NOTES This brief section provides additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section. CREATE A NEW STORY God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instruction to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to know Him personally, carry out His commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a shortterm group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshipping God. FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions. Your group may choose to read and prepare ahead of each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. If you prefer not to do the homework from the study, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions—a month’s worth of reflections to keep God’s Word near your heart. This provides you with a chance to slow down to read just a small portion of scripture each day. Then reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction. WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with a memory verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the appendix.

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SESSION ONE TRUTH CAN WE TRUST THE BIBLE?

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{ MEMORY VERSE } “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT)

We live in a time in history when we have unprecedented access to the Bible—in written form, online, and so on. We have Bible apps, Bibles that look like a magazine, Bibles we can read on our phone or tablet or laptop. But even with all this, biblical literacy is at historic lows. Though it’s readily available, far too many people ignore this book. Many people ask questions like: Is the Bible reliable? Is it historically accurate? Or is it simply a collection of myths and stories? Ironically, many who ask those questions have never even bothered to read it! Despite its critics and skeptics, the Bible has endured for centuries. Its truth has transformed millions of lives, because it demands not just agreement but a response. It contains the kind of truth that requires not just mental assent but decisive action.

This first session delves into the following: - Can we trust the Bible? - Can we defend its veracity to skeptics? - If the Bible is true, what should we do to respond? How should we then live?

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SHARE YOUR STORY Each of us has a story. The events of our lives—good, bad, wonderful or challenging—have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and He intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to Himself. When we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work. When we share our stories, we realize we are not alone—that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else, and telling it can lead to a path of freedom for you and for those you share it with. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to give you insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant. Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 133 or a sheet of paper. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week. Then, begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. What big issues or questions do you think most people ask about faith, specifically the Christian faith? What questions get in the way of faith for most people?

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What brought you here? What do you hope to get out of this group?

How would you describe your current connection with the Bible:

A. It pretty much sits on a shelf gathering dust. B. I hear it taught at church, and that’s enough. C. I have a verse-a-day calendar (or receive an email devotional), which is the main way I read Scripture. D. I pull it out when I need wisdom or comfort. E. I really enjoy studying the Bible and learning more about it, and it’s one way I communicate with God.

Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 121 is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health. ● If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone— you may even want to have nametags for your first meeting. ● We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside Him (Mark 6:30–44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group. ● The Small Group Calendar on page 122 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group.

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WATCH NOW DVD SESSION 1 Use the Notes space provided on pages 30-31 to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Grow section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

TEACHING NOTES

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HEAR GOD’S STORY God has preserved His story in the pages of Scripture, not just so we would have an accurate history of the Jewish nation (Old Testament) and the life of Jesus and the birth of the Church (New Testament), but also so we would learn to find our story within His story. He’s given us the gift of His Word so we can live the life that is truly life (see John 10:10) and so we can enter into relationship with Him. The Bible doesn’t just provide a way to know about God, but offers us the opportunity to know God. What an amazing gift! In the video, Dale said, “We understand all of life, and the meaning of this life, from this book.” He noted that many skeptics think such a worldview is ludicrous. However, the Bible is God’s Word—God speaks to us through it. This makes it much more than just another book. In Hebrews 4:12, the Bible describes itself as “living and active,” certainly far more than just another book or collection of interesting stories.

Read Luke 1:1-2 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word.

As Dale explained in the teaching, some Bible critics say there is a gap between the time Jesus lived and the time the gospels were written, rendering them inaccurate. If someone wrote a book today about the Watergate scandal and the resignation of President Richard Nixon, which happened in 1974 (40 years, the same gap between

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Jesus’ life and the gospel writings), how accurate would you expect that account to be?

What do you think the phrase “servants of the word” means?

In a criminal trial, how significant is the testimony of an eyewitness? Why do you suppose Luke mentions eyewitnesses at the beginning of his gospel?

Many people like to say the Bible is simply legends and myths. Why do you think they want to describe it in that way?

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STUDY NOTES It’s okay to ask questions and to have doubts—the Bible can withstand those questions, and God is big enough to handle your doubt. But many people simply dismiss the Bible without ever investigating the answers to those questions. They never really seek answers; instead, they dismiss the Bible as being a myth or fairy tale without ever reading or studying it. The Bible promises if we seek, we will find. (See Matthew 7:7-8)

An excellent resource to supplement your study on this topic is Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Faith.

Simply accepting that the Bible is true historically is not the end of the story. The question then becomes—so what? Is it a guide for living? For example, in any library, you can find books that record the true histories of people like George Washington or John F. Kennedy. But reading recorded histories doesn’t mean those true stories will guide our life decisions. The Bible, while historically reliable, is far more than just history. ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................... 24

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CREATE A NEW STORY God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By starting with small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way— giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

What questions or roadblocks get in the way of your being able to trust what God says in the Bible?

If you didn’t grow up reading the Bible, what have you done (or what do you want to do) to build a habit of reading and studying God’s Word?

As Dale pointed out in his teaching, we eventually will come to the question, “if this is true, what are we going to do with this?” In your own life, how have you answered that question?

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Do you have friends who are skeptical or openly critical of the Bible? How do you respond to them?

This week, how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

To close your time together, spend some time worshipping God together—praying, singing, reading Scripture. ● Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try singing a cappella, using a worship CD, or have someone accompany your singing with a musical instrument. ● Choose a Psalm or other favorite verse and read it aloud together. Make it a time of praise and worship, as the words remind you of all God has done for you. ● Ask “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 132. ● Close your meeting with prayer.

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FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time before the next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own and jot your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. A great way to gain insight on a passage is to read it in several different translations. You may want to use a Bible app or website to compare translations.

Read 2 Peter 1:16-21 This book of the Bible is a letter from Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples. How does he refer to himself and the other disciples in verse 16? What does this passage tell us about prophecy (which is the majority of what the Old Testament contains) and about Peter’s own testimony? For more insights on this passage, read Matthew 17:1-13. What event is Peter reminding his readers of?

Read Hebrews 4:12-13 What does the Bible tell us about itself in this passage? What do you think it means when the text describes the Bible as living or alive? How can a book be alive? How, exactly, does the Bible discern our attitudes and thoughts? How have you experienced this in your own life?

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DAILY REFLECTIONS DEVOTIONALS

Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

READ PSALM 119:30

READ PSALM 119:31-32

READ PSALM 119:33-35

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.

I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

Respond: What choices does the Bible ask us to make? What do you think it means to set your heart on God’s laws?

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Respond: These verses offer two contrasting images—a defensive posture of holding tight to something and a more active response of running. What would it look like to “hold fast” to God’s Word, and to “run in the path of His commands?”

Respond: In this triad, we find three parallel ideas. What are they? How are they similar? How do they progress? How does God teach us, give us understanding, and direct us?

DEVOTIONALS

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

READ PSALM 119:36-37

READ PSALM 119:43-45

Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: These two verses contrast the wisdom of the Bible with other things. Find and underline those two things. What “selfish gain” and “worthless things” tempt you most?

Respond: What does it mean to put your hope in God’s laws? What does this passage promise us, if we obey God’s Word?

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NOTES

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NOTES

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