Going Backstage: What Makes Us Methodist
Week 3 | Group Discussion Guide Connect (5 to 10 minutes) Get to know each other by sharing about yourselves. • •
Say the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer together. Go around the group and ask those who are comfortable to share their salvation timeline.
Context (40 minutes) Discuss what you learned in the class, in the podcast, and the weekly scripture passage. Class Session • How do you respond to the comparison between Calvinism and Wesleyan (or Arminian) theology? – Which do you agree with more and why? – If you are still discerning which you agree with more, what steps will you take to learn more about each, or other forms of theology? •
How do you respond to the ideas of the moral, political, and natural image of God that were presented in class? – Which of these three do you feel you struggle with the most, and why?
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Where have you seen prevenient grace at work in your own life? – How do you respond specifically to the idea of prevenient grace? – How do you feel that you are experiencing sanctifying grace in your life right now?
Podcast • Bishop Jones shared that the “catalyst” in his faith was a kind stranger who chose to share his faith – share about a “catalyst” that has inspired you in your own faith life.
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Take time to consider how your definition of salvation compares with the definition that Bishop Jones shared – how do they compare? – After hearing his definition, would you change anything about your own?
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How do you respond to Bishop Jones’ use of the Lion King as an explanation for the phrase, “Remember your baptism”? – When have you had a strong experience of remembering your baptism?
Scripture • Take time to read the following passages of scripture and consider how they relate to justifying grace. Genesis 32:22-30 John 3:1-16 Acts 9:1-19 2 Timothy 1:5 – How do you see each of these stories showing God’s justifying grace? – Which of these scriptures do you relate more to and why?
Closing Finish your time together by sharing joys and concerns and praying with each other.