Bible Study - Chris Seidman - Search Party

Sermon-Based Bible Study – November 20, 2022

  1. What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for? What is something you are celebrating? How have you experienced God’s love and faithfulness this week?  
  2. Where are you experiencing stress, anxiety or discouragement? How would you like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you?
  3. What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
  4. Read Luke 15:1-7. What does this parable teach you about the character and priorities of God? Do you identify more with the “99,” the “1” or the shepherd? Why?
  5. Read Luke 15:8-10. How does this parable amplify/modify/refine what Jesus was teaching about the character and priorities of God in the parable of the lost sheep?
  6. Read 2 Timothy 1:9-10 and 2:8-9. In ancient culture, the term “gospel” was used to describe a message of good news about an event that had happened that had implications for people’s lives. It’s not advice – it’s news.
    • But what specifically is such good news about Jesus?
    • What difference does Jesus make for us in how we live our lives, see the world and even ourselves?
    • What does it mean to say that Jesus has brought life and immortality to light?
    • What does it mean to say that Jesus has destroyed death?
  7. Read John 1:4 and 10:10.  In what ways have you experienced the reality of the statement that Jesus has brought life and immortality to light? How has knowing Jesus changed your life? In what way are you flourishing because of Jesus?
  8. Read Hebrews 2:14-15.  Jesus came so that we could experience life before the grave as well as life beyond it. Would you say you fear death? How does a person’s fear of death keep them from experiencing life this side of the grave?
  9. Why is it important to remember that Jesus has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to life? How does remembering these things impact your willingness to share the gospel with others?
  10. What is a simple, next step you could take in obedience to what the Spirit is saying to you through this time in the Word?  Who would benefit, or be interested in hearing about what you’ve learned in this study?