October 28, 2008

Disciple I Group Meeting

Lesson 7 – When God Draws Near

October 28, 2008

Gathering and Prayer (5 minutes)

Theme: When God Draws Near

Theme Word: Atonement

Scripture: “The life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you for making atonement for your lives on the altar; for, as life, it is the blood that makes atonement.” – Leviticus 17:11

Video Segment (20 minutes)

Listen for reasons why the covenantal relationship between God and God’s people consists of both the Law and the liturgy. Discussion Question: What did receiving the Law and the liturgy at the same time accomplish for the Israelites? What is the connection between atonement and the Law? What is the connection between atonement and liturgy?

Scripture and Study Manual (25 minutes)

Group 1: Elements of Worship: Three elements of worship described in the study manual are remembrance, atonement, and thanksgiving. Discuss how these elements of worship are carried out in our church. Explain whether and how our church’s rituals are helping you feel reconciled to God and neighbor.

Group 2: Place of Worship: Read Psalm 122. Ancient Israelites made regular pilgrimages to Jerusalem to celebrate feasts and festivals. In this respect, Jerusalem for the Israelites represents what the church is for us today. The pilgrim in this psalm prays for the city. Give examples of how the four requests in the prayer (vv 6-9) might be applicable to the modern-day church in general?

Group 3: Need for Worship: Read “Our Human Condition.” Discuss why humans have a need to worship. Relate this need to “Marks of Discipleship,” which states that “Disciples commit themselves to corporate worship.” Reflect on and share the ways in which corporate worship has been meaningful for members of your group.

Group 4: Read Exodus 40:16-38 silently. Then listen as a member of your group reads it aloud. Pay attention to sounds, smells, sights, tastes, and touches. Make a list of instances involving the senses. Then discuss this question: What can we learn about God from this scripture?

Group 5: The sacrificial practices we studied this week related to oneness and reconciliation, which often find their strongest expression in community. Read Philippians 2:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. What does it mean to be members of the body of Christ? To be “one in spirit and purpose”? When are congregations most clearly the body of Christ?

Encounter the Word (25 minutes)

Our Human Condition/Marks of Discipleship (20 minutes)

Closing and Prayer (5 minutes)