September 9, 2008

Disciple I Group Meeting

Lesson 1 – The Biblical Word

September 9, 2008

Gathering and Prayer (5 minutes)

Theme: The Biblical Word

Theme Word: Authority

Video Segment (20 minutes)

Listen for the reasons we read the Bible and what it means to read the Bible in community. Video Discussion Questions: Why do you read the Bible? What can you hope to gain by reading the Bible in community? What can you hope to gain by reading the Bible in the company of your Disciple group?

Scripture and Study Manual (25 minutes)

Answer the following questions as they pertain to the category of literature your group has been assigned.

What are the characteristics of the following types of biblical literature?

What is the relationship between this type of literature and the message it carries?

Group 1: Poetry

Group 2: History

Group 3: Law

Group 4: Prophets

Group 5: Letters

Group 6: The Gospels
Group 7: The theme word for this lesson is authority. In what situations do we pay attention to what the scripture says? Why do we pay attention to scripture? How does scripture have authority in my life? What do you expect from the Bible? What does the Bible have a right to expect from its readers?

Group 8: Recall your first Bible. When and where did you get it? What did it mean to you at the time? What significance does your Bible have for you today?

Encounter the Word (25 minutes)

Good literature appeals to all of our senses. Listen to Psalm 84 and write what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.

Our Human Condition/Marks of Discipleship (20 minutes)

Who we are: Read “Our Human Condition” (p. 6). What are your reactions to this statement? Who we are committed to be: Read “Marks of Discipleship” (p. 11). “Disciples place themselves under the power and authority of scripture.” What were your responses to questions in this section?

Closing and Prayer (5 minutes)

Introduction to Next Lesson, Closing Prayer