Paul, I mean Saul.

What Character traits in Paul do you see that are some traits you want?

Before Paul became a Christian he went to a lot of school and did well, do you think all that hard work in school was a waste after he became a Christian, or was he able to use the education he worked for, for the work of Christ?

After Paul became a Christian, what did he go and “immediately” do? (Acts 9:20)

Why do you think that is what he did?

Was it easy for Paul to go and “immediately” do what he did?

If it is so hard for us to share the Truth with strangers, how much harder is it to share it with people that we know? When was the last time you shared your faith with someone you know? If you haven’t shared your faith lately, or you can’t remember, why have you not shared it (be honest, and you have to answer everyone in the group)?

How did it go? Were you rejected? How did they respond? Did you have any follow up with them?

If you did not directly share the truth with them, have you ever invited someone to church? How did that go?

After they went to church with you, did you talk about it? Did they like it? Did they go back, or think you were crazy?

Do you still pray for them?

Do you think Paul was successful in sharing the Truth with his friends, family, colleagues, etc.?

Why was he successful? Was it because of what he knew, or his great personality?

Do you pray for power from the Holy Spirit to help you share the Truth?

Joseph “a just man”

Questions:    

What character traits in Joseph do you identify with, good or bad?

What character traits in Joseph do you want for yourself?

At times Joseph was motivated by fear. What do you think he was afraid of? (Matt 1:18-25 & Matt 2:19-23)

Did God take care of him every time?

What do you fear in life?

Have you ever trusted God with your fear

Have you ever asked God to help you with your fear?

What does the Bible say about fear? And how can you apply these verses about fear in your life?

1 John 4:18, Matt 10:26-33, Proverbs 29:25, Luke 12:32, Isaiah 43:5, 2 Timothy 1:7

These are the questions posed to our teens from their small groups.

Questions:

Mary was a great example of surrender and obedience.

How can you in her story identify with her (I know most of you are not pregnant without having sex, and many of you are boys, but what can you identify in your own life that you need to surrender, think hard)?

Why have you not surrendered or obeyed God in that area?

Have you surrendered to God in the areas of truth you know and have been taught by those who love you? What is God asking you to surrender yesterday, to prepare you for today?

An area we see that Mary had surrendered before the pregnancy (which is where most of you are at) was her relationship to her future husband, and that is it. But that says a lot, have you submitted fully to your God, parents, and pastor in your relationship with the opposite sex?

Do you know what you are supposed to do in your relationship with the opposite sex?

Not what the “people” around you are doing, but what God says?

Do you dismiss it as old fashioned?

Do you dismiss it, as that is not how God works today?

You need to think about it, and know how it will affect you the rest of your life.

Mary did not worry about the cultural consequences, she did not worry about her reputation, she did not worry about her physical well being, and she just trusted and obeyed. What is holding you back? Be honest and open, this is not easy to talk about.