faith – Page 14 – New Connexions Church

A Study on Colossians 1:1-14

This study is based on the two sermons below and so it would be beneficial to have heard them prior to the study:

What do we know about this letter (why and when did Paul write etc.), Colossae, and the Colossian church?
Read the passage: Colossians 1:1-14
Work through the passage again – slowly, paying particular attention to what it teaches us about prayer. Which aspects of Paul’s approach to prayer might be missing in our prayer lives? Discuss and then consider how this can be put right.
How can we know the will of God? Discuss this question in some depth, it’s a major topic amongst Christians today, yet the answer is plain and simple, so why do we still struggle.
Please take some time together praying for each other and the wider fellowship; that we may know more and more of Jesus in our lives.

The sermon for Zephaniah 3 can be found here: What a way to end!

Looking at verses 1-7 look at and list all the sins and consider how they were sins against God.
Consider what relevance these verses have for us: a) as a church and b) as individuals.
Verses 8-20 – looking at these verses, discuss which of these prophecies has been fulfilled by Christ and which are still to come.
Verses 8-20 – how many times does God say ‘I will?’ talk through each of these and consider the relevance for us today.
Please take some time to pray for us as a fellowship using Psalm 127 1 as a lead in to prayer.

A　study　on　the sermon: Hunted down　Chapter 2 of Zephaniah

Discuss the first three verses of the chapter, specifically look at and talk through the following phrases – how might they apply to us today?:

verse 1 “Gather together—yes, gather together…”
verse 2 “the fierce fury of the Lord falls and the terrible day of the Lord’s anger”
verse 3　 “Seek the Lord”,
Verse 3 all who are humble, and follow his commands.
Verse 3 “Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you

Take the rest of the chapter and look at the individual ‘judgement oracles’, consider:

Some questions from Russell, based on his sermon: Peace and Persecution

Read Matthew 5:1-12

What is a Peacemaker? Why are we called to be Peacemakers?
Discuss the difference between Peace the world offers and what Peace God gives?
Choose an example and discuss why you chose it.
Read Luke 6:27-28 – What ways can we as Christians show peace to those who are indifferent?
What is persecution? Have you ever experienced it in any form? And how did that make you feel?
Looking at v11 – What is our response to this? And why is there such great joy and blessing from such suffering?
Take a moment or two and pray for our brothers & sisters caught up in persecution.