Adults

Discuss, Learn & Grow Together

Person writing in a notebook with a pen, holding a book open, next to a cup of coffee on a dark table.

  • This study meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the library.

Laptop showing video conference, coffee mug, potted plant on desk.

  • WPC Small Group Study Questions

    WPC Small Group Study Questions

    For the week of June 18th through 14th

    Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and then read the scripture, II Peter 1:3-11, concentrating on verses 5 through 8.

    Study Questions:

    This week I’m not preaching and I don’t know what Anna’s text will be. So here is something different from the usual study setup. Below are the eight qualities (English Standard Version wording) Peter says are essential for being an effective disciple of Jesus. After each definition there are questions for discussion. Then a couple questions at the end regarding the primary points Peter is possibly postulating. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist presenting a pugnacious parade of ps.)

    ·       Virtue (ἀρετήν, areté): moral goodness, developing habits of doing what is right.

    Some Christian traditions emphasize that we please God when our living righteously is the result of “Godly habits” produced by self-denying disciplines. Others emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming our wills so that we desire to please God. Both involve God’s work with our wills and denying our sinful nature. Which best describes how you see being “virtuous” or living rightly?

    ·       Knowledge (γνῶσιν, gnosis): informed thinking, mental openness to transforming ideas that are inspired in faith and rationally perceived.

    How does virtue help with having knowledgeable faith? Can a person have spiritual knowledge but not have virtue?

    ·       Self-control (ἐγκρατειαν, egkrateia): Emotions and actions guided by knowledge and virtue that are derived from a trust in God and God’s truth

    Is a good disciple of Jesus a person who is unemotional? How can a disciple express emotions in ways that show God’s work in their lives?

    ·       Steadfastness (ὐπομονήν, hupomoné): Commitment to live or die by what is true and good regardless of what pressures there may be to conform to the world

    What is the difference between self-control and steadfastness? What forces around us challenge our commitment to our beliefs?

    ·       Godliness (ἐυσβειαν, eusebeia): An outward expression of pious living derived from an inward spirit of well-being through knowing God and one’s self

    How do we avoid being “pious” in a smug, condescending way? Can you think of people who are godly In an attractive way?

    ·       Brotherly Affection (φιλαδελφίαν, philadelphia): A heart-felt and spontaneous care for others in the community of those who are seeking to follow Christ

    Have you experienced this kind of care from fellow Christians? How do you express your affection for other followers of Jesus?

    ·       Love (ἀγαπην, agapé): Having total goodwill to all, but especially the community of Christ, with clear conscience and an unoffendable heart

    Peter says these qualities are to be added to our faith. Why does he not list love before all the others instead of last? Is it possible to show this kind of love without one or more of the first seven qualities?

    Peter is emphasizing what is needed for us to be effective disciples. Faith is sufficient, he says, but to live as a follower of Jesus, Peter is saying more is needed. Why isn’t faith alone enough for living faithfully? What does he mean when he says that we “may become partakers in the divine nature”? (ESV)

    Action Question

    Each one in the group share who they know or have known who is an effective disciple of Jesus. Describe the qualities from Peter’s list that were (or are) evident in their lives?

  • The Men’s Study and discussion group meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:00, providing an opportunity to develop and grow our understanding of our role as disciples of Christ. On Tuesday the 18, we will begin a 5-week DVD assisted study by John Ortberg of his book Who Is this Man? – The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus. Please come and join as you can.

    Contact Jim Morton for more information: shortmort73@gmail.com

Person reading an open book at a wooden table with a notebook and pen nearby.

  • Do you love reading and discussing books? Interested in joining a virtual small group two times a month?   

    If you said yes to these questions, consider joining the Women’s Virtual book discussion group for our next book read: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry  by John Mark Comer, starts Monday, April 20th, 7:00 pm on Zoom.   

    We meet virtually, the 1st and 3rd Monday from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  We share a love of books, share our lives and our prayers and the love of Christ together. Contact Mary Beth Goodell at mb.goodell@gmail.com with questions or for information. 

Person wearing a brown sweater with hands raised, against a neutral background.

  • Paused for the summer, this time of prayer and music begins on Tuesdays at 8:45 am, in the church sanctuary. It is led by David Mora and is a quiet time of reflection and peace.  Consider beginning your day this way before going to work or starting other activities in your busy schedules. Music & Prayer time will resume in the fall.