Bible Study Questions and Notes

Small group Bible studies meet each week to discuss topics relating to the weekend service.  These study notes act as a guide for the Bible study participants.  Note that on weeks where there is a guest speaker or the Bible studies are not in session, there may not be a set of study notes posted.

Scripture passage: John 10:22-42
Speaker: Pastor John Neufeld

We live in a day when truth has become a relative term!  What I mean is that people will regularly talk about “my” truth or “your” truth as if truth were a matter of personal preference or personal beliefs.  Behind all these statements is a nagging question.  Does truth really matter?  Does it make that much of a difference?

The last half of John 10 is a passage filled with doctrine.  It contains at least 5 great truths or doctrines of the faith.  Our difficulty in reading this may be that we live in a day when doctrine sounds dry and out of touch with real life.  But as we will see, truth sets the direction for real life.  It guides us, gives us direction helps us recognize where real life is to be lived.

QUICK REVIEW
This week Pastor John spoke on the importance of knowing the truth.  What is one thing that you found interesting, helpful or troubling from his message?

MY STORY
Share with the group your favorite summertime activity?

DIGGING DEEPER
1. We live in a world where ‘truth’ is seen as relative (i.e. that truth depends upon a person’s perception or situation).  Why do you think this is such a popular view in our world today?  Why is it impossible for Christians to hold to this view of truth?
2. Read Ephesians 4:11 – 16. 
a. What is the role of the teaching of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers for the body of Christ? (see vv. 12-13) 
b. Why is unity so important in the church?  (see vv. 13b-14)  Were you familiar with the doctrines that Pastor John spoke about in his sermon?  If so, where did you learn them?  What is the value for us today of knowing the great doctrines of the Christian faith?  How can we develop a more solid understanding of the major doctrines of the Christian faith?
c. Read v. 15.  In this context, the Apostle Paul is calling on believers to speak the truth of Christian beliefs to others in love.  What does it mean to speak the truth of Christian doctrines in love to:
i. Non-believing neighbors and friends?
ii. One another?  
Why is this sometimes hard to do? Why is it important to do?

TAKING IT HOME
1. What area of Christian teaching do you need to ‘brush-up on’ to be more clear in your understanding of the truth?  

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