Reader's Club Archive

 

Discussion Questions for November 2009
A Tale of Two Sons- John MacArthur

During His earthly ministry, Jesus told lots of stories.  We know them today as parables.  What are some parables that you remember?  I am sure that the Parable of the Good Samaritan probably would top most people’s list.  Then there would be the Parable of the Sower and the Seed; I know agricultural people focus on this one.  How about the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man?  That sure gets people to think about life after death.  But, high on all our lists would be the third in the trilogy Jesus told as recorded in Luke 15: the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  John MacArthur has done a superlative job in helping us to better understand what Jesus was teaching.

1. In your own words describe the character of: the older brother, the father, and the youngest son.

2. The author spends a good deal of time developing the story within the context of history and culture.  He writes: We want to find practical applications for ourselves hastily, without doing the careful work necessary to interpret Scripture correctly (p. 5).  Why is it so important to examine the story in the light of culture and history?

3. How does the Parable of the Prodigal Son point the way to the cross?  What role do the youngest son, the father, and the oldest son have in helping us to understand the cross?

4. What was the role the Pharisees played in setting the stage for Jesus to tell the story?  How did Jesus address them through the story?  If you had been one of the Pharisees and heard this parable, what would have been your reaction?

5. What is one lesson you can learn from the example of the prodigal?

6. What is one lesson you can learn from the example of the father?

7. What is one lesson you can learn from the example of the oldest son?

8. How can you use this parable to help you in reaching out to both the prodigals and the older brothers? 

Discussion Questions for September 2009
Inside the Revolution - Joel C. Rosenberg

One country’s name keeps coming up in dialogues concerning world events: Iran.  Reports of their nearing possession of nuclear capabilities frighten many, not only in Israel, but in the entire Middle Eastern theatre.  In this latest best-seller from the author of Epicenter, Rosenberg states that three religious philosophies are competing for the heart and soul of the Middle Eastern world: Radicalism, as influenced by Osama bin Laden; Reformism, as evidenced in the life of King Abdullah of Jordan; and Revivalism, as witnessed in the great out-workings of God in that region.

1. Of the three sections of this book, which one most greatly influenced your thinking regarding Iran and the Middle East?  Why?

2. In your opinion, why does radical Islam appeal to so many people?  What would cause a person to strap a bomb to their body and deliberately blow themselves up, along with countless others?  What is the difference between being a murderer and a martyr?

3. We hear very little in the media today about the strong appeal that Islamic Reformers are having in the Middle East.  Why is this the case?  Do you think that the more people would hear of the Reformers the greater would be their hope for a more peaceful resolve of the Middle East problems?

4. We hear even less about what God is doing behind, what I call the “Islamic Curtain.”  It seems that even Christian media has not focused upon these events.  Why?  What impact did these stories have upon your life and your thinking?

5. Why did Joel Rosenberg write this book?  Do you think he has accomplished those objectives?  How?

6. After reading this book, what role do you think you could have in helping Christians in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and elsewhere in the Muslim world?  What role could your church have?

7. How does this book give you hope?

 

Discussion Questions for May 2009
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

There is a lot of discussion today about our living in a “post-Christian era.”  Without going into a lot of detail, that basically means that all truth is now questioned.  All truth is must be experienced in order to be believed.  Timothy Keller pastors a large congregation in Manhattan, NY.  It is a congregation filled with you adults who are filled with questions about God, His character, and His actions.  In fact, some even question whether God exists.  This book is a product of the author’s interaction with such people.  It is being hailed as one of the great apologetics on God of this century.  The questions addressed are very real; the responses are even more real. (See Review from the November 2008 Philogian.)

1. One of the strong objections to Christianity today is its claim to be exclusive – the “only way to God.”  Pastor Keller devotes an entire chapter to answer this objection.  What were his strong points?  Was his argument effective?

2. “If God is a loving God, then He will not send people to hell.”  I believe the author’s response to this objection is one of the strongest in the book.  What conclusions does he reach about who goes to hell and why?  Are you in agreement?

3. IIn chapter six, he wrestles with the claim that Christianity is incompatible with science.  What arguments does he use?  How might we convince a person of science that science is a product of God?

4. On page 113 the author writes: If you don’t trust the Bible enough to let it challenge and correct your thinking, how could you ever have a personal relationship with God?  How does this statement influence you as your read the Word of God?  What about those passages you take issue with?  What do those particular passages say to you about God; about yourself?

5. In chapters 8 and 9 Pastor Keller begins to unravel what he calls “clues for God.”  Of the “clues” that he presents, which one(s) made the most sense to you?  How might you use “clues” like that to help convince someone that there is a God who truly cares?

6. Chapter 12 is one of the most thought-provoking comments on the power of the cross of Jesus Christ and forgiveness that I have read.  How have you personally struggled with the need to forgive?  How do you react to the author’s statement: Forgiveness means bearing the cost instead of making the wrongdoer do it, so you can reach out in love to seek your enemy’s renewal and change?  How does the author then use the cross to help us to understand what forgiveness is all about?

7. The final chapter includes depicts the relationship between the persons of the Trinity that is not often commented upon.  What your first reaction to this thought of the “dance of God?”  What is the author really trying to help us to understand?  Why is this so important?

 

Discussion Questions for March 2009
What in the World is Going On? by David Jeremiah

There is much discussion these days as to what God is doing in the world, especially as it relates to the end-times.  This book is one of the best one-volume summaries of prophetic truth.  We are indebted to Dr. Jeremiah for it

1. Why are so many people fascinated with trying to understand what God is doing in our world?  Why are you interested?

2. Why do you think so many pastors and churches seem to remain silent in addressing this interest among their congregations?  How can this be corrected?

3. What chapter in this book was most meaningful to you?  Why?

4. What new truths did you learn as you read this book?  How will those truths impact your understanding of prophetic events?

5. How can you communicate these truths to those who seem to be blinded or are apathetic to prophetic truth?  How can you become proactive in helping others realize what God is doing in the world?

6. Since reading this book, what have you observed, either in newspapers or on internet sites or on television reports, that have confirmed what Dr. Jeremiah has written?

 

Discussion Questions from January 2009
The Shack by William P. Young

This book has certainly raised a lot of controversy within evangelical groups.  Articles have been written either endorsing the book or condemning it.  A few have even claimed that the book is filled with heresies.  Anyway you look at it, this is a book that is worthy of a discussion group.  I am confident that our dialogue will be energetic and enlightening. 

1. What were your initial thoughts following the reading of this book?  If they were negative, why did you feel that way?  If they were positive, again, why did you feel that way?

2. Why did William Young write this book?  What message was he trying to convey to his readers?  Do you think he was effective in communicating that message?

3. One of the major points of controversy within the book is Young’s portrait of God.  Why do you think he chose the character of a large African lady to be his initial characterization of God?  If this was offensive to you, why was it?  How might you have portrayed God if you were writing a similar story?  If you thought this characterization was valuable, why was it? 

4. Another major point of controversy was the author’s portrait of the relationships between the members of the Trinity.  How did you respond to this portrait?  Did you believe it was a realistic one?  Have you ever thought about how God, the Father, and God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit interact with each other? 

5. What was the role between Mack and his father?  What had caused this broken relationship?  How was it healed?  Is there a biblical principle that could guide your life in such relationships?

6. Oh the joys of knowing that our sins have been forgiven.  Why is it so difficult to seek forgiveness?  Why is it so difficult to accept forgiveness?  Why is it so difficult to extend forgiveness to others?  How does the author help us to better understand what forgiveness is truly about?

7. What was your reaction to the way the story ended?  If you had written this story, how might you have written the ending? 

8. Is there any value in reading a story like The Shack?  If so, what is that value? 

9. One final question: After reading The Shack, would you recommend it to someone else to read?  Why or why not?

 

Discussion Questions from November 2008
American Creation by Joseph J. Ellis

We are in the midst of an election year where the candidates are talking about bringing change to America.  Their focus is upon the recent past – namely the last eight years – and their projections for the next four years.  But, there is much to learn from a look back into the distant past of our nation; back to the days of our Founding Brothers, as Joseph Ellis describes them.  There is much we can learn from the mistakes that were made during those days as well as from the triumphs that were achieved.  This book will help to bring both the mistakes and triumphs into clearer focus.1.In the Prologue, the author defines six triumphs achieved by our Revolutionary Fathers.  Of those six, which one is most significant in your mind?  He also mentions two glaring mistakes that were made.  Which one is most significant?

1. One of the intriguing chapters describes the great debate whether the Colonies should separate themselves from England.  As you read this chapter, note the various positions offered, and the rationale applied to the decision that was made.  How might America have been different if a different decision had been made?
   
   
2. We hear much talk these days of “dirty politics” and “mud-slinging campaigns.”  As Joseph Ellis helps us to understand, these are not political inventions of the twenty-first century.  As you read of the campaign of 1800 between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, what were your thoughts concerning the conduct of the campaign.  If you had been present in those days, what kind of response might you have had?
   
   
3. Historians relate the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 as being one of the great administrative feats of all time.  Yet it almost did not happen.  Who was the driving force behind the Purchase?  Why did it succeed?  What if the Purchase had failed?  How might that have reshaped the Western World?
   
   
4. If you have read other books by Ellis, you know that he often mentions events or circumstances that just happen.  You and I might say that it was the “hand of God.”  As you read this book, see if you can notice those “hand of God” moments that helped define the character of our nation during these formative years.  What lessons can we learn from those moments?   Have you seen any of those moments in this year?

 

Discussion Questions from September 2008
Who Stole My Church? – Gordon MacDonald

Perhaps you are like me and have grown tired of the seemingly endless conflicts that have plagued the Church in the past several decades.  The watch-word has been “change.”  Yes, change is an integral part of the world in which we live.  And change has impacted the Church, but often to its detriment.  The Church that I knew as a young lad is not the Church that is present today.  So, who stole my Church?  That is the question the veteran pastor Gordon MacDonald seeks to address in his new book.  Although it is a fictional story, there is a strong sense of parable within. 

1. Why does the Church have to change?  What is the value of Church change?

2. List the elements of change that had occurred within the Church that Gordon MacDonald describes.  Now list the elements of change that are occurring within your own Church.  How do these two lists compare?

3. Suppose you are over the age of 50; try to verbalize just how you feel about what is happening in your Church?  How do your feelings mirror those of many of those who sat in the Discovery Group within the book?

4. Now suppose you are under the age of 40.  Try to verbalize just how you feel about what is happening in your Church.  How do your feelings mirror those of the young people who were invited to participate in the Discovery Group?

5. Of the major characters within the story, with which one did you most identify and why?

6. What were the keys that made the plan presented by Pastor MacDonald so successful? 

7. Referring to your responses to questions 3 and 4, describe your plan to seek to resolve the effects of change within your church.  What keys would make that plan successful?  What might cause that plan to fail?

8. How might this book, Who Stole My Church?, be used by a local church to help initiate changes within that fellowship? 

 

Discussion Questions from May 2008
William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity – Kevin Belmonte

2007 was the bicentennial celebration of one of the most important decisions recorded in the history of the Western world.  In 1807, after years of perseverance, the Parliament of Great Britain passed a bill abolishing slavery within the British Empire.  The principle sponsor of this bill, and at times its only spokesman, was William Wilberforce.  In honor of the celebration of this milestone several new biographies of Wilberforce were written and a feature motion picture titled, “Amazing Grace,” was produced.  The life of this quiet man is worth a serious study.

1. The story of William Wilberforce is the story of individuals who greatly influenced his life.  Name several of this individuals and how their lives brought change or encouragement.

2. Among Wilberforce’s closest friends was William Pitt who became one of the youngest Prime Ministers in Britain’s history.  What made this friendship so successful? 

3. What were the events and people that God used to bring Wilberforce to the point where he desired to become involved with the movement to abolish slavery?  How difficult was his decision?

4. For a while Wilberforce questioned how he could serve both God and his own heart’s desire – politics.  What does it mean “to serve God?”  Must we always give up what our passion are in order to serve God?  Why or why not?

5. Perseverance is a characteristic that we don’t talk about today.  Yet, without perseverance the world would not know of Wilberforce today.  Cite examples of other people whose perseverance helped change the world. 

6. Why does the world seem to be lacking in leaders of the quality of Wilberforce today?  Where are these men in today’s world? 

7. Would you consider William Wilberforce to be a hero?  Why or why not?

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS from March 2008
The Fight for Jerusalem – Dore Gold

No other city in the world is as strategically important as is Jerusalem.  No other city in the world has had as many battles fought over it as has Jerusalem.  No other city in the world has received the attention of three major religious groups as has Jerusalem.  And, no other city in the world has received the designation from God as being the “center” of the world. 

The Fight for Jerusalem is as contemporary as the daily newspaper.  The future of any peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis is dependent upon what happens in and to Jerusalem.  Although Dore Gold, former Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations and Foreign Minister under Prime Minister Netanyahu, is not a Christian, yet he writes with a style reminiscent of the Old Testament prophets.  This is a book that is important for our age.

1. There seems to be an assumption that if the Palestinian Crisis could be resolved, the world would look with more favor upon America.  How is this a flawed assumption?

2. Why is important that the Palestinians separate themselves from any historical evidence about the background of the Temple Mount?  And, how are they seeking to do this?  Is it working?

3. The author makes a very interesting statement on page 41 that the construction of the Temple is the only dated event in relation to the exodus that occurs in the Bible.  What is the spiritual legacy of Jerusalem? 

4. What is the Christian’s interest in Jerusalem?  How has it been exhibited down through the years?  What do you think is the Christians’ interest in Jerusalem today?

5. What is the Islamic interest in Jerusalem?  Upon what is this interest based? 

6. What does the Bible state about the future of Jerusalem? 

7. In your opinion, will the Bush “road map” plan for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians be achieved?  Why or why not?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS from January 2008
Simple Church – Thom Rainer, Eric Geiger
Published by B & H Publishing Group

It is no secret that the organizational church is on the decline.  One hears of the rise of house churches, emerging churches, non-traditional churches, etc.  It seems that churches have become like dinosaurs.  What can effect their change? 

Thom Rainer, CEO of Christian Resources, and Eric Geiger, executive pastor of Christ Fellowship, have researched churches large and small and have come to the conclusion: the more simple…the more effective.  Bigger is not necessarily better.   More programs does not equal more effective ministry.  Their suggestion is to “get simple.”

1. Describe what your own church looks like right now.  Then describe what your own church might look like if it were to become a simple church.

2. The authors state that four factors make for a simple church: clarity, movement, alignment, and focus.  How can a church begin to cultivate clarity in knowing exactly who it is?  Why is this so important?

3. Most churches are very resistant to change of any kind.  Why does this resistance occur?  How can it be overcome?

4. Who is easier to persuade to become a simple church: the church’s leadership or the church’s membership?  Why?

5. If your church were to become a simple church, what steps would need to be taken?  Who would give leadership?  What kind of resistance would be met?  Would the outcome be successful or not?

6. Is it possible for a church to have multiple ministries and still become a simple church? 

7. What are some of the blessings that can come to a simple church?  What are some of the difficult hurdles a church must face if it desires to become a simple church?

8. Do you think the authors have just created another formula for church success that can be followed, or is this a pattern that can create a lasting change within the local church? 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS from November 2007
Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of our Founding Fathers – John Eidsmoe
Published by Baker Book House, 1987

America’s heritage is under attack today.  Secularism has become the dominant philosophy of our time.  One of the goals of secularism is the elimination of God and religion from the human mindset.  And one of the targets of the secular-humanists has been the religious roots upon which this nation was founded.  Joseph Ellis, in his book titled Founding Brothers, states that the period of the American Revolution was the most unique period in American history.  He goes on to state that never before and never since has this country seen a collection of true patriots and leaders as was seen at that time.

The purpose of John Eidsmoe’s book is to help Americans understand the profound religious backgrounds of many of the men who helped form this great Republic; men such as John Adams, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay, and others.  He also desires that we understand that the foundation for the United States Constitution lies in the rule of law based, not upon humanistic principles, but upon the values predicated by a Judeo-Christian system of belief. 

The following discussion questions will guide us in our dialogue with the author as we ponder the foundational roots of our great nation.

1. Many of the founding fathers had strong Puritan roots buried deeply within the theology of John Calvin.  How did their view of the total depravity of man influence them in the structure of the government they were creating?  How was this a valid safe-guard?
2. Deism is often considered to have been a leading religious belief of the time.  What influence did this belief have upon the writing of the Constitution?
3. The author relates the stories of thirteen men who were influential in writing the Constitution.  Some names are familiar, some are not.  Select one individual whose story most appealed to you, and share what you learned from that person’s story.  How were his life and his decisions influenced by his religious convictions?
4. I found chapter 21 to be an exciting and critical chapter.  Eidsmoe relates several biblical principles that are foundational to Constitutional beliefs.  Could such a document be written today by the leaders of our nation?  What might a modern-day version of the Constitution look like?  Would it still have significant biblical foundations?  Or would it be built upon humanistic principles? 
5. What can American Christians do to prevent the further erosion of our Constitutional guarantees?  What course of action are you planning on taking?

I want to close with a quote from Pastor Martin Niemoeller:
“First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.  Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.  Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.  Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.”  If we don’t speak up now…we may not be able to speak at all later.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS from September 2007
The Truth War – John MacArthur
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2007

Interestingly enough, one of the most important questions asked of Jesus during His ministry here on earth came from the lips of Pilate, the one who wielded the final authority in Jesus’ life or death.  We read these words, as recorded by the Apostle John: “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.  Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.  In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”  “What is truth?” Pilate asked.

That is the question being asked by many today even within the evangelical ranks.  And a second question is also being asked, “Why should I care about the truth?  After all, truth is relative.”  MacArthur begins his book with these words:The idea that the Christian message should be kept pliable and ambiguous seems especially attractive to young people who are in tune with the culture and in love with the spirit of the age and can’t stand to have authoritative biblical truth applied with precision as a corrective to worldly lifestyles, unholy minds, and ungodly behavior.  And the poison of this perspective is being increasingly injected into the evangelical church body. (p. xi)

The following discussion questions will guide us in our dialogue with the author as we ponder the relevancy of truth in our world.

1. How is truth defined for those within the new movement of the Emerging Church?  How does that definition of truth differ from what you hold to be truth?

2. MacArthur writes: The church has grown lazy, worldly, and self-satisfied.  Church leaders are obsessed with style and methodology, losing interest in the glory of God and becoming grossly apathetic about truth and sound doctrine (p. xvii).  What is your response to that statement?

3. How can a person fully know what truth really is?  What has God provided as resources to help us in this quest?

4. What is the definition of “modernity?”  What is the definition of “postmodernism?”  How are they related to each other?  What has been the impact of both upon the Church?

5. As MacArthur so clearly describes in his book, this battle for truth is not a new one, but has existed since the days of the Early Church.  As you read those historical sections of the book, how are we seeing history being repeated in today’s Church?  Can you think of some recent examples of where truth was questioned by those within the Church? 

6. Who do you think is winning this battle for truth right now?  Why do you feel that way? 

7. How is this “truth war” impacting your own local church?  How have you been made aware of its presence? 

8. For the Church today to successfully contend for the faith delivered to us by the saints (Jude 3), what must the Church do?  What steps must it take?  Do you think that those steps will be taken?  Explain.