Maryville Vineyard Church

Old Time Religion

17 February 2010 1,218 views 2 Comments

otr-header1

Intro

Maryville Vineyard is a new school church with old school values. And like your mom always says, ”You can’t forget where you came from.” In this three-week series, we’re moving forward by looking back – what’s old is new again.

Driving Directions | Services Times | Invite a Friend | Share on Facebook

Week 1

Aaron’s story about preaching his first sermon is below the questions. Jump to the video.

Have a few people share their favorite story from their church past (could be recent, or from way back when!)
What was your reaction to seeing things like hymnals, pews, and a pulpit in the Vineyard sanctuary? Discuss.
Why do you think church attendance in America is declining? (be careful not to be too critical of the church here!)
We hold the ‘message’ in one hand, and the ‘methods’ in the other. Which hand is open, and which is closed? Discuss why.
Which methods will we never change (ANSWER: the ones clearly prescribed in the Bible, i.e., preaching, worship, prayer, sacraments, etc.)
Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
What are some specific ways that we can personally do what Paul did to be more effective? In other words, how can we be “all things to all men” on a day to day basis?
What are some of the potential pitfalls of this approach? (BTW, I, Pastor Aaron, will buy a king size Snickers for anyone who uses the word ‘syncretism’ in their answer without being coached or tipped-off!)
What are some of the ‘methods’ at the Vineyard that could become sacred cows?
What are some methods we could use at the Vineyard to be more effective? Remember, there are no bad ideas when you’re brainstorming! (BTW, I, Pastor Aaron, will buy a king size Snickers for anyone who, without being tipped-off, starts singing out loud the theme song for ‘Imagination Movers’ when you read that!)
Finally, give people an opportunity to discuss any past hurts from church experiences. Even if it was at the Vineyard. Take time and pray for one another, ask God to bring healing and resolution.

Week 2

LifeGroup Discussion Questions:

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Consider the parallel line illustration. Have you felt yourself getting a degree or two off over the years? How do you get back on course?
What are some of the Biblical teachings that you struggle to embrace as truth?
Why is it scary that people often do not believe in absolute truth, or an absolute moral standard?
Why are Christians sometimes thought of as intolerant? Is there any truth to that?
How could it be seen as intolerant to share the gospel?
Have you ever felt mean, or judgmental, or intolerant, for wanting to share your faith?
Read and discuss Matthew 5:41. What would be a modern day equivalent of this?
What’s the difference between good advice and good news?
When you tell people about Jesus, which do you usually feel like you’re offering?
BONUS: Read Acts 17:16-30. Discuss Paul’s strategy. Consider the steps that he took. Notice how he took some things from their culture, and adopted them, others he adapted, and others he rejected altogether. What can we learn from this approach?

Week 3

How is our relationship with Christ like a long-distance engagement?
Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship (doesn’t have to be romantic, it could be from parents, or grandchildren, or close friends, etc.)? Discuss the struggle of being separated, and the joy of making visits.
How is fasting fueled by our separation from the Lord?
How is fasting different because of the ministry of Jesus?
What are your thoughts about fasting something other than food?
Read Is. 58:3-11. What can we learn about fasting from this text? What did the Israelites get wrong in this instance?
Read and discuss Matt. 6:16-18. What can we learn about fasting from this teaching?
What has been your experience with fasting so far? Have you heard about it a lot? Rarely?
Fasting is often thought of as “advanced spiritual discipline.” Is that true? What are some of the ways that we can ease into fasting?
If you’ve ever fasted, can you share about that experience?

Resources

Recommended Music

“May I Always Keep My Feet Upon the Ground” by Steven Delopoulos
- Theme song for series
- iTunes
Hymns Ancient & Modern by Passion
Hymns by Trinity Vineyard
- iTunes
- Vineyardresources.com

2 Comments »

Sharon Wilkinson said:

I just listened to Old Time Religion from last Sunday. I thought it wonderful. I am also North of 50, I enjoy all the young people that go to the Vineyard. I wish I had been there also, to make sure my daughter Rebecca Tatum did not talk about me, and our pickle story at the church she was Baptized in. I found out that she didn’t but you may want to ask her about that she has lots of stories.

I really do enjoy your messages, you are so gifted with Knowledge and so young, it is amazing. I hope to see you and your lovely wife this Sunday.

I am so glad Brian and Rebecca Tatum have become a part of the Vineyard, I feel so blessed about thier joining your church.

Thanks, for the Pod cast.
Sharon Wilkinson

# 23 February 2010 at 3:12 pm

Maryville Vineyard Church » Blog Archive » His Plan, My Part said:

[...] Directions | Services Times | Invite a Friend | Share on [...]

# 10 March 2010 at 5:06 pm