- Take a moment to browse over the characters in Hebrews 11. Which of these characters can you most relate to and why?
- In what ways does Jesus give us something better in our faith than what the characters of the Old Testament had?
- What have you endured because of your faith?
- If you knew you could change one thing in this world by your faith, what would it be?
- In light of Hebrews 11, how can your faith greater change how you are living your life?
- What causes people to lose their passion in life?
- Why do we often pretend we are fine when we really aren’t?
- What do you try to get from people that you should really be getting from God?
- What does fellowshipping with Jesus look like for you?
- Why do you think Jesus didn’t say anything critical about the Church of Philadelphia?
- What are some of the things that churches often substitute for the Word?
- In what ways can we adopt methodology that misrepresents the character of Jesus?
- What doors have been opened for you?
- Why is “a little strength” actually a blessing?
- What makes Christians want to imitate the idolatry of the world?
- How can a culture of idolatry create a distance between people and God?
- Do we act like pride is the worst of all sins?
- Why do you think the working class people of Thyatira were susceptible to the pitch of this Jezebel?
- What would “Jezebel’s” defense be to these charges?
- What is the riskiest thing you have ever done?
- Why do you think we struggle with trusting God fully when He calls us to do something?
- What would your life look like without fear influencing your decisions?
- How does comfort hold us back from stepping out in faith?
- What are ways that we can “see him who is invisible” (v.27) working in your lives?
- Why do you think the first century church was growing so slowly?
- Why do you suspect the modern church today is decreasing in overall attendance?
- Why has the church in the Western world experienced so little persecution over the last 200 years compared with the church in Asia, Africa and the Middle East?
- If the church in America began to experience more persecution over the next ten years, what might the causes be?
- What do you think Jesus feels about modern entertainment in His name, with Him as the product?
- Does this message to the church in Smyrna sound very encouraging to you? Why or why not?
- In what ways are Christians today drawn to a strategic alliance with government? What are the dangers?
- Does the persecuted church in other parts of the world occupy much of your attention? Why?
- Why do people see death as such a negative thing?
- What are the benefits and detriments of having a church in a place that’s known for immorality?
- Why do you think Christians who really emphasize the truth might have a harder time being loving?
- What memories do you have that bring you closer to a loving mindset?
- How hard is it to love people while hating what they do?
- What is the greatest blessing (besides salvation) that you have ever received?
- In what ways does looking at your future without God lead to fearful living?
- How does your faith affect you in the face of death?
- In what ways can you bless others in your life?
- How do you decide when enough is enough? What boundaries do you draw in your life?
- Have you ever suffered because of bad leadership? Have others ever suffered because of your poor leadership?
- Why is the idea of sacrifice such a big thing to God?
- What do you think makes people so cheap toward God?