A Practical Guide to Culture

As a parent, I was excited to read a book that looked at navigating some of the cultural problems and issues faced by our kid

s and families.  Understanding the undercurrents that sway culture is paramount in parenting that doesn’t seek to shelter and hide a child, but to equip, understand, and develop your child into a critical thinker who is confident in their faith.  The authors John and Brett expose ideas in a way that is relatable and relevant.  This book is a great resource for parents looking to guide their children in a difficult modern world.

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“A Light in the Darkness” Week 9

Week 9 Message

 

November 2, 2023

Week Nine

“Keeping Watch”
2 Peter 3:13-18

“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be
diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
-2 Peter 3:14

1. What do you most look forward to on the new earth?

 

 

2. What do Peter and Paul both agree on?

 

 

3. What do you do when you encounter a passage in the Bible that is difficult to understand?

 

 

4. What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? (Use a dictionary for help.)

 

 

5. How do you guard yourself from reading scripture to mean what you want it to?

 

 

6. Peter warns us to be aware of the company that we keep. How do you see your behavior
affected by the people you spend time with?

 

 

7. Peter closes with a final charge to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.” What does that look like to you and why is it so important?

 

 




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 8

Week 8 Message

 

October 26, 2023

“Longsuffering”
2 Peter 3:1-12

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His
promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
-2 Peter 3:8-9

 

1. Describe a time when you were made fun of?

 

 

2. Have you ever been made fun of for being a Christian?

 

3. Give a Biblical example of a promise God made that did not come to fruition in one lifetime.

 

4. What promise of God are you most eager to see fulfilled in your life?

 

5. What is the basis for “longsuffering?”

 

6. We are all guilty of procrastination from time to time. Name a few things we shouldn’t put
off until tomorrow.

 

7. Why will the works be burned up with the earth when He returns?

 

8. “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” v11

 

9. Make a list of people you feel an urgency to share the message of Salvation through Christ
Jesus with.

 

 

 

 




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 1-6

 

Light in the Darkness Weekly Messages and Discussion Questions

Week 1 – Week 6

 

Week 1 – 9/7/2023

Week 2 – 9/14/2023

Week 3 – 9/21/23

Week 4 – 9/28/23

Week 5 – 10/5/23

Week 6 – 10/12/23




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 7

Week 7 Message

 

October 19, 2023

Week Seven

“God is Just”

2 Peter 2 : 4-9, 12-13, 16-17, 20-22

“The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgement”

-2 Peter 2:9

 

1. Verse 4 reminds us that even the angels fell for Satan’s lies. How is that a warning to us?

 

 

2. Have you ever felt like Lot did? How did you respond?

 

 

3. Does knowing that God is just give you hope or fear? Why?

 

 

4. What are the wages of unrighteousness?

 

 

5. Explain what you think Peter means by “wells without water.”

 

 

6. Why is it worse for someone to have knowledge of the Lord and Savior and then to return to the world than for someone who has little to no knowledge?

 

 

7. How can we arm ourselves from the temptation to return to the mire?

 

 

 

 




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 6

Week 6 Message

 

October 12, 2023

Week Six

“Recognizing False Teachers”
2 Peter 2: 10-12, 13-15, 22

“They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own
deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of
adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable
souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices and are accursed children.”
-2 Peter 2:13-14

 

1. List some characteristics of a false prophet?

 

 

2. Why do you think people put down and ridicule things they do not understand?

 

 

3. Have you ever found yourself most critical of others who struggle with the same things you
do? Why do you think that is?

 

 

4. Why is it important to recognize our weaknesses and vulnerabilities?

 

 

5. How does it make you feel that you could be dining with a false prophet? Why?

 

 

6. How does John 10:27-29 give you peace?

 

 

7. Describe a time when the Lord undoubtedly revealed Himself to you?

 

 




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 5

Week 5 Message

 

October 5, 2023

Week Five

“False Teachers’ Agenda”
2 Peter 2: 1-3, 18-19

“But there were also false prophets among the people,
even as there will be false teachers among you, who will
secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the
Lord who bought themselves swift destruction.” -2 Peter 2:1

 

 

1. What might motivate someone from within the church to manipulate the Word of God?

 

 

2. How would this motivation be different for someone outside the church?

 

 

3. Do you think that these false teachers are aware of what they are doing and who they work for?

 

 

4. Read Matthew 12:22-32 and then define blasphemy.

 

 

5. Why is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit unforgivable but blasphemy against the Father or Son not?

 

 

6. Have you ever witnessed someone sin against God? How did it make you feel?

 

 

7. How might false prophets appeal to unsuspecting believers? Have you ever been tempted by a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

 

 

8. What is the ultimate goal




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 4

Week 4 Message

 

September 28, 2023

Week Four

“The Word of God”
2 Peter 1:16-21

“Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of
God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

-2 Peter 1:21

 

1. What cunningly devised fables do people follow today?

 

 

2. How does Peter qualify himself?

 

 

3. Why is it important to confirm any prophetic words with scripture?

 

 

4. Give an example of how scripture is manipulated to fit a worldly narrative.

 

 

5. What is the relationship between facts and feelings?

 

 

6. How can you be a light in a dark place?

 

 

7. Recall a time when you were in a dark place, and someone showed you the light.

 

 

8. How does the Holy Spirit move in your heart?

 




“A Light in the Darkness” Week 3

Week 3 Message

 

 

SEPTEMBER 21

“Remember His Word”
2 Peter 1:10-15

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and
election sure, for is you do these things you will never stumble.”

-2 Peter 1:10

 

1. Describe a time when you questioned your salvation.

 

 

2. What are the “things” that Peter is referring to in verse 10?

 

 

3. What do you think an abundant entrance into the kingdom means?

 

4. How does being fruitful in your faith differ from works?

 

 

5. Where does our Assurance of Salvation come from?

 

 

6. What do “these things” protect us from?

 

 

7. Why is it important to be in God’s Word daily?

 

 

8. What do you think Peter means by “stirring you up?”

 

 

9. If you knew your life was nearing the end, what would be your final instructions to your loved ones?

 

 




Verses for Life – Job 1:21

  1.  What would you consider to be the greatest blessings in your life?
  1.  What are some of the truths that Job 1:21 force us to wrestle with?
  1.  What would you say to Job when he lost everything?
  1. How can you greater appreciate what God has blessed you with in light of Job 1:21?