Discussion questions from Mar 15

1. Read through Isa 61:1-5 again and slowly. Which phrases or words is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you personally?

2. Jesus appears to apply the Isa 64:1-5 prophecy to himself. Give examples from his earthly ministry that fulfil it.
3. There are several aspects of "freedom" that Jesus articulates in Lk 4:18-19. Share how you are attracted, intrigued and/or puzzled by these.
4. In 2020, what would you say is the most serious "captivity" that Australians are in?

Discussion questions from Mar 8

1. Begin by sharing, if possible, a story of your first encounter with the Lord's Prayer.

2. One scholar has said that this prayer follows a sequence, starting by "getting our priorities right" before moving onto "personal needs". Discuss.

3. If, through King Jesus, God's kingdom has 'come', why does Jesus teach his disciples to pray for "God's kingdom to come"?

4. Describe what you can imagine if God's will was done in Hobart, as it is in heaven. Give local examples.

Discussion questions from Mar 1

1. In Mark’s version of events (Mk 1:9-13), Jesus is baptised then tempted. Discuss the link between the two events.

2. In Lk 4:5, Satan tempts Jesus with "the kingdoms of the world". What do you think this means?

3. Elsewhere, Satan is described as the "ruler of this world" (Jn 12:31) and the "god of this age" (2 Cor 4:4). In what way does God 'permit' Satan's rule?

4. What do the cross and resurrection of Jesus prove about His kingdom? (see Col 2:8-15, and 1 Jn 3:8-9)

5. What difference does it make to people of the kingdom (ie. believers) that we have both an enemy who is against us and a King who is victorious for us?

Discussion questions from Feb 23

1. Read through Isa 55:1-13 again and slowly. Which phrases or words is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you personally? Which phrases or words seem relevant to the wider church (local/national/global)?

2. Compile a list of attributes from Isa 55:1-13 that answers this question: ‘What are the people of God’s kingdom like?’

3. According to Jesus in Mk 10:14, the kingdom of God “belongs to children and such as these”. What does he mean?

4. Re-read Mk 10:29-31. What is Jesus teaching about the future fulfilment of the God’s kingdom?