Follow-Up
Study Guide To:
Faith Is Dangerous Because It’s
Unpredictable
Part 1 of 5 in the
series “Dangerous Faith”
March 8, 2009 Pastor Scott Oldenburgh
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the
highest), how dangerous would you rate your level of faith
« Would you describe
your faith journey as comfortable? Easy? Predictable? Or would
you describe it as challenging? Extreme? Eye opening?
« Have you
ever experienced elements of a dangerous faith? When and what were the circumstances?
Maybe the fact that you trusted Christ
at all was a dangerous step because it was not something accepted by those
around you. Maybe you have been on the mission
field or been a part of a ministry that has accomplished great things at a risk
of personal resources and possible failure.
« Do you
think most Christians prefer to live a cuddly or dangerous faith?
« Why do you
feel that way?
« What has
been your experience with what you see in the church?
« Why do you
think cuddly is sometimes easier?
« What do you
think the idea of a cuddly faith communicates to a non-believer who is
investigating the idea of faith?
This week start with I Samuel 17. Go back and look at the details of David and
Goliath.
« What was it that David
couldn’t stand anymore?
« What was it that motivated him
to a place of danger?
« Why couldn’t he just leave
well enough alone?
« What did his holy
discontent demand that he do?
Now, use your concordance and try
to find at least 2 other stories this week that demonstrate dangerous faith and
answer the same questions regarding their stories
What do you think Bill Hybels (pastor of Willow Creek in
«
Could you
identify today what your Holy Discontent is?
«
What is it in
this world that you just can’t stand anymore and you have to do
something about?
« Is there a
passion somewhere deep within you that longs to get out?
« Is there a
passion that motivates you currently?
In each of the stories of Dangerous Faith in
the Bible, you will see a corresponding Holy Discontent. This discontent
explains why people become generous in their finances, their time, their devotion
and their quest for change.
« Begin to
pray about answering the question “What is my Holy Discontent?”
« What would
you do today based on this revelation in your life?
« What has to
happen? What will it demand of you?
« How are you
going to begin?
Recognize that this passion is
what serves as the fuel for a dangerous faith. Begin to share this passion with
your Life Group and be ready . . . the journey just got a bit more dangerous!