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DISCUSSION GUIDE
A Reason to Celebrate
Ps Barry
Scripture
Read Nehemiah 12:27-47
Observation
- Describe what was involved in the celebration of the finished walls.
- What would be the equivalent of such a type of celebration look like today?
- Why was it so important for God’s people to celebrate?
Application
Choose one or more of the following questions to discuss:
- Ps Barry shared that God is a God of celebration and the Bible is a book filled with commands to rejoice and celebrate feasts before God. Have you ever viewed God in this light before? Discuss.
- No one has more reason to celebrate than a believer in Jesus Christ. Would someone close to you in your life describe you as a ‘celebrative’ person (i.e. a person who is thankful, encouraging and finds a reason to celebrate something or someone)? When was the last time you celebrated something? Discuss.
- Why is the practice of celebration so important in building our life for the mission of God?
- Richard Foster in his book “Celebration of Discipline” describes celebration as one of the important spiritual disciplines in our lives. He describes it as the practice of being grateful and thankful both in our own relationship with Christ and with other believers. It is the practice of expressing encouragement and thankfulness to others. Make a list of ten things that you are thankful for in God.
Response
Go around in your life group and encourage each member to read their list of ten things they are thankful for in God. Once every member has read it out, finish the night with praise, worship and prayers of thanksgiving. Encourage one another to keep that list before them daily to remind them to celebrate God each day.
Life group leaders please encourage your members to:
- Read Nehemiah 13 in preparation for this Sunday’s sermon
- Invite preChristian family and friends to Easter Friday and Sunday weekend. One service at 10am. We have 9 baptisms on Easter Sunday!!
Register with Right Now Media – you can send them an email invitation through the website.
