Glencairn MB Church

Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend or on you own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastoral staff.

1. Pray for the needs of your Life Group, for our church and our leaders, for personal and corporate renewal, and to allow God’s word to transform us.
Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. This Sunday, the message focus was on Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you? What encouraged you, or posed a challenge to you?

3. Based on the strong religious training Nicodemus received, what do you think he felt was required to enter the Kingdom of God? What do you suppose your neighbours think is required? Read John 3:1-15. What command or action did Jesus give and/or expect of Nicodemus in order for him to gain access to the Kingdom of God?

4. What positive or negative connotations do you hear about the phrase: “you must be born again"? Is this language still useful in talking to others about Christ?

5. Read Numbers 21:4-9. What was the purpose of the snake, and what did it represent? Why does Jesus refer to this snake when talking to Nicodemus (3:14-15)?

6. In v8 why did Jesus compare the activity of The Holy Spirit to wind? Note: The Greek word pneuma can be translated as either wind or spirit. Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. In what way have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your own life? How would you describe or explain that to someone else?

7. This story (John 3) is an example of leading someone to Christ. Which of the 3 principles (1. Requires Actions, 2. Real Conversation, 3. Tell God’s Story) are the easiest for you? The hardest?

8. How do you feel or respond when you think about the responsibility that we, as Christians, have to evangelize and be witnesses for Christ? Read: Mark 16:15-16; Luke 12:8-9; John 20:21; 2 Timothy 1:7-8;
1 Peter 3:15.

9. Take a moment of silence as you consider how God is speaking to you. Do you sense an invitation to something more that God has for you? What concrete steps of response do you want to take? How can your group support you in these steps?