ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

GIVING TO GOD

For home groups that would like them, here are some questions based on Sunday's teaching from Norman Campbell. There's no need to answer them all - just tackle the ones you have time for. You don't need to stick to the areas mentioned here - feel free to discuss any other issues that arise for you.

1. For our 9.15 service, Norman asked for Revelation 18:9-19 as a second reading. Have a look at this passage. What do you make of the suggestion that Babylon stands for the world of global commerce? In what ways might we be seeing what this passage talks about coming true in our world today?

2. Are you worried about the current financial climate? Why or why not?

3. Now read Malachi 3:8-12. How do you respond to the suggestion that we might be 'robbing God'?

4. What is your attitude to tithing (giving 10% of your income to God)? Do you think that we as Christians are obliged to do this?

5. Malachi's language about those who do not tithe is very strong. What do you make of his statement in verse 9 that those who do not tithe are 'under a curse'? What does this mean? Do you know of circumstances where this has happened?

6. God doesn't often ask us to 'test' him (verse 10), does he? Indeed, testing God is usually forbidden! Have you had any experiences that parallel what happened to Norman and his wife Naomi when they started tithing?

7. How might you go about putting verse 10 into practice?

8. How does your life reflect the truth that the 'currency' of heaven is people rather than money? In what ways are you investing in heavenly treasure?

9. What about our church? In what ways does our life together reflect the people-shaped values of God's kingdom? Could we do so more? How?

10. How do you respond to Norman's statement that 'God doesn't need our money'?

11. Mark 4:24-25 says this: "...With the measure you use, it will be measured to you - and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." How does this apply to our giving to God?

12. Take some time to pray about this important aspect of our life as Christians and as members of the church. Pray too for those who manage our church finances and make decisions about our spending.

David Stone
20 October 2008