WELCOME ICEBREAKER

It is important to be ready to welcome newcomers and the regular attendees. This will set the tone for the rest of the evening. Please be sure to pray for the group beforehand.

WORSHIP

Worship is key to welcoming the presence of Christ.

WORD

Background

In the past week the world has again been drawn to the story of the death and resurrection of Christ. The papers and television have given Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, a lot of coverage, some positive and some negative. Begin your group discussion by taking some time to review the movie with those who have seen it. Remind the group that, although the movie is relatively accurate, it is still a movie. And as Chuck Smith Jr. puts it, “It is a work of art. And art begs for interpretation. It asks us to find or give it meaning.” Here are some questions you can use to get started. Keep this discussion to about 10 minutes to ensure you have time to build faith with the word.

• If you saw the movie what was your initial reaction?
  
• How did it affect your understanding of what Jesus did for you?
  
• What scene struck you the most and why?
  
• What questions did the movie leave you with?
  
• How did it alter your view of Christ?
  
• How did those in your work place, school or community respond to the movie?
  
  Perhaps one of the most searching questions we must think about is: “What does the suffering have to do with me in the year 2004?” The Bible teaches us the suffering that Christ experienced was to purchase our freedom. His death paid the price for our sins.
  
  Assign the following verses for your group to read: Isaiah 53:4-9; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; and John 8:31-36.
  
  
• Discuss how Jesus set this woman free and the instructions He gave her
  
• Discuss how we have to receive this freedom to be free from the bondage of sin.

WORK

Please remind your group about the Detour 180 concert this coming Saturday. This is open for everyone.