The Coal Project

Week 30: Discovering the Character of God through John

30.1 Invite the group to discuss what they think nicknames tell us about people.

If Jesus were to give them a nickname, what do they think it would be? Spend just a few minutes in pairs, discussing, before feeding back.

30.2 Think back to Simon and his nickname and the reasons Christ gave him it.

Read Mark 3:13-19 and pick out the other individual to whom Jesus 'nicknamed'. What might have been the foundations for this name? Read Luke 9:51-55 to learn one possible reason.

This is our introduction to the apostle, John: stubborn, argumentative (Mark 10:35-17), fiery, impulsive and generally difficult to live with. Would you choose him to be a disciple? What does this tell us about Jesus?

30.3 Take this thought a step further and read John 13:23, 19:25-27 and 21:20.

• How has Jesus' 'view' of John changed?
• Did Jesus change, or did John?
• What was it that caused this change?
• What can this teach us about Jesus?

In the classic Superman movies, there is a scene where Superman changes a lump of coal; filthy, unattractive and unwanted, into a beautiful diamond. It is not so unlike how Jesus changes John. Jesus' love transforms this fiery, rough man into a soft-hearted disciple who rejoices in the love of his Lord. John is the coal; as are you and I. John allowed Jesus to change him. Will we?


Week 30: Summary

This week may seem shorter; it is perhaps the briefest of glimpses we've taken into anyone's life so far - yet it is here that we see some of the most profoundly intimate of truths about God's character...

• He knows us
• He accepts us as we are
• He doesn't reject us because of our past
• His love transforms us

The Vilest Offender...

Week 29: Discovering the Character of God through Paul




Coming Soon!

I Would Die For You...

Week 28: Discovering the Character of God through Stephen

28.1 Recap on the attributes of God that we have discovered so far in the New Testament. What His ultimate question to us? What are His promises for us? Have they had personal experiences of any of these aspects of God's nature yet - or is it still 'book knowledge'?

28.2 There is a point when this knowledge moves form the head to the heart and it shapes who you are as you recognise who Christ is - and who He created you to be. Stephen had a solid knowledge of both - and he was unafraid to stand up for them. Before we get to that, let's read about how he 'started out'.

Read Acts 6:1-8 and establish the setting: the apostles were so busy teaching that practical needs were (understandably) failing to be met, so they appointed these 7 men. Note and discuss the description of Stephen (5) and of this new group's role (2). Note how God used him in that situation (8). Sometimes we need to allow God to use us in the situation and place we are in; waiting on Him to use our giftings the way he chooses, not the way we expect. We must remember that He doesn't 'operate' the way we want him to.

28.3 Unfortunately, when we operating in our giftings for God, being blessed by Him and doing great things for Him, those who are 'religious' will always have things to say about us (cf. John 15:18) - and this was as true for Stephen as it was for Jesus.

Read Acts 6:9-14. Have any of the group ever experienced false accusations because of their faith? How do they usually respond?

28.4 Stephen's response is recorded in Acts 7 - if time, read through. It is more than simply refuting the Jews' accusations; he goes into great detail of everything he believes - he is giving a sermon. He preaches to the Jews on their history and how they miss the point entirely. Stephen is - as Luke pointed out - 'full of the Holy Spirit' yet we see here that he is also full of truth (John 4, anyone?). Neither outweighs the others. If God is to use us, we need to be ready in the same way: we need to be equally full of the Holy Spirit and knowledge of His Word.

28.5 The last we hear of Stephen is the leader's response to his sermon and the consequences. Read Acts 7:54-8:4 and, as a group, discuss reactions, thoughts and revelations of God's character.

Week 28: Summary
This week's study has taught us a lot about Stephen and what it means to truly follow Jesus yet, amidst this, we see God's character unveiled:

• God does not work as we expect
• He can use our giftings regardless of our situations/circumstances
• He gives us the strength and wisdom to respond in difficult circumstances
  

Have A Drink On Me

Week 27: Discovering the Character of God through The Woman at The Well



Coming Soon!

Where You Are

Week 26: Discovering the Character of God through Mary Magdalene

26.1 As a group, read Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:1-2 and 10-18. Invite the group to discuss these scriptures; do they see anything holding them together? Reflect on the previous two weeks' teachings and the core message of them; does this help them to see the connection?

As we reassess the passages, we can see one main thing connecting them: where Jesus was, Mary was (ministry, cross, tomb, resurrection).

Again we see Jesus asking us, 'Do you love me?' and in Mary we see the response He seeks in a sincere heart: If we should say 'Yes,' then that should bear fruit: us wanting - longing - to be always near Him. (compare Psalm 84:1-2,10)

26.2 Re-read Luke 8:1-3 and hone in on the description of Mary. Usually when we read of people with demons they have one or two at most, and whenever a relation took the possessed person to Jesus, the demon would resist and drive the person to fit. Now, imagine that x7.

We know nothing of Mary; whether she was brought to Jesus or ran to Him of her own accord, but we do know it would have been painful.

Coming to Jesus is never easy; there will always be resistance between the flesh and the Spirit. There will always be things we need to lay down and be delivered from... and even after we have met with Jesus, we need to continually surrender. Perhaps this is another reason why Mary was always found with Jesus; she knew that left to her own devices, she would struggle to stand. And perhaps Jesus knew this, too.

26.3 One final, but perhaps the most remarkable, thing about Mary is not just her faithfulness, but rather Christ's faithfulness to her. He could have healed her and sent her on her way but, instead, her stuck with her. He invited her 'into His world'; into His kingdom and never sent her away. In fact, He so wanted her to know He included her that He appeared to her first after He rose.


Week 26: Summary

At New Year, it's surprising to find that Mary Magdalene is the ideal person to study in reflecting upon God's character. At this time of year, when so many are busy making resolutions and dreaming for the future Jesus asks us significant questions that challenge the way we view the days ahead:

• Do we love Him? If we dare say 'yes', then be prepared to get where He is and stay there. as Mark Hall puts it, 'Is your walk with Jesus Christ characterized by personal faith, personal prayer, personal study, and personal disciplines? Or do you get by with the overflow from mature Christians?'
• 
  
• If we choose to follow Him, we ought not to be so naive that we think it will be easy. It will mean daily surrender and a willingness to be delivered from our own demons. It will be a fight and it could get messy and painful... but, the good news is that
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• We don't go it alone. Christ is with us, He is in us and He will stick with us.

What great promises and challenges to start the year with!

Speak up!

Week 25: Discovering the Character of God through Thomas

25.1 Invite the group to quickly look over a complex math equation and assess whether it's possible to solve eg:

(12x + 3y)² = (7x/5) - 4x³ + xy(3x5y) + x(2x(2x-y)) + xy + 3

When they (hopefully!) realise that it isn't easy, offer them the value of x/y (just the offer is sufficient to make the point!) to help. Sometimes life can be like this: seemingly confusing until we ask for help or it is offered. From the little that we know of him, we can discover that Thomas lived his life in much this manner; often confused or cautious, but unafraid to request clarification.

25.2 Invite the group to picture the following scene:

After three years together, Jesus and His disciples are eating their final meal together, though the disciples do not know it. This is the night Jesus will be betrayed; the night before He will dies. The men with Him have witnessed incredible events: the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the dead live. During the last three years, Jesus has spoken often of the Kingdom and now, over dinner, He talks of His death. He has spent the last hour ('chapter') or so speaking of how they must serve one another, how He will be betrayed and, now, that He is to leave them. Finally, He says that 'after He goes, He will return to take His disciples with Him.'

It is here that Thomas interjects with one of his rarely documented outbursts. Read John 14:1-6. You would think that, after three years of following Jesus, His followers would have a full understanding of everything He says but, here, Thomas shows that there is still much to be confused about.

Return briefly to the math equation and consider it in a classroom setting; there, there are those of us who, in our confusion would simply ask for help. On the other hand are those who stay silent, fearing being thought stupid because 'we should know the answer'. In much the same way, we could be forgiven for thinking Thomas might opt to remain silent, given the amount of time he's previously spent with the Saviour. Instead, however, he is quick to speak up.

• If we were in Thomas' shoes, which would we do? Speak up, or not say a word?
• What can we learn of Jesus' nature from the way He responds to Thomas? (He does not criticise Thomas for asking for clarity)

God welcomes our questions - even if they seem silly or awkward to us. He longs for us to communicate with Him and for us to enjoy a sincere, intimate relationship with Him. Open, honest questions are a natural part of that relationship and He will not criticise us or push us away for asking them.

25.3 Rewind a few chapters and we'll see just how Thomas, once he has things clear in his mind, is unfazed by obstacles - even death.

Read John 11:7-16 and discuss the unfolding events, Thomas' words and his motivation.

We see in this brief exchange a surprise: having learned last week of Peter's strong faith and love for Jesus - and, of course, his habit of being quick to speak, slow to think - we could easily expect him to be the one ready to follow, and die with, his Master. Yet, here, it is Thomas speaking. His devotion and fearlessness are overflowing and reveal a valuable insight: Peter's love for Jesus wasn't unique. Anyone enjoying that 24/7 intimate relationship with Jesus could not help but love Him and be inspired to adoration, courage, faithfulness and fearlessness. Jesus manifests and matures these things within us.

25.4 Thomas' most infamous moment must, of course, be examined, for it teaches us much about Jesus. Read John 20:24-29.

Notice, first, that Thomas is not with the other ten disciples when Jesus appears to them. Discuss the implications of this (what we miss out on when we're not in fellowship).

Second thing to notice is Thomas' response. try to imagine why he was so determined not to believe the others' reports of Jesus' resurrection.

Finally, notice Jesus' reaction - and compare with last week's discussion of Jesus' response to Peter in John 21:15-19. Yet again, we discover the beautiful, astounding, character of Jesus: He doesn't condemn Thomas; He neither rejects nor punishes him; there is no demand for repentance for doubting. Instead, Jesus offers peace, shows patience and gently brings reassurance. With a single, simple command, He restores Thomas.


Week 25: Summary

For Thomas to have so little written about him, we can learn surprisingly much about Jesus through him...

• He invites questions
• He inspires love, devotion and courage
• He is patient with us
• He doesn't condemn us when we doubt
• He reassures us

One Foot in the... Mouth

Week 24: Discovering the Character of God through Simon Peter

24.1 Invite the group to share times when they've 'put their foot in it'. I.E: having said or done something without thinking it through first.

• Did they regret it?
• Wiish they could have retracted it?
• Did they learn from it?

This week's study focuses on someone who was a master of speaking first, thinking second, regretting third and learning from it... after doing it a few more times: Peter.

Enquire if the group know anything of him and, if so, to share.
*Likely that the 'walking on water' will be mentioned, as, probably, will be Peter's denial. In both instances, invite those who volunteer these to turn up the passages for later use (Matt 14:25-32 and Luke 22:54-62, respectively).

24.2 Just as with our own lives, there is far more to Peter than these incidents and, through them all, we learn a lot about God. In fact, we see through all of Peter's mess-ups a whole lot about God's grace. Through this ordinary man, we discover an extraordinary God.

Read Mark 1:16-18 and Luke 5:4-8 to see - and discuss - just how ordinary Simon Peter was. Go on to discuss what these brief passages show us of God's nature (clue: doesn't look for perfect people!).

24.3 Read the passage bookmarked earlier of Peter's 'walk on the wet side' in Matthew 14:25-32.

• Invite the group to imagine themselves in this situation. Where would they place themselves in the story?
• Zoom in on Peter for a moment; why was it that he began to sink? What about Jesus' response: why didn't He help sooner?
• Notice that He goes straight to the heart: 'Your faith is small.' What would they imagine Peter might have replied?

24.4 Peter always seemed to have one foot lodged securely in his mouth, but his heart was usually in the right place. Read Matt 16:13-23 and Matt 17:1-7. Within 6 days, he goes from having it so right to being so wrong before settling somewhere in the middle.

Break this period and passage into the three stages and discuss each. If the group is large enough, split into three groups to deal with each section. In each case, look for one thing to learn about Peter's nature (see if they can see how we might identify) and 2 things about God.

24.5 Perhaps Simon Peter's most infamous moment came on the passover night where he denied all knowledge of Jesus - however, many don't even realise that the 'story' doesn't end there. Read Luke 22:54-62 (bookmarked earlier). Again, put ourselves in Peter's shoes: would we really fare any better?

Move forward in our imaginings: if we had been the ones denying Jesus, and then He came back from the dead, what reaction would we expect to receive from Him?

Go on to read John 21:15-19. Note that Jesus neither judges nor condemns; nor does he demand repentance or reject Peter based on his actions. No, Jesus' overriding concern is how Peter would respond to the bigger question: 'do you truly love me?' Jesus knew that repentance and changed lives follow from a 'true love' for Him. He also knew that Peter had spent long enough beating himself up over what he'd said; now, the key was to focus on loving Jesus instead of dwelling on the mistakes of the past, so that God would be able to use him.


Week 24: Summary
Peter is perhaps one of the figures of the Bible who we can most closely identify with. We, too, spend most of our lives with one foot firmly in mouth; we, too, can start out with bold, secure faith yet in the next moment our circumstances can come crashing around us and draw our attention from the Saviour. Yet, there is hope. Jesus questions us in that same, gentle manner as He did, Peter; not condemning, but inviting sincerity and a fresh start based on our reply to his question: 'Do you truly love me?'

Various characteristics discovered of God's character this week include:

• He uses ordinary people and gives them purpose
• He invites us to trust Him but won't do everything for us
• He restores us
• He doesn't condemn us
  

The Final Signpost

Week 23: Discovering the Character of God through John The Baptist

23.1 Pose two questions to the group for their thoughts and discussion:

• How do they think they'll be remembered? What might people say about them?
• How do they want to be remembered? What do they want people to say about them?

This week, we're studying God's character through John the Baptist and what better way to begin than by looking at what Jesus had to say about him? As a group, read Matt 11:7-11. Discuss the implications of verse 11a: John is greater than Moses, Jacob, Abraham... everyone the Jews had ever held in high esteem and considered their route to God, Jesus was now saying John surpassed them all. In a moment, we'll see what it is that sets him apart but for now let the thought linger in the background!

23.2 As a group, read John 1:19-37. Part of what made John unique lies not only in what Jesus said about him, but in what he said of himself. Invite the group to share and discuss John's replies when questioned about who he was; notice what he's more interested in drawing people's attention to (Jesus). So, on the one hand, we have Jesus saying: 'John the Baptist is greater than any other person ever born,' while, on the other, John says: 'Who I am doesn't matter - it's insignificant in light of who I point to. I'm just a signpost.' Invite the group to share their thoughts on the juxtaposition of these two statements: can they complement each other, or do they completely contradict each other?

The truth is that the smaller we make ourselves in our own eyes, the more God increases our worth in His eyes. Check out Matt 23:12; God requires - and blesses the humble.

23.3 John wasn't just humble; he was also honest and direct. This was as much (in fact, probably more so), the Holy Spirit within him as it was his nature. Read Luke 3:3-14 and discuss, as a group, these essence of John's message in this passage (faith accompanied by action).

Stress to the group that John is not saying 'Your acts are going to save you.' Ephesians 2:8-10 make it clear that we cannot earn salvation.

Drew McClure tells the story of a husband coming home to his wife one day with a bouquet of flowers. As he gives them to her, her face lights up, and she gets so excited: "What made you do this? I mean, it’s not my birthday, it’s not Christmas; it’s not Valentine’s Day. Why’d you bring these to me?" "Well, I heard that there's a manual somewhere that says that this is what husbands are supposed to do, so… here it is." Imagine how quickly those flowers would fall drop from her hands. How quickly would all the joy be taken from her? By contrast, imagine the same scene, with the husband, the flowers and all the questions only this time, the husband's reply is, "I just wanted to do something nice for you,'cause I love you."

The actions in our lives should be a response to God's love, grace and mercy... not an effort to earn them and this is John's point. John is saying (quite bluntly): our actions should be an outward indication of the change that has gone on inside of us. The fact that the Jews weren't living fruitful lives gave John reason to challenge their motives: were they willing to change their lives out of changed hearts, or were they simply there because they were worried that they were missing out?

23.4 Our last glimpse into John's life teach the consequences of being obedient and living that transformed life. Read Luke 3:19-20 and Mark 6:17-29. John's fearlessness in speaking the truths of God's Law offended people. But it didn't silence him; he was unafraid of man (compare Psalm 56:3-4). he was full of the Holy Spirit and willing to endure whatever price he must for the Gospel.

His ministry had a cost. All ministry has a cost. Jesus told his followers to 'take up their crosses' and later stated that 'the world would hate' them. God calls us to put the things - the fears and desires - of the flesh to death in following Him.

Can the group think of anything God has asked/may be asking them to sacrifice?

23.5 We end this week by returning to the question of what set John apart. Was it his fearlessness? His honesty and bluntness? His humility? No, it was something more.

All of the Old Testament prophets - in fact every person who had gone before - only knew God from a distance. He was a God who 'lived in a box'*, behind a curtain, that only priests could access. Now, God had become a man and John could literally point people to Him. Re-read John 1:36-37. John had the very first privilege of introducing people to intimate relationship with the Messiah. He was not just a signpost; he was the final signpost.
*Andrew Wilson (Mission:Worship '09)


Week 23: Summary
This week's study has been a deeply challenging one; moreso than any of our previous sessions and it is perhaps fitting. No longer can we look at God through the telescope of the Old Testament men and women; no, Jesus has come and, just like John: we are encouraged to get serious about knowing him. Some of these challenging characteristics of God include:

• God requires - and blesses - humility
• God wants our hearts, not our actions
• He calls us to a costly ministry

Expect the Unexpected

Week 22: Discovering the Character of God Through Mary (Mother of Jesus)

Coming Soon!

A New Hope...

Week 21: Discovering the Character of God through Zechariah

21.1 We left the Old Testament seeing God really showing His heart to Israel; that He loved them, wanted to be a husband to them and was jealous for them. Of course, we know from our earlier studies that Israel didn't really listen and ended up getting invaded and captured by Assyria. Not long after, Judah went down the same road away from God and were eventually invaded and captured by Babylon. As we learned in our study of Jeremiah, Judah was captive for seventy years before they were allowed to return to their land.

Our study of Ezra and Nehemiah showed that the Israelites did return and they began to rebuild their city, their homes and their lives. For a while, things went okay but, as time passed, the Israelites began to slip back into their old ways and, if anything, they got worse. Divorce, adultery and abuse of the poor were prevalent and, to cap it all off, the people abandoned their faith; going through the 'religious' motionsof worship instead of sincerely following the Lord.

The New Testament is the 'What Happens Next' part of history; but first, there were 400 years where God remained silent.

• Invite the group to share their thoughts on what it must have been like; suddenly seeming like God was no longer answering or even hearing their prayers.
• Discuss as a group what it might be like to be the first person God speaks to when He breaks His silence. How might we feel? What would we think?

21.2 Read Luke 1:5-17 to see the moment where God breaks His silence, who it was he spoke to and what He had to say. Invite the group to discuss why they think God chose Zechariah and, more importantly, the message the angel brought (hope/new beginnings/joy/peace/reconciliation etc).

21.3 Read Luke 1:18-23 and discuss Zechariah's response and the consequences it brings. Compare this passage with Genesis 18:9-16. Invite the group to share their thoughts on why the Lord treated the two situations so differently (for Abraham and Sarah, a rebuke; for Zechariah, the loss of speech and, most likely, hearing).

• Can they put themselves in Zechariah's shoes? Elizabeth's? The crowd's?
• Who would they most identify with in this scene?

21.4 At the end of this chapter, we see just what happens to Zechariah. Read Luke 1:57-66. Already, we're seeing a God who has not changed from what we saw of Him in the Old Testament: He still keeps his promises and carries out his warnings. Do the group have any thoughts on this passage (especially verses 63-64)? The very moment Zechariah gets his speech back, he worships God. this has a knock-on effect on the people around him.

God is laying foundations for what is to come; softening and preparing the Jews for the gospel. It's a wake up call for the Jews: although God hadn't said much for a while, He never abandoned them... nor did He intend to, as Zechariah went on to foretell.

21.5 Read Luke 1:67-79 and summarise the message that God spoke through Zechariah to John: everything the Lord has promised during the previous millennia was about to come true and this child, John, would herald it in.

• As a group, reflect on this and see if we can find anything new of God's character here.
• How can we be encouraged by Zechariah's prophecy?

Week 21: Summary
The New Testament takes us on a new journey. No longer were the Israelites to struggle to earn God's favour, for He was about to give them the most incredible gift and it all begins here. One man's unbelief reminds a nation that God has not forsaken them but rather is at work in powerful, mysterious ways. God's character is clearly evident in the little glimpse we have into Zechariah's life:

• He gives us new beginnings
• He restores us
• He hears us
• He never abandons us
• He reconciles us to Him

...to name but a few!