07
Jun '20

Session 1: Multiply

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

MULTIPLY

Preparation

 
In preparation for this week’s D-Group:
Memorise and Meditate on Acts 1:6-8

“Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” “

 
This term will be different. In this term, we will be prepared spiritually, and also mentally to be obedient to the Great Commission.
This term, we will be equipped on the necessary skills needed to give a Bible study, and to lead a D-group.
We will pray together for the Lord to lead and guide us as we embark on a challenging yet extremely fulfilling journey to make disciples.
 

Accountability (10 Minutes)

 
Each disciple to share one insight or lesson learned from his/her devotion in the last week. Also, share insights from the reading of Christian Service Chapter 1.
 
How do you feel as we enter into the last term of the D-Group and prepare to multiply?
 

Bible Discussion (20 minutes)

 
1. Study John 15:15-17
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”
 
Why are we no longer called servants but friends of Jesus? Digest and discuss.
What kind of fruit are we called to “go and bear”?
 
 
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
 
When called by Jesus, describe in modern terms what did the disciples do?
 
Further, discuss what is your “net”?
 
 

Life Transformation (20 minutes)

1. If applicable, in the past when you helped to make disciples, what have you “sacrificed”? How did you feel after?
As we begin a new or renewed journey to make disciples, what real changes do you think you have to make?

2. Do you feel ready to multiply? Why or why not?
 
3. Discuss and split your D-group into appropriate pairs or singles for multiplication (giving bible study and/or leading a new D-group). Good to discuss with and inform your local church pastor and/or discipleship coordinator regarding this.
 

Intercessory Prayer (10 minutes)

  1. Pray for God to guide each one to the person(s) you should reach out to for giving Bible study and/or forming a new D-group.
  2. Pray for God to give each one a willing heart sensitive to God’s voice.
 

**Additional Resources


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07
Jun '20

Session 2: Giving Bible Studies (Part 1)

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

GIVING BIBLE STUDIES (PART 1)

 

Preparation

In preparation for this week’s D-Group:
Memorize and Meditate on: Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’

Pray every single day for God to show you who to give Bible Study or invite to join a D-Group. Plan for a few days where you pray with your partner.

Note: Fundamental beliefs, bible study resources.
Read/Watch:
https://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental-beliefs/

https://makana.adventistconnect.org/document_groups/5207
Read SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 1-5, Section 1 “God”
Write down 2-3 brief points you believe is crucial to each Fundamental Belief 1-5, especially to a new believer.
  1. Holy Scriptures
  2. Trinity
  3. Father
  4. Son
  5. Holy Spirit
 
 

Accountability (10 minutes)

Each disciple to share one insight or lesson learned from his/her devotion in the last week.
As you prayed for God to show you an appropriate person, have you observed anything?
 
Is there anything that you feel God is telling you to do?
 
 

Bible Discussion (20 minutes)

1. Study 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 — What does it mean for us to be Christ’s ambassadors? What are we called to do in practical terms?
2. Share the 2-3 main points each for SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 1-5
 
 

Life Transformation (20 minutes)

1. Have you received a Bible study before? Share your experience and what do you think was done well and what could be improved. Also, share if you have given a Bible study before.
 
2. Share thoughts and insights learnt from the sermon “How to give a Bible Study”.
 
 

Intercessory Prayer (10 minutes)

  1. Continue to pray for God to guide each one to the person(s) you should reach out to for giving Bible study and/or forming a new D-group.
  2. Give thanks to God for specific things you have gained from joining the D-group.
 

**Additional Resources

It Is Written, Bible Study Materials – Obtainable from your local church pastor

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07
Jun '20

Session 3: Giving Bible Studies (Part 2)

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

GIVING BIBLE STUDIES (PART 2)

 

Preparation

In preparation for this week’s D-Group:
Memorize and Meditate on Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Continue to pray every single day for God to show you who to give Bible Study or invite to join a D-Group. Plan for a few days where you pray with your partner.

READ/WATCH:
Read SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 6-11, Section 2 and 3 “Humanity” and “Salvation”
 
Write down 2-3 brief points you believe is crucial to each Fundamental Belief 6-11, especially to a new believer.
6. Creation
7. Nature of humanity
8. The Great Controversy
9. The Life, Death and Resurrection of Christ
10. The Experience of Salvation
11. Growing in Christ
 
 
 

Accountability (10 minutes)

Each disciple to share one insight or lesson learned from his/her devotion in the last week. 
Share your experience in praying last week.
 
 
Bible Discussion (20 minutes)
1. What insights have you gained from reading Matthew 9:35-38?
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
2. Share the 2-3 main points each for SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 6-11
 
 

Life Transformation (20 minutes)

1. What is a testimony you’ve heard that impressed you the most? God can use you to be a part of life-transforming stories. Do you feel there are any obstacles currently that may prevent you from being a worker of the harvest?

2. Share thoughts and insights learnt from the video “How to Give A Personal Bible Study”.

3. Share the progress on finding a Bible Study student or new D-group members.

 

Intercessory Prayer (10 minutes)

  1. Continue to pray for God to guide each one to the person(s) you should reach out to for giving Bible study and/or forming a new D-group.
  2. Give thanks if you have found a Bible Study student or D-group members.
  3. Give thanks to God specifically for the people who helped you know God and allowing you to also become a worker of the harvest.
 

**Additional Resources

It Is Written, Bible Study Materials

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07
Jun '20

Session 4: Leading a D-Group

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20
LEADING A D-GROUP
 
Preparation
In preparation for this week’s D-Group:
Memorize and Meditate on 2 Timothy 2:1-2
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Continue to pray every single day for God to show you who to give Bible Study or invite to join a D-Group. Plan for a few days where you pray with your partner.

Write down 2-3 brief points you believe is crucial to each Fundamental Belief 12-18, especially to a new believer.
12. The Church
13. The Remnant and its Mission
14. Unity in the Body of Christ
15. Baptism
16. The Lord’s supper
17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries
18. The Gift of Prophecy
Learn how to lead a D-Group (Video currently unavailable, do ask your discipleship coordinator or pastor if someone can give a sharing session on it to your group, or the D-group leader can do it if comfortable. Video will be made available by August 2020)
 
 

Accountability (10 minutes)

Each disciple to share one insight or lesson learned from his/her devotion in the last week.
Have you found a Bible Study student or new D-Group members? If yes, how did you find the process? If no, any observations you believe God may be telling you?
 
 

Bible Discussion (20 minutes)

1. Share the 2-3 main points each for SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 12-18
 
2. Discuss the concept in 2 Timothy 2:1-2 about the four generations of believers shown here.
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
 
 

Life Transformation (20 minutes)

1. Review your own participation in a discipleship group. What have you learnt? What are the important things as a leader or participant? As a group, what are things you feel you have done well or can improve on?
 
2. Share thoughts and insights learnt from the training on “How to lead a D-Group”.
 
 

Intercessory Prayer (10 minutes)

  1. Continue to pray for God to guide each one to the person(s) you should reach out to for giving Bible study and/or forming a new D-group.
  2. Give thanks if you have found a Bible Study student or D-group members.
  3. Give thanks to God for guiding you to join this D-Group. Pray for each of the members.

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07
Jun '20

Session 5: Go!

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

GO!

 

Preparation

 
In preparation for this week’s D-Group:
Memorize and Meditate on Hebrews 10:24-25:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Continue to pray every single day for God to show you who to give Bible Study or invite to join a D-Group. Plan for a few days where you pray with your partner.

READ/WATCH:

Read SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 19-23, Section 5 “Living”

Write down 2-3 brief points you believe is crucial to each Fundamental Belief 19-23, especially to a new believer.
19. The Law of God
20. The Sabbath
21. Stewardship
22. Christian Behavior
23. Marriage and the Family
 
 
 

Accountability (10 minutes)

Each disciple to share one insight or lesson learned from his/her devotion in the last week.
Share insights from reading Christian Service, Ellen White, Chapter 26.
 

Bible Discussion (20 minutes)

1. Share the 2-3 main points each for SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 19-23
 
2. Study Isaiah 6:1-8. What key takeaways do you get from these verses? How do you apply them to your life?
 
3. Read John 14:12-14. Why do you think Jesus said we are going to do greater things than He?
 
 

Life Transformation (20 minutes)

1. How do you intend to keep accountability in this process of making disciples? Share in real and practical ways.
 
2. Take time to appreciate and thank each member sincerely and specifically. Share your thoughts as a new journey is beginning to make even more disciples.
 
 

Intercessory Prayer (10 minutes)

Pray for one another in specific ways as this D-group is multiplied to make more disciples.
Share and pray for specific concerns as the next step is taken.

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07
Jun '20

Session 6: The First Attempt

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

THE FIRST ATTEMPT

Preparation

READ/WATCH:
 
Write down 2-3 brief points you believe is crucial to each Fundamental Belief 24-28, especially to a new believer.
24. Christ’s ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
25. The Second Coming of Christ
26. Death and Resurrection
27. The Millennium and the End of Sin
28. The New Earth
 
*This lesson is to be held ONLY after all members have finished their 1st bible study or new D-group session.
 
 

Bible Discussion

Share the 2-3 main points each for SDA 28 Fundamental Beliefs 24-28
 
 

Catching Up

Share how your first bible study or D-group session went. What are you thankful for? What do you think was done well or what can be improved?
 

Intercessory Prayer

1. Pray for wisdom as the Bible Study and D-groups continue to go on.
2. Pray for specific challenges faced.
3. Give thanks for things that went well.

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07
Jun '20

Session 7: Four Sessions Later

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

FOUR SESSIONS LATER

*This lesson is to be held ONLY after all members have finished 4 sessions of bible study or their new D-group.

In this session, feel free to meet over a meal or a more casual environment.
 

Catching Up

Share how your bible study or D-group is going.
Share about your personal spiritual walk.
 

Intercessory Prayer

1. Pray for wisdom as the Bible Study and D-groups continue to go on.
2. Pray for specific challenges faced.
3. Give thanks for things that went well.

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07
Jun '20

Session 8: Mission Success

Posted on Jun 7, 2020 by admin in D-Groups Term 4 |

07
Jun '20

Mission Success

*This lesson is to be held after all members have finished 8 sessions of bible study or their new D-group.

In this session, feel free to meet over a meal or a more casual environment.

 

Catching Up

Share what do you think is true “success” partaking in God’s work.
Share how your bible study or D-group is going.
 
Share about your personal spiritual walk.
 

Intercessory Prayer

1. Pray for wisdom as the Bible Study and D-groups continue to go on.
2. Pray for specific challenges faced.
 
3. Give thanks for things that went well.

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05
Mar '20

Session 1 – The Gift of God

Posted on Mar 5, 2020 by Shuqin Pan in D-Groups Term 3 |

05
Mar '20

THE GIFT OF GOD

~ OUR BODY ~

 

Preparation

In preparation for this week’s D-Group:
Memorize and Meditate on: 
 
 
READ:
 
 
 
Created in God’s Image:
We are created in the image of God, however, as part of the fall, we do not have the eternal body that was given to us by God. In His mercy, God provided us with the Biblical wisdom on how to maintain the body that he had given us. 
And a part of understanding His restoration plan for this whole world from sin requires us to learn and grow in our restoration of our diet, our thinking pattern, and relationship with one another. 
 
Secondly, one part of discipleship is to be a good steward and that includes taking care of the mind and body that God had given His people. 
It is amazing to know that God in His wisdom, provided us with resources that we need to maintain our health through the things that we encounter in His creation. 
 
Ellen White concluded it well in her statement below:
There are many ways of practicing the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God’s remedies are the simple agencies of nature, that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties. Pure air and water, cleanliness, a proper diet, purity of life, and a firm trust in God, are remedies for the want of which thousands are dying; yet these remedies are going out of date because their skilful use requires work that the people do not appreciate. Fresh air, exercise, pure water, and clean, sweet premises, are within the reach of all, with but little expense; but drugs are expensive, both in the outlay of means, and the effect produced upon the system.—Testimonies for the Church 5:443, 1885 
 
In addition to the gift of nature that He provides, God also provided many people with the ability to conduct research and studies to continue to improve the quality of lives of many people through modern medical discoveries. Through the combination of both, we should be able to develop a healthier lifestyle to become a healthier disciple of Jesus. 
 
 

Accountability (10 Minutes)

Share with your group what insight you have gained from your devotional last week. 
Is there any specific words/topic of your devotional that you find very inspiring for you?
 
 

Bible Discussion (20 Minutes)

1. Study  1 Corinthians 10:31.  How does this verse help us to see that the things that we do on a daily basis (eat, drink, etc) has a direct implication with the God that we serve? Discuss how Christians are to practice discipleship through the things that they do daily? E.g. What you eat, drink, say, do, etc. 
 
2. Read Psalm 139:14. How do you draw a relationship between taking care of your body (as the creation of God) with God (who had created you)? 
 
3. What do these verses say about taking care of the life that God had given to us on this Earth?
 
 

Life Transformation (20 Minutes)

1. How does our spiritual health relate to our physical, mental, and social health? Share your thoughts with some practical examples that all can relate to. 
 
2. Share with your group about your journey in appreciating the life that God had given you. What are some of the efforts that you have made to show that you value the body, mind, and people that God had given you on this earth? 
 
3. Often we don’t consider maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of our discipleship pathway. How then, will this D-Group help you to develop a healthier habit for your physical, mental, and social health? 
 
4. Discuss with your group members one of the healthy lifestyle habits that you are strong at and some that you are weak at (exercise, healthy diet, enough rest, managing emotions, etc). How will you commit yourself (with the help of God) in maintaining the ones that you are good at while continuing to improve the ones you are weak at. Put it as part of your Devotional Journal.
 
 

Intercessory Prayer (10 Minutes)

1. Pray that God will help all of us to continue to grow in our awareness on the importance of maintaining our health. 
2. Pray for willingness to allow God to help in the commitment you have placed in the life transformation section. 
3. Pray that your whole church will be a healthy body of Christ not only in terms of spiritual health, but in all areas of the Church.
 
 

LEADER’S TIP

  1. Starting this session, the topic will revolve around a person’s health. You may not be a health expert and you are not expected to be. Share to your group what you know without portraying yourself as the one knowing everything. 
  2. When it comes to health information, sometimes it’s hard to know which one is scientifically sound and which one is pseudoscientific. The rule of thumb will be to rely on recognised and credible resources such as from World Health Organization or government health bodies. For Adventist related health materials, you may want to cite from official sites as General Conference Health Ministries website (http://healthministries.com/). 
  3. Correlation does not mean causation. Be careful in trying to interpret research findings in the article you or your members may find about health as conclusive. Often, further research is needed to confirm the initial research finding. Take what is practical while remaining aware that information you shared may change as research on the area continues to develop. 
  4. Help to moderate the discussion and help members to see that the group is not about being experts in health but to build a community of disciples for Jesus where all are learning together. 
 
 
 

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05
Mar '20

Session 2 – Dealing with Temptation

Posted on Mar 5, 2020 by Shuqin Pan in D-Groups Term 3 |

05
Mar '20

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION

 

Preparation

In preparation for this week’s D-Group:

Memorize and Meditate on:

Matthew 26:41

 

Read/Watch:

Thought on the Mount of Blessing pg 116-119

People of Faith

Digital Addiction

Recipe for Isolation, Depression and Anxiety

We are living in a world where we face temptations all the time. The truth is, one of the most difficult paths in discipleship is in continually resisting temptation every day. In our journey in this lesson, we will explore what the bible says about temptation and how to practice resisting it in our modern world today. 
 
 

Accountability (10 Minutes)

In our lesson last week, everyone was asked to list down their strength and weakness in their health lifestyle (Life Transformation task No.4) in their devotional Journal.  Share with your group members, if there are changes that you have experienced after you have done the task.

 

Bible Discussion (20 Minutes)

1. Read 1 John 2:16. What do we have to be aware of as Christians living in the world of today?

2. Read Matt 4:1-11. What are the temptations Jesus must face? Do you find yourself facing some of these temptations in your own life as well? What wisdom can you gain from Jesus’ example when He was confronted with temptations?

3. In 2 Corinthians 12:6-10, Paul speaks about “strength in weaknesses”. What spiritual encouragement can this verse give to us as we face challenges of temptation each day?  

4. The Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 has often been quoted as the Biblical encouragement in dealing with temptation. However, the first few verses before and the verse after it show us that context matters. What is your impression of what this verse is trying to say when you read the surrounding context of the text (verse 10 – 14)?   
 

Life Transformation (20 Minutes)

1. If you were asked the question “Who is in control of your life?”, what will your answer be and why? Are you comfortable with the answer that you share with your group members? Discuss.

2. Share with your group members some of the factors that make it hard for you to resist or overcome the temptation that you are facing in life. Categorise them into two groups: External factor e.g. you are surrounded by the temptation, peer pressure, etc and Internal Factor e.g. it’s the way for you to release emotional pain, you don’t have a healthier alternative, etc. Discuss how God can help you to overcome it.

3. Each one of us struggles with different temptations. Some struggle with addiction to certain things in life, some are tempted to lust, some with jealousy, some with anger or desire for power. How can we, despite our different temptations and struggles, support one another as a community of disciples? 

4. One of the most challenging issues in facing temptation today is the digital world we live in. Pornography and online gambling may be the most obvious ones, but for some people, they are simply addicted to themselves through social media. For others, they cannot let go of their gadgets at all. Though the digital world and the internet had brought so many good things to life, they also bring to society unpleasant issues. How should we as a Christian, utilise the technology wisely and biblically? Write down the few steps that you can do together as a group in dealing with the influence of the digital world and the internet. 
 

Intercessory Prayer (10 Minutes)

1. Claim the promise of God that He can give you strength when you are facing temptations. 

2. Pray for each other and for you to be the source of support for your fellow group members as they face temptations in life.

3. Give God the honour and glory for all the victories you have discovered in your life when you face temptations. 

 

LEADER’S TIP

1. It will be ideal if you can close the meeting with a combined prayer where each member prays for their personal struggles. However, be careful in making it a public confession session that may jeopardise the sense of trust among group members. You may want to consider making the confession part as a silent prayer. However, if you think the group is comfortable enough to publicly share in prayer about their struggles, feel free to do so.
2. Create a comfortable atmosphere for group members to open up to each other. When it comes to personal struggles, we may want to start from ourselves. Sharing your own struggles with temptation may help. Then you can encourage others to join you in sharing theirs.
3. Confidentiality is a must! Please help your group members to know that whatever is shared in the group remains in the group. They should not openly share with other people outside of the D-group.
4. Do not be too disturbed by awkward silences, it is a normal occurrence during group sharing. People take time to reflect and it takes a lot of courage to openly share personal vulnerability. Doing what is suggested at point no.2 (start from yourself) will be of some help.

 

**Additional Resources

1. Pornography

2. Substance Abuse in the Family

3. Adventists and Addictions

4. Internet Addiction Disorder


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