Some people object to taking vows, but in the Bible you will find many great men of God directed by covenants, promises, vows and pledges. A carnal man refuses the discipline of such commitments. He says, “I want to be free. It is legalism.” There are many religious tramps in the world who will not be bound by anything. Now there are five vows I have in mind which we do well to make and keep. 1. Deal thoroughly with sin. 2. Never own anything- get rid of the sense of possessing. 3. Never defend yourself. 4. Never pass anything on about anybody else that will hurt him. 5. Never accept any glory. Remember that these five vows are not something you write in the back of your Bible and forget. They have got to be written in your own blood.
A.W. Tozer

HOW TO USE FOOTHOLD IN A GROUP

HOW TO USE FOOTHOLD IN A GROUP F O O T ================================

  • H O L D

HOW TO USE FOOTHOLD IN A GROUP

The hundred readings in FOOTHOLD can be followed at your own pace and in your own way.

Many readers, however, may like to use the course as the focus for a study group.

This centre section suggests three ways of running a group with people of mixed experience with Bible reading.

You may like to organize weekly group meetings and follow the various methods suggested.

To assist your group we have chosen fourteen readings for group study. These selections have not been covered in the FOOTHOLD personal syllabus but they come from the major sections of the course, and tie in with its themes.

PASSAGES FOR GROUP STUDY

  1. Jesus Christ, Saviour Luke 2:21-40
  2. Son of God and Teacher Mark 4:1-20
  3. Noah, Abraham and co. Hebrews 11:1-19
  4. A psalm about God’s glory Psalm 19:1-14
  5. Jesus speaks with wisdom Matthew 18:1-14 or 21-35
  6. Worship and service Isaiah 58:1-12
  7. Jesus the Saviour of the world Luke 20:9-18
  8. Deliverance! Exodus 15:1-21 or 16:1-36
  9. The birth of the Church Acts 5:12-42
  10. Joshua’s farewell Joshua 23:1-16
  11. Paul teaches the Gospel Romans 12:1-21
  12. Judgement and hope Jeremiah 29:1-23
  13. Children of God 1 John 3:1-24
  14. The Holy City Revelation 21:9-22:5

BE PREPARED

  1. BE PREPARED TO BE OPEN-MINDED

Attend your cell group with an honest desire to know what God is saying to you. He may speak to you through another group member or by disturbing some of your firmly held theories.

2. BE PREPARED TO SHARE

It is easy to conduct general discussions about ‘safe’ questions. It is more helpful to share honestly your experiences as you grapple with the application of some truth from God. Ask God to help you overcome the fear that leads to secrecy.

3. BE PREPARED TO CARE

Group members will feel confident to share their ideas and experiences honestly if they feel an environment of trust and care. Learn how to care for someone else even when you’ve disagreed with his opinion.

4. BE PREPARED TO GIVE

All members of the group have a responsibility to strengthen the life of the group. The leader should not be expected to carry his pastoral load alone. Be free to accept each other as God accepts us.

5. BE PREPARED TO OBEY

Be ready to ask God to help you to take the truths that he shows you out into the community. In a group you learn to support each other in obeying God.