Encounters with Jesus

Book: Encounters with Jesus by Tim Keller
September 24 - Nov 12 Tuesdays at 7pm
Location: 540 Bethany Road, Simpsonville or virtual

Chapter Three: The Grieving Sisters

10/15 7:15pm

Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/cvhHxU7Sa7tsfrWE6

Bible Reading: John 11

1. What are Jesus's two different responses to the sisters?

2. Give examples of both Jesus’s indirect and direct claims to be God.

3. What are the three options of the “trilemma?’ How does Keller address each one on pages 48-50?

4. On page 50, what does Keller say no other religions agree with?

5. Why does Keller say God wrote Himself into our world?

Chapter Four: The Wedding Party

10/22 7pm

Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/CPYBySNo7NCgC66D9

1. What was the cultural significance of running out of wine? How does it differ from today?

2. What is notable about this being Jesus’s first miracle or sign?

3. What’s interesting about the jars Jesus used in the miracle?

4. On pages 66-71, what does Keller have to say about sin?

5. What may have been a reason Jesus spoke bluntly to his mother?

6. What is the “self-substitution” of God?

Chapter Five: The First Christian

10/29 7pm

Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/XndnpKzu1xUk6rLA8

1. Is faith possible with human ability alone? Why/why not?

2. Why does Keller encourage us to “doubt our doubts?”

3. What is unique about Jesus appearing to Mary as the first eyewitness?

4. How does Jesus approach May

5. What did Luther say about salvation?

SKIP 11/5 as Aubrae will be out of town.

Chapter Six: The Great Enemy

11/12 7pm

Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/VJbJGuCPKDnXoZUm7

1. What two events launched Jesus’s public ministry?

2. Think of a time in your life when you encountered great blessing and then trial/temptation which made you stronger as a believer.

3. Think about times you have fallen into the trap of thinking your life is the product of your choices in the vein of “if you choose to live right and well, your life will go right and well?” Refer to pages 108 and 110-111.

4. What are some of Satan’s goals - in the tempting of Jesus and in our lives as well?

5. How can we know that we are well pleasing to God?

6. Conversely, what self-image does Satan want us to have?

7. How can we create a strong foundation against Satan and temptation?

COMPLETED

Chapter One: The Skeptical Student

9/24 7pm

Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/Bw73H7mrsUPCFERp6

Bible Reading: John 1: 43-51

1. What did Nathanael’s question, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” reveal about him?

2. How do we encounter these same attitudes in today’s culture?

3. What does Keller say are the two dangers of thinking this way?

4. What is the central message of the Bible as noted on page 9?

5. How is Christianity different than all other religions?

6. On page 11, what are four character traits to watch for as we study scripture?

7. Page 15 says that “unless there is a God, all the values we cherish are imaginary.” What are your thoughts on this statement?

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Chapter Two: The Insider and the Outcast

10/8 7pm

Google Meet: https://calendar.app.google/WWLGoijQaPLJrLqV9

Bible Reading: John 3-4

1. What remarkable things does Keller mention about the meeting between Jesus and the woman at the well?

2. Consider Keller's question on page 27, "What will really give you a satisfying life?" Reflect on the statement that says, "As long as you think there is a pretty good chance that you will achieve some of your dreams, as long as you think you have a shot at success, you experience your inner emptiness as "drive" and your anxiety as "hope." 

3. When Jesus meets Nicodemus, what does Keller say Jesus presses him on?

4. What do both the Insider and the Outcast have in common?

5. What does it mean to "be your own savior and lord?"