Cell Notes for Week Commencing: 18.2.08

Suggestions for cell this week:

Welcome: what was the best part of your weekend and why?
and/or describe one thing about another cell member that you didn't know before the weekend!

Word:
On the Weekend Away, we spent a session looking at our purpose as Christians and as a church.
Read together again: Matt 22:34-40 and Matt 28:16-20
Did anyone have any questions regarding these texts?
Get three pieces of paper and on each write a different duty: to God, to our neighbour and to self
Invite the cell to expand on these duties by writing descriptions on the paper
How well do you think your cell is doing in relation to these duties (or purposes?)
What agreements would you like to make together in cell group to help you with these duties (or purposes?)
Listen to God in prayer regarding opportunities that He would like you to seize over the coming months in relation to these concerns - share what you received
Pray together or in groups for God's help to be faithful in these three areas.

[IVP NB Commentary 22:34-40] The greatest commandment (see Mk. 12:28-31; cf. Lk. 10:25-27). The Pharisees’ second question was an important one and received an important answer. But it was still a ‘test’, since a less careful answer could have left Jesus open to the charge of trying to ‘abolish [parts of] the law’ (5:17). Both Dt. 6:5 and Lv. 19:18 were often quoted in rabbinic ethical discussion, but to bring them together like this as a summary of all the law and the prophets (cf. 7:12 for an alternative summary) was a brilliantly creative idea. In focusing on the two halves of the Ten Commandments (duty to God and duty to our neighbour) it offers a foundation for all our living; and by summing up that duty as love, it goes beyond the specific requirements of the law to the God–like attitude which must underlie them.

Witness
1Pet. 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
On the weekend, Darren raised the topic of 'apologetics' - the defence of our faith
Did you have a question you had wanted to ask?
Is there a question you have been asked regarding Christianity that you wanted help with?
Is there an area of apologetics that you feel you would benefit from knowing more about?
Discuss together how your cell can help each other in this area and pray for God's help to be able to give an answer when asked.

Robin Plummer, 19/02/2008