Nehemiah : WK 6 - GROUP GUIDE

INTRODUCTION
The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with, or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPENING QUESTION(S)
Can you think of a favorite worship spot, or a favorite worship experience that you’ve had, that you’re willing to share with the group, as well as what made it so special.

HEAD

1. Read Nehemiah 5:1-11, 6:1-16, 8:5-10 together and share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts that come to you from the reading? What stands out?
2. How hard is it to keep working, keep trying to build up the community of faith, when you struggle take care of your own family, or when there is constant negativity?
3. Do you think Nehemiah’s speech helped them feel remorse? Did they not realize how bad they were being or did they know and Nehemiah calling them out helped them turn?
4. What qualities do you think Nehemiah had that caused the people to listen to him so quickly?
5. How was Nehemiah able to keep so resolute in all this mess?

HEART

1. Remember, the devil doesn’t care what you’re focused on as long as it’s not Jesus; finances, appearances, jealousy, rules.  When this happens, how do we put Christ back at the center, for us and our communities?
2. Why do you think fighting and judging and attacking within the community of faith is so common?  Knowing that at CRSWLK, we have loads of people that have come out of those kinds of situations and communities, how to we help them heal, and how do we keep our communities from falling into the same traps?
3. For some reason, we love to gossip and spread rumors in the church. We often look at “other” sins and call them out, but we continue to gossip? Why do you think we do this, and how do we seek to stop it?
4. Fifty-two days to build rebuild a wall with great opposition seems…miraculous.  Is there anything that has been done in your life that you knew it was only with God that it was able to be done?
5. Celebration and praise is always important. it reminds us to remember all that god has done, is doing, and has promised to do. Other than going to weekly worship, what are ways you celebrate and worship to help you remember?

HANDS
This week, take some time to reflect back on all the good things you have seen God do, the blessing you have in your life (family, work, community, friendships, shelter, food, etc…). Write them down and simply spend time in thanksgiving, praise, and celebration to God for the many ways He shows up in your life, even when you may not feel it.

LIVING WORDS FOR YOUR WEEK
“Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”
Psalms 106:1, NLT