Book Discussion Questions

SESSION 1

THE BALANCE OF YOUR TIME

Our journey begins by looking at how we spend our time. We noted that the average American spends a significant amount of time watching television and staring at screens.

How do you manage your screen time, and do you think it reflects your priorities?
How does the concept of time as a gift from God impact your

perspective on how you use it?

How can we apply the principles of making the most of our time while maintaining a sense of purpose and serenity to our own lives?
In this chapter, Matt and G.B. suggest using the “4W questions” (What, Where, Why, and Who) as a lens to examine how you spend your time. How might incorporating these questions into your daily routine help you establish your priorities and thus achieve a more

fulfilling life?

The “P.E.O.P.L.E. plan” acronym is introduced for effective time management. Which aspect of this plan resonates most with you, and how could you implement it in your daily life?
How can the principle of “Follow me” be applied to your approach to mentorship and investing in others?
Who in your life could benefit from your intentional discipleship, and how might you go about building that relationship?
How do you approach sharing your own experiences, including failures and adversities, to help others learn and grow?
Trusting the process of discipleship is highlighted as essential. How can you balance the patience required for long-term investment with the desire to see immediate results?
How do you identify and handle distractions or negative influences in your life, as illustrated by Nehemiah’s response to opposition?
The chapter concludes with the story of Edward I. Try, highlighting the dangers of overcommitment and losing sight of one’s true purpose. How do you find balance between serving and overwhelming yourself with responsibilities?
Reflect on the questions posed in the “Absolute Eternals” section. What actions are you taking in your life that have an eternal impact? How might you adjust your priorities to focus more on these actions?

SESSION 2

THE EXPRESSION OF YOUR GIFTS

Before this session, complete the spiritual gifts assessment.

How does the analogy of the Body of Christ shape your understanding of the diversity and uniqueness of individual roles within the Church? How can this perspective impact how we view and interact with one another in your church?
This chapter emphasizes that each person is unique and has a specific purpose within the Body of Christ. How does the concept of being “destined to be where you are and when you are” affect your understanding of your own life circumstances and calling?
How have your past experiences shaped who you are today? How might they play a role in your future calling?
Dwight L. Moody’s quote is highlighted: “The world has yet to see what God can do with someone who is fully consecrated to Him.” What does it mean to be fully consecrated to God? How might this level of dedication impact the way we approach our calling and use our spiritual gifts?
Matt and G.B. point out that there are several ways to determine your spiritual gifts, including prayer, reflection on observations from others, and considering your Christ-like impulses during adversity. Which of these methods resonate with you the most, and why?
How can the gift of serving sometimes be underrated or undervalued? How can a person with the gift of serving contribute to the health and growth of a religious community?
Reflecting on the scriptural references in this chapter, how does the concept of the diversity and distribution of spiritual gifts among believers contribute to the overall unity and strength of the Church?
In what ways can a person’s spiritual gifts be aligned with their life’s purpose and the mission of the Church? How can individuals and communities work together to ensure that everyone’s unique gifts are utilized effectively for the common good?
Consider the concept of stewardship of spiritual gifts, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10-11. How does viewing your gifts as a form of stewardship influence your attitude and approach toward using them to serve others and to bring glory to God?

SESSION 3

THE STEWARDSHIP OF YOUR FINANCES

The passage from Mark 10:17-21 highlights Jesus challenging the rich man to give up his possessions and follow Him. How does this story illustrate the concept of Lordship? Why do you think Jesus often used money and possessions to test people’s commitment?
Tithing is often seen as an expression of stewardship and obedience. How does the act of tithing reflect the understanding of God’s ownership and authority over our lives and possessions?
How does tithing promote unity and shared purpose among church members? In what ways does tithing contribute to a thriving and vibrant church community?
Discuss the challenges and considerations associated with tithing. How can the principle of cheerful giving be emphasized in the context of tithing?
The reasons for giving a tithe outlined in the text include worship, promise, teaching, blessing, provision, investment, and more. Which of these reasons resonate most with you, and why? Are there any reasons you would add to the list based on your own beliefs and experiences?
The story of R.G. LeTourneau exemplifies extreme generosity and commitment to tithing. How can his story challenge our perspectives on giving and stewardship?
Tithing is described as a faith-building practice that strengthens one’s trust in God. How does tithing challenge believers to step into a realm of faith and experience the supernatural? Have you personally witnessed or experienced any instances of supernatural provision through tithing?

How does tithing affect one’s attitude towards money and materialism? How can the act of tithing counteract the tendency to hold onto possessions tightly? In what ways does tithing cultivate a spirit of generosity and contentment?
Consider the statement that “tithing is a joy.” How does giving with no regard for receiving contribute to a deeper sense of happiness and fulfillment? How can tithing transform our perspective on wealth accumulation and the true meaning of abundance?
Tithing is not only about financial giving but also about unity and shared commitment. How does tithing unify believers within a church community? How does it extend beyond individual actions to impact families and the broader body of believers?
Why do you think tithing can be contagious? How can the joy and transformation experienced through tithing inspire others to start giving? Can you share any personal stories of how your giving has inspired someone else?
Discuss the biblical foundations of tithing and the promises associated with it. How do passages such as Malachi 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reinforce the idea of giving as a deeply rooted principle in Scripture? How does understanding the biblical basis of tithing influence your perspective on giving?

SESSION 4

CLEANING OF THE SLATE

True worship is more than just singing songs or attending church services; it’s a reflection of our heart’s posture toward God. Here are some discussion questions based on the content you provided for the chapter “The Cleaning of the Slate”.

Initial Responses:

Have you ever experienced a situation where a small issue escalated into a larger conflict? How did it affect relationships and the overall environment?
How do you typically respond to insults or disagreements? Do you tend to hold onto resentment or seek resolution?

Resentments and Broken Fellowship:

How does the analogy of a “root of bitterness” apply to unresolved resentment within a community or church?
Can you think of any biblical examples where unresolved resentment or offense led to destructive consequences?

Rebellion and Like-Minded Rebels:

Have you observed situations where people who feel offended or hurt gather like-minded individuals around them? What tends to be the outcome of such gatherings?
How can this pattern of seeking out people who share similar resentments hinder the process of reconciliation?

Dealing with Resentment:

Share examples of strategies or steps that can be taken to address resentment at an early stage before it escalates. How can these strategies be applied within a church or community context?
What role does communication play in preventing resentment from growing into a larger conflict?

The Role of Rebels:

Discuss the reasons why rebels may seek to draw others into their conflicts rather than addressing the issue directly with the person involved.
How can church leaders or community members recognize when rebels are actively spreading dissent and divisiveness?

Intervention and Peacemaking:

What qualities or characteristics make someone an effective peacemaker within a community or church setting?
Share examples of situations where a private, closed-door intervention could potentially resolve conflicts more effectively than a public confrontation.

The Cost of Broken Fellowship:

Reflect on the analogy of a broken bone that needs to be set in order to heal properly. How does this analogy apply to mending broken fellowship within a church or community?
What challenges might leaders face when attempting to mend broken fellowships? How can these challenges be overcome?

Process of Personal Renewal: Mindfulness and Illumination:

When was the last time you intentionally sought silence and stillness to listen to God’s voice? How did that experience impact your perspective?
How can the practice of mindfulness help individuals become more receptive to God’s guidance and renewal?

Repentance and Forgiveness:

Share your understanding of the difference between conviction and repentance. How does repentance involve both a change in understanding and a change in behavior?
How can a call to repentance be seen as an invitation to life and restoration rather than as a condemnation?

Receiving and Offering Forgiveness:

Have you ever struggled to accept forgiveness from God or from others even after repenting? How can a failure to receive forgiveness affect our spiritual well-being?
Discuss the concept of forgiveness as a gift we give ourselves. How does forgiving someone free us from being anchored to the past?
Extreme Forgiveness and Reflection of God’s Character:

What impact does extreme forgiveness have on both the forgiver and the one forgiven? Share examples of situations where radical forgiveness transformed relationships.

How does God’s willingness to forgive us influence our willingness to forgive others, even in difficult circumstances?

Worship and Gratitude:

How does releasing forgiveness create an atmosphere for genuine worship of God?
Share personal experiences where practicing forgiveness led to a deeper sense of connection with God and a greater ability to worship Him.

These discussion questions aim to engage participants in thoughtful reflection and conversation about the chapter’s themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and personal renewal. Feel free to adapt and expand upon these questions based on the needs and dynamics of your discussion group.

SESSION 5

THE IMPACT OF YOUR LEGACY

Farming and Estate Planning

How does the chapter draw a parallel between farming and estate planning? What similarities do you see between these two processes?
In the chapter, the author references 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, where the apostle Paul talks about sowing and reaping generously. How is this biblical principle related to estate planning and Lordship Generosity, and what implications does it have for your own financial planning?
Tod highlights the importance of individual, heartfelt decisions in estate planning. Why is it emphasized that this is a personal choice rather than a decision made by a group or committee?

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

What are some common misconceptions regarding estate planning?
Have you held any of these misconceptions before?
How can estate planning impact the well-being and future of your loved ones? Discuss the scenarios mentioned in the chapter and the potential consequences of not having an estate plan in place.

Section 3: What’s in an Estate Plan?

Tod mentions the four essential documents in an estate plan: living will, medical power of attorney, financial power of attorney, and last will and testament.

Do you have these documents in place or understand their importance in managing your affairs? Share your thoughts and experiences.

Benefits of an Estate Plan

Tod describes the benefits of estate planning, such as naming an executor, tax planning, and charitable giving. Which of these benefits resonate with you the most, and how might they influence your own estate planning decisions?

In the chapter, the idea of tithing your estate to support Kingdom causes is discussed. How does this align with your personal values, and would you consider incorporating it into your estate plan?

Overcoming Fears

What are some of the fears or challenges people might face when it comes to estate planning? How can these be overcome, and what steps can individuals take to start their estate planning journey?

In the Tod’s conclusion, readers are encouraged to take steps toward building their estate plan. What are your next steps or action items, and who can you reach out to for guidance?