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A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES: A Commitment to Friendship


The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, July 7, 2013. To get the most from these questions, go to https://soundcloud.com/#graceplacehermitage and listen to the service first.

These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us.

Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week)

Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic)

Yard and garden work is an important part of living in the South in the summertime.

What is your favorite yard work?
Do you have a garden?  What are you growing in it?
What type of yard work did you have to do as a child?
At what age did you start mowing yards?
What is your least favorite yard work?

Worship: (Optional for communities who have the time and talent)

“Friends” An oldie by Michael W. Smith

Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, just read it)

John 15:1-17

Lesson: (Delve deeper into the Word and into the sermon using open-ended questions)
Summer is peak time for delicious, local fruit.  Proper gardening techniques are essential for an abundant crop of sweet strawberries, grapes, melons, peaches, apples and even tomatoes.  It is to God’s glory that we, too, bear sweet fruit.

Why is Jesus’ love conditional on us obeying His commands?
Why did Jesus have to obey His Father’s commands?
How is joy connected to obedience?
What is Jesus command to us?
What is the difference between a friend and an employee (servant)?
What kind of non-spoiling fruit are we to produce?
What is the result of loving each other?

Prayer: (Share each other’s burdens, become a community of believers)
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