Wednesday, June 24, 2009

"Crazy Love" Preface and Chapter One

Chapter One: Stop Praying

Welcome! Here we are at week 1 of the "Crazy Love" discussion group!! Remember this will only work if you actually DISCUSS, so be sure to participate in the discussion via the comments form link at the bottom of the post. Try to answer all the questions, but if you only feel led to answer 1 or 2, that is OK. If something spoke to you in the chapter that isn't touched on in the post, feel free to begin a discussion on that topic. We want this to be engaging and beneficial for everyone.

In Chapter 1, Francis Chan challenges us to think about our own perception of God. He encourages us to "take a long, hard look at Him." Jesus asked the disciples in Matthew 16:13, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" and then in verse 15, "But who do you say that I am?" How do WE answer that question? Do we have an accurate view of God? Too often our view of God is narrow and small. Are we seeking an accurate view of Him? Let's take the time and make the effort to take that "long, hard look at Him."

Did you take the time to watch the two videos - "The Awe Factor" and "Just Stop and Think"? If you didn't, please stop right now and go here and watch them.


Discussion Questions:
  • What about the title "Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God" attracted you to this book?
  • Francis Chan asks on page 27: "Have you ever really thought about how diverse and creative God is? Have you ever marveled at it?"
  • On pages 35 - 37, Francis Chan describes the responses of John and Isaiah upon entering into the presence of God. If you could enter into the presence of God as John and Isaiah recount in Revelation 4 and Isaiah 6 respectively, what would be the first words out of your mouth the moment you saw God in all His glory?
  • Francis Chan says on page 31: "He (God) already has a name, an identity. We don't get to decide who God is." What is your response to that statement?
  • How was your prayer life different this week after reading Chapter 1?
Please feel free to respond to these questions and share any thoughts or questions you have. I would also like to hear your response to the section on God's attributes. You may want to comment on something in the forward or the preface as well.

Let's be blessed by focusing on seeing the truth of who God is. The evidence is all around us.

Anita
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3 comments:

  1. UnknownJune 27, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    I just wanted to let you know that I do have my answers and will respond soon. We were out of town so I wrote them on paper and just need to transfer them! Be back soon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnitaJune 30, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    Casey,

    I'm looking forward to hearing from you. I hope you time out of town was good.

    Anita

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  3. AnitaJuly 8, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    1. When a friend posted the info about Crazy Love on Facebook, I went to the website to see what it was about. God's love is crazy from the human perspective; so I was drawn to read the book as well.

    2. I live in Tucson, where I see the marvelous creation all around me. We have unbelievable sunsets, majestic mountains (which change color with the sunsets and shadows of clouds, when there are clouds in the sky), desert plants flowering for many months each year, clear nights illumined by countless stars. Those are a few examples of God's diversity and majesty that are surrounding me day to day. Yes, I marvel at His handiwork.

    3. I think I would be speechless if I came physically into His presence. I am thankful that He invites us into personal relationship with Him. But I don't want to ever forget Who He really is!

    4. God is so amazing that we can spend our lifetime studying Who He is. So often we are guilty of not recognizing His character. We focus on what He gives and provides for us instead of Who He is. Father, forgive us, and thank You for providing ways for us to see You as You are.

    5. Prayer is an opportunity to recognize and remember God's omnipresence. He is the Perfect Friend that is with us at all times. I am trying to remember that and embrace that reality as I go through each day.

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