A Cloud of Witnesses – Pointing Us to Jesus

Series Introduction

We begin a new series of looking at “characters” in the Bible. As are we, many of them were actually that … i.e., “characters”! However, these “characters” become a cloud of witnesses that point us to Jesus. From Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham w/ Lot and Isaac, to Hannah, Elijah, Zaccheus and Paul, all in their own way (and by God choosing and using them) take us from imperfection(s) to the perfect Jesus.

So, who is your favorite Bible “character”? This series should bring a whole new meaning to the term “character witness”. It should be a great series.

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Small Group Questions

Pendulum Swings

Name Your Favorite…

…upcoming summertime activity.

…Bible name that you had, or still have, the most trouble pronouncing.

…Bible character that you would want to be.

…Bible character that you would like to meet. (Sorry, Jesus doesn’t count for this one. i.e., one that would “point you to Jesus”.)

1. READ: Hebrews 12: 1-3 (look at several versions)

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!  (The Message)

2. In what ways do the witnesses of Hebrews 11 strengthen and encourage you in your faith walk?  With which witness do you most closely relate?  Why …and in what way(s)?

3. In what ways do the witnesses in your life today strengthen and encourage you in your faith walk?  In what way are you better able to pass your blessings from them on to others w/ whom you come in contact?

4. What are the things in your life that “hinder and entangle” you?  How have these witnesses helped you deal with or overcome these snares?  How are you doing in running your race? i.e., “… run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

5. What has it taken in your life to “fix your eyes on Jesus”?  How is your focus?  What are the things that make you “weary and want to give up”?