For April 5 Home Group

For our conversation on Sunday evening, April 5, we are heading into chapters 12 and 13 of The Shack. We learn the identity of the "woman" Mack had encountered in chapter 11. You could read the first four chapters of the Book of Proverbs - be especially attentive to Proverbs 1:20. Now, for some questions to consider in preparation for Sunday evening:

1. What is the author telling us about his understanding of God the Father, God the Spirit, and "Wisdom"? Recalling our conversation from March 29 about the "economic" and "essential" trinity, how is William Young balancing the "functional" and "relational" aspects of the third person of the trinity?
2. What is "reality"? (See page 172 [174].)
3. Grief is an extremely powerful human emotion, one that we often try to control or hold in. Mack's tears (sobs) of grief are different this time (page 173 [175]) - each sob bringing relief. What was different? What needs to be different?
4. What does it mean for you to "live loved"? (Page 175 [177].)
5. It's a rather scathing indictment of the church that we read on pages 177-182 [179-184]. And some interesting thoughts on "heaven". We will talk about the difference between an "institution" and a "relationship". What do you think about the statement Jesus makes on page 179 [181]: "I'm not too big on religion."?
6. "God has time to catch a few rays?" says Mack on page 183 [185]. To which God responds: "Mack, you have no idea what I'm doing right now." What thoughts or feelings does that line conjure up in you?
7. Page 185 [187]: God notes that people - especially religious people - play Jesus and God against each other. When they want people to do what they think is right, they need a stern God. When they need forgiveness, they run to Jesus. Do you agree with that assessment? Why? or Why not?

Two other lines we will discuss:

1. Faith does not grow in the house of certainty. (Page 189 [191].)
2. You asked me what Jesus accomplished on the cross; so now listen to me carefully: through his death and resurrection, I am now fully reconciled to the world. (Page 191 [193].)
   

You can begin the "conversation" below - feel free to share your comments and I'll do my best to respond. I'm looking forward to our time together on Sunday evening.