The twelve “Christian” beliefs you’ve been reading about really can drive you crazy. When they’re couched in religious language and supported inaccurately by Scripture, these beliefs can have devastating effects on believers. Their crazy-making and destructive power comes from the nugget of truth each one contains. That’s why it’s important to focus on what the Bible really teaches, and that’s why we’ve provided these questions. These beliefs lose their power as we see where they’re off base, recognize how they may have affected us, look into the truth of God’s Word, and then begin to act on that truth.
Here are a few tips for leading a group through this guide:
• Encourage people to read through the questions as well as the chapter before coming together for discussion. The more personal questions will help each participant lay the groundwork for that discussion and prompt him/her to apply what is learned. Let the group know that, due to time limitations, you probably won’t be discussing all the questions. Invite them to tell you when there’s a question they want to be sure to discuss.
• The statement of freedom and challenge that follows the set of questions for each “Christian” belief is intended to motivate people to act on what God is teaching them. It is our prayer that people will be doers of God’s Word, not just hearers.
• Know your group. Some people may not be comfortable speaking aloud, while others may need to be reminded to give fellow group members a chance to speak. Also, some of the more personal questions may not be appropriate for group sharing, especially in the beginning as people are getting to know each other. Choose those questions that you feel will be most helpful for your group.
• Make sure everyone understands that what is discussed is confidential. Nothing is to be repeated to anyone outside the group. This guarantee makes the group safe.
• Prepare for your time together. Key to that preparation is prayer. Pray for each member of your group. Ask God to bless the time you are together by helping each of you gain new insight into his truth and granting you ears to hear his words of freedom and healing. You might also want to open and close each group meeting with prayer.
As you and members of your group work through these questions, may you speak forth God’s truth to one another and embody his love for one another so that each of you will find freedom from these twelve emotional heresies and freedom to grow spiritually.