CHAPTER 3
1. James Truslow Adams coined the term "American Dream" in 1931. It is spelled out on pages 45 and 46 as "a dream in which each man and woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are _________ _________, and be _________ by _________ for _______ _______ ______." According to D.P. what is the dangerous assumption that we unknowingly accept in the "American Dream"?
Read the following verses and tell how they contradict the self empowerment of the "American Dream"
John 15:5
Colossians 1:29
Daniel 4:29-31
Zech. 4:6
1 Cor. 2:5
Psalm 20:7
Psalm 127:1
Isa. 10:12-15
What is the goal of the American dream? (pg.46)
Read Luke 12:16-21. How was this "fool" living out the "American Dream"?
What is the goal of the gospel? (pg.47)
Read the following verses and tell how they confirm your answer;
Psalm 106:47
Eph. 1:12
2 Thes. 1:11,12
Ex. 15:2
2. Discuss the following Old Testament stories and how God made sure He got the glory rather than man.
Joshua and Jericho
Gideon
Samson
Abraham and Sarah (compare to Gal.4:28-31)
3. Today, D.P. says we can build a mega church with schemes and plans using our own power and intellect virtually absent of the Holy Spirit's power. What are the 4 "P's" he lists that are necessary to build a church in our own strength?(pg 49)
Read Gen. 11:1-9. How does this relate?
Read Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 4:13. How did Jesus build His church?
What do the following verses show us about how the church was built?
Acts 2:41
Acts 2:47
Acts 5:14
Acts 11:24
Acts 13:48
4. Read about George Mueller on pages 54-56 and/or other sources. What was one thing you learned about him?
How is his story similar to Raden's in the beginning of the chapter?
5. Read John:14:12-14. On pages 56-59, D.P. comments on what those "greater things" are. List some of them;
Finish his quote on page 59: ..."a rock solid promise that the _______ of ________ are ready and waiting for the _______ of ______ who desire to ______ ________ of Him in this world."
6. According to page 60, what is the difference between planning in the Spirit and in the flesh?