Making the connection |

If your group is expanding, remember to welcome all new addi-tions and extend introductions all around. Check in with each other. What kinds of things caught your attention this week? Here are a few discussion questions to get you started:

� What are some general negative perceptions of Christians? � Have you ever listened to rhetoric spouted by a “sidewalk preacher?” Share your experience. � What is your opinion of “hell-fire and brimstone” speeches?

Watch the video |

I feel shame creeping up and flushing my face when I walk by the person with the Bullhorn. I am embarrassed that all of that volume, all the “burn in hell” and “repent” spewed from his mouth is perceived as an attempt to “win” souls for Christ. I react with anger and resentment that one such as this could be mistaken for a Christian. Most people shake their heads as they move along in hur-ried retreat and I speed up to keep pace. “Give a fool a platform and he’ll…” What? Damage the perception of the Christian faith! Give skeptics an excuse to step away from Christ who is calling them to Him. God, help us to deal with those who speak condemnation in your name! …Or should it be God help us to love those who speak in your name?

� How do you feel about people like bullhorn guy?

� Do you think it’s possible to scare people into loving God?

� How much influence does bullhorn guy have on others?

NOOMA® Bullhorn | 009 Rob Bell Small Group Guide

Connecting with Scripture |

Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher what is the most important commandment in the Law? Jesus answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ All the law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.” When Jesus is asked, “What’s the most important thing?” Jesus’ response is to love, love God with everything that you have and then love those around you in the same kind of way. Jesus doesn’t separate loving God and loving others. For Jesus, everything hangs on these two things. And so the defining mark of a Christian is love! � What draws you to the message of Jesus? � What does it mean to love someone with an agenda? � So what is bullhorn guy’s agenda? � Does God love people with different beliefs less than you? � As much as he loves you? � Is trying to convert someone to your religious beliefs an agenda? Closing |

This is a difficult lesson. What should we do? � Talk about possible reactions, solutions to this experience. � Share special prayer requests, remembering those who do not know Christ as a loving God. � As a group, in simple prayers, pray your petitions together and end with: “Lord teach us to

love the way you love us.”