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Group Discussion Part 1: The Historical and Biblical

CONNECT is a fictitious mystery novel written by . What are some other mysteries you have read? What makes this one so different?

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GROW 1) Why do you believe society gives credence to some of Jesus’ words (“Judge not” – Matt. 7:1) while ignoring or doubting others (“No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6)?

2) One of the fundamental false assertions of The Da Vinci Code is that the church did not speak of Jesus as God until 325 A.D. What other such assertions have you come across that hinder the true nature of Jesus?

RESPOND 1) What can be done as an individual, group or church to dispel some of the erroneous assumptions many have about Jesus and God the Father?

2) Why is the question of whether Jesus is God important to you?

3) Find and read the following passages about Messianic prophesies and their fulfillment:

PROPHECY FULFILLMENT Micah 5:2 Luke 2:4-7 Isaiah 40:3 Luke 3:3-6 Zechariah 9:9 John 12:12-15 Psalm 41:9 Matthew 26:48-50 Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:14-16 Zechariah 11:13 Matthew 27:1-5 Isaiah 53:7 Mark 15:3-5 Psalm 22:16 John 19:16-18

FOR FURTHER STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION Look at a study Bible or perhaps an internet site and research scriptures regarding Messianic prophecies and their fulfillment.

Group Discussion Part 2: Ancient and Modern

CONNECT What is a subject on which you consider yourself an expert or well informed? How did you gain your knowledge in this area?

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GROW 1) The presentation identified two distinct beliefs identified with all forms of Gnosticism. What are they?

2) Does today’s society place more importance on knowledge or faith? What are the benefits and limitations of each?

3) What is the problem with just accepting or dismissing the views presented in The Da Vinci Code as simply a work of fiction?

RESPOND Read Proverbs 1:7, 9:10. Discuss the difference between what these passages say about knowledge and wisdom versus your understanding of the Gnostic perspective of them.

FOR FURTHER STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION Do a topical study using a concordance or Bible website on the words “knowledge” and “wisdom”.

Group Discussion Part 3: The Real Words of

CONNECT Have your words ever been misrepresented? What were the consequences?

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GROW 1) The Da Vinci Code states that the Gnostic along with the are the “earliest Christian records”. What are the facts presented which debunk this statement?

2) What are some of the strange teachings of the Gnostic Gospels?

RESPOND 1) As a Christian, what primary weapon do we have to combat teachings such as those found in the Gnostic Gospels?

2) What do we know about Christ that shows his humanity, which Gnostic teaching denies?

FOR FURTHER STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION Do a little personal digging into the history of the Bible to find out how we arrived at the versions we use today.

Group Discussion Part 4: Jesus, Mary, and the Role of Women in the Early Church

CONNECT Who has been the most influential female in your life? How?

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GROW 1) The Da Vinci Code asserts that the word “companion” in the Gnostic of Philip means “spouse”. What fact does the video present that disproves this?

2) What are some modern equivalents of a “holy kiss”? Why do you think a “holy kiss” and its modern equivalents are important?

3) Why was the prominent role of women in Jesus’ life and ministry unusual? What other unusual things did Jesus teach and do during His earthly ministry?

RESPOND 1) Would Jesus’ ministry be changed or different if he had been married? Discuss.

2) The video mentioned several counter-cultural (for that time) references to women and their roles. What gender stereotypes did you grow up with and how do they differ from those today?

FOR FURTHER STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION Read 1 Corinthians 7:29-35. Paul has an interesting perspective on ministry and marriage. How would your ministry and relationship with God be different if your marital status was different?

Group Discussion Part 5: The , the , and the

CONNECT What is your favorite mythical story?

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GROW 1) The Da Vinci Code states, “Nothing in is original.” What facts were presented to discredit this statement?

2) The presentation stated there are those who, “… seek to infuse into our society a worldview that promotes the mystical while disparaging the biblical.” What are some examples of mystical practices and/or beliefs prevalent in our society today?

3) The Da Vinci Code states that Leonardo’s The does not show the Holy Grail. The narrator pointed out that there is a cup near Jesus’ hand. Which would you expect for Jesus – a jeweled gold goblet or a common cup? Why?

RESPOND 1) As a Christian how does it feel when your faith is called a ? What can you do to be better prepared to handle a challenge like this?

2) Why do you think people often focus on objects like cups, crosses, robes, shrouds, etc. rather than Scripture?

3) The Da Vinci Code states the Holy Grail is the bloodline of Jesus through and their children. Discuss the biblical perspective of Jesus’ bloodline.

FOR FURTHER STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION Find a copy of The Last Supper. Read the biblical account in John 13:1 – 14:31. Now put yourself in the painting, reflecting on the account you read. How do you respond to Jesus’ actions and words?

Group Discussion Part 6: Reaching the Da Vinci Code Society

CONNECT Have you ever been challenged by a question you couldn’t answer? What was it? What did you do about it?

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GROW 1) To what does the presentation attribute the popularity of The Da Vinci Code?

2) According to the presentation, “God did not intend for us to live in a spiritual vacuum.” How was a “spiritual vacuum” described? How is your life like or unlike the description?

RESPOND 1) What positives do you see in The Da Vinci Code?

2) How do you typically react when you find yourself in a discussion which challenges your beliefs? How might you want to change?

3) The presentation states, “… Jesus’ was fully immersed in the culture of His day. He did not use His divinity as a shield from the worldliness and hypocrisy around Him.” Do you sometimes shield yourself to the point at which your effectiveness as a Christian is diminished?

4) Pair off with another person and practice responding to the questions/statements listed on the next slide (taken from the presentation). Remember, your answer must be consistent with who you are. You don’t have to repeat verbatim but paraphrase using your own style and language. a) Does it really matter whether Jesus was married or had a child by Mary Magdalene? b) How do you know the Bible contains the real message about Jesus? What about all these other gospels? Are they true too? c) Does the Bible have a secret code which reveals the things to come? d) How do you know Jesus is the one true God and not just another god like those of ancient times”? e) Is the Holy Grail real? f) Doesn’t the Jesus of The Da Vinci Code seem more liberating and accepting of women than the Jesus of the Bible?

FOR FURTHER STUDY AND PERSONAL REFLECTION Think of some other erroneous statements or questions you have encountered about your faith which you may have felt ill equipped to handle. Either on your own, or in a group, research resources for help in future conversations.