05.03.20 - Small Group Discussion

Life Interrupted - God is with You

When you can’t understand God’s activity, you can still trust His identity.

• What are some curveballs you’ve had thrown at you in life?

• How do you typically react when life throws a curveball at you?

Read: Genesis 37:2-5, 23-28, 39:2, 21

• We can see Joseph’s complete story. What do you imagine his perspective was like at each of the spots in the verses we just read?

• Why is it easier to see God being with Joseph than it is to see the God is with us?

• What is God’s identity? How do you define God’s main characteristics?

• What does it mean to trust in God’s identity? Why is that different than trusting in His activity? How do we do it?

Read: Deuteronomy 31:6.

• This verse promises that God will not abandon us. Do you feel that to be true in your life? Why or why not?

• How have you, or how have you not, been trusting in God throughout this pandemic?

Prayer: Pray that you trust in who God is during uncertain times.

04.26.20 - Small Group Discussions

Life Interrupted - Control is an Illusion

Even when life seems out of control, God is still in control.

• What are some minor interruptions that annoy you?

• What do you do when life seems out of control?

Read: 1 Samuel 21:1-9, 22:6-10, 23:1-4

• David ran when his life was in danger, instead of inquiring of God. How does David’s approach in such an extreme situation inform how we should handle ourselves when our lives our interrupted?

• Was David wrong in what he did? Why or why not?

• What reminds you that God is in control?

• What is the difference between you being in control and God being in control?

• How have you been dealing with the interruptions that Covid-19 has brought to your life?

• How are you helping others during this period of interruption?

Prayer: Pray that in the middle of life spiraling out of control that you find peace in knowing that God is in control.

04.19.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - Heaven

We’re not going to Heaven. The new Jerusalem will come to the new earth.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Revelation 21:1-3: Then I saw ’a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Revelation 21:1-4, Philippians 3:20-21

• How has your perspective of the afterlife changed over time?

• What are you most excited about when the new Jerusalem comes to the new earth? Why?

• What does it mean to you to be a citizen of Heaven?

• How can the afterlife encourage you and how can you talk about it in a way that encourages others?

04.12.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - The Resurrection

Jesus is both the means and the model of resurrection.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: 1 Corinthians 15:24: And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: John 1:14, 20:26-29, Romans 10:8-9, Philippians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 15:52-53, 57-58

• Frank presented that our bodies peak in different ways at different times. Who do you want to know at their peak? Why?

• What was your Easter like? How did you keep a focus on Christ’s resurrection?

• Why is Jesus’ resurrection the key to our faith?

• The apostles were able to see Jesus after he came back to life, and that was critical for their belief. We obviously don’t have that possibility. So, if you do believe, why? If you don’t, why?

04.05.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - The Cross

You can’t be killed if you’re already dead.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Matthew 16:24: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Matthew 16:21-25

• How will you make the most out of Easter this year?

• Do you have an example of changing Jesus’ words to fit your understanding, instead of letting his words change your understanding?

• Peter meant well with his words, but Jesus pointed out his error in not seeing things through God’s perspective. Have you been in Peter’s position or been the recipient of words from someone acting like Peter?

• How can you see things through God’s perspective instead of a human perspective?

• What’s different for you when your response is, “I’m already dead?”

03.29.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - Good News

Mark wrote an introduction. We’re still writing the story.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Mark 1:1:.This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Mark 1:1, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 9:16

• What good have you seen in the last few weeks?

• How is Jesus good news?

• In Romans, Paul writes that he’s not ashamed of the gospel. Have you ever been ashamed of the gospel? Why or why not?

• If the Church looks back at us in 100 years, what do you want them to say?

• How do you explain the gospel to someone?

03.22.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - Radical Change (3.22.20)

To change your surroundings, you have to choose your surroundings.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Romans 12:2: Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 8:1, 38-39, and 12:1-2.

• What are some examples where you’ve been shaped, for good or bad, by the people or situations around you?

• Who or what do you surround yourself with when you need some encouragement or to escape the difficulties around us?

• How are you shaping the people around you, especially during this time of quarantine?

What does it mean to you be a living sacrifice, as mentioned in Romans 12:1?

03.15.20 - Freedom

Immerse: Messiah - Freedom

You have been freed. Now choose to follow.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Romans 8:1 – So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Romans 7:14-8:4.

• Where, or in what ways, do you feel tension between living in the Kingdom of God that has come, but still waiting for the fullness of the Kingdom to come?

• What is different between you as a follower of Christ and you as not a follower?

• Do you feel like you’ve been freed from your sinful nature? Why or why not?

• What does it mean to “choose to follow?”

• Where is your focus? Does that enable you to follow God?

03.08.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - God’s Solution to Racism

I have more in common with Christians who don’t share my racial identity than I do with non-Christians who do.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Acts 17:26: From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Acts 1:8, 6:1, 8:14, 25, 9:43, 10:34-36, 17:26.

• Why is racism an issue for the Church?

• What do you feel like is the base cause of racism? How can that be combatted?

• How does aligning under a larger cause help fight racism?

• What are you going to do this week to combat racism, whether that be in your life or the lives of others?

03.01.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse: Messiah - The Golden Rule 

The golden rule is about doing, not avoiding.

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might this change the way we live?

Memorize: Luke 6:31: Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Leaders: For memorizing the verse, discuss with your group the idea of repeating the verse together and/or each taking turns repeating it. Feel free to work on memorizing at the beginning and end of your time together.

Read: Luke 6:27-36.

• What are the benefits to showing love to your enemies?

• Verse 35 says God is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. Do you feel this to be true? Why or why not?

• Practically speaking, what does living out the golden rule look like? What will you do this week to live it out?

02.16.20 - Small Group Discussion

Killing what’s Killing You - Critical Spirit

Until I find someone who is right 100% of the time, I need to assume I’m not, either.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• How do you respond to criticism? What works well for you? What works poorly?

• What is your typical approach to giving criticism?

• Does the way you give criticism change whether it is right or wrong to do so? Why or why not?

Read: John 10:10, Matthew 7:1-6.

• How can being critical keep you from living life to the fullest?

• Think about the last time you judged someone. What would it be like for you to be judged in that same way?

• What is the difference between the common saying that we shouldn’t judge people and what Jesus lays out for the correct approach regarding judging?

• What do you feel like Jesus means in verse 6?

• What role does humility play in criticism, both in how we give and receive it?

Prayer: Pray that you look carefully at yourself before judging someone else.

02.09.20 - Small Group Discussion

Killing what’s Killing You - Stress and Anxiety 

You can pray or you can stress. Only one leads to life.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What stresses you out? Why?

• What do you do when your friends are stressed out? Have you ever tried doing that same thing for yourself?

Read: John 10:10, Philippians 4:4-9.

• How does stress keep you from living a full life?

• Do you believe that there are things that are too big or too small to pray to God about? Why or why not? Does your life reflect this belief?

• Do you feel like God is near when you’re stressed? Why or why not?

• How do we rejoice always? Are we supposed to rejoice when things are bad?

• What does showing gentleness have to do with not being stressed?

• How can focusing on whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy help with stress?

• Have you ever had an amazing sense of peace in the midst of something stressful? What was it like? How did you have that sense of peace? How did people respond to it?

• Twice in the Philippians passage, we are told God will be near us or with us. What does that mean to you?

• How can you remind yourself to pray when you get stressed?

Prayer: Pray that you will stop stressing and start praying.

02.02.20 - Small Group Discussion

Killing what’s Killing You - Distractions

Stop focusing on what you’re distracted by, and start focusing on what you’re distracted from.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What is easy for you to focus on? What is difficult for you to focus on? Why?

• What seems to distract you the most?

Read: John 10:10, Luke 10:38-42, Mark 14:35-36.

• How do distractions keep us from living the full life Jesus wants to give us?

• Where do you picture yourself in the story about Mary and Martha?

• Was what Martha doing important? Why or why not?

• What cultural customs keep you from focusing on what’s important?

• When you allow things like a notification on your phone to distract you, what is the message you’re sending to whatever you’re being distracted from?

• How do you feel when the roles are reversed and someone is distracted from you?

• What distractions do you allow to keep you from focusing on God?

• How can we focus on God?

Prayer: Pray for focus.

01.26.20 - Small Group Discussion

Killing what’s Killing You - Bitterness and Anger

Forgiven people should be forgiving people.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• When you’re angry, what do you do to deal with the anger?

• What does forgiveness mean to you?

Read: John 10:10, Ephesians 4:26-32, 1 Timothy 1:13-14, Luke 23:34.

• How can God give you life to the full?

• What makes anger righteous? How can righteous anger be dangerous?

• What do you think is the practical application for “do not let the sun go down on your anger?”

• Do the people involved in a situation affect how easy it is for you to forgive? Why or why not?

• What makes it easier or harder to forgive?

• How does forgiveness help with anger?

• What does forgiveness look like?

Prayer: Pray that you remember how much you’ve been forgiven when dealing with your anger.

01.19.20 - Small Group Discussion

Killing what’s Killing You - Guilt and Shame

My past will remind me; it will not define me.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• If someone asks you to describe yourself, what do you say?

• What lists do you find helpful? Why?

• What lists are unhelpful? Why?

Read: John 10:10, Titus 3:3-7.

• How did you feel about the writing exercise? What did you put on your list, if you feel comfortable sharing?

• What negatives in the Titus passage do you relate to?

• What would you put on a positive list for who you are after becoming a Christian?

• How can your past remind you without defining you?

• What does having the hope of eternal life do for how you live your life?

• If you’re a Christian, what do you feel like is/has been different in your life since making that choice?

Prayer: Pray that you see yourself the way God sees you.

01.12.20 - Small Group Discussion

Killing what’s Killing You - Comparison and Envy

You’ll never experience the life God intended if you’re trying to live someone else’s life.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What did you get for Christmas? Did you do any comparing when other people opened their gifts?

Read: John 10:10, Proverbs 14:30, Exodus 20:17, Galatians 5:19-21.

• What does it mean to you to have “life to the full?”

• What imagery comes to mind when you read the Proverbs passage?

• How do you view the role the Ten Commandments play in your life?

• Why do you think envy is included in the list of sins in Galatians?

• What do you find yourself comparing about yourself most with others?

• Have you ever felt content? What was/is it like for you life, and what do you think created the feeling of contentment?

• How can you find contentment in the middle of the bad times in life?

• Can you help others find contentment? If yes, how? If no, why?

Prayer: Pray that God will help you want the life you have.

12.23.19 - Small Group Discussion

Rewriting Christmas - We Three Kings

The gift Christ wants is you.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Have you ever re-gifted something? What was it?

• What is your favorite gift you have ever received? Why?

• What is your favorite gift you’ve ever given? Why?

Read: Matt. 2:1-12.

• Does it bother you that there may not have been three wise men? Why or why not?

• What would you see as the modern-day equivalent of the Magi visiting Herod to announce something?

• Why would the Magi care about a king being born far away from them? What can we learn from their decision?

• What do you feel is significant about non-Jewish people being among the first to be told of Jesus’ birth?

• What does it look like to gift yourself during the Christmas season and beyond?

Prayer: Pray that you give the gift of yourself this Christmas season.

12.15.19 - Small Group Discussion

Rewriting Christmas - The First Noel

Jesus was born to take away the sins of the world.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Why are traditions important?

• When can they be harmful?

Read: Luke 2:8-20.

• Does it matter when Jesus was born? Why or why not?

• What, if anything, is the value to you in having Christmas in December? Why?

• The angels declared peace to the shepherds. Where could you use some more peace in your life?

• Who can you help experience some peace this holiday?

• The shepherds celebrated the good news and then they went back to their lives. How do you take the celebration of Jesus’s birth with you into your everyday life?

Prayer: Pray and tell God thank you for Jesus being born to take away our sins.

12.08.19 Small Group Discussion

Rewriting Christmas - Away in a Manger

God enters into the chaos of our everyday lives.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What are the best and worst parts of the chaos that comes with Christmas? Why?

• If a painting were done like Peter Bruegel’s to show the birth of Jesus in our current day, what do you imagine it would look like?

Read: Luke 2:1-7.

• What do you do to keep your attention on Christ’s birth at Christmas?

• What was the biggest change presented in the message from your picture of the birth of Christ? How do you feel about it changing?

• What can we learn by looking at the hospitality in this passage that is given to Joseph and Mary?

• How does the chaos of Christmas hinder you spiritually?

• Do you feel like Christ enters the chaos of your life? Why or why not?

• Who do you know that has a really chaotic Christmas season? How can you help them?

Prayer: Pray that we don’t let the craziness of the holiday season distract us from its purpose.

12.01.19 - Small Group Discussions

Rewriting Christmas - Mary, did you know?

When God asks, a servant answers, “yes.”

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What Christmas traditions do you have? Has anyone ever tried to change them? What was that like?

• Do you put up a nativity set in your house? What’s it like?

Read: Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 7:14.

• How can having the details of Jesus’s birth incorrectly in our minds cause problems?

• What do you imagine being your first response if an angel were to appear before you, like Gabriel did with Mary?

• Are you a person that says “yes” to something before knowing all the details?

• What has God done through you when you’ve said yes? What have you said “no” to?

• Do you see yourself as a servant of God? Why or why not?

• Do you believe that nothing is impossible with God? Does the way you live reflect your answer? Why or why not?

Prayer: Pray for the courage to say yes when God asks something of you.