10.30.22 - Small Group Discussion

Offended

Avoiding the scandal of Scripture obscures the truth.

• Is your family generally open about everything, or more closed off when it comes to difficult or uncomfortable conversations?

• What experience do you have with the Song of Songs?

Read: Song of Songs 1:1-4

• How do you feel about the fact that there’s love poetry and innuendo in our Scriptures?

Read: Song of Songs 4:9-10

• Are you familiar with the hierarchy of different kinds of love that Christians sometimes promote (romantic, friendly, family, godly)? How do you understand the different aspects of love?

• What is God’s view of romance?

Read: Song of Songs 8:6-7

• How is romantic love both powerfully good and powerfully dangerous?

• What can you do to embrace all of Scripture, not just your favorite sections?

The following questions are from the Immerse Poets book, and will be the same each week. They cover that week’s reading:

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?

Prayer: Pray the Immerse prayer this week. It’s found inside the front cover of your Immerse: Poets book.

10.23.22 - Small Group Discussion

Wisdom

The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge

• Wally mentioned Mr. Palmer this Sunday.  He was always quick with a good dad joke.  What is the best dad joke you have ever heard?

• What is the worst one—if you even remember it?

• Who is someone you have a respect/reverence for?

Read: Proverbs 1:1-7

• What are proverbs good for per this passage?

Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 1:29

Proverbs 2:5

Proverbs 3:7

Proverbs 8:13

Proverbs 9:10

Proverbs 10:27

Proverbs 14:2

Proverbs 14:16

Proverbs 14:26

Proverbs 14:27

Proverbs 15:16

Proverbs 15:33

Proverbs 16:6

Proverbs 19:23

Proverbs 22:4

Proverbs 23:17

Proverbs 24:21

Proverbs 29:25

Proverbs 31:30

• Above are all the other references to Fear of the Lord in Proverbs.  Look at some as a group and discuss what other aspects of Fearing the Lord Solomon talks about.

• How do you need to change to allow the “fear of the Lord” awe/reverence for God to increase?

The following questions are from the Immerse Poets book, and will be the same each week. They cover that week’s reading:

• 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?

Prayer: Pray the Immerse prayer this week. It’s found inside the front cover of your Immerse: Poets book.

10.16.22 - Small Group Discussion

Mourned

Faith is not a solo sport.

• What’s been good for you so far this fall?

• What’s been difficult?

Read: Lamentations 5:1-7

• How do you deal with suffering and evil as a Christian? Are Christians supposed to be happy all the time? How do you know that?

Read: Lamentations 5:8-14

• The chaos and pain felt by each of these groups of people was overwhelming. Has there been a time in your life when you’ve been overwhelmed by grief? How did you cope?

Read: Lamentations 5:15-18

• These verses paint a poignant picture of grief. If you had to describe the experience of grief, what would you say?

Read: Lamentations 5:19-20

• Lamentations gives no easy answers to human suffering. We learn from it that God doesn’t expect us to keep silent about our pain or our grief. Hebrews 4:14-16 has the other side of this story. How does it provide comfort?

The following questions are from the Immerse Poets book, and will be the same each week. They cover that week’s reading:

• 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?=

Prayer: Pray the Immerse prayer this week. It’s found inside the front cover of your Immerse: Poets book.

10.09.22 - Small Group Discussion

Planted

A life that endures is rooted in God’s word.

• What’s your favorite plant? What makes it your favorite?

Read: Psalm 1:1

• How do you feel about the labels used in this verse?

Read: Psalm 1:2

• How well do you do at reflecting on Scripture “day and night”?

Read: Psalm 1:3-6

• How do you understand the different pictures of the righteous and the wicked presented by this psalm?

• How much to you interact with the Bible on a given week? What is something you can do to spend more time with it?

The following questions are from the Immerse Poets book, and will be the same each week. They cover that week’s reading:

• 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?

Prayer: Pray the Immerse prayer this week. It’s found inside the front cover of your Immerse: Poets book.

09.25.22 - Small Group Discussions

SERVE

A life of service demonstrates that you’ve met Jesus.

• Tell us about your favorite set of clothing. Is it an old shirt that you’ve overworn? Is it fancy formalwear that you’ve worn to special events? What makes it your favorite?

• Have you ever felt out of place because of what you were wearing? What was that like?

Read: Colossians 3:1-4

• If you had to describe “new life in Christ,” what would you say it is?

Read: Colossians 3:5-9

• What is something you’ve “put off” from your life before Christ?

Read: Colossians 3:10-15

• How can you put on the following:

  • Mercy?

  • Kindness?

  • Humility?

  • Gentleness?

  • Patience?

  • Forgiveness?

  • Love?

Read: Colossians 3:16-17

• How are you doing at serving God? Does your life demonstrate that you’ve met Jesus? Do you represent him well?

Prayer: Pray that your group members will grow to serve God well in their personal lives (1to1) and with their church family (together).

09.18.22 - Small Group Discussion

STUDY 

Everyone is studying something.

• Are you academically minded, or not? How’d you feel about school when you were a student?

• What’s your favorite source for advice and inspiration? (examples could be books, youtube, etc.)

• How are “seek, study, serve,” more than just self-help advice?

Read: I Peter 3:15

• How ready do you feel to explain your hope in Jesus Christ to those who are not Christians?

Read: Colossians 3:1-2

• How much do you think about the things of heaven? How does that compare to the time you spend thinking about the things of this earth.

• What strategy can you take to set your mind on heavenly things?

Read: Colossians 3:4-5

• What does it look like to have “died to this life?” Just what exactly does Paul mean when he says, “your real life is hidden with Christ in God?”

Read: Colossians 3:16-17

• What do you do to “teach and counsel each other with the wisdom” Jesus gives?

• How are you doing at studying God in discipling relationships and in small groups? What might you need to add?

Prayer: Pray that God will give your group members an inquisitive mind as you all study him this fall.

09.11.22 - Small Group Discussion

SEEK

Deeper faith starts with a heart that is seeking God.

• What is something you’re REALLY in to?

• How do you see yourself being driven further into whatever that is?

• What was it like when you first came to Jesus?

• In what ways have you been driven to go deeper in your faith since then?

Read: Mark 12:28

• Are you familiar with this passage? What do you think of the religious teacher’s question?

Read: Mark 12:29-31

• Summarize the two greatest commandments. How do they play out in life?

• Walter talked about what Jesus meant by “heart, soul, mind, and strength.” What did they mean to the people of Jesus’ day?

Read: Mark 12:32-33

• Where’s the connection between “heart, soul, mind, strength,” and “seek, study, serve?”

• What are some ways you can “seek God?” Which one will you do this week?

Leaders Note: This would be a good time to walk your group through the Next Step Cards. We will be using them for three weeks on Sundays and in our small groups.

Prayer: Pair up and pray that God will deepen your partner’s faith this fall.

08.28.22 - Small Group Discussion

And Then What?

Faith is taking the next step, even when you don’t have all the details.

• What was your takeaway from Tim’s story on Sunday? Were you around during the building process?

Read: Acts 28:17-20

• Paul wastes no time here in presenting the Gospel. Have you ever presented the Gospel to someone? What was that like?

Read: Acts 28:21-24

• Walter noted on Sunday that although God had performed miracles through Paul, in this situation, Scripture was deemed enough to bring about faith.

• Do you think it would be easier to believe if you witnessed a miracle?

• Why do you think God doesn’t do miracles more often?

Read: Acts 28:25-28

• What held the people back from believing in Jesus?

• How do you listen to God? What do you do when you want to hear from him?

Read: Acts 28:30-31

• “And then what??” What do you believe is next for our church?

Prayer: Pair up, and then pray for your partner to boldly take steps of faith, especially when they don’t have a clear understanding of how things will turn out.

08.21.22 - Small Group Discussion

What Story Will You Live

Write the next chapter in your faith story by allowing God to lead.

• What did you think of Miguel’s story on Sunday?  What parts of it do you relate to?  Have you ever surrendered something to God because you knew you had to?

Read: Acts 7:54 to 8:3

• How would you describe the most intimidating person you know? How you would compare that person to Paul?

• How would you respond in a situation like this?  Would you find yourself running and hiding or would you be bold?  Why?

• Why do you think the disciples react differently?

Read Acts 9:1-19

• Why do you think God cared about Saul/Paul?

• How would you feel if you were tasked the job of Ananias in this passage?

• What if Paul had walked into a gathering you were attending after he was converted.  Would you freak out or be graceful?

Read Acts 20:22-24

• How does Paul’s life and work challenge you?

• How does the life of those who went before here challenge you?

• What do you need to surrender to allow God control of YOUR whole life no matter what the cost?

• Where can you start?

Prayer: Pray for one another in your group.  Pray that you will be able to allow God to control your whole life.  Pray that your group mates will have boldness also.

08.14.22 - Small Group Discussion

The Search

Jesus is what you’re searching for.

• What did you think of Dan’s story on Sunday? Have you interacted with the Batdorff family in any way?

Read: Acts 16:16-18

• What does this situation teach us about the power of God?

Read: Acts 16:19-21

• How do you understand the discrepancy between what got Paul and Silas arrested, and what they were charged with before the city officials?

Read: Acts 16:22-24

• What is your general reaction when you face hardship? What hardships have you faced?

Read: Acts 16:25-29

• Did you catch verse 25? What were the other prisoners doing?

• What can you do to be a witness to others, even in the face of severe hardship?

Read Acts 16:30-34

• The Philippian jailer and his entire family found what they were searching for, and came to faith in Jesus that night.

• In what ways do you see people searching for hope/salvation/meaning?

• In what ways does Jesus satisfy all of those things, and more?

Prayer: Pray that God will enable the members of your group to boldly proclaim Christ by the way they act and speak – just as Paul and Silas did.

08.07.22 - Small Group Discussion

The Response

Followers of Jesus step in.

• What do you know about The Bystander Effect? Have you ever experienced it, on either side?

• On Sunday, Shirley shared a story of how SLCC has been a blessing to other believers in times of crisis. When else have you seen our church respond to emergencies in other places?

Read: Acts 11:19-21

• The first church’s mission expanded to include non-Jews. How would you have felt if you were a Jewish Christian? What makes it hard to accept people who are not like us?

Read: Acts 11:22-26

• In this passage, the church recognized what God was already doing among them. What kinds of changes or new things do you see God already beginning here at SLCC that we maybe have yet to get on board with?

Read: Acts 27-30

• The prophet Agabus warned of the coming famine, and the church responded by raising support for believers in Jerusalem. Are you aware of any churches around the country or around the world who may need our help?

• What are you going to do about it?

Read: Matthew 25:34-40

• Does this passage encourage you or convict you? Why? 

Prayer: Pray for your group to have an opportunity to meet a need together in Jesus’ name!

07.31.22 - Small Group Discussion

Careful Attention

Church should be the one place no one gets overlooked.

• Share a time when the church showed up for you or someone you know.

Read: Acts 6:1

• What does this verse tell us about the practice and priorities of the first Christians?

Read: Acts 6:2-4

• How do you feel about the Apostle’s response to this conflict?

• On Sunday, Walter said, “We ALL have a role to play in the church, but we don’t all play the same role.”

Read: I Corinthians 12:27-31.

• Where do you see yourself in this list?

Read: Acts 6:5-6

• What do you know about these seven people?

• Walter shared that the Greek word for “serve” in this passage is where we get our term “deacon.” How much do you know about the deacons’ ministry in our church?

• If church should be the one place no one gets overlooked, then we need to get to know our church!

• How well do you know the people in our congregation? What can you do to get to know some of them better?

• Of those you know, who needs help right now? What can you and your group do about that?

Read: Acts 6:7

• What will it take for God’s message to spread in the Lansing area, for the number of followers of Jesus here to increase, and for people of all faith backgrounds to come to Jesus?

Prayer: Pray for your group to have an opportunity to meet a need together in Jesus’ name!

07.24.22 - Small Group Discussion

Missions

• When you think of “Missions” what comes to your mind?

• In what ways has the kingdom work of SLCC affected you?

• Can you think of some examples of how Christians have made Missions work either too easy or too hard to do?

Read Acts 1:1-8

• When it comes down to it, Missions is going and telling people about Jesus. When was the last time you did that? How was it?

• Eric spent some time, describing the different levels or circles of missions needed in God’s kingdom. Which circle is the easiest for you? Which is the hardest for you? Why?

Read Acts 2:42-47

• How can you be a part of what SLCC is doing to make our community like the one in Acts 2:42-47?

• The main point of the sermon on Sunday was “For Christians, Kingdom work isn’t an option; It’s Essential.” Armed with this new definition of kingdom work, where do you need to step up when it comes to Kingdom work?

• In what ways, can you help others, or need to be helped yourself to be a better Kingdom Worker?

Small Group leaders consider sharing what your group discusses here with the leadership of South so that we can better help you and your small group serve those around you.

07.17.22 - Small Group Discussion

High Ratings

In God’s Kingdom, people are rated differently.

• Share a time when someone discounted you without really knowing who you are.

• Do you struggle with rating or ranking people according to what they can do for you?

Read: Luke 18:9-10

• What have you heard about Pharisees and about tax collectors in the Bible?

Read: Luke 18:11-12

• Have you ever encountered someone like that Pharisee? How about this: have you ever been like that Pharisee?

Read: Luke 18:13-14

• What are the implications of Jesus’ words in v. 14? When do you think this exalting and humbling will take place?

Read: Luke 18:15-17

• Do you find it easy or difficult to go out of your way for others? Why is that?

• How do you see South Lansing Christian Church fulfilling this call to welcome everyone, no matter what they can do for us?

• How can our church do better in this area? What are you going to do to help us be better?

Prayer: Pray for a moment of inconvenience this week, in which you are forced to go out of your way to help someone who can’t pay you back.

07.10.22 - Small Group Discussion

Wise Investment

How you spend reveals what you believe.

• What stood out to you from Mike’s interview on Sunday?

Read: Luke 12:13-15

• Has your family ever experienced an estate settlement or inheritance dispute. How did that go?

• In your opinion, what motivates these kinds of disagreements?

Read: Luke 12:16-20

• In this parable, what are all the ways in which the rich fool focuses on himself?

• What do you think of God’s response to him?

Read: Luke 12:21

• Would you say it’s easy or difficult for you to be “rich toward God?” Why is that?

Read: Luke 12:22-26

• What are the financially-related things that cause you worry?

• Is it possible to follow Jesus’ instruction to “not worry” about these things?

Read: Luke 12:32-34

• Do your financial practices show that you are a follower of Jesus?

Prayer: Pray that we can boldly proclaim Christ by how we spend our money.

07.03.22 - Small Group Discussion

Stories of the Church - Kingdom Gardening

Faith that lasts is faith that holds on.

Leaders note: If you haven’t yet had a chance to view Debbi’s interview, take a moment to do so with your group HERE.

• What stood out to you from Debbi’s interview?

Read: Luke 8:4-8

• Have you read or heard this parable before? What questions do you have about it?

Read: Luke 8: 9-10

• What do you think of Jesus’ statement here? It does seem a bit exclusionary!

• Have you ever felt like your faith makes you seem a bit unhinged to non-Christians? How do you deal with that?

Read: Luke 8:11-15

• Where do you see yourself in this story? What kind of seed have you been?

• In this parable, those who are good seed “cling” to God’s word, and “patiently” endure. What does that look like on a practical level?

• How can our church be one that sows seeds? What do YOU need to do to make that happen?

Prayer: Pray that our church would find creative ways to sow the seeds of the Gospel in our South Lansing communities.

06.26.22 - Small Group Discussion

Growing the Next Generation 

We must continue to grow the faith of the next generation. 

• Who was a role model to you when you were young?

• How did their influence shape you?  Share some stories.

Read: Luke 2:39-40

• Wally said on Sunday that Jewish boys started learning/memorizing the Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) around age 6.  And they had it all memorized with the Prophets by age 12.  Do you think that is something you could do?

• If we had a system in place, could our younger students do something like that?  What would hold us back?

• If we didn’t want to get that crazy, what are things you think the kids should learn?

Read: Luke 2:41-52

• Why were Jesus and his family in Jerusalem? 

• Look up some other times on your phone/internet when the Israelites were supposed to travel to Jerusalem for a festival.

• How would you as a parent reacted in this situation as a parent losing a child?

• Why do you think Jesus responded the way he did?

• Wally made the statement: How are you influencing/shaping/impacting this current young generation?  (It is not a yes or no question)  Who are you influencing?

• Share a name or two of who you are going to lean into and write them in your journal to pray over.

Prayer: God, help us to model the example we see in Scripture and the examples we see in South.  Pray for each of the names shared in the group.

06.19.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Parents, Round 2

It takes self-sacrifice to honor your parents.

• What rating would you give your parents on their job performance? Are they good parents? Do they fall into the “disinterested” category?

• What rating do you think Jacob’s kids would have given him?

Read: Genesis 43:15-28

• At this point, Joseph still hadn’t revealed himself to his brothers. Why do you think that is?

Read: Genesis 44:1-17

• So Joseph concocted this scheme to detain Benjamin and send the rest of the brothers home. By that point, both Reuben and Judah has promised their father to watch out for Benjamin. How would you have felt if you were them?

• After all that Jacob had put his family through, was he worthy of respect?

Read: Genesis 44:30-33

• In this story, Judah honored his father by offering himself in the place of Benjamin. What do you see as his primary motivation for this action?

• How can you honor a parent who has acted in ways that are not worthy of your respect?

Read/Recite: Galatians 5:22-23

• Which fruit have you noticed the Holy Spirit growing fruit in you over the last 8 weeks?

Prayer: Pray that you would see God would grow selflessness and goodness in each of your lives this week.

06.12.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Kids, Round 2

Every kid deserves to be fully loved

• Who’s the favorite in your family?

• Have you ever been harmed by someone playing favorites? What was that like?

Read: Genesis 42:1-5

• Can you see any justifications for Jacob’s preferential treatment of Benjamin?

Read: Genesis 42:6-13

• At this point, Jacob’s sons don’t know they’re talking to their brother. How would you have felt if you were in their shoes? 

Read: Genesis 42:14-20

• What’s your take on Joseph here? Some think he was justifiably testing his brothers. Some think he was tormenting them. How do you understand this situation?

Read: Genesis 42:29-38

• Jacob obviously played favorites. From your understanding of the story, in what ways did that harm his family?

• On Sunday, Walter said that every kid deserves to be fully loved, and that you can do that by making sure they’re fully known, fully celebrated, and fully guided. Which of those three things is your family best at?

• [FOR PARENTS]: If you’re a parent, what can you do to help your kids know they’re loved this week?

Prayer: Pray that your small group can generously love others without showing preference or favoritism.

Bonus: Read James 2:1-9 and discuss.

06.05.22 - Small Group Discussion

You + Your Spouse, Round 2

Sex beyond marriage brings brokenness, but God can restore broken sexuality.

• Did your parents ever have “the sex talk” with you? How’d that go?

• How do you feel about discussing sex in church?

• On Sunday, Walter said that “our church believes that God’s plan is for marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. We also believe that the only appropriate place for sexual activity is within this covenantal marriage relationship.” What is your reaction to these statements?

Read: Genesis 38:6-13

• The practice of marrying a widow to her husband’s brother in order to carry on the family lineage is known as levirate marriage. Had you heard of the practice before Sunday?

Read: Genesis 38:14-23

What’s your take on this section of Scripture?

Read: Genesis 38:24-26

• Where else in the Bible do you see Scripture teach this truth: sex beyond marriage brings brokenness, but God can restore broken sexuality.

• Have you ever been in an accountable relationship with another believer? If so, how has that worked out for you? If not, what’s holding you back?

Prayer: Pray for each other to find support as you each work toward sexual integrity.

 Accountability Form