02.25.24 - Small Group Discussion

True Value Small Group Video

True Value

The values of God’s Kingdom are not the values of this world. 

• In your opinion, what is the most surprising thing Jesus ever said?

Read: Mark 10:1-12

• What is God’s standard for marriage?

• What is most difficult or troubling for you about God’s standard for marriage?

Read: Mark 10:13-16

• Why was Jesus indignant? In what way is this episode not about actual children?

• Who is a “less-than” or an undervalued person in your life?

Read: Mark 10:17-27

• If you had been that rich man, what would you have done?

• Does your view of wealth line of with Jesus’ teaching here? What needs to change for you?

Read: Mark 10:42-45

• Of the four sections today, which one is the most difficult for you to accept and live out?

• What are you going to do about that?

Pray: Ask God for wisdom to understand his values, and for strength to live them out.

02.18.24 - Small Group Discussion

Gospel Focused Small Group Video

Gospel Focused 

We need to live Gospel Focused Lives

• What would you do if you won the lottery?

• Who would you give money to?  What would you splurge on?

• Why is it hard to stop living selfishly?

Read: Acts 16:16-22

• What’s going on in this section? 

• Have you ever been hounded like this for your faith?  How did you respond?

• How can you live out the gospel more in your life? Where should you be bold?

Read: Acts 16:22-28

• If you were falsely accused and thrown in jail, would you still trust that God was leading you?

• What are you thinking in this section if you are one of the other prisoners?

• Would you have left once you were unchained, or would you have stayed like Paul and Silas?  Why or why not?

• How can you put the “praise and pray in any situation” mindset in place in your life right now?

Read: Acts 16:29-34

• Paul took every opportunity to be Gospel focused here.  Where else do we see this in Paul’s life as you’ve been reading Acts?

• What opportunities to share the gospel have you had that you didn’t act on?

• How do you change that next time?  Who can we be praying for?

Pray: Pray for one another to be bold.  If specific people come up in the last question, pray for boldness for them and your small group members.

02.11.24 - Small Group Discussion

Be Prepared Small Group Video

Be Prepared!

Followers of Jesus should always be prepared. 

• Tell us about a situation in which you felt severely unprepared.

• How prepared would you say you are to share the gospel with someone?

Read: Acts 26:1-3

• What is going on here in Acts 26? How did Paul end up before King Agrippa, and what was the point of this hearing?

Read: Acts 26:4-12

• If you’ve been reading along with the church, you’ve encountered the “Damascus Road” story that Paul is recounting. How many times is it told in Acts? Why?

• What is compelling about sharing YOUR story with others before or when you tell them about God’s story?

• How well do you know your own story?

Read: Acts 26:13-23

• It’s clear from its structure that Paul had spent time preparing this speech. How prepared are you to share the gospel story?

• What do you need to do to be better prepared?

Read: Acts 26:24-29

• Who is someone in your life that you want to see come to know Jesus?

Pray: Pray by name for the people we want to see come to know Jesus.

02.04.24 - Small Group Discussion

Following The Apostles’ Model

We need each other, the Spirit, and prayer to meet people where they are. 

This week in church, our missionaries Tina and Marty Ganong, shared about their work in Bible translation and preached on Acts chapters 8-14. They looked at the lives of Philip, Peter and Paul, and talked about how each of them modeled how to introduce people to Jesus. Because our service was a bit different, the discussion guide this week is a bit different too. We believe that your group time can still be fruitful, and we recommend going back and watching the service again before you lead discussion. Or, perhaps, watch it as a group and pause periodically to talk about what the Ganongs are sharing.

• What stood out to you from Sundays’ message, and from your reading in Acts this week?

• What do you know of world missions? What’s the purpose? Do you personally support a missionary? Have you ever visited a mission project?

• How can you meet the people in your life where they are, with both the love of Jesus and the truth of his message?

Pray: Pray for God’s protection and blessing on the Ganongs and on their critical work among the Baga people.

01.28.24 - Small Group Discussion

Share It!

A healthy faith is a shared faith. 

• On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate the health of your faith?

• Share a story of the boldest thing you have ever done for God.

Read: Acts 2:1-8

• We believe that God gives us his Spirit when we choose to follow Jesus and are baptized in his name. Tell us about a time when you very clearly felt the presence or prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Read: Acts 2:42-47

• What things are shared by Christians in this story?

• What is the result of all of that sharing?

On Sunday, Walter talked about how fellowship is the result of sharing – sharing our possessions, our time, our spaces, and our lives.

• Describe a time when you felt close fellowship with God’s people.

• Would you say you more naturally attend church, or share your life with your church?

• What are you sharing, on a regular basis, with your church?

• What steps can you take to better share this week?

Pray: Ask for God to reveal areas in your life that need to be shared with your church, and then to give you the boldness to share them.

01.21.24 - Small Group Discussion

Let’s Talk Small Group Video

Let’s Talk

Prayer is about relationship. 

• What is your prayer life like? How often do you pray? What do you pray about?

• What do you think is the purpose of prayer?

Read: Luke 22:39-46

• Have you ever cried out to God in a moment of crisis? What was that like?

Read: Luke 4:42-44

• When does prayer come most naturally to you? When things are good or when things are tough? Some other time?

Read: Luke 5:15-16, Luke 6:12-13, Luke 9:18, and Luke 11:1

• What is Jesus’ pattern in these verses? How should that inform your prayer life?

On Sunday, Walter talked about 3 beatitudes in this Psalm and how they help us seek God’s presence (verses 4, 5, and 12).

• How can prayer build your relationship with God?

Pray: Have a conversation with God!

01.14.24 - Small Group Discussion

Practicing the Presence SG Video

Practicing the Presence

Faith is about seeking God’s presence. 

• What has God been teaching you this year?

• What distractions did you discover in your faith journey last week?

• What are your favorite ways to spend time with God?

Read: Psalm 84:1-4

• What makes God’s “dwelling place” so compelling to this Psalmist?

Read: Psalm 84:5-7

• How is your Christian faith like a pilgrimage or journey? What are the similarities?

• (If you fail to see them, consider reading the old classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress)

Read: Psalm 84:8-12

• What would make “The God of Heavenly Armies” an approachable figure?

On Sunday, Walter talked about 3 beatitudes in this Psalm and how they help us seek God’s presence (verses 4, 5, and 12).

• Of the three activities mentioned in these verses (dwelling with God, finding your strength in God, and trusting God), which are you best at, and which needs the most improvement?

Pray: Ask God to make his presence known in your life.

01.07.24 - Small Group Discussion

Attention Please SG Video

Attention Please

God wants your attention more than your activity.

• Have you made any New Year’s resolutions or started a new habit for 2024? Tell us about them!

• What are your faith goals for this year?

Read: Genesis 1:26-27, 2:18-20, 3:8-9

• What was God’s relationship like with the first human beings?

• How did that change after sin entered the world?

Read: Exodus 40:34-38

• What was the significance of the Tabernacle in God’s relationship with his people?

• Even with the Tabernacle, how was there still separation in that relationship?

Read: Hose 6:6

• What is God looking for from his people?

• What were they doing wrong?

• In what ways has faith become a checklist or merely going through the motions for you?

• What can you do to better give God your attention this year?

Pray: Ask for God to help you identify distractions this week so that you can better turn your attention on him in 2024.

12.17.23 - Small Group Discussion

Joy Small Group Discussion

12.10.23 - Small Group Discussion

Peace Small Group Video

Peace

Peace looks forward. 

• What stood out to you from Sunday’s sermon?

• Where do you experience peace during the Christmas season?

• Where do you feel a lack of peace during the Christmas season?

Read: Isaiah 9:1-7

• Look at the titles for Jesus in verse 6. Which one resonates most strongly with you?

• In what ways is Jesus the “Prince of Peace?”

Read: Ephesians 2:14-15

• How has Jesus brought peace to us? How is he our peace?

• Are there any areas of your life in which you feel conflict with God? How can you seek peace with him?

• Are there people who you need to seek peace with this Christmas? What can you do to seek lasting peace with them?

Read: Revelation 21:1-5

• Advent is the season of looking forward – to Jesus’ first arrival in Bethlehem, and to his second coming at the end of time. In was ways do you look forward to Jesus’ next arrival?

Pray: What conflict are you feeling now that we can pray about as a small group?

12.03.23 - Small Group Discussion

Peace Small Group Video

Adventus - Hope

• Before your group has a larger discussion about Hope, it is crucial to understand your current definition of hope. How would you define hope? Where did you get that definition?

• When have you experienced a hope that didn’t last or that inevitably let you down?

Read Ephesians 1:15- 23


• Has your definition of Hope changed since you met Jesus? How so?

Read Romans 8:18-23


• In Romans, Paul writes about how true hope helps us in this waiting period between this age and the age to come. What is something broken that you are waiting to be fixed in the age to come? Feel free to explain why if you are comfortable enough.

Read Revelation 21:1-7

• In Revelation, John describes what the age to come will be like. What is the most appealing thing in his description for you? Feel free to explain why if you are comfortable enough.

Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, John 21:19-22, and Acts 2:42-47)

• Of the three main actions for having true hope, which is the hardest for you? Remembering that God’s kingdom is both now and in the future? Focusing on your heart, not other people? Living out of true hope as the church? Why is that so hard for you?

• Barclay suggests that while we live in this time of “Now But Not Yet,” we see both the good and evil, and because of this, we must always have hope. How does/should this change how you live? 

“The Christian is involved in the human situation. Within he must battle with his own evil human nature; without he must live in a world of death and decay. Nonetheless, the Christian does not live only in the world; he also lives in Christ. He does not see only the world; he looks beyond it to God. He does not see only the consequences of man’s sin; he sees the power of God’s mercy and love. Therefore, the keynote of a Christians life is always hope. And never despair. The Christian waits, not for death, but for life.” - William Barclay

11.26.23 - Small Group Discussion

The Bronze Snake Small Group Video

The Bronze Snake

We need to let go of our mistakes so we can LIVE in the light and be HIS people. 

• What is the best regret meme you have seen on the internet?

• Share with the group a moment of instant regret. Remember, what’s shared in small group stays in small group!

Read: Numbers 21:4-9

• Do you think you would be one of the whiners on this journey?  Why or why not?

• When Israel realized they had failed, what did they do?

• Would you have been able to be as patient as Moses was?  Why or why not?

•  What was God’s response when Moses prayed?

Read: John 3:14-21

• How does the lifting up of Jesus challenge and reshape our mistakes?

• What is the cost for God as he loves the world?

• What does that say about your value to him?

•  What regrets/sins/mistakes do you need to look to the cross for, confess, and be free of so you can live in the light?

Pray: Pray for you and your small group to have humility and let go of your mistakes.

11.19.23 - Small Group Discussion

The Punisher Small Group Video

The Punisher

God’s discipline can bring good from your worst mistakes. 

• How would you define the word discipline? What does it bring to your mind?

Read: Numbers 20:1-5

• Name some of the struggles and frustrations that Moses was facing at this moment.

• How do negative emotions and events in your life affect your decision-making?

Read: Numbers 20:6-10

• Moses didn’t strictly follow God’s instructions here. What were his specific deviations? Why do you think he did things this way?

Read: Numbers 20:12-13

• Why do you think God’s response to Moses so harsh?

Read: Hebrews 12:5-12

• Have you ever considered the concept of the “Lord’s discipline”? What does God’s discipline look like?

• Can you point to a time when you experienced God’s discipline?

• What can you do to welcome God’s discipline in your own life?

Pray: For the openness to welcome God’s discipline.

11.12.23 Small Group Discussion

Sin and Consequences Small Group Video

Sin and Consequences

When mistakes are made, there are always consequences.= 

• Tell us about a humorous mistake you’ve made. Why are humans so error-prone?

Read: Numbers 13:1-3

• How would you have felt if you were one of the scouts sent into Canaan?

Read: Numbers 13:25-33

• What was the actual sin of the 10 scouts who were opposed to entering the Promised Land? How have you personally dealt with that sin?

Read: (If you want the full story) Numbers 14:1-25

(If you want the spark notes version) Numbers 14:27-30

• What were the consequences for the Israelites in this story?

• What does tell us about God?

• What should be the response of God’s people when we make mistakes?

Read: Numbers 14:39-45

• Share a time when you were like the Israelites here, boldly pushing ahead into a situation where God was NOT present. What did you learn from that situation?

Read: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

• What has Jesus done for us in regards to our mistakes? How does that change our situation with God?

Pray: For the wisdom to recognize your mistakes, and the courage to rectify them.

11.05.23 Small Group Discussion

Mixed Up Small Groups Video

Mixed Up!

Holiness is displayed in how you live. 

• What was your youth sports experience like?

• What stood out to you from your reading this week, and from Sunday’s message?

Read: Leviticus 19:1-10

• How did these laws make the Israelites distinct from the nations who surrounded them?

Read: Leviticus 19:11-18

• Which of the laws we’ve read in this chapter continue to have bearing for us today?

Read Leviticus 19:19

• Have you heard of this law in the past? What was your reaction to it then?

• What does this law tell us about God’s heart for humankind?

• Name some ways that Christians “mix up” their faith with the attitudes and actions of this world?

• Which of those ways have been a temptation to you?

• How obvious is it to outsiders that you’re “playing for a different team?”

Pray: Ask God to help you identify areas you need to change so that others can tell you are a follower of Jesus.

10.29.23 - Small Group Discussion

Sacrifice Small Groups Video

SACRIFICE AND BLOOD

God makes a way to be close to his people.

• What is a time when you got dirty or stained and it wouldn’t come off?  How did that make you feel?

• What has been your experience so far with Leviticus?

Wally shared the following parts of the sacrifice this week:

• Unclean/impure provided something to sacrifice (had to cost you something)

• Lifeblood played a special role

• What was sacrificed was totally destroyed

• Sometimes you ate part of the sacrifice to show God was in covenant with Israel

Read: Leviticus 4

• As you read, note the specific parts of the sacrifice above.

• Which parts of the sacrifice ritual were you surprised by?  Why?

• Do you think you could function in a system like this?

• Why does God make it cost Israel something as they participate in sacrifice to stay clean/pure?

• God is always moving close to us.  He does so in the OT.  He does so through Jesus.  How does that make you feel? 

• What does that say about your worth to God?

Read Romans 12:1-2

• What do you need to surrender in your life to move closer to God?

Pray: Have each person share one thing they need to change and then pray for one another.

10.22.23 - Small Group Discussion

God In the Neighborhood Small Groups Video

God in the Neighborhood

To be holy is to be set apart.

• What stood out to you from your reading this week, and from Sunday’s message?

Read: Exodus 40:34-48

• If God were your next-door neighbor, what would that mean for how you live?

Read: Leviticus 1:1-9

• When you think of the book of Leviticus, what comes to mind?

Read Leviticus 1:10-17

• What catches your attention in these verses? What questions do you have about them?

Read: I Peter 1:13-16

• In what ways is your life different than that of the lives of your non-believing friends, co-workers, and family members?

• Is it obvious to others that you are a Christian?

• What do you need to do this week to live a more set-apart (holy) life?

Pray: Pray for God to open your eyes to specific ways in which you can practice holiness.

10.15.23 - Small Group Discussion

Ever Present Grace Small Group Video

Ever-Present Grace

You’re never too far gone for God to be your Ever-Present Help.

• What stood out to you from your reading this week, or from Sunday’s message?

Read: Exodus 23:20-26

• What all was God promising to do for the Israelites?

• How does verse 21 strike you?

Read: Exodus 4:3-7

• What did the Israelites promise to do? How’d that turn out for them?

Read Exodus 32:1-5

• Israel transgressed in the worst possible way here. Taking a big view of Scripture, why do you think God chose to withhold destruction from his people?

Leaders: Compare your group’s answers with Romans 3:25-26.

• Have you ever felt “too far gone,” unredeemable, or that you’ve messed up too badly to turn to God? If you are willing to share, tell us about that time.

• On Sunday, Walter shared that its “only when you understand the severity of your own sin, can you truly understand the gift of God’s grace.”

• When have you come face to face with the magnitude of your own sin?

• At what points in your life have experienced the reality of God’s grace?

Read Romans 3:23-26

• What is God saying to you through these verses?

Pray: Spend some time thanking God for his indescribably good gift of grace.

10.08.23 - Small Group Discussion

Rescue Small Groups Video

Rescue

When God calls, he is an Ever-Present Help

• What stood out to you from your reading this week, or from Sunday’s message?

Read: Exodus 3:1-10

• God got Moses’ attention with a burning bush. What has he used to get your attention?

Read: Exodus 3:11-12

• What is God’s answer to Moses’ first question? What are the implications of that?

• When have you heard God’s call in the past? How did you respond?

Read Exodus 3:13-16

• How would you characterize God’s response to Moses’ second question?

Read Exodus 4:1

• This is Moses’ third question of God. Does it seem reasonable to you?

Read Exodus 4:10-12

• What does God promise to do, and what does he not promise to do in response to Moses’ fourth question.

Read Exodus 4:13-14

• Why did God become angry with Moses after this fifth response?

• What has God been calling you to do recently? How willing are you?

Pray: For boldness in answering God’s call.

10.01.23 - Small Group Discussion

Confidence Small Group Video

Confidence

God has the power, and he is your ever-present help.

• What stood out to you from your reading this week, or from Sunday’s message?

Read: Psalm 46:1-11

• Which statements in this psalm show confidence?

• Who is someone you know who displays confidence in God. What does that look like?

Read: Genesis 41:1-7

• (Have someone in your group who knows the story of Joseph recap what happened in his life up to this point.)

Read Genesis 41:8-15

• In what ways had God helped Joseph up to this point? In what ways might Joseph have felt forgotten by God?

• Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes: how confident would you have been in God if you were him?

Read Genesis 41:16

• What does this verse tell us about Joseph? What does it say about God?

Read Genesis 41:40

• How many times does Joseph mention God in this chapter?

• What reasons did Joseph have to trust God so deeply?

Pray: Name an area in your life in which you’re struggling to trust God. Now go around the group and pray that each person grows to confidently trust God in that specific area.