Fork Christian Church: Recent Episodes
Fork Christian Church
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. How many super close friends do you have? Share one or two ways that having close friends has impacted your life. How would your life have been different if those friends never be-friended you?
2. Post-COVID statistics have pointed to extreme isolation for many. Genesis 2:18 says, "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” This passage is talking about something even deeper than marriage. Do you believe it is not good for you to be alone? Why or why not?
3. Read Acts 2:42-47. Share an example of how this early church is similar to what you have experienced within Fork Christian Church and your small group. How would you personally and your group as a whole have to change in order to be more like this example of the church in Acts 2?
4. One of the powerful words in the passage of Acts 2:42-47 is that "each day the Lord added to their fellowship." Are you willing to "Personally Include" new people into your group? Are you willing to multiply your group in order to make room to "Personally Include" new people? Are you willing to "Personally Include" new people into your friend circle?
5. In this Just One series we have been challenged to prayerfully consider, thoughtfully invite, and now personally include Just One. How has that gone? Share with one another the one that you are reaching out to, how it went, or how you are planning to reach out to them in the next couple of weeks. Pray for one another.
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. Briefly share who it was and how it went the first time someone shared the gospel with you or invited you to church?
2. Scale of 1-10 (10 being very comfortable and 1 being very uncomfortable) how comfortable are you in sharing the Gospel or inviting someone to church? Share how it went the last time you invited someone to church or shared the gospel with them?
3. Read Acts 8:26-38. What stood out to you about this interaction? How could it serve as a model for us? (For example: Ask great questions, be a good listener, be prepared to give a reason for hope, share the gospel)
4. Time to practice: Many times things are uncomfortable when we don’t do it often. So let’s practice. Who ever was the highest number on question 4 (and willing to participate) pair up with the lowest number (that is willing to participate). Highest number pretend you are a Christian work friend with the lowest number pretending to be an unbeliever but open to the conversation. Engage with each other as if you were meeting for lunch. The rest of the group, evaluate what went well and what you think would help it be better. Feel free to take turns so all can practice that want to.
5. Who is the Just One you feel led to invite to a meal or coffee to begin the process of asking great questions, being a good listener, being ready to give hope and share the gospel? Spend some time praying over this individual and how the conversation will go.
*need help in learning how to share the gospel? Click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/share-the-gospel.html
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3.
Learn more DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. Who do you currently love the most that does not have a saving relationship with Jesus? Share at least one name.
2. If you knew that a neighbor, co-worker, or friend of your lost loved one was a Christian, how would you want them to reach your loved one for Jesus? Give examples.
3. In the story today we see 3 characters. A person needing Jesus, people carrying their friend to Jesus, and the crowd observing Jesus. Read Luke 5:17-26 and consider which of these characters you most identify with.
Are you like the one needing to meet Jesus today? Are you the one helping carry a friend and wrecking the roof to help them meet Jesus? Or are you currently like one in the crowd, observing but not being changed by Jesus or helping others find Jesus? Discuss which of these your life currently looks like.
4. What is holding you back from being a friend that carries and tears down obstacles to help people get to Jesus?
5. Who is one person that Jesus has put in your life that you need to carry to Jesus? If you don’t have anyone in mind, spend some time asking God to show you. If you do have someone in mind, what are some practical ways this week you can help carry them to Jesus and wrecking the roof if necessary to help get them to Him?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. Does showing mercy come naturally to you? Why or Why not? What life experiences or life choices have shaped your answer?
2. Have you ever been shown a lack of mercy? What was your response?
3. How have you either intentionally or unintentionally withheld mercy from someone else? (Challenge: Go to them and apologize!)
4. Read Luke 10:25-37. Are there currently people you intentionally withhold mercy from? How can you move from being one who passes by on the other side to being one who actually shows mercy?
5. How can the world be a better place if we choose to show mercy in our homes, at our work, in our schools, with our friends and with strangers?
6. Read Ephesians 2:1-6 and Titus 3:3-7. How has receiving and recognizing God’s mercy in your life changed you? What are some ways that you can reflect Jesus’ mercy more clearly?
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3.
Learn more DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. Have you ever fallen head over heels in love? Ever fallen out of love? What were some of the common reasons why you fell in love, or why you no longer remained in love?
2. Why do you believe that yourself or others fall out of love with Jesus?
3. Read Jeremiah 2:2,5,13. Many times people consider God in the Old Testament as unloving and judgmental. What do these passages express about the desires of God?
4. In this Red Letters series, we have been highlighting the characteristics of Jesus, and how it looks to be Christ-like in our words and actions. Read Rev. 2:2-5. What happened in these passages, and what can we learn about a relationship with Jesus?
5. Have you recently fallen away from your "first love" feelings and actions toward Jesus? What do you do that stirs your affections for Jesus? What do you do that robs your affections for Jesus? What can you do this week to get back to your first love feelings and actions with Jesus?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. How busy are you on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest amount)?
2. Which of these following statistics do you identify most with?
- 75% of Parents are too busy to read to children (if you have any).
- 33% of American adults claim to live with extreme stress.
- 50% of American adults often lie awake due to stress.
- 121 emails per day is the average amount of emails for an American office worker.
- Americans check their phone once every 12 minutes on average, or over 80 times a day, for a total of 5 hours a day.
- 12% claim to have no close friends, and are too busy to invest in pursuing them.
3. Read Mark 5:21-41. How was Jesus busy, yet, "interrupted?" How did he respond?
4. Jesus lived a life on a constant journey from town to town. He was very busy. Yet, during his day-to-day travel, he was frequently interrupted by people in need. Time after time, Jesus stopped and loved whoever was in his path. For Jesus, every "disruption" was seen as "destiny." What would it look like for you to see people in your path as destiny and not a disruption?
5. Is there someone right now you had originally seen as a disruption that you now see as destiny? How could God be using you to impact their life?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. Do you consider yourself more spontaneous or more intentional in life? Why do you think that is?
2. Do you think Jesus was more spontaneous or more intentional in His life? Why do you think that is?
3. In this Red Letter series, we learned how one of the character traits so powerful about Jesus is that he is intentional. Read John 4:1-26, 39-42. What is one thing that stood out to you in this story?
4. Jesus amazingly showed a great intentional evangelistic plan. He intentionally:
- Sought- Went out of His way (Samarian woman)
- Shared Similarities- Found common ground (water)
- Shown Sin- Called out (many husbands/adultery)
- Shared Salvation- The Gospel (I am the Messiah)
Have you ever intentionally shared the Gospel with someone like Jesus? If so, how did it go? If not, what has stopped you?
5. Who (individual or group of people) has God placed in your life that you have been intentionally ignoring vs. intentionally engaging? What would it look like for you to live intentionally like Jesus, and go out of your way to engage, find common ground, share truth in love, and ultimately share the hope you have found in Jesus? Are you willing to live intentionally like Jesus?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1. First, say the first name of someone you personally know that is not currently a Christian. Next, what would you think they would say if you asked them, "Why do you believe you exist?" Try to be as specific as possible. How would they respond if you followed up with a question, "What if there was something even more that you are here for?"
2. In the message, we saw the illustration of the rope and the tape as a perspective of the timeline of your existence. How did that illustration make you feel about what you are focused on?
3. In this Red Letter series, we learned how one of the character traits so powerful about Jesus is that he is invitational. Read, Matthew 4:18-20. For Peter (Simon) and his brother Andrew, how did this invitation "to something more" change their life?
4. The invitation in Matthew 4:19 was to, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." This was a three-part wholistic invitation involving our head, heart, and hands.
- a. Head. We all have a choice to make in "Follow me." This is a head choice to who we are following. Are you choosing to follow Jesus? If so, how? If not, why not?
- b. Heart. When we choose to follow Jesus, he promises to change our hearts. (Ezekiel 36:26) If you have chosen to follow Jesus, how has your heart been changed by God?
- c. Hands. When we choose to follow Jesus, he changes our hearts. When our hearts are changed, it changes our actions (hands) in being "fishers of men." A great way to see if you are following Jesus and being changed by Jesus is to see if you are helping others to Jesus. Who are you walking with to help them know and follow Jesus?
5. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is this an invitation to do? Who is one person you love in your life that God is leading you to "Go...Make...Baptize... and Teach?"
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) What are your top character/personality traits? (ie. honesty, adaptiveness, drivenness, determination, persistence, compassion, empathy, patience, courage, etc.) Go here for a list of examples: https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-personality-traits.html
2) What/who do you believe has most influenced those behavior traits?
3) Read John 3:16. What is the power of belief in this passage? Read John 14:12. What is the power of belief in this passage? Why do you believe we have memorized John 3:16 but not John 14:12? How should this type of belief change your behavior (works)?
4) In this Red Letters series we are highlighting the characteristics of Jesus, and how it looks to be Christ-like in our words and actions. These first characteristics we are highlighting are the approachability, availability, and awareness of Jesus. Read Matthew 19:13-15 and share your thoughts on how Jesus showed these characteristics.
5) What, specifically, would change if you were willing to be like Christ in being approachable, available, and aware of the overlooked and forgotten people around you? Who is one person you need to make yourself (more) available for to love and bless?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) Do you ever experience any of these: Stress, Worry, Fear, Uneasiness, Nervousness, Apprehension, Dread, Doubt, Despair, or Hopelessness? In what ways do they rob you of life?
2) Read Psalm 139:23-24. If you were to allow God to search you, what would he uncover? What is it that causes you such unrest? What is it that robs you of your peace?
3) Read Luke 12:22-29. In the teaching, it was said, “Worry left unchecked will lead to anxiety.” Have you found that to be true in your own life, or in the lives of your loved ones? If so, how?
4) Read Mark 4:1-2, 35-41. In the teaching, it was said that, “Fear left unchecked will lead to anxiety.” Have you found that to be true in your own life, or in the lives of your loved ones? If so, how?
5) Read Philippians 4:6-7. If you want to experience true life in Christ, you need to “Recognize the Irrational” and “Focus on the Relational”. What are some ways you can do these things as you choose Peace NOT Anxiety?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) What is the best example of unity you have seen in your family, church, or community?
2) What is the best example of division you have seen in your family, church, or community?
3) Read John 17:20-21. Why did Jesus want us (the Church) to be one?
4) Bryan shared an example using towels to illustrate the power of love in serving others, even those who disagree with you. What is a powerful way you have served others, or how others have served you?
5) If the beginning of unity starts with humility, who is one person you are committing to humbly serve this week? Have you considered serving at FCC? To sign up to serve, go to: www.forkchristian.org/serve
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) How much would this world change if everyone lived contently with what they had and there was no longer greed in the world?
2) How much money do you think you would need in order to be content? How much money do you need to have to start living generously?
3) Read Philippians 4:10-13. What would change in your life if you actually lived as if you were content with what you had?
4) How can you relate to Stephanie's story of having to learn how to be content?
5) Read Hebrews 13:5-6. How does knowing Jesus will "never leave you nor forsake you" change how you view your circumstances and desires? What is one thing this week with which you can choose to live open-handed? What do you need to let go of in order to learn how to live with contentment in Christ?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) Have you ever realized, “I can’t quit doing this? What is one habit you have had the most difficult time breaking?
2) If you have ever beaten a habit or if you could beat your habit, what would it do for you? How would it change things for you?
3) Read John 8:34. What was Jesus meaning when he talked about being a slave to sin? Have you ever felt that way?
4) How can you relate to Bryan’s story of his Buddy Brad?
5) Rick Warren said, “If you’re losing the battle against a persistent bad habit, an addiction, or a temptation, and you’re stuck in a repeating cycle of good intention-failure- guilt, you will not get better on your own! You need the help of other people. Some temptations are only overcome with the help of a partner who prays for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable.” Are you someone who needs help overcoming a struggle? Are you able and willing to help others?
*If you or someone you know is needing additional counseling, Pastor Bryan is open to meeting with you. In addition, for professional help, Fork has partnered with True Life Discipleship Counseling, you can reach out to them for help at: https://onetruelife.org/
**if you or someone in the group is considering suicide please immediately call 1-800-273-8255
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) Have you ever asked, “What’s the point?” Maybe you have asked, “Why God?” Share a little about these moments where nothing seemed to make sense at the time.
2) Have you ever looked back over time and seen that there was a purpose behind the situation/person all along? Was there something God provided or accomplished despite or through the situation that seemed to have a purpose after all.
3) Bryan shared the story of when Jesus had his closest friend abandon him when he was arrested. Can you imagine what they must have been thinking throughout the crucifixion? Have you ever been tempted to walk away from Jesus when things didn’t go as planned?
4) How can you relate to Bryan’s testimony? Do you believe that God can also redeem your most difficult circumstances?
5) How can choosing to see purpose and not pointlessness change the way we behave as Christians and as a Church? Specifically, what would it look like for you to actually see your talents and your testimony with a purpose to go and help everyone find and follow Jesus? Share one way you will see your life with purpose this week and how it will change what you do.
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) How can consciously recognizing and admitting where you have blown it, made a mistake, or messed up help you to choose grace not judgment when dealing with others?
2) How can choosing judgment not grace intentionally or unintentionally rob others of their best life? How can it rob us of our best life?
3) Read Romans 3:21-24. Does knowing that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins cause you to see other’s sins differently? If so, how?
4) Do you remember when you opposed faith or people of faith? Or when there was a time when you couldn’t or didn’t accept all that Jesus had done for you? Do you show people in a similar situation the same grace you were shown or wish you had been shown? What are examples of ways that you can do better at that?
5) When we live like justice is ours, we can easily start thinking that judgment is also ours. Do you find it easy to criticize another’s actions, attitudes, posts on social media, political opinions, and personal choices? Read Matthew 7:2-5. What does Jesus have to say about the way we view the faults of others.
6) When we insist on judgment, it can prohibit the person we are judging the opportunity to experience the grace of Jesus that could be and should be exhibited through us. Do you agree? Why? How can we fix that?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
1) Our choices can help others live their best life or they can intentionally or unintentionally rob others of their life. Do those words cause you to want to make life choices more carefully? If so, why?
2) Proverbs 18:21 says “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” How have you seen that played out in your own life or in the lives of those around you?
3) Read Ephesians 4:29. (Use 2 or 3 different Bible versions.) What “Speech” lessons is Paul teaching us here? What are some areas in your life that need improvement?
4) When it comes to the words you say, post, text, tweet, snap, or display on your hats, clothes, cars and coffee mugs…
Do you choose words that encourage, benefit, help and uplift those you speak to, speak about and those who happen to overhear you? What happens when your words do the opposite?
5) In the teaching it was said that if we want to “Choose encouragement and Not Gossip”, we need to listen more and talk less even when talking to those we disagree strongly with… Even those on the other side of the political fence or who hold views different than ours on hot button topics. Why is this so important?
6) We are all tempted to talk negatively or critically to people or talk that way about them to another. What are some reasons we should stop and pray for them before we speak?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
1) If there was a song to describe your life, what is it and why?
2) What does Ephesians 2:1-10 teach us about God’s character?
3) In Ephesians, Paul, speaks to both Jews and Gentiles using a collective “ya’ll”. How does it change your understanding of this text from personal responsibility to communal responsibility?
4) Paul acknowledges that we were bound for death, but God made us alive. We have all experienced but God moments in our life. Take time to reflect and share a but God moment with your group?
5) Theologian Christopher Wright notes, “It is not so much the case that God has a mission for his church in the world, as that God has a church for his mission in the world. Mission was not made for the church; the church was made for mission – God’s mission”
- What do you sense the Lord is already doing in your community?
- How can you and/or your small group join God in what he is already doing in your community?
- What would this work require from you as an individual? What would this work require from your family?
- What are some challenges to saying yes to the good work God has prepared for the church to do?
- What are some opportunities to saying yes to the good work God has prepared for the church to do?
- Why is unity essential for God’s mission?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Luke 12:13-21
Read Philippians 4:6-13
1) How do you define contentment? Based on your definition, how content are you?
2) Paul says he has learned to be content in all circumstances. What circumstances do you struggle to be content in or content with?
3) Contentment does not mean that we never desire better things or different circumstances or easier situations. What are some of the negative outcomes in our attitudes or our actions that result from us having a lack of contentment.
4) Paul says we should worry about nothing and pray about everything. (Phil 4:6-7). How are those 2 ideas connected?
5) Read Philippians 4:8. Why should we think this way? What happens when we don’t?
6) Our joy is not dependent on what others have or on what we wish we had, but by learning to be content with the life and things we do have. What are some practical steps you can take to experience joy in contentment?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Fun question: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Read Philippians 3:12 - 4:1
1. Do you have uncertainty about your future? When you think about it, what thoughts, feelings or emotions do you experience?
2. In the past, have you ever considered your purpose in life? What did you think it was?
3. In the teaching it was said that staying true to the Lord should be our purpose and no matter what our future holds that we can find Joy in that Purpose. How would you describe or define staying true to the Lord in the life of a believer? How does that line up with your life? What needs to change?
4. In the teaching there were 4 life journey realizations of Paul’s.
- I’m not perfect. But Jesus is.
- I’m far from the goal. But I’m still going for it.
- I haven’t arrived. But I will.
- I don’t know my future. But I know my purpose.
Can you relate to any of these? Do they provide assurance for you in your journey?
5. Read Philippians 3:17. Can you say to others that when it comes to staying true to the Lord to follow your example or to pattern their lives after yours? Take a moment and ask God to show you how you can do that.
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Philippians 3:1-11
1. The Apostle Paul would tell us that true Joy comes from knowing Jesus. What are some things that you have chased after or done that may have given you momentary pleasure but did not bring lasting joy?
2. What are some things that fellow Christians have done to distract you from finding Joy in knowing Jesus?
3. How do you know Jesus best: Intellectually, Emotionally, Theologically, Theoretically or through personal experience? Explain.
4. Read Matthew 13:44. How does this parable show us the value of knowing Jesus?
5. Are there things that you value more than Jesus? Things that you have pursued, accomplished, or only dreamed of accomplishing? What are they? How can you place knowing Jesus above them?
6. Do you crave an every day, doing whatever it takes, in-it-all-the-way knowledge of Christ Jesus? Take a moment and pray that God would fill you with that desire.
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Philippians 2 (Whole Chapter)
1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this weeks message?
2. What causes the church to not be united?
3. What can we do to prevent/address/solve that?
4. What is it about grumbling and complaining that makes it impossible for a person to be innocent?
5. Why do you think it’s so important that our attitudes match our actions?
6. What does it mean for a Christian to walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, and how can we practically live out this reality this week?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Philippians 4:4-5 & Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter)
1) Have you ever known someone who lives intentionally and joyfully regardless of their circumstances? What it is about them that you can model in your own life?
2) Paul reminds us that a willful decision to live a life of joy is not merely a suggestion, rather that for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, choosing to live a life of Joy is the standard. How are you doing at choosing to live a life of joy?
3) We live in times that are not exactly conducive to joy. What are some things that distract you from or rob you of your joy? Paul not only chose joy but encouraged believers to live a life of joy while he was chained to a Roman guard. In what ways does that inspire or motivate you to choose a life of joy?
4) Who could you impact and how they would be impacted if you chose to have joy in your journey?
5) It’s been said that our passions follow our plans. What things about this life do you get excited for? Do you get excited about living a life of Joy? Do you get excited about a life journeying with Jesus? Do you get excited about an eternity with him?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Acts 4:32-35
1) Have the failures of the church ever tempted you to discount it, disrespect it, or disregard it? Does knowing that Jesus died for her (the church) cause you to see her differently?
2) How would you respond to someone who says they love Jesus but want nothing to do with his church?
3) How does recognizing that Christians are supposed to be an assembly of believers and not just a building full of believers change the way we should impact our schools, workplaces, and our communities?
4) Read Acts 4:32-35. How does the church that you are a part of today look like this description of the early church? What are some things it can improve on?
5) At Fork Christian we often say that we are just a bunch of imperfect people chasing after a perfect God. Does knowing that the early church was full of imperfections encourage you in your pursuit of Jesus or discourage you? Why?
6) Regarding relationships, there are 59 commands of how to treat “One another” in the New Testament. In the teaching, we were encouraged to “Out one another one another”. How would our relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and fellow Christians be changed if we would do that?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 23:26-34, John 8:1-11
1) Why was the fact that Jesus led a perfect life important for our salvation?
2) Have you ever gotten in trouble or punished for something someone else did? What was that like? How does it feel knowing that this is what Jesus did for you on the cross?
3) Read Matthew 28:1-10. Does the love demonstrated by the resurrection compel you to love the world? If so, how?
4) In the teaching we were told “Jesus did not expect those who had not encountered his love to behave like those who had encountered his love.” Are you ever guilty of expecting non Christians (or new Christians) to act like Jesus? How did Jesus respond to the woman caught in the act of adultery? (See John 8:1-11). What lessons can we learn from that?
5) In the teaching we learned that “Jesus did not expect people to change their life before they experienced his love.” Have you ever thought that someone else was not good enough to become a Christian? Did you ever feel like you needed to get “cleaned up” before coming to Jesus?
6) Read Luke 23:26-34. In the teaching we were told that “Jesus loved the world even when there was no love for him in return.” How does knowing that this is how Jesus loves you help you to love others who don’t love you back? What are some practical ways we can do that?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read 1 Peter 1:18-22, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
1) Why is the death, burial and resurrection the most significant event in all of human history?
2) How does Jesus’ act of love change how we love? How does it change how we love our family?
3) In the teaching it was stated, “Jesus has not called us to model our families based off of the imperfect examples we see, rather he has called us to love our families based off of his perfect love for us.” How do those words impact, influence or affect how you see your role in loving your family?
4) Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. What are some ways that your family would say that you are doing well in loving them? What are some areas where there is room for improvement?
5) How well do your family’s priorities align with God’s priorities? If yes, what does that look like? Have they always? If they don’t, what are some steps you can take to change them?
6) How do you show your family that they matter? How would you like them to show you that you matter?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read John 15:18-22
1) We are told that because we follow Jesus, the world will hate us. How do we prepare ourselves to encounter hate and rejection in the world?
2) Being hated never changed Jesus’ love for all people he encountered. How can we soften our hearts towards those who will reject us and our faith?
3) When was the last time you chose to follow the crowd instead of following Jesus? What can you do to stand up for Jesus and for your faith the next time you’re in that situation?
4) What do you think happens to us and to our testimony if we give in to persecution?
5) Where in your life do you see “worldliness” having the greatest impact? How can you change that?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Matthew 5:41-47
1) Do you have enemies? Be honest with yourself and others - for we cannot love our enemies as Christ has asked us if we cannot admit that we have enemies in the first place. Another way to ask this: If YOU were the man beaten and left for dead in the story of the Good Samaritan, who would the Samaritan be?
2) IF you pray for your enemies, what kinds of things do you pray for? Are you pleased with how you pray for your enemies or is that an area that you feel you could grow in?
3) In order to love our enemies our hearts must forgive. Do you think it’s possible for us as people to truly forgive our enemies?
4) As you read and see the “perfect example of Jesus” loving his enemies throughout scripture, are you encouraged by His actions or discouraged by your humanity?
5) Jesus says “love your enemy”, not “like your enemy”...How do you explain the difference and what are some of the ways you could “love” your enemy today?
6) Imagine with me for a moment that every follower of Jesus in Maryland loved their enemies “As children of their Father in Heaven” for the entirety of 2022... What differences do you imagine would exist in your state by the start 2023?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Matthew 5:27-30 & Matthew 18:7-9
1) What negative effects can the sins that we choose to hold onto have on our lives? What about on others, especially children and those still young in their faith?
2) What are some things in your life that you have had to remove because they stood in the way of your relationship with Jesus? Was it difficult? Was it worth it?
3) In the teaching it was said that the removal of the things that cause us to sin could be awkward, inconvenient, costly, or embarrassing. Can you give some examples of what that might look like? Are there ways that you personally have experienced these outcomes?
4) We all know that the eye and hand and foot are not the problem and that cutting them off really won’t fix anything. Where does the problem of sin actually lie? What is the remedy?
5) Why is this teaching so important that Jesus thought it was worth repeating and why was the example he gave so strong?
6) Every time Jesus spoke these words about removing the things that cause us to sin, he knew that one day he would die on the cross so that those sins could be forgiven. How does knowing this truth help you in your desire to overcome sin?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Matthew 18:21-35
1) Just for fun- Do you know your multiplication tables? When did you learn them?
2) How should knowing that Jesus died for your forgiveness affect the way you forgive others? How are you allowing it to?
3) Describe a situation where you felt unable to forgive. How did you move from bitterness and resentment to forgiveness?
4) Why did Jesus give such an extreme command as to how many times we should forgive?
5) Does forgiveness come natural for you? Or is it something you really have to work at? Has it always been this way?
6) Have you prayed for the people you are having a hard time forgiving? Can you stop right now and pray for them by name?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Matthew 16:24-26
1) If you came from a faith tradition where you observed or practiced lent, what was that experience like? Was the practice of “Doing without” meaningful in your faith journey? If you have not observed lent, have you done any other sort of fasting or self-denial?
2) As you have spent time reading the Bible, have you found that sometimes Jesus said things that were mysterious, confusing, or hard to grasp? Do you tend to dismiss them and move on, or dig in to them to see how understanding them might change your life?
3) What are some ways that “Denying me is good for me”?
What are some ways that “Denying me is good for others”?
What are some ways that “Denying me is good for the kingdom”?
4) “Taking up one’s cross” doesn’t mean simply putting up with an annoying roommate or having to live with noisy neighbors. What did Jesus mean by it? How does that impact the way you live?
5) What did Jesus mean by his command to “Follow me”? What are some ways that we actually obey that command?
6) It’s been said that “Only a cause worth dying for is truly worth living for.” Is your relationship with Jesus worth living for? Is it worth dying for? How can you make it better?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read 2 Peter 3:1-18
1) In the first verse, Peter says he wants to stimulate the wholesome thinking and refresh the memory of his listeners. What were some of the things he wanted them to remember? Why was this so important for them? Is it still important for us?
2) When was there a time in your life where you needed to be reassured that Jesus had not forgotten you?
3) There are a lot of opinions about what the return of Jesus will look like. There are also opinions as to why he has not come back yet. What reason did Peter give for the Lord’s delay? How should knowing the reason for His delay change how we live our lives?
4) What does it mean to be ready for the Lord’s return? What are some things it doesn’t mean?
5) Reread 2 Peter 3:11, 14, & 18. What are some ways individual believers should be living as we prepare for and await the Lord’s return?
6) Who is a valued guest you need to invite to the wedding?
DIG IN QUESTIONS
In light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read 2 Peter 2:1-22
1) Hey, How’s your week going?
2) In what ways do people abuse the freedom found in Jesus Christ today?
3) What is the difference between a false teacher and someone who teaches something false? Why do you think the distinction is important?
4) Peter closed out the chapter by referring to the proverb about a dog returning to its vomit. How could someone who has known the love of Jesus return to the unrighteousness that they once came from?
5) How can we protect ourselves from the teachings of false teachers? What qualities does Peter try to remind us of? (Hint: look back to verses 5-8) Why are these qualities so important to be reminded of?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read 2 Peter 1:12-21
1) What qualities does Peter try to remind us of? (Hint: look back to verses 5-8) Why are these qualities so important to be reminded of?
2) Why are reminders so important? Which of the things listed in verses 5-7 do you need to be reminded to live out?
3) How is Jesus central to this passage?
4) Read verses 19-20 again. How does what Peter says about God’s Word shape how you feel about it?
5) Why is what Peter says in these last verses so important to our understanding of God’s Word and the role it plays in our lives?
6) What are you going to do today to remind yourself of the power of God’s Word to help you live the truth of Jesus?
DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read 2 Peter 1:1-13, Colossians 3:10, & Galatians 5:16-17.
1) Have you ever described your faith as precious? How would you describe your faith in a sentence or two? Why was Peter’s faith precious to him?
2) Peter says that we have all that we need to live a Godly life. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, what have we received that enables us to live this way?
3) What are some differences between our old nature and our new nature? Read Colossians 3:10 & Galatians 5:16-17.
4) According to 2 Peter 1:5-7, what should our response to God’s promises be? How can we supplement our faith with these characteristics?
5) In the teaching it was said, “Just because we have been given everything we need to live a godly life doesn’t mean that we are using everything we have been given to live a godly life.“ Have you seen the truth of that played out in your life? How?
6) How can you personally prove that you are among those that God has called and chosen (Vs 10)?
Message - People of the Great CommissionDig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Matthew 28:18-20
1) Do you agree with the notion that we already have enough churches in America? Why or why not?
2) In the teaching it was said that “By the intentional, creative design of God…every living thing reproduces itself, after its kind.” What are some different ways the Church acts like a living thing?
3) In the teaching it was said that regarding the great commission “Churches don’t make Disciples; Churches make Churches. It is Disciples that make Disciples.” How does that change your perspective of your role as part of a “church” and your role as an individual “disciple”?
4) What are you currently doing to reproduce followers of Jesus, or make disciples?
5) Who are the 2 or 3 people you regularly interact with that you could mentor or model what living a life of faith looks like? Are there things you should be doing or stop doing so that you can have them actually follow your example?
Dig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Acts 2:42-47
1) Have you ever found yourself in a place where you had fallen emotionally, mentally, or spiritually and you felt like you had no one to help you back up? What was that experience like?
2) Why did Jesus make relationships a priority? How did he model it for us?
3) Read Acts 2:42-47. Why did the early Church make relationships a priority? How was it modeled for us?
4) Are there ways that Jesus’ church could do better at relationships? What about our church? What about you?
5) When it comes to seeing needs and meeting them there are usually 2 types of responses- There is the Super-hero who wants to and thinks that they can be everyone’s problem solver and there are those that actually avoid putting themselves in a place to help. Which way do you lean? How can recognizing that we are all in this together help to balance your approach?
Dig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read Luke 12:13-34
1) When you think of the word worship what comes to mind first? How has your definition of worship informed how you worship God? Why is it important that we define worship rather than just say that we are “people of worship”? How would you define worship?
2) Read Luke 12:21 again. What does this statement from Jesus’s teaching say about our worship, if we worship what we treasure?
3) In verse 29, Jesus tells us not to worry about having what we need. In the teaching, it was said that, “Worry distracts us from treasuring Jesus and it syphons the worship God deserves.” How do worry and worship relate to each other? Can they coexist? What is worrying you that is competing for the worship Jesus deserves?
4) Identify what it is you love and treasure the most this week by using this quote as a guide:
“How do I know what I love the most? By looking at my life outside of Sunday morning. What do I enjoy the most? What do I spend the most time doing? Where does my mind drift to when I don’t have anything to do? What am I passionate about? What do I spend my money on? What makes me angry when I don’t get it? What do I feel depressed without? What do I fear losing the most? Our answers to those questions will lead us straight to the God or gods we love and worship.”
- Bob Kauflin
5) Now that you have honestly identified that thing, take it to Jesus in prayer and ask Him to replace that with Himself today!
Dig In QuestionsRead James 1:19-20, Acts 2:42-47, Mark 9:35
1) Have you ever made a commitment to spend more time reading/studying your Bible? How has that worked out?
2) When it comes to the Bible, sometimes Christians struggle with being educated without obedience, and sometimes Christians struggle with ignorance without obedience. Have either of these ever described you or do either of these currently describe you?
3) In the teaching, it was said that “reading the Bible is not the end result; the end result is changed hearts, changed lives, and a changed world.” How can our spending time reading Scripture lead to those changes?
4) What are some ways that reading the gospels help us to understand the heart of Jesus and, in turn, help us to love and live like Him?
5) How can reading the book of Acts and the various letters written to churches and individuals help us know how we should live in the context of our families, churches, and communities?
6) What are some steps that you will personally take to ensure that you are a people of the Bible?
Dig In Questions1) Was there anything from this week’s sermon that stood out to you?
2) What people are easy for you to love? What people are hard for you to love? Out of those two, who do you spend most of your time and effort giving love to?
3) Read Leviticus 19:18. What did Jesus add to this command to make it new? Looking at the world today, why do you think His addition was crucial?
4) Who are the people in your life that you have a difficult time loving? How can you love them better this week?
5) What can you do to make love for others a bigger part of your life?
Dig In QuestionsRead Matthew 2:1-12
1) Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol whose message has brought you hope for the holidays? Is there a particular line or verse that has been especially impactful?
2) Did you get the opportunity to savor the season? How or where did you find that space in the busy time of Christmas?
3) The wise men passionately pursued Jesus. When you came to faith, were you pursuing him? Do you continue to passionately pursue your relationship with him?
4) When we think of the wise men, we often think of the gifts they brought. But before the gifts came worship. Sometimes as followers of Jesus we focus on “doing” instead of “worshiping”. How can we make worship the priority in our lives?
5) The gifts of the magi may have been given as a recognition of Jesus being King, being God, and being Savior. What are some attitudes or behaviors in our lives that show that show the world that he is our king, he is our God, and he is our savior?
Dig In Questions:1) Take a moment to read the genealogy of Jesus. Is there anything that jumps out at you?
2) This is a story that we’ve all heard many times. Are there any aspects of the birth of Jesus that you never knew or never considered?
3) Ben said that God used ordinary people in Joseph and Mary. How does He use ordinary people like us?
4) Spoiler alert: Jesus is our hope for the holidays. How can we remind ourselves of this when we face times that seem hopeless?
Dig In QuestionsRead Matthew 1:18-24
1) Are you rushing through the Christmas season? Or have you taken some time to slow down and appreciate the joy and the celebration that this season brings? If so, how have you done it? If not, what can you give up or set aside in order to do so?
2) In the teaching, it was said that “God became one of us because he is for us!” Most people have, at some time or another, felt distant from God. How does knowing that he is for us help you to draw close to him?
3) God took extreme measures to restore our relationship with him. What can you be doing to strengthen your relationship with him?
4) Read Hebrews 4:15. When God became flesh he took on the full experience of humanity and he experienced every struggle, temptation, and frustration that we do. How does knowing that help you to face your problems?
5) In the teaching, it was said: “If God is with us there is nothing that any of us have done that he can not relate to or love us through. There is no pain in our lives that he is ill equipped to understand, no temptation that he has not wrestled with, and no hurt that he does not nor cannot meet us in.” Take a moment to thank him for being Immanuel, God with us.
Dig In Questions1) Has there been a time when you really knew you were living God’s plans for you? If not, has there been a time when you realized that you were not living God’s plans for you? How did you know?
2) Throughout the book of Proverbs, we are urged to have wise advisers around us. Who are some of the wise advisers you have in your life? How have they proved themselves?
3) List examples from your life, or of other people whose plans failed because God had other plans.
4) Ben talked about how we have a tendency to want to control our own plans. What’s one tip that you can share that’s helped you surrender your plans to the Lord?
Dig In QuestionsRead Proverbs 1:7
1) Read Matthew 23:12 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” How should those words impact the conduct of Christians? How can we practically live them out?
2) Which do you tend to live in - the past, the present, or the future? Why?
3) In the teaching it was said, “Life rewards action”. How does that expression relate to us in our pursuit of wisdom?
4) Read Proverbs 30:24-28. From the teaching:
The ant teaches us that what you bring into winter is all you have.
The hyrax teaches us to know where our security lies.
The locust teaches us that there is strength in numbers.
The lizard teaches us the incongruity (absurdity) of God’s amazing grace.
The proverb said there are four things that are small but EXTREMELY WISE. How do the lessons taught by each of these creatures help us to live our lives wisely?
Dig In QuestionsRead Proverbs 3:27-28
1) Give an example of how someone has done good to you.
2) Do you have a favorite proverb? What is it? Why?
3) Do you do as much good as you think you should? What is it that keeps you from doing good when you have the ability to act?
4) Why isn’t it enough to simply not “do bad” to others? Why should we actively “do good” to them?
5) Read Matthew 5:43-48. Are there any people you consider to be your enemies? Take some time to pray for them by name.
6) Read Luke 10:30-35. What are some ways that you can personally do good to the people you do not know?
Dig In QuestionsRead Proverbs 1:1-7
1) (Just for fun) When was a time in your life that you were hopelessly lost? How did you find your way?
2) The path principle says that “Your direction determines your destination”. When it comes to living out your life, are you more prone to go to the wisdom of this world for direction, or the wisdom found in scripture? Why?
3) Read Matthew 7:13-14. What do these verses tell us about the importance of choosing our life direction wisely?
4) Read Proverbs 2:1-8. What are some ways these verses illustrate the importance of pursuing and obtaining wisdom?
5) Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Can you think of a time when you relied on your own understanding instead of God’s and it didn’t work out so well? What about a time where you clearly leaned on God’s understanding and you saw His direction clearly?
6) In the teaching, Mike said that that wisdom protects our path, directs our path, and perfects our path. How have you seen this played out in your own life?
Dig In Questions1) Read John 15:18-19, 16:33. How did Jesus say the world would treat those who follow Him? When you recognize that Jesus has overcome the world, what is your response to Him?
2) With all the troubles that this world has to offer, it’s great to know that there are people that we stand with, pray with, serve with, and do life with who are overcomers in this world. Who are those people in your life? Why?
3) Have you ever worn the label or carried the identity of “Defeated”? What moment or situation caused you to feel that way? Has your identity changed to “Overcomer”? If so, how?
4) Read 1 John 5:1-5. In the teaching it was said, “When we see ourselves the way Jesus sees us, we have this promise that we can and do overcome the world.” What does that look like in the life of a believer? What specifically does it look like in your own life?
5) In the teaching, there were six practical steps for overcoming the world. Which one is the most difficult for you?
- We need to recognize that Jesus has set the example for us.
- We need to rest in God’s promises to us.
- We need to renounce the sins that control us.
- We need to reject the lies Satan tells us.
- We need to rejoice that that in Christ we are made victorious.
- We need to remain in His Love.
Dig In QuestionsRead Galatians 5:1-6
1) In what ways or places in your life have you felt enslaved? (Sins/priorities/pursuits)? Even though Christ came to set us free from our sins, why do we find ourselves returning to the things that have previously enslaved us?
2) Perhaps you have heard or even said “this person or that person can’t be a Christian because of (fill in the blank)”. What are some rules or requirements that you have had put on yourself or that you have put on others?
3) Re-read Galatians 5:3. In the teaching, it was said: Legalism says, “Obey the rules and escape the penalty. Break the rules suffer the penalty.” Grace says, “Keep the law, suffer the penalty. Break the law and escape the penalty.” How does that impact the way you see what Jesus did for you on the cross?
4) Does grace replace the law with a license to do whatever we want? Why or why not?
5) In the teaching, it was said that “True freedom is not absolute freedom.” and that “Absolute freedom leads to absolute chaos!” How do you see true freedom and absolute freedom played out in the life of the believer? How does it play out in your life?
Dig In Questions1) Why do you think John 3:16 is one of the most memorized verses of all time? What is it about the verse that people value and connect to so easily?
2) While the verse is very well known, do you think it is well understood?
3) If you’ve been born again, do you still sense that you’re growing spiritually in your knowledge of the Lord? If so, does it match up with how long you’ve been a follower of Jesus?
4) Let’s get really serious now - what does it say about the depth of our sin that someone had to die? What does it say about the depth of God’s love that He was willing to sacrifice his only Son and that Jesus was willing to die on our behalf?
Dig In Questions1) Do you recall a name others called you when you were a child? Or negative labels you wore as an adult? How did having those hurtful names and labels have a way of shaping your identity?
2) Satan tries to rob us of our true identity; whether it is through labeling us in ways that are vastly different from the labels that God gives us, or causing us to seek our identity through relationships, possessions, or status. How has he sought to steal your identity?
3) When you let God define your identity it changes everything. In fact, you are finally free to give love because you can be secure in who you are! Where have you sought to find your identity apart from Christ? How has God helped to re-shape your identity as you have matured in your faith?
4) What do you think of when you think of the word “saint”? (Allow answers). Being a saint means that as followers of Christ we have been set apart for a sacred purpose. What are some purposes of God that we have been called to?
5) In the teaching it was said that “A real Saint is a Christian who lives a life set apart - not from the world but for God. Is your obedience more motivated out of guilt and religious obligation or motivated out of gratitude to be used for God’s special purposes. Why is that?
Dig In Questions1) Read John 3:16-17. We serve a God who is both righteous and just, yet, He willingly and generously chooses to bring His salvation down to us. Has the abundant, unconditional, undeserving, life-changing love of Jesus demonstrated to another person ever left you upset and angry? Why?
2) Have you ever been guilty of picking and choosing which people should be candidates for mercy instead of condemnation…for salvation instead of judgment? (Reasons such as: background, social class, race, nationality, addictions, sins, or other?) Why?
3) Read Luke 7:36-48. The unconditional love of the Savior angered the religious leaders. Why? Do you ever find yourself thinking or acting like the leaders in this way?
4) Read Jonah 4:2. In this verse, Jonah reminds us of the very nature and character of our loving God. How does each of these characteristics give you hope or encouragement in your faith?
5) What is it that you currently love more than the people that God loves? What do you need to do to let go of or move past it?
Dig In QuestionsRead Jonah Chapter 3
1) Do you have an area in your life where you find yourself wishing you had a “do-over”?
2) If there are areas of your life where you have been given a “do-over” or a second chance, how have you taken advantage of the new opportunity to do things differently or do things well?
3) Have you ever felt that the failures of your past have disqualified you from serving God? Have you allowed your failures to limit your love, service, or obedience to God? How do you move past that?
4) Read Matthew 28:18-20. Just like Jonah, we are commissioned to take the good news of Jesus to lost people. In the teaching, it was stated that God is already working in the lives of everyone we meet. How does that make it easier to tell others about him?
5) In the teaching, we were reminded that ministry and mission is a “get to” - that sharing the good news of God’s grace through Jesus is not an obligation - it’s a get to. Why does telling others about Jesus, inviting them to church or small group, seem like an obligation or a “have to”?
6) Read Philippians 1:6. At FCC, we often say that “we are imperfect people chasing after a perfect God”. Do you find comfort in knowing that God is not done with you yet and that He can still use you in spite of your imperfections?
Dig In Questions1) Do you remember a time when you were running away from God? What was it that caused you to run from Him?
2) In the teaching, it was said that “While you can run away from God, you can’t outrun God”. When you were running from God, how did He find you and bring you back to Himself?
3) Have you ever found yourself trying to accomplish something to the point of trying every possible way to bring about the desired outcome, only to find yourself saying, “The only thing we can do is pray”? Why is prayer often our last resort?
4) In the teaching, it was said that “Sin is not just outright rebellion, it is also begrudging obedience. Sin is not just unconditional hostility to God; it is also conditional obedience to God”. Have you recognized those sins (begrudging obedience & conditional obedience) being played out in your own life? If so, how?
5) It can be easy for us to criticize Jonah for not wanting to show and tell of God’s love and salvation to his enemies. How willing are you to show God’s love and salvation to your enemies? How often are showing His love and salvation to your friends? What would God need to do to make you willing to do so?
Dig In QuestionsRead 1 Peter 5:1-9
1) What are some ways that you see Satan at work trying to divide, discourage, and devour the church?
2) In the teaching, regarding the attacks of Satan, we were encouraged to “Stay alert! Watch out! Stand firm!” What are some practical ways that you are putting those commands into practice in your own life?
3) Read Matthew 9:35-38. What do these verses teach us about the way we should love and lead?
4) Showing care to God’s family or “flock” isn’t just for those in paid, elected, or volunteer leadership. How do you show care for the flock that God has entrusted to you?
5) Re-read verse 1 Peter 5:5. How did Jesus clothe himself in humility? How can Christians follow that example of Christ? What is one thing you can do, or not do this week to demonstrate that you are clothed in Christ?
Dig In QuestionsRead 1 Peter 4:1-19
1) Read 1 Peter 4:1-2 again. How do you arm yourself with the same attitude Jesus had as you live out your faith day to day?
2) In the message from Sunday Nick said, “Don’t use the hope you have in Jesus as an attempt to escape the responsibility you have for how you live your life right now.” How can the Hope you have in Jesus, help you take responsibility for how you live for Jesus right now?
3) Read verse 17-18 again. How does the reality that everyone will be judged by God, yourself included, change how you react to and interact with the world around you?
4) What do you think makes the difference between how Christians were treated in the book of First Peter versus how you are treated as a Christian in 2021? Can you recall a time where you suffered for your faith in Jesus? Did it discourage you or encourage you in your faith and why?
5) What areas of your life can you identify that you haven’t submitted to Jesus? What is one practical step that you can take toward giving up control of that area to Jesus today?
6) Peter show us that suffering for our faith in Jesus is inevitable, but he wants to encourage us to “be very glad” even when we suffer. Read verse 13 again. According to what Peter says in verse 13, how can you be glad even when you suffer?
7) How can suffering be a measuring tool for the depth of your submission to Jesus?
Dig In QuestionsRead 1 Peter 3:19-21; Acts 2:14-41; Matthew 28:18-20
1) A lot of Peter’s teaching is about submission. Mike said “I can think of no greater form of submission than that which we see in Christian baptism.” How do you see baptism as an act of submission?
2) In the teaching, we were reminded to not forget that moment when the saving power of Jesus’ death and resurrection was applied to us. When you think of your own baptism, what memories or thoughts come to mind?
3) Our human appeal to God does not save us - it simply calls upon God’s saving power which is available to us. How does the resurrection of Jesus Christ give baptism saving power?
4) In the teaching, Mike said, “Remember, you don’t fight in this life for victory but from a position of victory.” What does that mean to you? Does that encourage you?
5) If you have been baptized, what are some obstacles you had to overcome before submitting to being immersed? If you have not been baptized, what obstacles are standing in your way?
Dig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.
Read 1 Peter 2:13-25
1) Why do we tend to live our lives as if our rights or our perceived rights are the most important, or are more important than others?
2) What authority do you have the hardest time submitting to? Why is that? (Try NOT to get political)
3) What generally drives your motivation to submit to authority? Force, people pleasing, fear of punishment, or seeking to please the one who submitted his life in order to save us?
4) We are to submit to authorities for the sake of Christ and because it is the Christ honoring thing to do. How does our submission to authorities enhance the reputation of Christ, his church, and Christianity as a whole?
5) Can you recall an instance where you disagreed with authority yet submitted anyway?
6) If Jesus is our example and we are to follow in his steps, what are you doing to learn more about him so you can become more and more like him?
Dig In QuestionsRead 1 Peter 2:1-12
1) Think about Virgil’s sermon last week, and this sermon. How should our identity in Christ motivate us to pursue holiness AND persevere in the midst of suffering?
2) Peter’s imagery is almost tangible: we are not just individuals, we are living stones, we are priests, we are chosen people. How can we reflect that fact in our lives? How can we reflect that in this group?
3) How often do you go through a full week without reading your Bible? Do you think you “long for the spiritual milk” of God’s word? How can we help each other in that area?
4) Do you desire God’s Word to this degree? What are some things that keep us from desiring the Word the way that we should?
5) Ben talked about the dangers of having an “I’m right and you’re wrong” attitude. What are some examples of ways you’ve seen people share their beliefs in a harmful way? How should we are them in a helpful way?
Dig In QuestionsRead 1 Peter 1:1-9
1) How would you describe your hope? Is your hope alive? If not, how has the weight of the world, the altering of your routines, or the fear of the unknown caused your hope to suffer?
2) Describe a time when your hope seemed dead or badly damaged at least. In what way did Jesus restore you and use you to do the very things that HE had called you to do?
3) Peter reminded his listeners that this world isn’t home; that earth and all its troubles and trials and temptations were temporary. How do you find hope in remembering or realizing that we were created for a life beyond….one with no sickness, no sorrow no struggle or sin?
4) Sometimes when we look at our lives, it becomes all too easy to find the things that are wrong with it. What are some things that are going absolutely RIGHT with your life? How can you use your situation to be an encouragement to others?
5) In the teaching, Virgil said that “We can allow our trials to become Lord over us, when we should be allowing Jesus to be Lord over our trials.” What are practical steps we can take to allow Jesus to be Lord over our trials?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for today's questions, read Luke 24:1-34.
1) What was one thing that stood out about this week's message?
2) Read 1 Corinthians 15:13-20. If Jesus conquered death, how does that change how His life impact yours?
3) In Luke 24:17-24, we see that followers of Jesus have become doubters of what He had said. Is there a time in your life, (maybe now), when your disappointment spoke louder than the words and promises of Christ? What was that time in your life like?
4) In Luke 24:25-27, Jesus (unbeknownst to his two followers) points out that the entirety of scripture points to His life, death, and resurrection. With others, spend some time searching for some Old Testament scriptures or prophecies that are about Christ.
5) Read Romans 8:35-39, 1 Peter 1:3-7, and 2 Corinthians 4:8-12. Of these three verses, which encourages you the most to understand how Christ's resurrection can impact the disappointments you may be experiencing now?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) In Luke 23:1-2, the Jews, who long-awaited a Savior, put Jesus on trial, thinking He wasn't who they had waited on. They had Jesus in their midst, but they missed who He was and what He was trying to do in their life. Is there an area of your life that you are not letting Jesus into? What would it look like to allow Jesus’ power in that area?
3) In Luke 23:34, we see Jesus loving those who are persecuting Him. How hard do you find it to love and forgive those who hurt you? What could that forgiveness do for your life?
4) The first criminal hanging next to Jesus demanded proof of Jesus' power. How have you seen evidence of Jesus' power at work in your life?
5) In Luke 23:40-43, the second criminal reveals his faith in Jesus and, in turn, Jesus tells the criminal that he will be with Him in paradise. Grace, through faith, saved him! Who is someone outside of faith in Jesus that you can be praying for and being more intentional with?
Dig In QuestionsRead Luke 19:1-10
1) If Jesus showed up and invited Himself to your house, what would your response be?
2) The people (fellow Jews) complained that Jesus had gone to the home of a “Notorious Sinner”. Are you ever guilty of seeing someone else’s sins as “worse” than yours? What does Jesus’ visit to Zacchaeus tell us about that?
3) Is there anyone you have hurt in the past that you have not made things right with? If so, what steps do you need to take in order to make amends?
4) Have you ever experienced making amends with another person? Or have had another person make amends with you? Describe that experience.
5) Read 2 John 1:5-6. Would you rather live your life by a list of laws, or by the desires of love? How would your life’s actions and attitudes change if you were ruled by love?
6) When Jesus inserts himself into our lives, it’s not because He wants something from us, but because He has something for us - He came to save us…to give us new life…and an eternity with Him. How can knowing this truth help us in our day to day lives?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for this week's questions, read Luke 16:19-31.
1) What is one thing that stood out about this week's message?
2) A recent Pew Research study found that 72% of Americans believe in Heaven, but only 58% believe in Hell. What do you think? Why?
3) In the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, it’s believed that the wealthy would inherit Heaven and the poor were destined for Hell. What are some other misconceptions about Heaven and Hell that you hear of in popular culture?
4) Read Matthew 25:31-46. What is/are the difference(s) between the two groups Jesus describes? What action does this call us to?
5) How would you explain the truth of John 14:6 to someone who has never heard about the life of Christ?
Dig In QuestionsAs a recap of the text we covered on Sunday, read all of Luke 15.
1) What was one thing that stood out about this week's message?
2) In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables that reveal God's love for those that are lost, then found. For those who have never wandered, it can be challenging to wrestle with the reality that Heaven rejoices more over those who are lost, then found than those who are not currently wandering at all. What does this reveal about God's character?
3) In Luke 15:20, the son decides to return home, and when he does, he finds that the father is running towards him and then presents him with a handful of gifts. How has God run towards you despite the ways that you have sinned or wandered?
4) Although the father was pleased to see his son return, the other son who had not wandered is frustrated at the grace, love, and mercy that his brother received. In light of the brother's response, do you know of anyone wandering that you can reach out to show love to?
5) How can we pray for you?
Dig In Questions1) How should the parable from Luke 11:5-10 be a model for our own prayer lives?
2) Read Luke 11:9-10. The term “asking” is obvious, but what does “seeking” and “asking” look like if we apply them to our lives?
3) Is there something you’ve been asking God for for a long time? Is there something that you’ve lost heart about in your asking?
4) Ben mentioned that the two parables give the same message: persistence in prayer. Why do you think Jesus stresses persistence, and how does persistent prayer build our faith?
5) What does what we’ve learned in these parables tell us about God?
Dig In QuestionsRead Luke 17:11-19
1) Do you remember a time when you felt like a spiritual outsider; far from God and the love of his people? What changed that allowed you to experience “belonging” to God and His family?
2) Why do you think Jesus didn’t heal the lepers immediately? How does that help you accept the fact that God does not always fix all of our problems, struggles, or addictions instantly?
3) Are there people you have intentionally or unintentionally kept on the “outside” because of their nationality, race, religion, or sins? How do the lessons from the lepers cause you to see them differently?
4) It’s easy to receive God’s goodness in times of desperation or need - sometimes it’s hard to live a life of thankfulness afterwards. What stands in your way of being continually grateful for all He’s done? Take some time to thank Him.
5) Read Acts 1:1-11 (for context) then re-read Acts 1:8. Jesus commands His disciples to take His good news even to Samaria, possibly the last place they want to go. We are also called to share His news to the whole world. Where is your Samaria? Why are you reluctant to cross that border?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for today's questions, read Luke 18:1-8.
1) What stood out to you about this week's message?
2) What does the Parable of the Persistent Widow teach us about our prayer life?
3) Read Isaiah 59:1. How can this scripture be an encouragement to prayer?
4) Read Psalm 147:11. How does it feel that God delights in hearing from you?
Dig In QuestionsRead Luke 2:1-20
1) Think of a time in your life that you were completely caught off guard by a surprise - either good or bad. How did you react or respond to it?
2) The introduction of Jesus into the world was probably not the way any of us would have ever planned it. What are some things we can learn by the unexpected events of the Christmas story?
3) Just as in the Christmas story, God was continually showing up in the unexpected; He is constantly and continually showing up in the unexpected in our lives. How can we make it a habit of recognizing those moments?
4) God will show up in times that we don’t expect Him.
God will show up in places we don’t expect Him.
God will show up with people we don’t expect Him to.
God will show up in ways we don’t expect Him to.
How have you seen these statements to be true in your life?
5) Will you commit to reading through the book of Luke twice during this summer teaching series? If so, find someone in your group or family and ask them to hold you accountable.
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) Read Luke 1:1-4. Luke begins by stating the reason he is writing his gospel is to allow a non-believer, Theophilus, to understand the truth of Jesus. Have you come to the understanding of the truth of Jesus? How did you first hear of His love for you, and how did you respond to it?
3) Do you find it difficult, easy, or something different altogether, to talk to people about Jesus?
4) Read Romans 10:9-15. What responsibility do we, as believers of Jesus, have to those who have not yet heard of what He has done? Why is this important?
5) Who is one person that God has put in your life that needs to hear about His love for them?
Dig In Questions1) Any good cicada stories?
Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 as a group.
2) Ben said the subject of his sermon was glory. How do you define the word glory?
3) Moses’ glory faded (2 Corinthians 3:13), but our glory keeps increasing (2 Corinthians 3:18). How does this encourage you, especially when you don’t feel all that glorious?
4) Have you noticed a change in the "degree of glory" you're experiencing now compared to a few years ago? Please share if you feel comfortable.
5) We are meant to reflect the Lord’s glory to the world. What does that mean, and how do you do that?
6) How can we, as a small group, reflect the Lord’s glory?
Dig In Questions1) What was one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) On Sunday, we discussed how we could “love like Jesus does.” How have you most experienced the love of Jesus? How have others shown you this?
3) The main point for Sunday was “The only way we will love like Jesus does is if we choose to make Jesus our main focus.” How can focusing on Jesus change how you treat others? Have you seen this to be true in your life?
Read Luke 10: 25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan) for the further questions.
4) Seeing compassion felt from a Samaritan towards a Jew wad unheard of in Jesus’ day and age. Is there a certain person or group of people that you struggle with showing love to? How can you allow Christ and the Church community to help you overcome this barrier of love?
5) In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan not only felt for the Jew, but acted on his behalf. What actions do you need to take this week to spread God’s love, through your, to others?
Dig In Questions1) In what ways has your identity most been formed?
- Tags or labels that people have placed on you?
- Well intentioned people’s expectations of you?
- Your desire to chase an identity to be someone you are not?
2) We are God’s beloved…and God’s love for us establishes our identity...and out of our identity comes our activity. Before God tells us what to do; He tells us who we are. Do you personally realize and recognize the great love that God has for you?
3) In the teaching, Virgil stated that “The things that describe us should not be the things that define us...the thing that defines us should spill over into all the ways that others describe us and that we describe ourselves…and that thing is our identity in Christ.” Does your identity in Christ continually spill over into the day-to-day of your lives, or does it just happen sometimes?
4) Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. When you read these verses, do you recognize that these words apply to you? How does knowing that this is how God defines you and describes you change the way that you see yourself? How does it change the way you treat or respond to others?
5) Read Acts 4:13. It was clear to the religious leaders that Peter and John had been with Jesus. Do people recognize you as someone who has been with Jesus? (Does your life and do your words declare that you have been with Jesus?) What are some steps you can take to “be with Jesus”?
6) If you have truly found your identity in Christ, has it “changed everything”? If so, how?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) On Sunday, we discussed how we are impacted by that which we give our attention to, (hobbies, lifestyles, causes, etc.) Can you think of a time when what you focused on began to change who you were?
3) In the book of Exodus (Chapters 1-14), we see that God's people are slaves in Egypt; for 200 years, their identity was found through oppression. Have you ever felt that your identity was formed through negative experiences? How have you let God give you a chance at a new identity through His freedom?
4) In Exodus 32, we see that God's children worship pagan gods instead of the Lord. What can happen to the identity of a Christian if we give our attention to the wrong things?
5) If you want to know where you are looking for your identity, ask yourself this: “What am I giving most of my time, energy, and resources to?” How would you answer that question?
6) What do you need to change to bring your focus and your whole identity back to God?
Dig In Questions:1) What is something that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) Read James 1:19. James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Have you had situations where you did the opposite - slow to listen, quick to speak? What do you think is the problem with that?
3) Read James 1:22. How is it possible to “fool ourselves” if we’re reading God’s Word?
4) Think about how Ben tied in the message of Jonah at the end - why is it so important to remind ourselves that it is about our hearts?
5) Read James 1:26-27. Why do you think James defines “religion” the way that he does?
6) Practice being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. If you follow that instruction, how will putting your faith into action look different this week?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for this week's questions, read read Luke 11:37-54.
1) Why do followers of Jesus sometimes feel the need to appear that their lives are perfect? Have you ever felt that way in your own life?
2) In his teaching, Virgil said that, regarding hypocrisy, “the enemy is us”, meaning that being a hypocrite is not someone else’s problem, it is all our problems. How have you seen your hypocrisy damaging another person or damaging the church?
3) Have you ever felt judged because of your imperfection? Or have you ever judged another person for their imperfections? What was the end result?
4) Read Luke 11:37-38. Have you experienced traditions in the church that are not encouraged or supported by scripture that have stood in the way of your faith or the faith of others?
5) Read Luke 11:42. Jesus called out the Pharisees for attempting to keep a right relationship with God through obedience, while criticizing them for failing to show love and justice. Why was that such a bad thing?
6) How do you see God using people in spite of their imperfections? Can you think of imperfect people in the Bible who were used by God? Can you think of times in your own imperfect life where he used you?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) In Jeremiah 1:6-8, we see that Jeremiah felt he was too young to handle the responsibility that God had given Him. Is there any insecurity in your life that has kept you from allowing God to use you how He desires?
3) Read Jeremiah 2:1-13. What were some of the reasons that God was upset with His children? Do you see any of those reasons reflected in your life today?
4) During Jeremiah's ministry, God's people had left His Truth for the lies of the world. What are some things you can do to ensure you don't drift away from how God has called you to live and avoid blending in with the world?
5) Read Psalm 25:5, 86:11, & 119:60. How can these verses encourage you to hold fast to God's Truth?
6) Read John 14:6. What does it mean that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) In Amos 7:14-15, Amos says that he is "just a shepherd" taking care of fig trees. Have you ever felt like you were "just a..." and God wasn't interested in using you? What would you say to encourage someone who may feel this way?
3) In Amos chapters 2 and 3, we see that God outlines the sins of His people, the Israelites. Telling them in Amos 3:2, "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins." God's anger stems from His people not living out their calling. What are some ways that you can get distracted from the ways that God calls you to live? What can you do to change this?
4) Read Amos 5:24. What does God desire for us? How can you practically live that out in your life?
5) Is there something that you are incredibly passionate about making right in this world? How can you do that?
6) Read Amos 9:11-12. How has Jesus, (from the line of David), fulfilled this text?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that you stuck out to you about this week's message?
2) Read John 20:1-3. Despite knowing and spending time with Jesus, Mary's initial response to the empty tomb was disbelief. How would you have responded?
3) In John 20:19-20, we see that the disciples finally believed in the Resurrection once they were able to see Jesus. What brought you to believe in Jesus' Resurrection?
4) In John 20:26, we see that the disciples, who believed in the Resurrection, were spending time with Thomas, who doubted. Why is it important that we allow those skeptical about Jesus to be involved in the Church while finding their own footing with faith?
5) In John 20:29, Jesus tells the disciples, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." How can we believe without seeing? What evidence of Jesus' Resurrection have you seen in your life?
Dig In Questions1) What was one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) Read Ephesians 5:25. In this passage, we see that Jesus died for the Church. In light of this, does your participation in the Church body reflect the importance Jesus placed on the Church?
3) On Sunday, we discussed four main points for the need to gather together as a church family:
• The Bible commands it
• Jesus died for the Church
• The Church is the body of Christ
• The message it communicates to the world
Of these, which impacted you the most and why?
4) Read Romans 12:4-5. What does this teach us about how God designed the Church to function?
5) Who is someone that you can reach out to and encourage to gather together again?
Dig In Questions:In preparation for this week's questions, read Psalm 23.
1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2) What picture comes to mind when you think of rest?
3) In Psalm 23:1 (NIV), we read, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” What are some things that Jesus provides or does that can ultimately allow you to rest?
4) In John 10:11, Jesus calls himself “The Good Shepherd”. What areas of your life are you not letting Jesus lead? How is this impacting peace and rest in your life?
5) How would your life change if you allowed Jesus to provide the redeeming rest He promises?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for this week's questions, read read Luke 10:38-42.
1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) If someone watched every second of your life, what would they say is the most important to you? Where would spending time at the feet of Jesus rank? Why is this essential to finding the rest Jesus promised?
3) The culture that Mary and Martha lived in placed a high value on hospitality and hosting those who showed up at your door, such as Jesus did. When it comes to our culture, where do you feel the most pressure to bow to busyness - home, work, another area?
4) The only difference Jesus addressed between Mary and Martha was that Martha had her priorities, even good ones, out of place. What is one step that you can take this week to reprioritize your time with Jesus, even if it means risking disappointment in others or not being as productive as you're used to?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2) How often would you say that you make rest a priority in your life?
3) Read Matthew 11:28-30. Why is "coming to" Jesus and remaining in Him (John 15:4) essential to finding the rest He has waiting for you?
4) Why do you think people choose to hold on to their burden and not allow Jesus to carry it for them? What is preventing you from exchanging a burden you're currently carrying for the rest that Jesus offers?
5) Read John 6:29. What "work" does Jesus require of us, and how can that lead to rest for our soul?
Dig In Questions1) In what areas do you recognize the most need for rest in your life?
2) We can all use the rest that refills, re-energizes, and re-ignites. Can you think of a time when your rest allowed God to help you be the version of yourself that he designed you to be?
3) Read Genesis 2:1-3 and Psalm 121:1-4. God did not need to take a break, but he took one. What does that teach us about God’s nature? What does that demonstrate about his care for us?
4) When God had the Israelites observe the day of rest in the wilderness, it was a way to demonstrate to them that they could trust Him. Has spending intentional time with Jesus helped you to trust Him? How has it helped you experience His leading, His protection, and His provision?
5) The required Sabbath rest for the Israelites helped remind them that God saved them from their captivity in Egypt. How can our taking a desired rest help remind us of the fact that Jesus saved us from our sins?
6) How did Jesus’ death on the Cross provide a rest for those who choose to follow him?
Dig In Questions1) When was a time that you struggled to discern the difference between your own thoughts and feelings, the influence of others, and the voice/nudge of God?
2) Read John 10:27. When was a time that you undoubtedly knew you were being directed or guided by God? How did you know that it was God and not other factors?
3) Read 2 Timothy 3:16. How can scripture help to confirm God's communication in your life?
4) On Sunday, we discussed how, through our relationship with other godly people, we can help confirm whether a message is from God or not. Who are the godly people in your life you can turn to for help in this regard? Do you feel that you consult their wisdom enough?
5) Read Romans 8:28-29. We know that God doesn't call us to be comfortable, but calls us to become more like Christ. In what ways do you believe God is speaking to or nudging you? What steps will you take to confirm that this is true?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week’s message?
2) The topic this week was “unceasing prayer” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), which is a continual conversation with God as we go throughout our days. How frequently do you communicate with God amid your day-to-day responsibilities?
3) Read Psalm 145:18. How can God’s closeness to you encourage you to communicate with Him more often?
4) On Sunday, we discussed a few benefits of continual prayer; it allows us to follow the Spirit’s leading, live in joy, overcome anxiety, and remain grateful. Which one of these sticks out the most as something you need in your life?
5) What can you do this week to begin communicating with God more frequently within your days?
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2) This week's teaching was about creating space to encounter God, free from all distractions. How often do you feel that you prioritize building this into the rhythm of your week?
3) In Mark 1:21-24, after a hectic day, we see that Jesus had to get up early to find time alone with God. What would you need to change or alter in your schedule to find time to be alone with God, free from all distractions?
4) One of the points in Sunday's teaching was: "Whenever Jesus spent time alone with God, there was always more to do." There were always more people to heal, more people to teach, etc. What are the aspects of your life that may need to take a backseat to prioritize spending time alone with God? Pleasing people? Hobbies? Time on specific projects? Your social life? Social media presence, etc.?
5) What is a goal that you can set this week to follow Jesus' example and prioritize spending time alone with God? Find someone to hold you accountable for this and share your experience with them.
Dig In Questions1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2) Do you feel like prayer is a strength or weakness in your life? Why?
3) In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus shows us what a healthy prayer life is built on - He begins by calling God "Father", which gives us imagery of intimacy between a child and their father. Why is intimacy in your relationship with God essential for your prayer life?
4) In Matthew 6:10, Jesus prays, "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." What are some of the challenges in accepting God's will for our life? What can we do to overcome this?
5) In Matthew 6:12, Jesus prays, "And forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors." Why is seeking forgiveness from God and forgiving others essential for both our eternal and momentary freedom?
6) Lastly, of the six pillars on which Jesus showed us that healthy prayer is built, which one do you feel you need to address more often?
- A relationship of intimacy with God
- Holy expectations
- Accepting God's plan
- Trusting God with our needs
- Forgiveness
- Asking for protection
Dig In Questions1) What role have you seen unhealthy communication play in relationships? How has unhealthy communication affected your relationships?
2) On Sunday, we discussed how “Healthy communication involves both talking and actively listening.” How would you grade yourself in both of those areas?
3) Read James 3:2-9. What does this tell us about the power of our words, whether spoken or written?
4) Contrast Ephesians 4:29 with Colossians 3:12-14. What does this reveal about God’s desire for how we communicate with others?
5) In Luke 6:45, Jesus reveals that the best way to guard your words is to be aware of what’s in your heart. How can protecting our hearts lead to healthy communication?
6) Read Proverbs 18:2 and 18:13. Why is it foolish to not listen to others? How can listening provide an opportunity to show love and concern for those we do life with?
Dig In Questions1) On Sunday, we defined lust as a "passionate, inordinate desire for something, often erotic in nature." How do you see the culture around us promoting lust and what damage do you think this is doing?
2) Read James 1:14-15. How can lustful desires lead to sinful actions and eventually to spiritual death?
3) Read 2 Samuel 11:1-4. In this section of the text, we see David give in to his lust and make a grave mistake with Bathsheba. What are some of the ways that David could have avoided this sin? What are some of the steps that you can take in your life to avoid lust and the damage it can have on your life and relationships?
4) In Psalm 51:1-12, we see David's words after his mistake with Bathsheba. What about David's words and response do you think were necessary for God to forgive David (which he did in 2 Samuel 12:13)?
5) David's story is further evidence that lust is not an irredeemable sin in the eyes of God. If you're someone who has struggled with this temptation, take some time to ask for forgiveness and the strength to turn away from its trappings.
For help with overcoming lust, check out the following resources:
Covenant Eyes
Moral Revolution
SheRecovery (support for women)
Also, find a list of terrific reading resources right here.
Dig In Questions1) How would you describe how pride can negatively impact our lives?
2) How have you seen relationships in your life negatively affected by pride?
3) Read Proverbs 16:18-19. What relationship does this text show us that pride has with humility? What does this tell us we should focus on to avoid or change course from prideful behavior?
4) In Philippians 2:3-4, the Apostle Paul writes about two different ways to reject pride and treat others with humility: thinking of others as better than ourselves and taking an interest in others. How can these two principles impact relationships?
5) Continue in Philippians 2 and read verses 5-11. In this section, Paul urges us to live with humility in our relationships because of the example Jesus Christ set before us. In what relationship of yours do you need to reflect the humility of Christ better?
Dig In QuestionsRead 1 Timothy 6:1-19
1) Why do you think greed is so difficult to identify in our own lives and relationships?
2) What are some ways you see or have seen greed creating problems in or killing relationships?
3) If greed has damaged your relationships in the past, what were the warning signs that you missed or ignored that might have saved you from some of the struggle?
4) The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. When greed takes up residence in our heart, what are sins and struggles that naturally follow?
5) We must allow Jesus to be Lord of our money and possessions or our money and possessions will become lord over us. How do we make certain that our priorities stay headed in the right direction?
6) We combat greed with contentment, consistency, and care. What are some practical ways that you can demonstrate these virtues in your life and your relationships?
Dig In Questions1) As you consider the New Year, what changes do you anticipate making in your life in 2021?
2) Read Matthew 22:34-40. In this section of the text, Jesus reveals his goals for our life. How can you better love God and love others in the year ahead?
3) How can your goals for your life (or the year) move you to love God more deeply?
4) How can your goals for your life (or the year) move you to love others more intentionally?
5) For many of us, as we think about the second chances that a new year brings, we think about God's grace that can allow us to be a better version of ourselves than we've ever been. Read Titus 2:11-14 and consider where you need to accept God's grace as you go into the new year.
Dig In Questions:Read Luke 2:1-20 & Galatians 5:22-26
1) What are some things that you enjoy during the “Christmas season” that you don’t get to enjoy any other time of the year?
2) In what ways do you find that the “Christmas season” brings out the best in you? What are some ways that you lived-out the “best you” this month?
3) Why is it difficult to express the same level of “Christmas season” care, kindness, consideration, compassion, and generosity throughout the year?
4) The apostle Paul wrote: “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Gal 5:25). How can that become the reality in our own lives? What will the results be if we do?
5) In Luke 2:10 the angel declared: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” If we lived daily showing and sharing the good news of the Savior, how would it impact the lives of those around you? What is keeping you from doing it?
Dig In Questions:1) What was one thing that stood out to you about this week's teaching?
2) When was a time you struggled to understand God's timing in your life? How was your faith impacted during this time?
3) Read Luke 2:8-20. Like the Shepherds, has there ever been a time in your life when God revealed that He was at work behind the scenes of your life after all?
4) Proverbs 3:5 tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” What can you do to actively build trust with God and His timing for your life?
5) Read Psalm 37:7, Lamentations 3:25, and Isaiah 40:31. What are these verses trying to tell us about being patient with God's timing?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for today's questions, read Matthew 2:1-9.
1) What is one thing that stood out to you about Sunday's message?
2) Over 700 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Micah prophesied specifically where Jesus would be born and from what family line he would descend from. What does the fulfillment of this prophecy say about the plans of God?
3) "Magi" were known as astrologers who participated in the dark arts that violated Old Testament laws, yet, God appoints a star to lead these very men to the birth of Christ. What does this tell us about the heart and priorities of God?
4) Matthew tells us that when the wise men (magi) got to Jesus, they chose to worship him. What do you need to do this Christmas season to give Jesus more of your worship?
5) The story of the wise men (magi) being guided by a star and coming to meet Jesus shows us that God cares for even the least likely individuals. Who in your life needs to know the love and power of Christ? What can you be doing to guide them towards Christ this Christmas season?
Dig In QuestionsIn preparation for this week's Dig In questions, read Matthew 1:18-25 .
1) What do you think of when you think of the Christmas season? Do you think more of cultural pressures and priorities or on the birth of Christ?
2) In the first few verses of the text in Matthew, we see that Joseph finds himself in a difficult position - Mary has become pregnant, (which, to Joseph, seems to be out of unfaithfulness to him). Joseph's priority is then to end the relationship peacefully. Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt wronged, but still treated your offender peacefully and with respect? What was difficult about this and how did you overcome those difficulties?
3) Matthew 1:20-21 tells us that while Joseph was considering leaving Mary, God changed Joseph's perspective and priorities to be more aligned with His. In what areas of your life do you feel that you need to allow God to change your priorities?
4) What God asked Joseph to do, (marry a woman that the culture would have considered an adulterer), would have made little sense to the rest of the world. As God changes your priorities to reflect His, He may ask you to do things that make little sense to those around you. What do you envision would be most difficult for you in that scenario? How would you overcome those difficulties to live out the will of God for your life?
5) This week, we closed our teaching with a few points of prayer to consider as we move into the Christmas Season. Spend some time now, and this week, praying through them:
- God, reveal to us what our priorities are as we head into this Christmas season.
- God, show us what Your priorities are for our life during this season - how you would want us to live.
- God, we pray that You give us the courage to make Your priorities ours and act on them.
Dig In Questions:In preparation for this week's questions, read Mark 5:1-20.
1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week's message?
2) On Sunday, we discussed our testimonies (our individual stories of coming to Jesus). How have you felt about your testimony? Would you describe it as exciting and eventful, or do you think it is boring and unimpactful? Why?
3) In Mark 5, we read about a demon-possessed man that Jesus healed. Upon his healing, the man wanted to go with Jesus to do incredible things, but yet, Jesus tells the man to stay home and minister there. What are some ways that you can better impact people in your current social circles?
4) Undoubtedly, the formerly demon-possessed man had an incredible testimony, but Mark 5:20 tells us what made his story so great. It wasn't how good or bad he was. It was "the great things Jesus had done for him." Despite how bad or uneventful your life was before Jesus, how does Jesus make your story great?
Dig In Questions:1) What was one thing that stuck out to you about this week's message?
2) Read Luke 9:57-62. In this section, we see three individuals that must consider the cost of following Jesus. What are some of the challenges, or "costs," have you experienced because of following Jesus?
3) In Philippians 3:13, Paul writes about focusing on striving forward towards Christ. What are some things in your life that distract you from keeping your focus on following Jesus and living for his mission?
4) What can you do to overcome the excuses and distractions that sometimes hold you back from living as faithfully to Jesus as you should?
5) In Sunday's teaching, Josh outlined three statements:
- Following Jesus means we turn from our selfish ways and surrender our desires.
- Following Jesus means we surrender what we want for our life, for what he wants for our life.
- Following Jesus means we go where he leads – not the other way around!
Which one of these do you feel that you struggle with the most?
Dig In Questions:1) Read Luke 5:27-32. Re-read verses 31 and 32. How do those words impact the way you see Jesus? The way you see yourself? The way you see others around you?
2) How difficult has it been to spend time “being with Jesus” in your life during the times we are living and especially in this politically charged climate?
3) Read Philippians 2:5-8. What was the attitude that Christ had? How can you practically have the attitude of Christ in your day-to-day life?
4) Read Philippians 2:1-4. How can following these words of Paul show that we are marked by the Savior? If we truly lived that way, how would it affect or impact the people we interact with, especially those we disagree with?
5) When people see your life, do they see that you are marked by the Savior by the time you spend with Him? By having his attitude? By living like Him? If not, what has marked or is marking your life? What do you want to change?
Bonus: If you have experienced the amazing grace of Jesus and been saved by Him, tell another person or your small group your story of coming to faith in Him.
Dig In Questions:1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
2) Josh opened up this week's message by talking about tension. Do you handle tension well in your life? What do you do when you are uncomfortable with tension?
3) Read 1 John 3:2. As Christians in the 21st century, we live in the tension of the "already, but not yet." This means that the Kingdom of God is already among us but will not be fully established until Christ returns. In what ways do you see the evidence of God's Kingdom established on this Earth? Likewise, in what ways do you see the tension of the fallen world awaiting that return?
4) Knowing that our faith in Christ means that our eternity is already secured can lead to complacency in a believer's life. Are there any stagnant or complacent areas of your life that need to be re-energized? (For further encouragement, read Philippians 3:8-14)
5) Read Philippians 3:17-21. Part of living in the "not yet" means that we live with an awareness that this world is not our home; we are citizens of Heaven and pursue the Kingdom of God above all else. As you examine your life, in what ways are you promoting the Kingdom of God in this world? Are there any areas where you are focusing too much on this temporary world?
Dig In Questions:1) Was there anything from this week’s message that stood out to you?
2) This pandemic is full of suffering, hurt, and unrest. What are some things you have “taken hold” of that you may need to release, so that you can take hold of Jesus?
3) Read John 16:22-23. When you have the joy of Jesus in your life, how does it change your relationship with God? How does it change your relationship with your family? How does it change your relationship with other believers? How does it change your relationship with nonbelievers?
4) Jesus makes many “I Am” statements in the gospel of John. What is significant about this one - “I am the True Vine”?
5) The word ‘remain’, (or ‘abide’), is mentioned ten times in the section of scripture that Ben covered. Clearly, abiding in Christ is very important in our walk. Are you abiding in Jesus at this point in your life? If not, what would have to change for you to say that you are abiding in Jesus?
Dig In Questions:1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?
2) The early Church, described as "The Way", gathered thousands of new followers and drastically impacted the world around them because they saw following Jesus as a lifestyle, not just a set of beliefs. How do you see that differing from today's rhythms of Christianity?
3) What are some of your core beliefs about Christ? How does that affect the lifestyle that you are choosing to live?
4) Read John 10:10. Would you describe your life as a Christian as "rich and satisfying"? Would others? What leads you to this belief?
5) Read Mark 10:20-22. The "rich man" described in this text agreed with Jesus about a set of beliefs and an understanding of right & wrong, but refused to follow Jesus as a way of life. What is one thing that you can change to start living the type of life Jesus desired, designed, and died for you to live?
Dig In Questions:Read Acts 11:19-26
1) The early movement of what we call “Christianity” was known as “The Way” - does that name still describe the 21st century church either by our teaching or by our actions? If so, how?
2) Why do you think it’s important to understand the meaning of the word '"Christian"? When you understand it’s meaning, how does that change the way you wear it?
3) Far too often the world sees the church as divided. In what ways can we, by wearing the name “Christian”, show the world that we are united?
4) When we wear the name “Christian”, we declare to the world that our identity is in Christ. What are things in your life that try to rob you of your identity in Him?
5) When people see your life, do they see that your identity is in Christ, or do they see your identity elsewhere? What needs to change for people to see Jesus in you?
6) When people experience your life of love and sacrifice, can they tell that you’ve been with Jesus?
Dig In Questions:1) In Sunday's teaching, we discussed how unity in a Church can be achieved when we view each other as family and act on one another's behalf. How would you describe your relationship with other believers - as a family? Acquaintances? Only people you gather around, void of any deep commitments?
2) Read Mark 3:31-35. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that our Church family should transcend our physical family. Why do you think Jesus put such a priority on our Church relationships?
3) Joseph Hellerman writes, "Jesus' relationship priorities help us understand that the Church - the family of God - is not here to serve the interests of our family, its preferences, desires, and needs. Rather, our families are here to serve the family of God." How could it change the impact of a Church if each church-attending family applied this sentiment to their lives?
4) Read John 13:35. In light of this text, if you were to give an honest assessment of how well you prove to the world that you are a follower of Jesus, how would you judge yourself? What areas do you believe you feel you need to most growth?
5) We finished Sunday’s teaching and our Come Together series with two challenges - take some time to answer these now:
- Do I display the type of commitment to my Church family that Jesus desires?
- How can you, or you and your family, better serve people within your church family?
Dig In Questions:1) What stood out to you most about this week's message?
2) Read Romans 3:23. How does this scripture confront our expectations of ourselves and each other?
3) We know from scripture that God is righteous, just, and holy; which means He stands against that which is evil, unrighteous, or unjust. In light of God's character, do you feel that you get upset with the things that God gets upset about? Where do you have similarities or differences? Does this lead to a change in your life, emotions, or behavior? (For further reading, read Proverbs 6:16-19.)
4) How often do you pray over your thoughts amid disagreement? What could be the benefit of doing so? (For further reading, read: Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Isaiah 26:3)
5) Read Ephesians 4:26-27. How could your anger over disagreement lead to sin or giving the devil a foothold in your life?
Dig In Questions1) What stood out most to you about this week's message, titled “Unity Doesn't Mean Uniformity”?
2) Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. In this passage, Paul urges the Church to see that God is behind all their uniqueness and differences. As you consider the followers of Christ in your life, do you find it easy or difficult to see that God uniquely created them the way they are, even if that means they are nothing like you?
3) A.W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, writes: "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers together, each one looking to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship." How can your time with Christ lead you to more deeply appreciate those who are different than you?
4) Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27. In this section of scripture, Paul uses a terrific analogy to remind us that the Church will be strongest when embracing differing gifts and abilities. What gifts and abilities do you have to help make your church stronger and to reach more people with the message of Christ?
5) In Sunday's teaching, we discussed how "Like pieces of a puzzle, God will create something beautiful when we place our differences in His hands. To do anything else would be to reject God's design for His Church." Are there any biases that you have personally held onto that you need to hand over to God to do your part to pursue unity in the Church?
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3.
Learn more Dig In Questions:1) Our new series, Come Together, will have us taking a look at the critical role that unity plays within a church. In a culture that is riddled with division, why do you think unity is so crucial among believers?
2) 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." How can Satan use disagreements to bring about division among a Church?
3) Romans 12:18 says, "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." If Satan is trying to bring about division on Christ's Church, what are some things you can be actively doing to promote unity?
4) In John 17, Jesus prays for the unity of believers so that the world will believe God sent him into the world, and so that the world will know God loves them. What is it about believers living in unity that can allow the world to know about Christ and God's love for them? How can a lack of unity do just the opposite?
5) In light of today's teaching and the trying times we are living in, join us in praying for all believers' unity so that the world can come to know Jesus.
Dig In Questions:1) How familiar are you with Psalm 23? Do you remember the first time you heard it? What was the context?
2) Read these verses: 1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 5:1–5; 2 Samuel 11:1–12:23. After reading them, how do you think more knowledge of David’s life will give you a better comprehension of Psalm 23?
3) When you hear “The Lord is My Shepherd”, how does that fit into your current view of God? Do you think it should change the way you think about God?
4) Where are you feeling the most unsettled in the hectic nature of life right now?
5) Where are you experiencing a “dark valley” or a “low place” in your life right now? If you’re not, who in your life is? How can you care for that person or for yourself today?
6) Despite all that may be going on in the world or in your life right now, we believe that God hasn’t lost control. If we believe that, why is it so hard for us to remember? How can we remind ourselves during life’s difficult seasons?
7) David sought to dwell in the presence of God, as we all should. On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being that “you struggle to” and 10 being that “you can’t wait to”), how would you rate your desire to dwell in God’s presence?
Dig In Questions:Read Psalm 96.
1) We are in a season of constant change. What are some things about God that we read in the psalms that never change?
2) During this uncertain time of life, have you gotten comfortable with the present “normal”, to the point of forgetting to share your faith? If not, how have you kept it a priority? If so, how can you make it a priority again?
3) Jesus has invited you to share in spreading the Good News about God to a world that desperately needs Him. What are your thoughts as you recognize what that means for your life?
4) Have you ever felt that there were things in your life that disqualified you from sharing your faith with others? If so, what were they? Do you feel like that now?
5) Can you picture in your mind one person you know or encounter who needs to experience the love of Jesus? How can you show it to them? Take this moment to pray for an opportunity to share your faith with them.
Dig In Questions:In preparation for today’s Dig In questions, read Psalm 34.
1) On Sunday, we opened up by discussing the word “worship.” What do you naturally think of when you think of the word “worship”?
2) In Psalm 34:1-3, the Psalmist strives to praise God, (worship), in all aspects of his life; whether he is experiencing the highs, lows, or averages of life. When it comes to your life, when do you typically lean into worshipping God - the highs; lows; or mundane, average days of life?
3) Read Philippians 3:7-9. In this text, Paul talks about his past accomplishments being “worthless” in comparison to knowing Jesus Christ. What is it that you tend to hang your hat on - your past achievements, possessions, popularity, etc.? Why is knowing Christ and living a life of worship infinitely more important than those?
4) Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What does the text point out about what God has done for us? How should you respond to such gifts?
5) Read Mark 12:29-31. In this text, Jesus points out the two most important things we can do with our time in this life if we are going to live a life of worship. What do you need to do differently to love God and people better?
Dig In Questions1) This Sunday’s teaching opened with the question: How do you respond when someone hurts you? How would you answer that question? With revenge? Harboring bitterness? Wishing ill towards those who hurt you?
2) Psalm 94 opens, declaring God as a God of vengeance when it comes to fighting for His children. How does this characteristic of God impact how you react to those who hurt you? How does that impact how you handle your pain? (For further reading on God's vengeance, read Romans 12:19, Proverbs 20:22, and Isaiah 35:4)
3) In Psalm 94:3-6, we see the author declaring their hurts to God. How can that type of intimacy with God grow your relationship with Him?
4) Read James 1:2-4. In this passage, James outlines how God can give our pain a purpose. Have you seen this prove to be true in your life before? How could your current pain, handed over to God, bring something beneficial to your life?
5) Read John 16:33. If Jesus has overcome the world, as well as death, what confidence can you carry regarding what he can do with, and through, your hurt and pain?
Dig In Questions:1) On Sunday, Josh discussed how he feels that Psalm 37's relevance in our lives today is evidence of the truth we read about in Hebrews 4:12, which tells us that "the word of God is alive and powerful." Has there ever been a scripture or book of the Bible that felt so alive that it powerfully impacted your life?
2) Psalm 37 begins with these words: Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. Do you find yourself to be someone who worries about wickedness and evil in the world? If so, what impact is that having on your life?
3) Read Philippians 4:6-9. What correlation is there between worrying, prayer, and peace?
4) Psalm 37:2 tells us that, like "grass" and "spring flowers", evil in the world will wither away. How can knowing evil won't last impact you today?
5) The Psalmist expresses that focusing less on evil and more on our relationship with God will lead us to confront evil in this world; stating in verse 6, “…the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” What manifestation of evil do you think God is leading you to confront in our world?
Dig In Questions:In preparation for today's questions, read Psalm 5.
1) Think about how you start your day. Would you say that your morning routine puts you in the best position to make God a priority throughout your day?
2) In Psalm 5, David sets an excellent precedent to make communication with God a priority in the morning; in Mark 1:35, we see Jesus doing the same. How could you profit from taking time with God at the beginning of your day, as opposed to the middle or end?
3) In Sunday's teaching, we discussed all of David's credentials that he could rely upon in his times of stress - he was a hero, a king, a military leader, had many wise friends, and possessed all the wealth anyone could ever want or need. Yet, in Psalm 5, we see that he didn't rely upon those things, but upon his God. Where do you turn when life gets stressful - inward towards yourself, outward towards others, or upward towards God?
4) We are imperfect people who can be prone to overwhelm ourselves with worry in times of stress. Read Philippians 4:6-7. What does this tell us about the correlation between peace and prayer?
5) In Psalm 5:3, David not only prays, but takes up a posture of "expectancy." He knows God hears his prayer and is working on his behalf; David is using his waiting as a form of worship. What are you waiting for from God? How can you use your waiting as a form of worship?
Dig In Questions:Read Psalm 1 in preparation for this week's questions.
1) The theme of the teaching that accompanies these questions is built around spending time in scripture; how well do you feel you are doing at that? Are there changes that you need to make in your life to increase your time reading God's Word?
2) Psalm 1:1 begins this way: "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked." What are some cultural norms in our society that can be easy for us to accept, but are those that God would deem unacceptable or wicked?
3) The Psalmist, in verses 1-3, closely associates the experience of joy with being rooted in God's Word. How can studying the Bible increase the amount of joy in your life?
4) In Psalm 1:3, the Psalmist uses the imagery of a flourishing tree planted alongside a riverbank to describe the spiritual life of a believer who is continually connected to scripture. How would you explain the personal impact that your study of the Bible has had on your life? How would you describe the personal impact that your lack of study has had on your life?
5) Read Jeremiah 6:16. Jeremiah tells us to "follow the old, godly way." What area of your life are you not walking down "the godly way"? What do you need to do to bring about change in this behavior?
Dig In Questions:1) The summer months can bring about many different emotions. No matter what we are feeling or experiencing, the psalms will meet us there! How have the psalms met you where you are, (emotionally, physically, or spiritually), this summer?
2) Do you have a particular verse, image, memory, or story that is a constant reminder to you of God’s presence in your life? What is it?
3) Read Psalm 40:1-3. The psalm starts out with good news. Sometimes we need to hear a good story of victory, because in those moments of victory, we can find mountains of hope. Is there a “moments of victory” story from scripture or from your personal life that leads you to “mountains of hope”?
4) Read Psalm 40:5. Make a written list of God’s wonderful deeds. Place them somewhere you will see them and be reminded of them often.
5) Read Psalm 40:10. Is telling others about the greatness of God something you do often? If not, what is holding you back?
6) In Sunday’s teaching, we were reminded that “We don’t have to stay in our pit. We are not doomed to it, destined to it or confined to it.” What does this psalm teach you about getting out of your pit?
Dig In Questions:In preparation for these questions, please read Psalm 51.
1) Psalm 51 was written after David sinned by having an illicit relationship with Bathsheba. In his remorse, we see David go towards God in repentance; his sin pushes him to God’s throne. What is your reaction to sin in your life? Do you allow it to push you away from God or do you go towards Him, seeking His forgiveness?
2) Repentance isn’t something that is frequently talked about in today’s Christian culture. It certainly isn’t fun to feel convicted or admit your wrongdoing, but why is it an essential spiritual discipline in the life of a believer? How often do you consider if there are things in your life you need to be repentant of?
3) Read Hebrews 4:12. How can this scripture impact your willingness to go to God in repentance and confession?
4) Read Romans 7:18-20. In this section of scripture, the Apostle Paul understands that sin's power in our life can cause us to do things we don’t want to do. Is there anything in your life that you need to repent of? Strongly consider sharing this with someone else to get support and accountability in removing this sin from your life.
Dig In Questions:1) Have you ever experienced a disconnect or perceived silence in your relationship with God? What was that time of life like for you?
2) On Sunday, we discussed a handful of individuals in the Bible who experienced silence or a disconnect from God. How does this affect how you see your own experiences of disconnect or silence from God?
3) In 1 Kings 19, we see that God didn't speak to Elijah through dramatics, but in a "gentle whisper." How well do you do to push out the noise of the world to hear God's voice? Is there anything you need to do differently to listen to His voice more clearly?
4) Read Psalm 119:105. One of the most prominent ways that God speaks directly to and guides His people is through the Bible, His Word! How has God spoken to you through scripture before? Is there anything that He is speaking to you in this season of life?
Dig In Questions:1) Read Psalm 103:1-6. David wrote these words towards the end of his life; a life filled with many highs and lows. David could have chosen to focus on the wrong things he had done or the times that life didn’t go his way. Instead, he decides to focus on all God has done for him. Despite your potentially difficult circumstances, what are some ways that God has blessed you?
2) Read 2 Timothy 2:13. What does this scripture reveal about God’s love for His children?
3) Read Psalm 103:8-18. Despite all the ups and downs of David’s life, he is choosing to direct His thoughts to God’s faithfulness. What are some ways that God has been faithful to you throughout your life?
4) How can remembering God's past faithfulness in your life grow you in trust and obedience now?
5) In Joshua 4, we see God’s people cross the Jordan River and finally, (after 40 years of wandering and many moments where they revealed their lack of faith in God), pass into the promised land. God instructs them to build a monument, so that way, generations of children will not forget how He blessed them and was faithful to them. What practical things can you do to remember how good God has been to you?
Dig In Questions:In preparation for these questions, please read Psalm 84.
1) In Psalm 84:2, the psalmist writes that they "faint with longing" to be with the Lord. How do the happenings of the world, (pain, suffering, evil), impact your anticipation for Heaven?
2) How has the Lord's strength changed your life? (Verse 5)
3) The author of this Psalm references a "valley of weeping" that believers must travel through to be in God's presence. How can the reality that your story ends peacefully in the presence of God impact you during seasons of "weeping" that you travel through?
4) Read James 4:14. This scripture reveals that, compared to all eternity, our lives are incredibly short. Do you find that this serves as motivation or discouragement for how you have spent your life and the time you have left?
5) On Sunday, we discussed how, as believers, we are headed towards a heavenly home; however, "for now, our responsibility is to bring some of Heaven here." What are some practical ways that you can begin bringing peace and hope to this world? Find someone close to you to hold you accountable for taking these steps!
Dig In Questions:1) Has there ever been a time in your life when certain events caused you to doubt God's existence, involvement in this world, or His goodness? Were there any valuable lessons or wisdom that this experience taught you?
2) During Sunday's teaching, we described some of God's characteristics; characteristics such as holy, righteous, just, and sovereign. Why is it essential to get to know the attributes of God before making a judgment on how He handles the events of the world?
3) Read 1 Peter 2:16. From the beginning of creation, we see that God has given humanity the freedom of choice - to make decisions between right and wrong. Why do you think that God would grant us this freedom?
4) Romans 3:23 tells us: "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." This means that even those who do the most evil we can think of are no better than we are! How does this truth change the way you see God dealing with sin in the world?
5) 2 Corinthians 5:17 shows us that God sent Jesus Christ into this world to combat the evil in the world and in us. What does God's patience with evil and allowing His children to change say about who He is?
6) Read Hosea 6:6 and Micah 6:8. What responsibility does this give us, the Church, in fighting against injustice, oppression, and evil in the world? How might our actions change someone's belief about God and how He chooses to run the world?
Dig In Questions:Read John 1:1-14
1) In the message, it was stated “We don’t need the Bible to know that there is a creation!” - do you agree with that statement? If so, how would you declare the existence of God, apart from quoting Bible verses?
2) Sometimes, Christians see science and faith as exclusively distinct entities, as if there is an unwritten law that presumes that science is all fact-based and that Christianity is all-faith based. How do you see faith and science in agreement with the other?
3) If God is true, (and we believe He is), our relationship with Him should impact and influence how we value all of His creation. How should that influence how we care for His planet? How should that influence how we care for his people?
4) Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. In what ways has your relationship with Jesus caused you to become a new creation?
5) From the reading in John 1, we see that Jesus was full love and forgiveness, and that He was to shine like light in the darkness. As children of God through faith in Jesus, we should allow Him to be in charge of all of our lives so that we can shine as lights in the darkness as well. What areas of your life do you need Jesus to impact and effect so you can shine in the dark like He does?
Dig In Questions:1) When did you first begin reading the Bible? How old were you and what caused you to begin reading it?
2) Why are people hesitant to read the Bible today? What objections or reservations do they have about it?
3) How important has it become in your own life? Is it helpful to you? Which parts do you find most helpful, encouraging, or motivating?
4) Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. What does it mean to you that the Scriptures are God-breathed, or inspired by God? How does this affect your approach to the Bible?
5) How does the way we live contribute to the attitude other people might have toward the Bible? In what ways should this motivate us?
Dig In Questions:Read 1 Peter 1:13-2:4, 9-12
1) Do you think that the church (Christians) have a reputation for being better known for the things we stand against rather than being known for loving the people Jesus died to save? If so, why have we earned that reputation?
2) In Sunday’s teaching, we were told that two of the reasons for hatred and hypocrisy in the church are that we have lost sight of all that Jesus has done for us, and that we have lost sight of what he has called us to. What are some other reasons?
3) What are some things that we should remember that Jesus has done for us? What are some things he’s called us to?
4) Read Matthew 23:13. Can you think of actions or attitudes that you have demonstrated that have caused others to feel unwelcome in the church? How about actions and attitudes that have made you feel unwelcome? What are some things we can do to insure that all are welcome?
5) When thinking about hatred and hypocrisy in the church, it’s easy to excuse our behavior and/or to blame others for theirs. What are some practical ways that we can be the kind of person that makes no enemies, the kind of person who people think is the nicest person in the world, and the kind of person that others naturally want to be around?
Dig In Questions:1) The Apostle Paul’s conversion reminds us that “you can never out-sin God’s grace”! How does this spiritual truth impact your life?
2) How would you define contentment? What do you think you need in life to be content?
3) Read Philippians 4:10-13. On Sunday, we discussed how “our contentment in all circumstances is found in the goodness of God”. What about God and His character allows us to find our contentment, in any season, in Him?
4) Read Matthew 6:31-33. What does our worry reveal about our trust and contentment?
5) What are some practical ways that you can grow in your contentment with the life God has blessed you with?
Dig In Questions:Read Matthew 26:36-46
1) One thing that Jesus' uncertainty in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals to us is that even the godliest of people will experience uncertainty. Does this truth bring you comfort or concern? What advantages does our faith afford us during the trials of life?
2) Read Proverbs 24:6 & Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Why is it important to lean on others and allow them to speak into your life during troubling times? Is there anyone you need to be reaching out to and encouraging right now?
3) Read Psalm 34:18. Have you ever had God reveal His closeness to you during a tough time? What are some practical ways that we can seek God and experience His closeness when our hearts feel broken?
4) On Sunday, we discussed how Jesus' prayer in the garden shows us that “amid uncertainty, we should submit to God’s plan.” What is most difficult about surrendering our preference for our life to God’s plan? Read Isaiah 55:8-9. How can this scripture motivate us to surrender?
Dig In Questions:Read Genesis 12:1-7 & 17:1-8
1) Have you ever found that getting comfortable with the familiarities of life has kept you from being open or even listening to directions or decisions that God may want you to choose?
2) In Sunday’s message, we were reminded that in the uncertainties of life, that we are no longer in control. How does that make you feel that you are just a passenger? What makes being a passenger difficult for some people?
3) Have you ever chosen to make a major life-changing decision because you felt that God was calling you to? How did that work out? What did you learn through it?
4) Abraham had to wait a long time for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Give an example of a time when your prayer didn’t seem to be answered as quickly as you wanted. How did you feel toward God during the “wait”?
5) Read Galatians 3:6-9 & 26-29. Abraham was given this promise: “All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” How have you been blessed because of Abraham’s faith?
6) In a life filled with uncertainties, what is something that God has been or is calling you to do? Pray about this with others.
Dig In Questions:1) What’s one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2) Read Daniel 1:1-7. Early on in Daniels's life, we see that unexpected and drastic changes come into his life. Has there ever been a time that this has happened to you? What was that time of life like?
3) In Daniel 1:8, we see Daniel take a stand for his faith by refusing to eat the King's food. How can small acts of obedience (or disobedience) affect our faith?
4) In the book of Daniel, we see that the Babylonians do all they can to change the identity of Daniel and his friends. Have you ever felt that Satan is using your past, your failures, your present circumstances, or anything else to tempt you to forget that your identity is in Christ? What does it mean to have your identity in Christ?
5) How can followers of Christ live in such a way to gain credibility and influence with those who do not share their faith? How can they lose credibility?
6) How does it feel to know that the same God who saved Daniel from the lion's den is wanting and willing to be there for you in your times of uncertainty? How can this make a practical difference in your day-to-day?
Dig In Questions:1) What is one thing that stood out to you about this week’s message?
2) If you were being honest, how do you typically react to uncertainty?
3) Early on in the book of Job, we see that its main character, Job, is someone who experiences a lot of undeserved suffering. Has there ever been a time that you witnessed someone undeservedly suffering? What was that experience like for you and did it have an impact on your faith in God?
4) Read Job’s response to his initial suffering in Job 1:20-22. Why do you think Job was able to worship through his pain, suffering, and loss? What does this teach us about how we can worship amid uncertainty?
5) Throughout chapters 38, 39, and 40 of the book of Job, God is reminding Job of His power and accomplishments. How can focusing on all God has done help us get through what we’re going through?
6) Read 2 Corinthians 4:17. Has there been a time that a trial in your life produced something beneficial that far outweighed the trial itself? What good do you think can come from this season of life we’re all living in?
Dig In Questions:Read Mark 16:1-8
1) Jesus’ disciples lost their hope and worried about their future because they were overwhelmed with disappointment and because they were overcome with fear. Can you remember a time in your life where your faith was shaken? What events, situations, or choices caused that or are causing that to happen?
2) Read 1 Corinthians 15:14. Why is the truth of the resurrection of Christ so important to our faith?
3) How have the circumstances we all are living through allowed the hope of the resurrection to speak louder than ever in your life or the lives of those around you?
4) In the sermon, Josh said that God doesn’t prove Himself by the absence of difficult times, but in what He does through difficult times. How has he grown you, comforted you, loved you, and sustained you through these difficult times?
5) Since we celebrate, serve, and align ourselves with a King who can conquer death, then why do we still have fears in life and think that our situations and circumstances are so big that our Heavenly Father can’t handle it?
6) Read 1 Peter 1:3-5. What assurances does Peter give us as a result of the resurrection?
Dig In Questions:1) Read Luke 19:28-31. How would you feel if you were one of these unknown disciples who had to do something of seemingly little significance for Jesus? Is anything Jesus asks us to do ever insignificant?
2) Are there any small acts of obedience that you’ve been neglecting because they seem to be small or insignificant?
3) In Sunday’s sermon, we discussed how Jesus' use of a donkey on the way into Jerusalem was a sign of peace in the 1st century. Read Colossians 1:19-20 and consider how Jesus' death could lead to our peace with God.
4) 500 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah prophesied that a righteous and victorious king would come riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). What can this fulfilled prophecy show us about how God is in control even, even during difficult times?
5) In Luke 19:36-40, we see the crowds cheering for Jesus because of who they wanted Him to be (political leader/earthly king), but Jesus came for things much bigger than that. Do you feel that people today still worship Jesus because of what they can get out of Him or what He's willing to do for them?
6) In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus weeps because people have missed who He really is and what He came to do. With Easter upon us, what can you do to focus more on Christ in order to fully appreciate His death, the power of His resurrection, and what it means for your life?
Dig In Questions:1) The book of Ecclesiastes is considered a book of wisdom. How would you define wisdom? Are there any areas of life where you feel like you aren’t living with wisdom?
2) Read Psalm 78:7-8. Why do you think the Psalmist urges us to think back about God's past faithfulness in our lives? How can that help us in our present troubles?
3) It goes without being said that we are living in a very...unique season, but how do you want to be remembered during this season of life - as someone who lives by faith or by fear? How might you need to change your thinking and/or behavior to be proud of how you handled these times?
4) Read James 1:2-4. How can a troubling time grow our faith? How has this season of life changed your faith?
5) Author C.S. Lewis was once asked, “Why do the righteous suffer?”, to which he replied, “Why not? They’re the only ones who can take it!” How has your faith helped you navigate life during in a pandemic?
6) Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Is there an area of your life where you’re depending on your own perspective, opinion, or understanding? Commit that to prayer this week and allow God to lead you.