Who Let You In?

Main Thought

Have you ever observed something great, maybe a club, a team, a church, or even started a new job, and felt intimidated to step in? Maybe you didn’t know where to start, didn’t know the rules, or weren’t sure if you’d be truly welcomed?

That’s how a lot of people feel when it comes to faith, church, and community especially across cultures. Sometimes it’s not a locked door keeping people out, it’s invisible walls. Walls that are cultural, economic, generational, or even relational things that separate us and make belonging feel difficult or delayed.

But Jesus doesn’t just open the door, He breaks down the walls that keep people from feeling separated. Through Him, we don’t just attend a church, we become part of a house that reflects Heaven, where every tribe, tongue, and story belongs. And in this house, you don’t earn your way in, you’re brought in by grace and built in with purpose.

Main Passages

12 …remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…
- Ephesians 2:12-14

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
- Ephesians 2:18-19

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- Galatians 3:28

9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
- Revelation 7:9-12

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the main idea or the main verses?

2. Can you think of a time when you felt like an outsider—maybe in a new job, church, or group—and what helped you feel included?

3. What is one intentional step you can take to break down a wall or open a door for someone trying to belong but is not quite there?

No Room for Shame

Opening Statement

The following Introduction will be included in our Discussion Guides periodically. It should help set expectations for the Life Group gathering. The statement should be read by a Life Group Leader. Leaders may also refer back to it and read it again when someone joins the Group for the first time.

“Welcome to Life Group! Our goal is to be a small group where anyone can belong, believe, and become the people that God made us to be. We want to grow as followers of Jesus together.

With these goals in mind, we’d like to keep our conversation focused on our personal lives, our discussion material, and on how God is teaching us to follow Him. Sharing is encouraged. We want to hear from everyone; however, you can choose to pass on answering a question if you’d like. Please be mindful of the time, so that everyone has equal opportunities to share, listen, and learn. As a Life Group Leader, I will do my best to guide the conversation.

Let’s open our Life Group in prayer, and ask God to be with us tonight.”

Main Thought

Like the prodigal son, we’ve all had moments in life we’ve wanted to keep hidden—parts of our story, our struggles, or our shame. Maybe it was a failure, a bad decision, or something we felt too embarrassed to talk about. Shame makes us isolate, perform, or pretend. But the good news is that God doesn’t wait for us to get it all together. He meets us right where we are. In Jesus’ story, the son totally wrecked his life and came home expecting judgment, but instead, the father ran to him, wrapped him in love and grace, and threw a celebration. He didn’t shame him, instead he restored him. The story of the prodigal son reminds us that our Heavenly Father is always ready to run toward us with compassion, not condemnation. His house, spiritually and relationally, is meant to be a safe place where we can stop hiding, be fully loved and be completely free.

Main Passages

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. - Luke 15:17-24

13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
- Proverbs 28:13

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
- Matthew 11:28–30

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 8:1

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the main thought or the main scriptures?

2. Why do you think people (ourselves included) often believe hiding things will protect us or help us? What does God’s word say we will actually find when we bring things into the light instead?

3. What can we do to help make our homes, friendships, or this group feel like a safe place for honesty, healing, and grace?

What Should a Dad Do?

Opening Statement

The following Introduction will be included in our Discussion Guides periodically. It should help set expectations for the Life Group gathering. The statement should be read by a Life Group Leader. Leaders may also refer back to it and read it again when someone joins the Group for the first time.

“Welcome to Life Group! Our goal is to be a small group where anyone can belong, believe, and become the people that God made us to be. We want to grow as followers of Jesus together.

With these goals in mind, we’d like to keep our conversation focused on our personal lives, our discussion material, and on how God is teaching us to follow Him. Sharing is encouraged. We want to hear from everyone; however, you can choose to pass on answering a question if you’d like. Please be mindful of the time, so that everyone has equal opportunities to share, listen, and learn. As a Life Group Leader, I will do my best to guide the conversation.

Let’s open our Life Group in prayer, and ask God to be with us tonight.”

Main Thought

What’s a dad supposed to do? Fathers are often thought of as providers. Provision includes meeting the basic financial or material needs for one’s self and/or family. This is a good, noble thing. But there are other things that need to be provided as well. We need love. In our efforts to provide love, we should capitalize on our strengths while considering how those around us best receive love. We need God’s love too. We should do our best to provide spiritual guidance. A prayer, an invitation to a Life Group or a Worship Service, and an encouraging word can all point people to God. Anyone can contribute to the provision of basic material needs, love, and spiritual guidance. But God will (generally) hold husbands and dads accountable to a greater degree, as He did with Adam. Fathers should be responsible for their families. God wants to help us all do our parts to guide and provide. He provided what we needed most through Jesus; and, He’s ready to help us through the presence of His Holy Spirit. 

Main Passages

'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.'

- Deuteronomy 6:5-7

'Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. '

- Matthew 6:31-33

'but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. '

- Romans 5:8,15-17

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Main Passages above?

2. Has anyone in your life provided spiritual guidance by “talking the talk and walking the walk” - essentially, by living a life that was in line with their faith? How so?

3. What can you provide to your family? What can you add to your spiritual family?

1 Corinthians 7: Bible Study

Read 1 Corinthians 7

• What stood out to you most after reading this chapter in the Bible? 

Reflect on these questions

• The words “call” and “called” are repeated often in this chapter. The Greek word for call means “to call aloud, to bid, or to invite.” Two of the verses that feature the word called are verses 17 and 24.
  
  Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
  - 1 Corinthians 7:17
  
  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called...
  - 1 Corinthians 7:24a
  
  Do you feel that you're currently living a life that God has called you to live? Is there anything that can confirm your answer in the Bible, in prayer, and/or through fellowship with other believers?

• Another emphasis in this chapter is the idea of “remaining with God,” and staying focused on Him. Verses 24 and 35 highlight this idea.
  
  So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
  - 1 Corinthians 7:24
  
  I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
  - 1 Corinthians 7:35
  
  How does your current season in life make it easier to focus on God and live for Him? Does your season in life create any obstacles to focusing on God and living for Him? 

Respond with faith in action

• Paul’s intent is not to forbid the pursuit of marriage; rather, it is to offer advice while promoting a focus on eternity (1 Cor. 7:29-31). Our time on earth is short.
  
  What can you do to live for eternity as an individual? What can you do with those around you (your family, Life Group, etc.) to live for eternity as a team?

Table Talk - What's on the Menu?

Main Thought

Building Christ-centered lives and families can be a little like setting a table for a meal. You can’t eat until you set the table with things like food, plates, and utensils. Our priorities are like setting the table. The things we prioritize will probably be repeated by ourselves, our families, Life Groups, and more. We also want to “watch our portions.” Children often learn to eat balanced meals, or unbalanced meals, based on what they see the adults around them do. Food choices are often learned behaviors. A lot of other things can be learned behaviors too: what we do with our time, how we serve, the way we talk about and treat others, etc. We should model behaviors and attitudes that we want to multiply. Finally, when it’s time to eat, things that don’t belong on the table need to be removed. Sometimes, there are things in our lives and families that don’t belong there. They make it hard for us to love God and love others. We can identify those things and remove them from our lives.

Main Passages

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

- Deuteronomy 6:4-9, ESV

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

- Philippians 4:9

15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

- Joshua 24:15

Discussion Questions

1. What is a priority in your personal life, home, or family that you would like to see repeated and/or multiplied? 

2. How are you currently modeling the priorities, beliefs, behaviors, etc. that you would like to see multiplied?

3. Do a quick internal review of things that are present in your life and your home. Is there anything that makes it hard for you, or those close to you, to love God with your all? Is there anything that should not belong? (This could be anything: music, movies, social media, crude language, excessive busyness, horoscopes, etc.)

Pardon Our Progress - Grace at Work

Main Thought

Have you ever walked through a home under construction or renovation? It can be such a mess! There’s dirt, debris, and materials everywhere. Yet these clear imperfections are signs of progress when a master builder is nearby. Our homes and families - which includes each of us as individuals - are no different. We’re works in progress, living with other works in progress. Grace allows the work to continue. God gives grace to us; we should extend grace to each other; and, we should give grace to ourselves. We might be incomplete, but we can’t allow that to make us insecure. Insecurity keeps us from rising into the places and roles God has called us to occupy in our homes.

Each of us can partner with God to become the best versions of ourselves. Allowing God to build us might involve evaluating ourselves and our lives against a new blueprint: the Bible. Letting God build us might also involve becoming aware of our flaws and fixing them. We can adopt new mindsets, actions, and habits in place of those flaws. This process is repentance in action. The work might be hard, but God is a Master Builder. He’ll finish what He started if we continue the work with plenty of grace.

Main Passages

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

- Philippians 1:3-6, ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

- 2 Corinthians 12:9

'“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…”

Acts 3:17-20

Discussion Questions

1. Name one strength, talent, or personality trait of yours that is a blessing to your family (or to those close to you). How do you use that to bless others?

2. How does grace help create a space where we can all safely learn, grow, and improve?

3. Think about one of your own flaws and failings. How might that affect your family (or people close to you) negatively? What could repentance and growth look like for you?

Through Ages and Stages

Main Thought

The Bible’s command to “honor your father and mother” is for everyone. Yet the way we relate to our parents (or other people who helped raise us) changes over time. The honor that we give them might change too. We need to navigate this dynamic through different ages and stages. We might not know how to do that sometimes. We might even feel that they don’t deserve honor from us. Still, Christians are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Jesus honored the Father - even when it was difficult - when He chose to give His life on the Cross. 

Jesus chose honor. We can choose honor too. This begins with a base level of honor, because we wouldn’t be here without our parents. We can then do something that’s implied by the words for “honor” in the original Greek and Hebrew: value and weight, respectively. We can carefully evaluate, or weigh out, how to honor our parents practically in the context of our unique relationships. Honor can look different in different situations. Finally, we should extend honor with grace (undeserved, unearned kindness). As Christians, we’ve experienced the grace of God. We should extend grace to our parents and guardians too. God’s Word promises that He will bless us when we bless our parents. Let’s choose honor, and look for God to fulfill His promise.

Main Passages

'Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”'

- Matthew 26:36-39, ESV

'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.'

- Ephesians 5:1-2

'Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”'

- Ephesians 6:1-3

Discussion Questions

1. Think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. What can we learn from Him in those difficult moments, leading up to His crucifixion?

2. Why do you think God commanded everyone to honor their parents?

3. Honor can look different in different seasons and situations. We might choose to give honor through our time, words, gifts, or service; through respectful, clear expectations or boundaries; by honoring someone’s memory, and passing on the lessons you learned from them; or, perhaps even with prayer, forgiveness, and blessing from a distance. 
   
   What might honoring your parents look like practically for you? (Be sure to evaluate this with God, and weigh it out with Christian community.) 

The Love That Releases - When Love Becomes Sacrifice

Main Thought

You might have heard this saying before: “If you love something, let it go.” There’s actually some truth to this from a Biblical perspective, but God’s Word brings greater clarity and truth to it. Love releases what it isn’t called to change or control. In family life, there will be issues - people, problems, decisions, and more - that are outside of our rightful influence and control. Love recognizes this fact and rejects the temptation to exert inappropriate influence. In love, we let these things go - but we do not go away. Love watches without withdrawing. We remain accessible, within reach, to the people and problems that we release. We want people to be able to turn to us when they’re ready. So what do we do in the meantime? Love trusts God to return the things we’ve released. Some things are outside our control, but there’s nothing outside God’s control. Letting things go teaches us to trust Him.

Main Passages

Now a man of the tribe of Levi married a Levite woman, 2 and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months. 3 But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. 4 His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. - Exodus 2:1-4, NIV

5 Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said. 7 Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” 8 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him. 10 When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” - Exodus 2:5-10

'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ' - Romans 8:28

Discussion Questions

1. Reflect on Romans 8:28 (above). What can it look like when God works “for the good of those who love him”? What does this verse promise us? What doesn’t it promise us?

2. Are there any situations in your life or your family that are bringing you pain, worry, or distress? Is there anything you can do within your rightful place of influence or control?

3. Think about your answer to Question 2 again. What’s outside your rightful place of influence or control? Pray with each other for those situations, breaking into smaller groups if appropriate.

Show Us How to Love

Main Thought

Many of us have experienced love in and through our families of origin. Sadly, that’s a blessing that not everyone can say they’ve had. Still, everyone should be able to agree that we’re supposed to love our families. Even that can be more complicated than it should be. We fight; we have misunderstandings; we are hurt, and we hurt others. We need someone to show us how to love our families.

God’s love can show us how to love our families. God sees each of us at our absolute worst, yet He offered us His absolute best through Jesus Christ. He adopts us into His family. This is grace: the undeserved, unearned kindness of God. If you’ve experienced God’s love and grace, then you should remember what you’ve received and offer it to your family. We can greet our family’s failures with grace, and help them grow. We can look for opportunities to serve. We can love and forgive quickly, while choosing to trust or develop relationships with care and time. That’s how God can show us to love our families. If we do our best to love like Jesus, then God’s love can fill and heal our families.

Main Passages

'For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. '

- Ephesians 3:14-19, ESV

‘But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.’

- Ephesians 2:4-7

'Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.'

- Ephesians 2:11-13

Main Passage

1. It can be said that the first imperative (or command) issued in the Book of Ephesians is to remember the love that we’ve received from God. Why do you think we’re encouraged to begin living for God, and loving like Him, by first remembering His love for us?

2. Has God’s love changed your understanding or experience of love? If so, how?

3. What would it look like for you to remember what you’ve received from God (love, grace, forgiveness, etc.) and offer that to someone in your family? Try your best to do that this week!

Safe in His Will

Main Thought

Where do you feel safest? With whom do you feel safest; or, what kind of circumstances make you feel safe? The call to follow Jesus can be a very difficult one at times. Every Christian will be opposed in some way: by society, by the Enemy, by other people, and even by ourselves. Where can we find safety in the midst of all this opposition? The safest place to be is in the will of God! His loving presence can comfort us in our troubles. He can empower us and embolden us to love Him and love others. He can guide us forward. If we’ll follow Jesus, instead of giving into fear, we’ll discover that we are safe in His will.

Main Passages

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

‭‭- Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”

- Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

‭‭- 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Discussion Questions

1. One particular fear that the Bible us about is the “fear of man.” (Proverbs 29:25.) How would you define “the fear of man?” How can it affect us?

2. How can knowing God make us feel safe in the face of our greatest fears?

3. What’s one thing you need courage or faith from God to do?

This Changes Everything!

Main Thought

All of Jesus’s followers believed that He was gone for good after His death on Good Friday. But Jesus didn’t stay dead. He rose again three days later! The resurrection of Christ on Easter marks the turning point of His real-life story. His resurrection can change our stories too. God wants to be near to us - even when we can’t perceive Him. His words can ground us when we feel unsettled. He can give us clarity when life is chaotic. These things come when we walk with God. Believing in Jesus, seeking to know Him (through things like the Bible, prayer, and other resources like the One 2 One), and growing in the love of God mark the path of those who choose to walk with Christ.

Main Passages

That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. - Luke 24:13–16 (NLT)

Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

- Luke 24:27

As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

- Luke 24:30–31

Discussion Questions

1. How do you celebrate Easter? Are there any elements of your Easter celebrations or festivities that serve as a reminder of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?

2. What do you think it means to “walk with Jesus”?

3. A step of faith can change everything. What’s one step of faith you can take that has the power to make a big impact in your life, or in the lives of people around you?

Because He Lives

Main Thought

In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul taught that Christianity’s authority and validity depended on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself prophesied that He would rise again before His Crucifixion. In order to prove Himself, Jesus needed to defeat death! Death was an intimidating opponent. Mankind has faced death, and all of the pain that it brings with it, ever since sin entered the world. But Jesus Christ defeated sin and death when He rose again! We can look forward to an eternity with Him. In the meantime, we can live with excellence on earth - knowing that the effort we give to God won’t be in vain. Our lives can be filled with lasting purpose, meaning, and hope because He lives.

Main Passages

'For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.' - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

'For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.'

- 1 Corinthians 15:16-21

'Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.'

- 1 Corinthians 15:58

Discussion Questions

1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so important?

2. In places like 1 Corinthians 15, the Bible describes a “resurrected” or “glorified” body that believers will have for eternity. What do you think that will be like? (For example: Will we eat and drink? Will we need sleep? We will be capable of things that our physical bodies aren’t capable of right now?)

3. Do you feel that you live differently because Jesus promises eternal life to us? If so, how?

He Came Back Different

Main Thought

Do you live like Jesus is alive? Jesus is different from other religious leaders or martyrs because of His resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus changed the world; and, it carries implications that should change the lives of everyone who believes in Him. We aren’t just saved - we’re resurrected. We should live in a new way. We aren’t just alive - we have access. We can approach God, the King and Creator of the Universe, in different ways: through His Word, through prayer, in worship, in books, and so much more. We also aren’t just present as members of God’s Kingdom - we have parts to play in it. We, like Lazarus, can rise and experience the power of a new life in Christ.

Main Passages

Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

- John 11:17-26, ESV

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

- Romans 6:4, NIV

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

- John 10:10b, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

2. What are some of the implications of the resurrection of Jesus Christ - either for the world as a whole, or for individual believers?

3. How has your life become “new,” in a practical way, since coming to faith in Jesus Christ? In what ways do you feel you’re continuing to grow in Christ now?

No Escape

Main Thought

People love 2 Corinthians 5:21, which tells us that Jesus took our sin and enabled us to become the righteousness of God. The beautiful truths of this scripture apply to everyone who follows Jesus! But what about the scriptures leading up to that beautiful declaration? It is there we discover that God gave the “Ministry of Reconciliation” to all of His people. We’re like ambassadors who have the opportunity to extend the good news about Jesus on God’s behalf. This responsibility also applies to everyone who follows Jesus. There’s no escaping our calling as ambassadors for Christ! But this isn’t an obligation to escape from; it’s an opportunity to be excited by. The Leper who met Jesus in (Matthew 8 and Mark 1) couldn’t help but share his story of transformation at the hands of Jesus. If Jesus has transformed something in you, or in your life, then you have a story to share too.

Main Passages

'And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.' - Mark 1:40-45

'All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.' - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Discussion Questions

1. God calls everyone who has been touched or transformed by Jesus to spread His good news to others. Why do you think God calls us to do this?

2. What’s one of your favorite things about Jesus? (It could be a passage, a teaching, a testimony, an aspect of His character, an apologetic fact, a theological truth, etc.)

3. Is there someone in your life who might be blessed or encouraged to hear you share your answer to the previous question? If so, who?

A Bridge Between Heaven and Earth

Main Thought

Friendship can be like a bridge that leads people to Jesus. Many of us were introduced to Jesus through friends, family members, or other pre-existing relationships. Yet some of our attempts to talk about God or to invite someone to experience Him might not be received well. When this happens, it’s important for us to remember two things: people need Jesus, and Jesus is worth sharing.

Jesus is the bridge that connects heaven and earth! We can only experience true fellowship with God, and eternal life, through Him. Friendship (and other similar relationships) gives us an opportunity to deliver this truth in an effective and enduring way. We can commit to building these relationships and bringing Jesus with us. Bringing Jesus with us is a mindset that helps us find the right moment, or the right method, and more. If we’ll make these commitments, then the relational bridges we build can lead people to Jesus.

Main Passages

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

- John 1:43-46, ESV

Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

- John 1:50-51, ESV

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

- John 14:2-6, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought or the Main Passages above?

2. Who told you about Jesus? What made you pay attention to the message? 

3. What is something that Jesus has done for you that you would feel comfortable sharing with others? Is there anyone in your life that might benefit from hearing that good news?

You Are the Light of the World

Main Thought

Have you ever found yourself in a very dark environment? Maybe it was a room without access to light, a cave, or even somewhere outside with the moon and stars obscured somehow. When we find ourselves in darkness, we become desperate for light. The world we live in is in a state of deep, spiritual darkness. Jesus has called us to be the light that it needs! We’re meant to reveal and reflect the light of God. It’s a part of our nature as believers. God’s light fills us with life, hope truth, and more; at the same time, we can reveal the truth of God to others.

The good things we do, and the way we conduct ourselves, can help people see God. But God can even use us in spite of our flaws. We might be intimidated to share the good news about Jesus because we don’t want to be seen as “hypocrites,” people who fail to practice what we preach. We can’t let that fear stop us. Instead, we can change our practices over time and be careful to preach the right message. Becoming more like Jesus actually creates opportunities for people to see Him through us over time. Keeping Jesus the focal point of our message, as opposed to focusing on issues of behavior or morality, can minimize distractions in the midst of our efforts to share the gospel. The world is waiting for God’s people to bring light into darkness - and God can use all of us to help others see Jesus a little more clearly.

Main Passages

' “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. ' 

- Matthew 5:14-16, ESV

'For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, ' 

- 1 Corinthians 2:2-4, ESV

'to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ '

- Acts 26:18, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Main Passages above?

2. Do you feel that your life, conduct, and/or actions reveal “good works” that could cause people to be open to learning about God? Why or why not?

3. How might you be able to bring God’s light to people around you that need Him? Pray for open doors and opportunities to do that.

Evangelism in Motion: Living the Great Commission

Main Thought

Most Christians have heard the Great Commission: “Go, and make disciples of all nations.” The Greek word for “go” in that instance implies a continuous journey. Therefore, we should carry Jesus - and His message - wherever we go. God wants the people around us to have an opportunity to meet Jesus through us. In order for that to happen, we should strive to live life in a way that matches our faith. We don’t need to be perfect; however, choosing to follow Jesus should cause us to be distinct in a way that honors God. A change that happens in us can create opportunities for change to happen around us. With God’s help, we can make disciples and inspire people to seek God in our daily encounters.

Main Passages

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

- Matthew 28:19-20

14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

- Acts 16:11-15

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to “live a life that matches your faith”? Do you think your life aligns with your faith?

2. Is there space in your calendar for you to share God’s love with others?

3. Think of where you spend your workdays or school days. Is there a way for you to share your faith there respectfully?

Can You Hear Me Now?

Main Thought

A lot of Christians want to be equipped as effective evangelists. That’s very important. But what if we already have access to one of the most powerful evangelistic tools out there? When sharing Christ, one of the greatest things we can do is listen. We can listen to God, who leads us by His Spirit. He may nudge us - through a thought, a picture, a name, etc. - to connect with someone. We can look to build genuine, caring relationships with people. Once there, we can listen to them with the goal of understanding them. Slowing down in our conversations and asking meaningful questions can help us understand. Listening to people often causes them to be open to a response. “Modern Day evangelists” listen for these precious opportunities. God can change lives if we take them in faith. 

Main Passages

26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him

- Acts 8:26-30

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

- Acts 8:35-38

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…

- James 1:19

Discussion Questions

1. What makes someone a “good listener”? Do you consider yourself a good listener? 

2. How can being a good listener become a powerful tool in evangelism?

3. How can we hear God? What will you do in an effort to hear from God (with a focus on engaging people who don’t know Him) this week?

Making Room: Building a Dwelling Place for God

Main Thought

It has always been God’s desire to dwell among His people. But do we have a place for Him? Demands and distractions are abundant. Our schedules are full, and we have plenty of commitments. We might not have any time or space for God left - and our hearts feel His absence. We need to make room for God. We can make room for God when we surrender our hearts in worship, and when we surrender our hands to serve. We can offer our resources, like our time and treasure, to Him. If we make room for God, then He’ll come to dwell with us. He will reveal Himself to us and through us.

Main Passages

44 I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests. 45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
- Exodus 29:44-46

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
- John 1:14

“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
- 1 Peter 2:5,9

Discussion Questions

1. What are the benefits of having adequate time or space for God in our lives? What are potential consequences of not having enough time or space for God?

2. Do you feel that you have adequate, consistent time and/or space in your life for God? Why do you feel that way?

3. Is there anything you can offer to God in order to make more room for Him? How can you do that practically?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: John 21

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal

Weekly Reading: John 21

'Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.' - John 21:25

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from John 21. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. The following questions can help us understand the context of a passage: What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text?

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

We’ll write our responses and share them with our group. (If you journal some other way, feel free to do that!) Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! 

Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word!