"True Religion" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

James wrote this letter to the believers in his time to challenge them to live out their faith: to not just hear the Word, but do it. The goal of Bible-reading and study is application, not information. We can be hearers who forget or doers who act, but the Bible promises the doers will be blessed (James 1:25). Because Christians are saved by grace through faith, we know that “doing” can not lead or add to our salvation. However, as Christians, we can now put our faith into action and practice true religion: serve the poor and afflicted, and guard against impurity. 

Main Passages

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
- James 1:27

Questions

1. Recall an instance in which you helped a stranger, and share it with us.
2. Who are the poor and afflicted in your community? How can you serve them?
3. What is one thing you need to do starting this week to keep yourself unstained from the world?

"The Testing of Faith" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Bible promises that believers will face many trials of different kinds. But when trials come, we are to count it as joy—not because we like being tested or being given a hard time, but because of the effect it has on our lives. If we, as believers, persevere in a trial, we will become steadfast—which means to be fixed in place, dependable, and not easily moved. So although tests are difficult and we all face different trials, we mature as we go through them. 

Main Passages

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
- James 1:2-4, 12 ESV

Discussion Questions

1. How is a test, trouble, or trial an opportunity for growth and maturity?
2. How can you count the testing of your faith as joy? How can you encourage others to do the same and trust God?
3. Pray for a family member or friend whose faith is being tested. How can you be a channel of and remind him or her of God's goodness and faithfulness at this time?

"Who Do You Say that I Am?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Jesus asked a question with implications for life on earth and throughout eternity: “Who do you say that I am?” People can reveal their spiritual condition through their response. If we can find out how someone perceive Jesus, then we can begin to discern ways in which to minister to him or her effectively. Yet we must first ensure that we, as Christians, view Jesus appropriately. Many of us know the “correct answer” - but our lives need to back up the things we believe! The revelation of Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior is essential for a fruitful life and effective ministry.

Main Passages

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
- Matthew 16:13-18

Discussion Questions

1. Think of someone who you may be able to invite to service, Community Group, or even share either the gospel with. What do you think they would say if asked: “Who do you think Jesus is?” How can you respond?
2. Do your beliefs, behaviors, speech, and character reflect Jesus? Why or why not? How can you reflect Christ a little better this week?
3. What are some of the benefits you’ve experienced since beginning a relationship with Jesus?

"Guilty to Forgiven" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God’s plan for our salvation is not just for us to go to heaven; it involves us experiencing His forgiveness and redemption because of His great love, mercy, and grace. This gospel was according to His plan—the Son of God, Jesus, taking our sin and shame upon Himself so we could be redeemed, be forgiven, and know His will.

Main Passage

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
- Ephesians 1:7-10

Discussion Questions

1. God forgives us in His grace because Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. Do you truly believe you’re forgiven? If so, is there anyone you need to forgive?
2. Jesus bought our freedom at the cost of His own life. How should the way God values you affect the way you live your life this week?
3. God’s plan for our personal lives is always connected to His bigger purpose: saving mankind. How can you grow in your own purpose, while participating in God’s plan by making disciples?
    

"Death to Life" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Bible says that without Christ and His saving work, we are dead in our sins. We are not bad or in need of a little help; we are dead. But God’s mercy, love, and grace cause dead people to come alive. Our salvation is God’s work and gift. We could never do anything to deserve it. Jesus Christ took our place and paid the price for our sin through His death, burial, and resurrection. This is the gospel. And the only appropriate response is to believe in Him and gratefully live a life that glorifies Him.

Main Passage

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 2:1-7

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:8-10

Questions

1. Have you received by faith the new life that Christ offers? If not, would you like to put your faith in Christ’s finished work for your salvation?
2. Can you explain what happened on the cross for you to be saved? To whom can you share it this week?
3. What good works do you believe you can do this week, which God has prepared in advance for you to do?