“Called to the Witness Stand” Discussion Guide

Main Thought

A witness is someone who testifies about what they have seen or heard. God calls us to be witnesses; people who share what Jesus did for us. “Witness” is not merely an activity. It is an important part of our God-given identity. Living as a witness will give our lives on earth a lasting, eternal impact. We become effective witnesses, in part, as people close by see a change in our lives. Unchurched people need more than principles explained - they need a person to experience. We can invite these people to experience Jesus in church, in a Community Group, and through us. It can be difficult to invite someone to experience Jesus. One effective way to look for opportunities is to listen for the “Three ‘Not’ Cues.” They are:

1. Things are not going well.
2. I was not prepared for something to happen.
3. I am not attending a church.

Main Passages

8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- Acts 1:8

9 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
- 1 Peter 2:9-10

35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.
- John 4:38

Discussion

1. Every Christian is called to be a witness. What’s one thing you have “witnessed” God do in your life recently? How does that reveal God’s goodness?
2. What is the biggest obstacle you face in regards to inviting someone to experience Jesus? How might you partner with God, and even your Community Group, to overcome that obstacle and live out your identity as a witness?
3. Think about people close to you (relationally, geographically, situationally, etc.). Who might one of the “Three ‘Not’ Cues” apply to? Pray for opportunities to make an invitation this week.

"Honoring Mothers" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Mothers are a gift from God! Every woman who becomes a mother makes physical and emotional sacrifices. Most mothers continue on to make countless sacrifices for their children in love. It is God’s desire that a mother’s love point us back to His own unconditional, and sacrificial, love. We are to honor our mothers (and even mother figures), just as Christ honored Mary on the cross by ensuring her well-being and care. We should also respond to being loved unconditionally by loving those around us.

Main Passages

13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 66:13

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
- Exodus 20:12

25 But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
- John 19:25-27

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
- 1 Peter 4:8

Discussion

1. Share a story of a sacrifice that your mother, or that a mother figure, made for you. What happened, and how did that shape who you have become?
2. We can experience God’s unconditional love, regardless of our relational standing with our earthly mothers. How does God’s love impact you?
3. Think of a practical way in which you can demonstrate unconditional, sacrificial love to those around you. Please share.

"Faith Produces Works. Works Serves Others." Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We receive salvation through our faith in Christ. However, James reminded the Jewish Christians that salvation is just the starting point for a life in Christ. Genuine faith causes positive change inside us, which then overflows to affect the people and things around us. Conversely, faith that does not lead to good works is useless and dead. James wrote that our good works, especially those which serve others, are a powerful proof of our faith in Christ. 

Main Passages

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
- James 2:14-19

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

Discussion Questions

1. When was the last time you acted on your faith in God? What happened? How did it affect you and those around you?
2. Is there a step of faith you want to take in your personal life? What it is, and how will that act of faith cause change in and through you?
3. Do you currently pray for, give to, or participate in an organization that serves others? How can you become more actively involved in these starting today? 

Prayer

Pray for God to show you a way you can actively serve others on a regular basis. Pray that your life of faith will be a way for others to meet God through your faith. 

"No Partiality in the Kingdom" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

James was speaking to the Christian Jews scattered because of persecution. While his letter started with encouragement during trials, it was also a reminder of how to act as followers of Christ. Here, we see how he reminded them to show no partiality and to love their neighbors as themselves. For those of us who hold to the gospel proclaimed (James 2:1), we must demonstrate the gospel by showing no partiality to others in what we see, what we say, or what we think.

Main Passages

1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?... 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
- James 2:1-4, 8

28 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

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
- Romans 12:2

Discussion Questions

1. Sometimes, we rank others as better or worse than one another based on these. Have you ever made a wrong judgment about people based on how they looked? What happened? 
2. When we see others as better or worse than one another, it comes out in how we speak to them and treat them. What does Galatians 3:28 say about who we all are in Christ? 
3. The gospel must be demonstrated, even in our thought life. What does Romans 12:2 say about the way we should think?

"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?