"When Should We 'Let Go and Let God?'" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

A common word of advice shared among Christians, especially when things are hard, is that we should “let Go and let God.” The phrase alludes to the general idea that we should surrender our cares to God. But should we always approach life that way? We should definitely “let go and let God” in regards to salvation. Only Jesus can save us from our sin and its consequences! Yet in almost every other situation, God requires our best effort. God uses life’s challenges and opportunities to strengthen us. Once we’re giving Him our best; then, we can surrender and trust Him with the results.

Main Passages

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.
- Ephesians 2:8-9

24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
- Matthew 25:24-26

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
- Proverbs 16:3

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever trusted God with an issue, without giving it your best effort? What happened?

2. Is there an area in your life in which you feel you’re trying your best and trusting God, but still haven’t seen breakthrough? What might he be developing in you?

3. Think about some way in which you’re serving God now, or a way in which you would like to serve Him. What do you want to see God do? How can you either start or continue to give Him your best effort?

"Do We All Worship the Same God?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Does every religion worship the same God? Many people would say “yes,” for a wide variety of reasons. They may be motivated by a desire for tolerance or political correctness. They might be afraid of the conflict that a conversation like this one could create. Others still may simply be ignorant. Regardless of the reason, the idea that all religions worship the same God is incorrect. There are too many contradictions between religions to reconcile them.

Jesus Christ claimed that He was the only way for us to be saved. The Christian Gospel is very unique: it asserts that Jesus was the only Man to have lived a perfect life, to die in our place, and to rise again - thereby proving His claim to be true. These things shouldn’t cause Christians to be filled with pride; instead, it should cause us to pursue others with the same loving grace that Jesus pursued us with. If we reveal the truth in love, then other may come to know Jesus too.

Main Passages

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 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 14:1-6

What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.
- 1 Corinthians 10:19-20

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
- 2 Peter 3:9

Discussion Questions

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

2. Have you ever been grateful to someone for sharing something with you that was hard to hear? Why is it important for us to tell people about Jesus?

3. If we believe in Jesus as “the Way” to God, then having a relationship with Him should fill us with great confidence. Is there any area in your life in which you might need God’s Word to create more confidence in you?

4. Bonus: How can you practically be a witness to one person this week?

"More Than We Can Handle" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

A lot of people have heard, shared, or believed the following statement: “God will never give you more than you can handle.” There’s some truth in that cliche - but we need to clarify it with God’s Word! The Bible promises that we will never be tempted with sin beyond our ability to resist it. We can choose whether or not to sin; however, we cannot choose our situations, or whether or not we’ll suffer. Therefore, God DOES allow us to experience situations and suffering that we cannot handle - at least on our own. God has a purpose for our pain when the going gets tough in our lives. He may be trying to grow our strength, grow our faith, or grow our relationship with Him. It’s in Christ that we find the strength to overcome in spite of our circumstances. God never gives us more than we can handle when we find our strength in Him.

Main Passage

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:12-13

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

Discussion Questions

1. Are you facing any situations or circumstances right now that are overwhelming? What is it?

2. Our “strength,” on a spiritual level, can be broken up into character (who we are as people), our competencies (the things we do well), and our capacity (how much we’re able to handle). Do you think God may be developing your strength in any of these three areas? How?

3. God wants to grow our faith and our relationship with Him. How have past trials, or even a current one, helped you grow in those two things?

"Doesn't God Want Me to be Happy?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Everyone wants to be happy! America was, in part, founded on the truth that people are entitled to “the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” However, most people have discovered that pursuing happiness can end in disappointment and heartbreak. That’s because pursuing happiness in temporary things can only produce temporary happiness. For this reason, God wants us to pursue happiness in eternal things instead. If we do, then we’ll be able to stay happy regardless of what our lives look like here on earth.

Main Passage

12 May all who are godly be happy in the Lord and crown him, our holy God.
- Psalm 97:12 (TLB)

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
- Mark 8:36-38 (KJV)

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
- Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever been heartbroken or disappointed after trying to find happiness in something temporary, or earthly? What happened and why did it disappoint you?

2. Think about the main things you’re pursuing right now. (Career achievements, comfort for your family, a relationship, a degree or diploma, etc.) Are they temporary, earthly things or permanent, eternal things?

3. How might pursuing something with an eternal reward affect your life? How can pursuing happiness in something eternal impact the lives of others around you?

"Welcome Home!" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God wants His people to possess His promises. Every child of God has an inheritance from God, made up of His promises and a personal calling. Likewise, every church has a set of promises that it’s called to inherit. The Israelites had a home called the Promised Land waiting for them, but God needed to prepare them up to receive their inheritance. His agenda is to build people, not structures. God’s promises often come with a premise, or a condition: we must act in faith to seize them ourselves. As we take practical steps of faith, we unleash God’s promises for ourselves and for other people.

Main Passage

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
- Deuteronomy 31:7-10

Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them. 2 There remained among the people of Israel seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned. 3 So Joshua said to the people of Israel, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?
- Joshua 18:1-3

20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20

Discussion Questions

1. What’s one thing that stops us from inheriting, or receiving, the promises of God? Listen to your group members, and think about the things that stop you.

2. What’s one “promise” that you feel God has for your life? It may be something from God’s Word, a desire that you feel He birthed in your heart, or a prophetic word spoken over you. How are you practically acting in faith to receive God’s promise?

3. God’s promises aren’t just for us; we’re called to use our breakthrough as a blessing for others too. How might receiving your promise bless the people around you?

"Shared Life" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Jesus called his disciples to follow God, fish for people, and fellowship with the church. We can think of fellowship as “sharing life” with one another. Sharing life goes deeper than friendship. It begins as we share love with one another, cover each other’s sins, and live in unity. Genuine love eventually expresses itself through sharing hospitality and generosity - even toward strangers. We also share life with one another by sharing our God-given gifts. Busyness, unwillingness, or inconvenience can keep us from sharing our gifts. But choosing to serve in spite of those things makes us more like Jesus, who loved and served us first.

Main Passage

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- 1 Peter 4:8-10

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- 1 John 1:9

28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
- Matthew 20:28

Discussion Questions

1. We need to “cover sin” and forgive, instead of “counting sin” and becoming bitter. Have you ever felt as if someone counted your sins against you? Is there anyone whose sin you should cover and forgive?

2. Recall a time where a stranger, or someone you didn’t know well, shared hospitality or generosity with you. How did it affect you?

3. Do you feel that you have any God-given gifts that are unutilized? How might you use them to serve God in your home, at work, or at church?

"Church Community" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The apostles and followers of Jesus preached the gospel for the first time on the Day of Pentecost to Jews gathered in Jerusalem. On that day, 3,000 Jews were added to the disciples (around 120 in number), creating the very first church community. The new believers began to share expressions of faith, such as the Lord’s Supper, or communion. This gave them a unique common ground. This shared faith eventually led to shared life. They shared and even sold possessions and belongings to provide for those in need. They went to the temple and ate together. This is what our church community should be like today. God used this first church community to change the hearts of those who saw them, adding to their number day by day those who were being saved, and giving the community a shared mission.

Main Passage

40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
- Acts 2:40-47 (ESV)

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to “devote” yourself to something? How have you learned to devote yourself to the Word?

2. We should share life together by being generous, having compassion, and actively being with those in our church community. How did you learn to value the church and share life with others?

3. Church communities share a common mission to tell others about Jesus, and lead more people to Him. What’s the mission of our church? What’s your role in it?

"Power of the Gospel" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The work of Jesus Christ, revealed to us in the Gospel message, brings our spirits to life. But the Gospel doesn’t just work in us. It works through us! We’re commanded by God to engage the unreached, preach the Gospel, and make disciples. Everyone has a primary evangelism “style” that reflects their personality. They are as follows:

1. A Direct Approach

2. An Intellectual Approach

3. Testimonial Approach

4. Interpersonal Approach

5. Invitational Approach

6. Service Approach

We might excel in one style above others, but can (and should) use whatever we need to win people to Christ.

Main Passage

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
- 1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism
- Acts 10:34

42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
- Acts 10:42

Discussion Questions

1. Peter says we’ve been made “alive in Christ,” which should inspire us to share the Gospel with those who don’t know God. What grows your motivation to share the Gospel?

2. Which one of the six evangelism styles describe you the best? Do you think you could use any of the other six styles?

3. Think about someone around you who doesn’t know God. Create a plan to engage that person using the style (or styles) you identified. The goal is to share the gospel, your testimony, or an invite to Every Nation Church Las Vegas.

"Taking the Gospel Turn" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Gospel is the “good news” that God became a man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived, and died the death we should have died. He rose from the dead three days later, proving He is the Son of God. He offers the gift of salvation and forgiveness to all those who repent and believe in His name. If we believe in this good news, then it turns us to Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Trusting Jesus as Lord means we let Him call the shots. Believing that He’s our Savior gives us hope on earth and throughout eternity. The Gospel also turns us toward people who don’t know God, so they can receive the good news too.

Main Passage

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 2:36-39

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
- Romans 10:14

Discussion Questions

1. Does anything make it hard for you to trust God’s Word, and allow Jesus to be Lord in your life?

2. Think about the implications of the Gospel - that we are God’s children in Christ, that we are unconditionally loved, that we are eternally secure, etc. How might the Gospel affect the perspective from which you live on a daily basis?

Prayer (Find a partner, or pray in groups of three if necessary.)

1. Pray for one another to understand the Gospel at a deeper, more personal level.

2. Pray for one person that you might be able to invite to service or share the Gospel with.

"Life Change" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Every living thing changes. Our spirits come to life when we place our faith in Jesus. Experiencing “life change,” then, is a natural result that flows from our new life in Him. Our mindsets begin to change when we learn God’s word, and when we restrain (or limit) both evil and distracting thoughts. Life change also happens when we obey God. God is a loving, perfect Father - and obeying Him is to our great benefit. Holiness then comes from walking with God and allowing Him to renew and transform us. The word “holiness” really describes God’s power and utter uniqueness. We gain a greater sense of our own uniqueness, and are empowered by God at a greater level, when we connect to Him.

Main Passage

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

Discussion Questions

1. For Christians: do you feel that your life has changed since you decided to follow Jesus? How?
2. Do you feel that you have any negative mindsets or perspectives that you should change? How can learning God’s Word, restricting evil thoughts, or limiting distractions help?
3. How does the call to holiness challenge you at home, work, school, church, or the community you live in?
    

"Essential Doctrine" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Our faith rests on the basic fact of Jesus’ empty tomb. Jesus’ resurrection is not just a metaphor, nor a story or an event to be celebrated during Easter once a year. It is a historical fact that displays God’s plan, power, and promise for our salvation. The resurrection, itself, distinguishes Jesus apart from all other religious teachers in the world. He is more than just a good teacher; He is our Lord and Savior.

Main Passages

22“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 
- Acts 2:22-24

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 15:56-57

Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again to save us? How does the truth of the resurrection strengthen your faith?
2. It guarantees our hope of life after death, and is the basis of our eternal life now. Knowing that this is God’s promise, how are we supposed to view death?
3. How can you go deeper in your understanding and appreciation of the resurrection this week? What’s one thing you will do this week to go deeper in the Word?
    

"Got Milk?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

When Peter talked about growing up into salvation, he used pure spiritual milk as a metaphor for the Word of God. Craving for milk is a natural instinct for any baby, as he or she would depend on milk for nourishment. Peter encouraged people to long for spiritual milk. When we are born again, so we should desire God’s Word instinctively, as this helps us grow strong and healthy. Our desire will eventually develop into both delighting in God’s Word and doing God’s Word.

Main Passage

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
- 1 Peter 2:2-3

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
- James 1:22

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever struggled with a lack of desire for the Word? How did you overcome it? What are some of the action steps you will take in order to grow your desire to read and meditate on His Word?
2. What is one area in your life that keeps you from obeying God’s Word? What does the Bible say about it? What will you do about it?
3. What are some ways you can encourage others to read and apply God’s Word? Think of one specific thing you can do for a family member or a friend this week.

"Looking Beyond Our Lives" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Joseph was at the end of his life when he gave the directions to the Israelites about bringing his bones with them. This act of Joseph displayed his great faith: faith that the promises of God to the Israelites would be fulfilled, even beyond his lifetime. The author of Hebrews considered this act to be the one that defined Joseph’s legacy. In a similar way, our greatest contributions often come as we invest in others. God-given vision is so big that it requires the next generation. As we impact them, our own legacies are established by them.

Main Passages

By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. 
- Hebrews 11:22

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” 
- Hosea 2:2

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 
- John 12:24-25

Discussion Questions

1. Does your faith in God’s promises go beyond your lifetime? As you seek God daily, write down and commit to pray for the promises of God that you want to claim not just for yourself, but for the next generation as well.
2. Do you trust the next generation to carry on the visions and promises that God has given to you? What are some ways that you can relay the visions and the promises of God to the next generation?
3. Think about the “Next Generation” in your context: your children, family members, younger people in church, upcoming leaders, etc. How would you want them to remember you?
    

"Blessing Beyond Circumstances" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God wants to bless people from every generation! One author defined a blessing as being empowered to prosper. God empowers us to prosper, through knowing Him, on many levels. He also calls us to bless the next generation. Different circumstances can make this difficult; however, we must look beyond our circumstances and serve in faith. We see this demonstrated by Isaac, whose faith to bless the next generation moved him past sickness and blindness. Both of Isaac’s sons were blessed indeed - and the impact of Isaac’s life lived on with them (and on believers around the world today).

Main Passages

By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
- Hebrews 11:20-21

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
- Galatians 3:13-14

Discussion Questions

Has anyone from an older generation blessed you - or empowered you to prosper? How? Who has had the greatest impact on your relationship with God?
What’s one thing you would like to see the “next generation” learn, know, or experience?
Most Christians want to impact the next generation, but are unable because of present circumstances. What would help you move beyond opposing circumstances to bless the next generation?
 

"The Task Remaining" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God has a heart for the lost! Jesus came to earth on a mission to redeem us. He then commissioned us to continue His mission as He ascended to Heaven. It’s a call that carries great honor and a great cost. We’re all called to respond in different ways, at different times. We’re all called to pray, go personally, and help send others. Engaging those around us is a task that begins wherever we are and continues until we are in eternity.

Main Passages 

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18-20

11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
- Romans 10:11-15

Discussion Questions

1. God has a heart to reach people who are far from Him. Why do you think He has such a passion for engaging unreached people?
2. What costs do you think you may need to pay to engage unreached people around you? (Time, effort, learning to witness, money, etc.) Does anything keep you from being a witness?
3. Pair up and pray for ENLV’s mission team being sent out to Rocky Point, Mexico!
    

“Winning Away Games” Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Jesus gave us a mission to make disciples! If we’re going to succeed, then we need to reach people who seem different from us. It can be intimidating to approach people with whom we share no observable commonalities. But we need to look beyond the surface, into the deepest needs of their souls. Everyone shares deep needs for things like love and fulfillment that only Jesus can meet completely. If we remember this, then compassion can overcome our needs for comfort or convenience. Building bridges with people who seem different from us begins when we relate to them. These relationships provide a context for us to discover peoples’ needs. We can be effective witnesses when we share ways Jesus can meet their needs.

Main Passages

7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
- John 4:7-9

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
- Luke 10:29-33

“…I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:22

Discussion

1. Have you ever befriended someone who you consider to be, or thought would be, different from you? How did become friends? 
2. Legitimate needs often get in the way of our ability to help meet other peoples’ need for Jesus. What gets in your way when trying to live as a witness?
3. It can be awkward to introduce a spiritual idea into a conversation. We can do so by being direct (typically by asking a question or making a statement), being indirect (use the topic of conversation as a bridge to a spiritual topic), or by using an invitation (by inviting someone to a Christian event related to the topic of your conversation). Which do you feel would be most helpful for you? Give it a try this week!

“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?