"What is Love?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God designed our hearts to look for perfect love. What should love look like, and where can we find it? We’ve all tried and failed to find perfect love in people. We know what it means to be disappointed by our spouses, family, friends, and even ourselves. This is because imperfect people can only give imperfect love. Perfect love can only come from a perfect God! God’s love is unlimited and unconditional. We can stay in God’s love by abstaining from lesser forms or expressions of love outside it. We’ll become increasingly satisfied by God’s love as we understand it more. God’s love also serves as the best standard for all of our relationships; therefore, we need to share God’s love as much as possible.

Main Passage

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
- 1 John 4:10

“9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”
- John 15:9

“1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy… 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
- Philippians 2:1, 4

Discussion Questions

1. The Bible mentions different kinds of love, including romantic love, sensual love, friendly love, and family love. These forms of love can be great - but they eventually disappoint us. Have you been disappointed by love from any of these sources recently? Have you recently disappointed any of your loved ones?

2. God’s love is unlimited because He is, by nature, without limit. How do you think you might be able to grow in your experience or understanding of God’s love?

3. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, and set the ultimate example of love in the process. How would you describe God’s love? How might you be able to share God’s love, personally and practically?

"Whose team are you on?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Americans love “the Big Game.” Christians also find themselves in a contest. We’re locked in spiritual battle against an unseen enemy who wants to “steal, kill, and destroy.” How do we emerge from our battles victoriously? We need to be mindful of our defensive and offensive strategies, just like a competitive team. God gives us “spiritual armor” to defend against the enemy’s attacks. We’re able to fight back, and go on the offense, when we employ our weapons: God’s Word and prayer for one another. Ultimately, we remember that God retains authority and control like a referee. He sets us up for ultimate victory!

Main Passage

10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…”
- Ephesians 6:10-18

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Hebrews 4:12

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
- Matthew 28:18

Discussion Questions

1. Are you aware that we fight an unseen spiritual battle? Do you wear every article of the “armor of God” in Ephesians 6?

2. What kind of “battle” are you facing? Are you using God’s Word by reminding yourself of its relevant promises, and declaring them in prayer? Who prays with you in the face of adversity?

3. God is on our side! He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him, which should fill us with faith. Is there any way you can approach a personal battle with renewed faith this week? How might this affect your attitude or approach?

"Striving for Excellence" Discussion Guide

Main Point

God loves excellence. We see it in the way He created the world, arranged the arrival of Christ, and even in the way He made us as individuals. Throughout history, God’s people have stood out as they represented the Lord in excellence. People like Daniel were often given special provision and promotion, as well as the promise of eternal reward, as a result. It’s God’s Will that we live and serve with excellence too. Above all else, serving God with excellence is a response to the excellent grace and favor He pours out on us.

Main Passages

“Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other high officials and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”
- Daniel 6:3 ESV

 “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
- Proverbs 22:29 ESV

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
- Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

 Discussion Questions

1. In what areas of your life do you tend to do things with excellence? In what areas do you fall short of excellence?

2. What hinders you from consistently giving your best effort , particularly in life’s most important areas? Why?

3. What will you do practically to grow in excellence this week? How can you be accountable to doing it?

"Relational Unity" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God loves diversity! We see this in His creation, and especially with people. In Heaven, God’s desire is for every nation, every people, and every language to be represented! We must accomplish the mission of diversity on earth in order for that to happen. But greater diversity leads to greater challenges to relate to one another. The Bible has much to say about how we, as followers of Christ, glorify God through relational unity. We need to love, forgive, and welcome others from inside and outside our spiritual family - because that’s how God treated us in Christ.

Main Passage

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
- 1 Peter 3:8-9

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...
- 1 Peter 4:8-10

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- John 13:34-35

Discussion Questions

1. Do you find yourself interacting with a diverse group of people at work, or in your circle of friends? Is this easy or challenging? How might you be able to present Jesus to those who seem different from you?

2. We’re commanded to bless people, even if they treat us poorly. Why is it hard to practice this command? How can we grow in our ability to bless those who mistreat us?

3. Would people know that you’re a Christian by observing the way you love and treat others? Why or why not? How can you be more like Jesus in the way you love others?

"Spiritual Fervor" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Our God is amazing! People who have a thriving relationship with Him, or “spiritual fervor,” testify of this fact. King David did that when he declared, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” God promises that if we would abide in Him, then He’d cause us to be so full of His Spirit that we would overflow. Still, some believers seem to grow in hunger for God while others do not. How do we stay hungry for the things of God? We must first receive good things from Him, then give out good things out by engaging the unreached and serving others. Then, we’ll have room in our souls to receive from God and restart the process. Hunger for God occurs over and over again this way.

Main Passage

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.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
- John 4:7-10

13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
- John 4:13-14

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
- Psalm 34:8

Discussion Questions

1. How would you characterize your relationship with God at this moment? Is it strong, average, or weak, and why?

2. What stops you from experiencing God’s presence and receiving good things from Him? How can you begin to remove that obstacle to encountering God?

3. Christians are called to engage the unreached, outside the walls of the Church. We’re also called to serve God’s people within the church. Which one of these things do you gravitate toward naturally? How can you grow in the other, and take a step of faith there this week?

"Missional Passion"

Main Thought

Jesus Christ is our Chief Cornerstone! It’s impossible to build our Christian lives, either corporately or individually, apart from Him and the things He cherishes. Jesus was passionate about people, so we should be passionate about people too. The core of God’s plan to grow His Church hasn’t changed since Christ and the Apostles walked the earth. He uses us, the “living stones,” to reach other people and build ourselves into a “spiritual house” together. It’s like playing with Legos: we build by connecting to God and connecting to other people. One life at a time. Brick by brick.

Main Passage

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
- Matthew 21:42

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 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.
- 1 Peter 2:4-6 (ESV)

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 (NIV)

“If you love me you will obey me…”
- John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1. We all come to God because God passionately pursued us. What made you realize that God passionately loves you?

2. One of the church’s responsibilities is to proclaim the Gospel, or tell people about Jesus. Did you take a step of faith to proclaim the Gospel in 2018? How might you take another step in faith to start 2019?

3. Christians are also called to demonstrate the Gospel. We can do as we pray, and God responds with things like healing, prophecy, and words of knowledge. We can also demonstrate the Gospel through the way we live. Who demonstrated the Gospel for you? Who can you demonstrate the Gospel to this week?

“Reverse the Curse” Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Our lives, or parts of our lives like our health or our finances, can feel “cursed.” We can be cursed through hurt: a condition in which elements of our lives are actively decaying or moving backward. We can also be cursed through hindrances: instead of moving backward, parts of our lives may be stagnant and lack any signs of growth. Yet the Bible points to God’s power to reverse every curse! God moves for the betterment of His people, even when we can’t see it. We prepare to experience God’s divine reversals by living out a process of worship and warfare. Worship is more than just music; it’s living for God’s glory at all times, with nothing hidden from Him. We also prepare to experience God’s curse-reversing power through spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare includes fellowship with others, fasting and prayer, and finishing our fights. Doing these three things will position us for victory: in our circumstances, and in our souls.

Main Passage

14 The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life… 17 And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; 18 thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.
- Genesis 3:14, 17-18

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
- Romans 8:28

15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
- Esther 4:15-17

for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
- Proverbs 24:6

29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
- Mark 9:29

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
- Esther 4:16

Discussion Questions

1. Elements of our lives can feel curse when they’re hurt or hindered. Do you feel that way? Why?

2. God asks us to worship Him by glorifying Him in all things, with nothing in our lives hidden from Him. What’s one thing you can do to glorify God in your daily life?

3. In Esther, we see three elements in spiritual warfare: living in fellowship, fasting and prayer, and finishing the fight. Which one of those three things stick out to you? How can you apply it in your life to start 2019?

"Prince of Peace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

For some, Christmas can be stressful, with all the preparations and get-togethers. But we can be peaceful and joyful during this season - or any other day - regardless of our situation! Isaiah, writing 600 years before the birth of the Messiah, prophesied that Jesus fulfills a precious promise from God: He gives us God’s peace. Peace first comes from being restored to a relationship with God. Christ made this possible by receiving the penalty for sin our on our behalf - and offering forgiveness to us instead. Jesus also invites us to experience rest souls as we share our cares and troubles with Him. Finally, Jesus offers peace with God through reconciliation. Being reconciled to God puts us in a beautiful position, filled with purpose. We’re able to influence others to become reconciled with God through our lives and actions.

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 5:1

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- Matthew 11:28

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 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. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think it’s important to have “peace with God,” as described in Romans 5:1? Do you feel that you’re at peace with God? Why?

2. In what area of your life do you need peace? What’s one thing you will begin doing differently this week, so that you would have more of God’s peace in your life?

3. An ultimate expression of our peace with God, and one way in which we experience God’s peace most powerfully, is to extend God’s peace to others. Who can you pray for or encourage this week?

"Everlasting God" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Have you ever received a gift that you considered useless, only to discover that it was actually a great gift? The description of Jesus as an “Everlasting Father” might feel the same way, if we take time to “unbox” the truth revealed in that description. The word “everlasting” reveals His eternal nature. It communicates his greatness throughout the past, stirs up our faith in the present, and gives us hope for the future. Jesus is then figuratively called a “father” for a few reasons. He is the “Second Adam.” Adam passed down sin and death to humanity, but Jesus gives His righteousness to those who believe in Him. Jesus is also the “father,” or founder, of a new covenant system in which we relate to God based on what Jesus He has done. Jesus also revealed God the Father’s love to us. Finally, Jesus is the “Everlasting Father” because fathers give life - and Jesus gives live everlasting. The love and life of Christ are available to you!

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
- Revelation 1:8

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

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
- John 15:9

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
- John 3:16-17

Discussion Questions

1. The Book of Revelation says that Jesus is “yet to come.” Jesus invites us to live with Him forever - free of sin, evil, and heartbreak. How does that give you hope?

2. Good fathers do their best to give their children better lives. Jesus sets us free from working for our own salvation, so we can receive God’s unconditional love and acceptance. How can that perspective impact your personal life, practically?

3. Are you confident that you’ll receive God’s gift of eternal life after you die, and live forever with Him? Does everyone around you share that gift? Who might you to engage with an invitation to our Christmas service, in the hopes that they’ll receive “God’s Greatest Gift?”

You can find information on our Christmas Worship Experience below:

https://everynationlasvegas.org/christmas

"Mighty God" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Christmas is the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who Isaiah referred to as our Mighty God. Jesus is God who became man, possessing all the power of God. When God gave us the gift of His only Son, Jesus, He demonstrated His unlimited power to solve man’s greatest problem: sin. Left on our own, we cannot overcome sin; it is only through Jesus that we can be saved. We can have confidence in God’s power to help us through every other situation because He already saved us from our greatest dilemma.

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

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

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 15:57

Discussion Questions

1. What does sufficient mean to you? Recall a time when you saw God’s grace and power help you in your weakness.

2. What’s one situation in which you need God’s strength right now?

3. If we understand that our ultimate victory in Christ is guaranteed, then we can live from a place of gratitude and confidence. How might a new perspective on a current challenge change the way you address the situation?

"Wonderful Counselor" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The greatest gift ever given to mankind was Jesus Christ! When the prophet Isaiah foretold the birth of Jesus, one of the names he used to identify Him was “Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah spoke these words during a dark time for the people of Israel: they were about to be attacked, and were desperate for guidance in the midst of the doom and gloom. In revealing the Messiah as a Wonderful Counselor, God’s people were reminded that God had a divine plan for hope and deliverance. The Wonderful Counselor would arrive to guide them them through their worst. He would lead them as their Perfect King. Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy; as our Wonderful Counselor, He gives us hope regardless of our troubles and leads us to victory.

Main Passage

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
- Jeremiah 29:12

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
- Hebrews 4:15

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
- Isaiah 55:9

Discussion Questions

1. Tell us about one situation where you need God’s wisdom. Ask God for understanding, clarity, and peace today.

2. What’s one area in your life where you’re having a hard time trusting God? How can you grow in your understanding of who God is this week? How can you know Him more, so you can trust Him more?

3. To whom can you share what you’ve just learned about Jesus being our Wonderful Counselor? How can you encourage that person this week?

"Thanksgiving and Gratitude" Discussion Guide

Main Idea:

Thanksgiving and gratitude go “hand in hand.” Gratitude is not something that you go out and get. Gratitude is more of a virtue that is waiting on you and wanting to work in your life. Gratitude is more caught than taught and gratitude is something that you make room for and allow to work in your life. Whether we realize it or not, God gives us more than enough reason to be grateful.

Main Passages:

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
- Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)

4 Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” 7 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium. 8 The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil. 9 When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.
- Numbers 11:4-7 (ESV)

14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
- Matthew 14:13-21 (ESV)

Discussion Questions:

1. In Luke chapter 17, a total of ten lepers were healed but only one returned to show his gratitude and worship Jesus. Why do you suppose the other nine did not? How did his gratitude affect the way he worshipped?

2. A ingratitude blocked the Israelites ability to see God’s miraculous blessings right before their eyes. Their lack of gratitude caused dissatisfaction and they grumbled against God. What blessings in your life have you not recognized? Is it because of a lack of gratitude?

3. Gratitude towards God affects our outlook towards life. In what ways can we proactively practice gratitude moving forward. In what ways do you think it will positively affect you?

“How Do I Get Closer to God?” Discussion Guide

Main Thought

People often feel distant from God, regardless of their spiritual standing. These people ask, in their own way, this all-important question: ““How do we get closer to God?” Jesus gave us ideas on how to do just that in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In it, we see that drawing near to God begins with acknowledging our discontent without Him. We must act on our discontent by distancing ourselves from sin and idolatry, which separate us from God. Desperation for God motivates us; from this internal posture of desperation, we become willing to do whatever it takes to draw near to God again. (God, like the Loving Father in the parable, desperately wants us to turn toward Him.) We should respond by drawing near to God daily in His Word, through prayer, and offering our best to serve Him.

Main Passages

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

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.’[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘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 15:11-24

Discussion Questions

1. Do you feel like you’re close to God? Why or why not?

2. Some of us feel distant from God overall; others may need God to move in specific areas of their lives. How might you be able to get closer to God?

3. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father demonstrates unconditional love and amazing grace. How does that grace make you feel? Do you know anyone that may need to experience the same love and grace?

"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?