"Indispensable" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you use your God-given gifts to serve someone else over the past week?

Main Thought

Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to glorify God and serve others. The “love gifts” manifest God’s love for people in practical ways. They make God’s love real and tangible. We talked about service, craftsmanship, hospitality, and helps last week. Here are a few more examples of love gifts:

• Administration: The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks. (1 Corinthians 12:28)

• Giving: The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to produce wealth and to give by tithes and offerings for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God on earth. (Romans 12:8)

• Mercy: The gift of mercy is the divine strength or ability to feel empathy and to care for those who are hurting in any way. (Romans 12:8)

• Music: The gift of music/worship is the divine strength or ability to sing, dance, or play an instrument primarily for the purpose of helping others worship God. (Psalm 150)

Main Passages

22 ...The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.
- 1 Corinthians 12:22-26

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think you have any of the gifts lifted in the Main Thought? How do you use it to serve God and others?

2. Has anyone ever helped or served you in such a way that made God’s love feel more real? What happened?

Application

1. Thank someone who has helped or serve you, making God’s love feel real and tangible in the process.

"Love Gifts Pt. 1" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you seek God’s glory or someone else’s benefit in love this week?

Main Thought

One way to categorize the spiritual gifts is to group them according to three categories: love gifts, word gifts, and power gifts. Love gifts manifest God’s love for people in practical ways. They’re meant for the common good of the church, and they’re distributed by the Holy Spirit as He chooses. Here are a few examples of love gifts:

• Service - to identify undone tasks in God's work, and use whatever resources are available to get the job done.

• Craftsmanship - the special ability to forward God’s kingdom through creative skills such as carpentry, drama, graphic arts, painting and sculpting.

• Hospitality - the ability to enjoy meeting new people and making them feel welcome by providing food, friendship, or shelter.

• Helps - To render support or assistance to others in the body so as to free them up for ministry.

Main Passages

35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
- Matthew 25:35-40

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
- 1 Peter 4:10

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think you have any of the gifts lifted in the Main Thought?

2. How do you demonstrate God’s love practically for others on a regular basis?

Application

1. Practically demonstrate God’s love to someone this week, and use one of the gifts mentioned above if applicable.

"Refiner's Fire" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you encourage or help someone using a gift or talent this week?

Main Thought

It’s great to receive gifts, but we should try our best to use them properly. How can we be sure that we’re using God’s spiritual gifts appropriately? By love! We should grow in our love for God and one another as we grow in our gifts. You might even say that God gave us the spiritual gifts as a means to express our love. If we don’t love more as we grow in our gifts, then we’re likely to find ourselves off track. Love should be the motive behind the activation of our spiritual gifts. We must seek God’s glory and each other’s benefit.

Main Passages

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:1-4

22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. Reflect on the main thought and passages above. What stands out to you and why?

2. What activities or habits do you find yourself doing primarily for God or other people? What activities or habits are primarily for your own benefit?

Application

1. Ask God to teach you to experience the Holy Spirit’s presence and use your spiritual gifts in a balanced, Biblical way over the next week.

"How to Build a Fire" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How have you experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit operating in your life? Were you able to use your spiritual gifts recently to bless others? How?

Main Thought

The Health and Wellness industry has experienced a boom over the last ten years with no signs of slowing down. Indicators actually show a continued acceleration. People are spending a lot of time and money (Billions of dollars!) to stay physically and mentally sharp by focusing on personal health and fitness. The truth is, there are no shortcuts when it comes to results and the process in getting them isn’t easy. The same is true about our spiritual sharpness. As we walk along our spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit reveals and entrusts us with spiritual gifts. We are to develop and use them responsibly. Just as going to the gym and eating right gives us an advantage physically and mentally, spiritual disciplines keep us optimal when it comes to operating in the spiritual gifts that God has entrusted to us. Prayer, reading the bible, giving, and serving others daily keeps us spiritually sharp allowing us to properly represent God, the giver of our incredible gifts. To make the deal even sweeter, no membership dues or additional costs are required!

Main Passages

1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts,
- 1 Corinthians 14:1

7 Don’t waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. 8 Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.
- 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (The Living Bible)

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
- 2 Peter 1:5-9

Discussion Questions

1. Most people will admit that they are well disciplined in certain areas of their daily life while less disciplined in others. Identify one area in your life which you are well disciplined in and one area where you can improve.

2. When it comes to reading the bible, prayer, serving or giving through time or money, which do you find the easiest? Which do you find the most challenging?

Application

1. This week, identify one area mentioned above that you find is easy for you and encourage someone else in that area. In the same way, how will you focus on an area where you yourself might need to improve?

"A Fire's Place" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How do you try to fit your life into the Big Picture of God’s Mission?

Main Thought

The Holy Spirit’s presence, along with the spiritual gifts, can be a great blessing in the lives of Believers. But we might react to the Spirit and His gifts in one of two extreme ways. We quench the Spirit with our misunderstandings of the Bible, or through our own doubt and fear. These reactions can lead to being spiritually “dead” - devoid of God’s presence and without empowerment for His purpose. On the other hand, we become weird when we move outside the Bible’s guidelines for how the Holy Spirit operates. Being weird impedes our witness for Christ, which is one of the Holy Spirit’s primary objectives on earth. We must fully embrace the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to maximize the glory we bring to God and our own gifts.

Main Passages

26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
- John 15:26-27

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
- 1 Corinthians 14:39-40

“The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions. Also, if the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.”
- George Muller

Discussion Questions

1. Which one of the Main Passages stand out to you the most? Do any of them convict or challenge you?

2. Do you tend to drift toward being “dead” or being “weird” when it comes to the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts? Why?

Application

1. Ask God to teach you to experience the Holy Spirit’s presence and use your spiritual gifts in a balanced, Biblical way over the next week.

"The Big Picture" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. What did you do to discover more of God’s vision for your life over the past week? Have you gained further vision or clarity? If so, how?

Main Thought

One of the greatest truths conveyed by the Bible is that we, as people, are made in God’s image. God rules and reigns in all of creation. It was God’s will for us to rule and reign on earth. He mandated that humanity be fruitful and multiply; this was conveyed in a literal sense, but can also be applied in a figurative sense. Yet the process of ruling and reigning requires great work. We receive God’s strength to rule and reign when we first love God with all of our strength.

Main Passages

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
- Genesis 1:27-28

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Discussion Questions

1. What major life area feels like it’s out of your control? How might you be able to work toward ruling and reigning in a way that would honor God?

2. The Bible commands us to love God with everything we have. What holds you back from loving God and surrendering everything to Him?

Application

1. Surrender an “out of control” area in your life in prayer to God. Ask Him for breakthrough in that area so that you can begin to rule and reign.

"God's Vision for My Life" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. Did any critical decisions or situations come about in your life over the past week? If so, do you feel that you honored God in your response?

Main Thought

Almost all of us can identify a major area in our lives in which we desire improvement or further clarity. Lasting life change requires more than changing our behavior. If we want our lives to change, then we need to change our vision. We need God’s vision for our lives! He knows our future, and He knows how to get us there. Discovering God’s vision begins with waiting on Him. We need to disconnect from distractions and focus on Him daily. Then, we can begin to watch for God-given vision and clarity as God inspires us through His Word and prayer. Working with the “tools” that we have - things like our gifts, passions, and even pain - can also bring clarity to that which we should do with our lives. We then walk forward in faith as God’s Word illuminates our path like a lantern: one step at a time.

Main Passages

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
- John 15:6

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…
- Ephesians 1:17-18

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace… in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
- Psalm 119:105

Discussion Questions

1. Is there an area of your life in which you’re frustrated or confused, and need further clarity? What is it and why does it bother you?

2. The four keys to discovering God’s vision for our lives are waiting on God, watching out for His vision, working with the “tools” we have, and walking forward practically in faith. Which of these four things do you need to start doing this week? How might it help you?

Application

1. Take the time to wait on God quietly, patiently, and expectantly this week. Ask Him for His vision for your life, write down any impressions you may have, and share it with your Community Group to test whether it’s from God.

"Christ Centered Vision" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. Did you do anything to boldly represent Jesus Christ as a witness last week? If so, what?

Main Thought

Our individual lives, which include our faith, are journeys that have a destination. We can expect to encounter good, bad, and unknown situations along any long journey. The key to arriving at the right destination is to focus on the right direction. We do this by following Christ, and ignoring any distractions along the way. Following Jesus is like having GPS navigation. He sees the ultimate destination He has planned for us, and He knows how to get us there. We’ll discover purpose and perform good exploits when we walk with Christ and live to honor Him.

Main Passages

9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”
- 1 Corinthians 2:9

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Matthew 6:33-34

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
- Hebrews 11:1

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11

Discussion Questions

1. Do you feel like there are any past events, mistakes, or selfish ambitions that caused you to drift off course in life or from God’s plan for you? What was it, and how did you realize you were off track?

2. Think about a decision you need to make, or a step of faith you may need to take. How can living for God’s glory and obeying His Word bring clarity or confidence to your situation?

Application

1. Choose to honor God when faced with any critical decisions or situations in your life!

"We Live For More" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you did you demonstrate God’s love by serving someone else over the past week?

Main Thought

After Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples all hid in the fear that they too would suffer the same fate. Yet, soon after, they were found boldly preaching in Jerusalem that Jesus was the risen Savior. On one occasion, the disciples Peter and John were arrested by the Jewish authorities and threatened not to preach about Jesus anymore. Their reply was, “we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” They were not afraid to risk their lives because they were convinced that Jesus was alive and that through Him, they had the promise of eternal life. Like them, when we trust in Jesus, He gives us the power to live a transformed life in order to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.

Main Passages

“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit… 8 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”
- Acts 1:3-5, 8-9 NIV

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
- Ephesians 3:20

Discussion Questions

1. The disciples were transformed from cowards who hid for their lives into bold preachers. How has the resurrection of Christ changed your life?

2. How is God challenging you to live confidently for Him? What challenges do you face in doing so?

Application

1. Take a step of faith and do something to live confidently for God as a witness to someone who doesn’t know Him this week.

"Serving God by Serving Others" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you think, act, or become more like Jesus over the past week?

Main Thought

God commands His followers to love Him and others. One of the most powerful and effective ways to demonstrate love is through acts of service. Jesus took on the role of a lowly servant by washing His disciples’ feet. He set the ultimate example for us. If we want to follow Jesus, then we must also practically serve as He did. God uses things like our gifts, personalities, passions, and experiences to shape us for service. Many use their God-given talents and opportunities to serve themselves, but that’s a fool’s venture. Actions driven by selfishness don’t last forever. Only our service to God - and other people with God’s love - can have an eternal impact.

Main Passages

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
- Philippians 2:3-7

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
- Ephesians 2:10

13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
- 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

Discussion Questions

1. What holds you back from serving God? Why?

2. How can you practically and passionately serve God? Is there anything that you enjoy that you’d be able to use to serve others?

Application:

1. Do something outside your ordinary routine to demonstrate God’s love and serve someone else this week.

"The Plan, The Promise, The Power" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. Who did you connect with over the past week to help them feel like they belong?

Main Thought

We were created to be like Christ! We can see that people were uniquely made in God’s image because we’re morally conscious, relational, intelligent, and able to think critically about ourselves and the world around us. But sin distorted our ability to develop Christlike character on our own. We need a spiritual transformation that brings our values, attitudes, habits in line with those displayed by Jesus. We begin to develop a Christlike character by actively choosing to be like Him. Then, we trust the Holy Spirit to give us God’s love, wisdom, and other character traits as we act in faith and obedience. God cares more about who we’re becoming than He does about what we’re doing.

Main Passages

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
- Romans 8:29, NIV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
- Galatians 5:22-24

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV

Discussion Questions

1. What’s one Christlike character trait that you demonstrate right now? How did that trait develop inside you?

2. Have the people, circumstances, and/or situations around you revealed a way in which you can become more like Christ in the future?

Application

1. Identify one way in which you can become more like Jesus Christ. Memorize a scripture about it, and pray that God would you help you develop Christlike character.

"Born to Belong" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. What common, daily activity did you do to bring God pleasure or happiness over the past week?

Main Thought

People long to belong. God designed us to need others physically and spiritually. Yet we’ll eventually find that our desires for belonging are unfulfilled on some level. We may build bad bridges in our desperation to belong, or put up walls to insulate ourselves from pain. God’s perfect love is the solution to both of these problems. We were born to belong to Him! If we belong to God’s Family, then the family benefits (like access to God, purpose, and eternal life) belong to us. God’s family, the Church, gives us a perfect opportunity to learn how to love. Choosing to love others, in spite of their flaws, teaches us to love like Jesus and causes us to appreciate His love even more.

Main Passages

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
- 1 John 3:1

16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
- 1 John 3:16

Discussion Questions

1. Has God’s love ever helped you heal from relational wounds? How?

2. Have you ever shared God’s love with someone who offended you? What happened?

Application

1. Connect with someone in God’s Family this week, and help them feel like they belong.

"Made for God's Pleasure" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God deserves our worship! Worship is anything we do that brings God pleasure or happiness. These things “glorify” God. We were made for God’s glory. In turn, we experience our greatest joy when we bring God joy. The Westminster Shorter Catechism famously declares, “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” This means that God’s glory and our greatest happiness go hand-in-hand. Common ways to worship God include loving Him and other people, living our lives in obedience to His Word, and praising Him with music at church. A lifestyle of worship allows us to enjoy God’s presence continually.

Main Passage

3 Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. 4 For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
- Psalm 149:3-4, NLT

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
- Romans 12:1

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- Colossians 3:14-17

Discussion Questions

1. What habits, activities, or mindsets please God in your life?

2. What common task could you start doing as if you were doing it directly for Jesus?

3. Are there any areas in your life that you’re holding back from God? How can you practically take a step of faith, and surrender that part of your life to Him?

"Living Proof" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The resurrection of Jesus is the linchpin of Christianity. If He was not raised from the dead, then our faith and all that we believe has no foundation. Just like in the court of law, the testimony of witnesses carry a lot of weight and many times determines the outcome of a verdict. The firsthand accounts of these many witnesses in the Bible, including his closest friends and family, tells us that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. This validates his authority to forgive sins. It also proves once and for all that he was God. But If we are to be followers of Christ, then it’s not enough to simply believe. We must do as He did. We must love others as he loved. It’s our proof that we are citizens of His kingdom.

Main Passage

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.
- Mark 16:1-4

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,[a] Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
- John 20:19-20

3 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, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
- 1 Peter 1:3-4

Discussion Questions

1. Jesus perfectly represented God’s character, and lets us know what God is like. What are some common misconceptions or misunderstandings about God that are corrected through Jesus?

2. The testimony of the disciples and other followers of Christ carried the Christian message around the world. Share your testimony, or the testimony of another Christian that inspires you. (If sharing someone else’s story: why does is stand out?)

3. Jesus changes the lives of those who follow Him. If you’re a Christian, or thinking about becoming one, how has your life changed?

"Breakthrough" Discussion Guide

Main Point

The term breakthrough was a word that was first used a military term to signify an offensive thrust which successfully broke past an enemy’s resistance. Breakthroughs in any endeavor requires perseverance strategy. Victory is attainable but usually comes only after many failed attempts. This is especially the case in our own lives. Our God is the God of breakthroughs! No matter what the situation is or was, we can have confidence in knowing that a faithful and powerful God can bring breakthrough in our lives. And He can do it in ways that we would least expect it.

Main Passages

26 Then Judah identified them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I did not give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not know her again.

27 When the time of her labor came, there were twins in her womb. 28 And when she was in labor, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” 29 But as he drew back his hand, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “What a breach you have made for yourself!” Therefore his name was called Perez.30 Afterward his brother came out with the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.

- Genesis 38:26-30

Questions

1. Have you ever been in a situation that seemed hopeless yet God miraculously came though? How did you feel?

2. Have you found yourself in tough situations due to not acknowledging God? How should we handle such situations?

3. What advice would you give a brother or sister in Christ who is facing a situation in need of a breakthrough from God? Would you happen to be in need of following your own advice?

"Life is No Accident" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God is the Author of Life! All life finds its origin with Him. Living things do not arise from non-living matter. Features of different organisms throughout nature, including parts of our own bodies, are far too complex to have occurred randomly over time. They also would have to arrive fully-formed in order to be function. (An issue known as irreducible complexity that makes Darwinian Evolution impossible.) Dr. Ming Wang, a Harvard-trained physician and world-renowned eye surgeon, turned from Atheism to Christianity. He says: “As a medical doctor and a scientist I can firmly attest to the fact that it is impossible for natural selection to explain the amazing intricacies of the eye.”

Our belief in the cause of life has massive implications for the way we live today. If we believe that life is random, and ultimately without reason, then we can only conclude that our lives are random and without objective reason as well. But God’s Word reveals that He made life for a reason. If we believe that God made life for a purpose, then it’s fair to conclude that there is an objective purpose for our lives. We can be confident in knowing that our lives are meaningful now and in eternity.

Main Passage

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
- Psalm 102:5

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
- Psalm 139:14-15

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
- Psalm 19:1-4

Discussion Questions

1. Which of the main passages stand out to you the most? Why?

2. “Subjective” purpose is something that we assign to ourselves; it doesn’t carry any weight beyond our own opinion. “Objective” purpose transcends our circumstances and opinions, because it comes from a transcendent Source. Do you believe objective purpose exists for us as humans?

3. Do you feel that you have a sense of purpose? Try to summarize it.

"In the Beginning" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The universe had a beginning! Most people take this fact for granted, but many prominent thinkers - from Aristotle to Einstein - believed that the universe had existed forever. The Bible revealed that the universe had a beginning thousands of years before science could see it. Time, space, matter, and energy began to exist when the Big Bang happened. This means that the universe was caused by something, or Someone, who wasn’t limited by those four things. The Bible was ahead of the curve once more: God revealed that He met those specific requirements before science realized they were necessary. It’s also increasingly apparent that the universe needed to be fine-tuned for life to exist. If things like gravity or the strong nuclear force (which holds an atom’s nucleus together) were different by even a slight margin, our universe wouldn’t be able to sustain life.

These incredible facts can do more than intrigue our minds. They impact our faith. If we believe that God can make the universe from nothing, and create beauty from the chaos of the cosmos, then we should be confident that He can do incredible things with our lives as well. It all comes down to trusting Jesus.

Main Passage

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
- Genesis 1:1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
- John 1:1-3

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Discussion Questions

1. What do you believe about the origin of the universe? Why is there something rather than nothing?

2. If you were to share one idea from the Main Thought or passages above with a skeptic, what would it be? How would you share it?

3. Are there unknown or chaotic elements in your life? If so, then what are they? How can you practically trust God and act in faith with respect to those things?

"Answer for Evil" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

“If God is so good and powerful, then why is there so much evil in the world?” It’s a daunting question that often touches people on a deeply personal level. But the recognition of good and evil in our world actually points to the existence of God. We can only say that a line is crooked or curved because we know what a straight line looks like. In a similar manner, we can recognize evil because we were made in the image of a good God. He wrote His standards for goodness on our hearts. Evil entered the world because man rejected God through sin. Evil increases on a societal level when the knowledge of God decreases. Almost everyone longs for an answer to evil, regardless of their beliefs. Yet atheism fails to give provide answers. It only succeeds in taking away hope. God sent Jesus Christ to eliminate the evil inside us; when this process reaches its conclusion, God will destroy all evil for all of eternity.

Main Passage

And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness…
- Romans 1:28-29

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
- Romans 8:20-21

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
- 1 Peter 2:24

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
- Revelation 22:3-4

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever struggled with doubts about God’s goodness? How have you dealt with those doubts?

2. What areas in your life can be steered more toward God and away from evil? How might that benefit you or others around you?

3. Are you participating in God’s mission to rid the world of evil? If you aren’t, then how can you do so?

"Journey Of The Heart" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The condition of our hearts largely determines the course of our lives. Everything we do will be affected at some level by our spiritual heart health. How do we maintain a healthy heart? If we find ourselves harboring anger in our heart, then God calls us to forgive. The answer to persistent guilt within our hearts is repentance. If we’re becoming greedy, then God’s antidote comes through giving. Finally, our hearts may be fearful. God’s perfect love casts out all fear. If we walk with God on a journey toward a pure heart, then we’ll find that we are also moving toward God’s perfect will.

Main Passage

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life”
- Proverbs 4:23, NLT

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Matthew 6:14-15

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
- Acts 3:19

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” ‭‭
- II Corinthians‬ ‭9:6-8‬ ‭NKJV

“Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
- ‭‭I John‬ ‭4:17-18‬ ‭

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
- ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever experienced a negative result in life that was related to a negative habit, emotion, or attitude that you held onto within your heart? What happened?

2. We need to check our hearts for anger, guilt, greed, and fear. Which is most relevant to you right now, and how might you respond with God’s Word?

3. How might an unhealthy heart be keeping you from God’s perfect will? Do you think developing your heart will help you along the path toward God’s Will?

"Heart Health" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Bible has a lot to say about maintaining healthy relationships, especially in regards to romance. The Book of Proverbs tells us to “guard our hearts.” We’re familiar with the concept of “heart health” in our physical bodies. The spiritual and emotional health of our heart is just as important! It’s more difficult to diagnose spiritual heart problems. Everything can look good on the outside; if our spirit isn’t healthy, then it’s often only a matter of time before something goes terribly wrong. This is especially true when it comes to romance. Good habits can lead to a healthy physical heart. If we build good habits, like working toward covenant relationship and allowing passion to fill its purpose, then our spiritual hearts will be healthy too.

Main Passage

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
- Proverbs 4:23

“…and the two will become one flesh.”
- Ephesians 5:31

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Matthew 6:33

Discussion Questions

1. How does God’s Word differ from mainstream ideas about romance and dating? How does God’s Word impact your opinion on the subject?

2. Do you think that you have a healthy heart in a spiritual and emotional sense? What about in the area of romance specifically?

3. Think about the concept of guarding your heart in the context of your “relationship status,” and talk about what that means for you personally. Here are some sample questions:

   • Single: How might you be able to keep a healthy spiritual heart, whether you’re called to be single or in a relationship in the next season(s) of your life? How can you honor God with your intentions?

   • In a Relationship: Are you guarding your heart with your intentions and actions? Who helps you honor God as your journey?

   • Married: Are you protecting your covenant with God and your spouse in the way you guard your heart?