"God's Presence in the Valley" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We all love the “mountain top” moments of life. Getting into the school we want, getting a job, or starting a family are experiences we love to have and share. But it’s impossible to go from one mountain peak to the next. In order to reach the next peak, we need to go through a valley. Valleys represent periods of hardship or suffering. These are the moments that leave us feeling weary, hurt, or overwhelmed. But it’s important to remember that these valleys are temporary. God also promises to be with us in our valleys. He guides us and protects us as we walk with Him. We can seek God for the strength to persevere, and direction for our next destination.

Main Passage

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4

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

Questions

1. Think about a valley that you’ve gone through. What’s one thing that helped you get through that valley?

2. What’s the next “mountain top” moment you’d like to experience or achieve? How can you seek God for protection and guidance on the way there?

3. Do you know anyone who’s walking through a valley of their own? How can you help them, or even introduce them to God as they walk through it?

Mother's Day, 2020

Main Thought

Many of us have faced unique difficulty over the last few months. Seasons of difficulty are inevitable on this side of heaven, and our weaknesses are often exposed in these seasons. But God’s grace is enough to get us through! We need to remain in God’s grace. As we do, God partners with us and turns our weaknesses into strengths. We are then empowered to love, live, and serve more effectively.

Main Passage

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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

Questions

1. What stood out from last week’s Worship Experience, the Main Thought, or Main Passages above?

2. Think about your Mom, a Grandmother, or a Mother Figure in your life. What’s a “strength” or skill you’ve learned from her that has helped you recently?

3. Think about a “weakness” of yours that has been exposed in the aftermath of COVID-19. It could be a character flaw, a lack of skill or knowledge, etc. What is it? How can you partner with God to turn this into a strength?

"Project: Restoration" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Houses. Cars. Restaurants and hotels. All of these things are built in pristine condition. Then, these things fail. Fixing them can be hard work! Yet some restorations are so incredible that the finished product is even greater than the original. Our souls are prone to fail too. (In Psalms 23, the word “soul” refers to the core of our entire being - both our physical and immaterial parts.) But God restores us when we’re broken. In Him, we find that we grow and improve all the time. God designed us, so He knows how to transform us into the best versions of ourselves. God then leads us into His righteousness and plans as we seek to glorify Him.

Main Passage

3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
- Psalm 23:3

Questions

1. What activities “restore your soul?” How can God help restore your soul when you feel broken? 

2. Restoration shows on T.V. typically add new features to things like houses and cars. What new or improved features would you like to add to your life? Would you like to learn a new idea, develop a skill, or build your character? 

3. Would your “new and improved” personal feature serve God? If so, then how?

"Living Backwards" Discussion Guide

Warm-Up

What was your favorite part of our last online Worship Experience?

Main Thought

God designed us to rest in His unconditional love and acceptance. But we might be living backwards from the way God intended. External pressures to provide and perform push us to work without God’s love and empowering grace. Unfortunately, this leads to a Cycle of Works. A Cycle of Works often creates stress, depression, and burnout. Our hope to escape this cycle comes from Jesus! Jesus accomplished more than anyone else - in less time - with a rested heart. How? Jesus lived in a Cycle of Grace, the way that God intended us to live. Here’s what the Cycle of Grace looks like in our lives:

1. Acceptance: Acknowledging God’s love and acceptance before we do anything for Him, which we receive through Jesus Christ.

2. Sustenance: Engaging in practices that replenish us with love (for God and others) and grace for life.

3. Significance: Allowing the grace flowing to us to move through us, as we act in accordance with our God-given identity and call.

4. Work: Answering God’s call, free from the emotional pressure to provide and perform - because we’ve rested in our identity as God’s children.

Main Passage

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 
- Psalm 23:2

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 
- Matthew 11:28-29

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 5:8

Questions

1. God wants us to work hard; Jesus worked hard. But we can work hard without pressure and performance anxiety. Do you think that describes your life? Why or why not?

2. Which part of the Cycle of Grace do you think you need the most? How can you incorporate that in your life?

"Is God Your Guide or Your Ride?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We currently find ourselves in unfamiliar times and territory. We need divine guidance more than ever. It’s natural to turn to God for direction. We can approach him in one of two ways. First, we can approach God like GPS navigation: we choose our own destination, and hope He helps us get there. Second, we can approach Him as our shepherd. We allow him to choose the destination, because He knows what’s best for us and is faithful to get us there. 

Main Passage

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. - Psalm 23:1

4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? -  Luke 15:4

My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me. - John 10:27

Questions

1. Did anything stand out to you from the online Worship Experience? If so, what?

2. Do you tend to approach God as your GPS, or as your shepherd - who sets the destination and guides the way? What makes you say that?

3. What direction might God be calling you in next? What’s one practical step you can take in that direction?

"The Sign of the Promise" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

The Book of Exodus describes the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God commanded them to cover their doorposts with the blood of a lamb as they prepared for a final miracle of deliverance. This blood was a sign of God’s promise. They acted in faith based on God’s promise and escaped their place of fear. Jesus, the Lamb of God, came approximately 1500 years after the Israelites were delivered. Jesus delivered us from sin and death - He proved that through His resurrection. His blood allows us to experience God’s promises. If we have genuine faith in Christ and His promises, it will generate action in our lives, guide us out of fear, and guarantee eternal life with Him.

Main Passage

The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
- Exodus 12:13

 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
- James 2:17

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 
- John 1:29

Questions

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

2. What do you believe about Jesus? (For example: Was he a myth, a normal man, or the Messiah?) Do you think your belief in Jesus reveals itself in your daily life?

3. Are there any actions that you’re hesitant to take in your walk with God, or in quest to learn more about Him? Why? BONUS: If you’ve recently taken a step of faith and can encourage everyone, then please share!

Application: 

1. If you feel that God is calling you to act in faith on something - and you’ve processed this decision through His Word, prayer, and community - then act! Reach out to Christ-centered community for support.

"Fear Doesn't Belong Here!" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Fear doesn’t belong here! A spirit of fear does not come from God, so it does not belong in the lives of God’s children. It can be hard to spot the spirit of fear. For that reason, it’s helpful to remember the effects that God’s Holy Spirit should produce in us. Then we can recognize a spirit of fear in contrast. Here are some effects that the Holy Spirit produces in us, compared against the effects that the spirit of fear produces in us.

1. Power: Service vs. Self-Preservation

2. Love: Upward and Outward vs. Inward

3. “Self-Control”: Peace vs. Panic 

If we can recognize the spirit of fear in our lives, then we can replace it with God’s Holy Spirit! We do this by approaching God in faith and believing that He’ll reward us for seeking Him. We also experience the Holy Spirit’s presence when we exercise our love for God practically. This includes things like spending time with God in prayer, by reading the Bible, and helping others follow Him. Following Jesus in faith allows us to experience God’s presence in our lives, and eventually throughout eternity. Jesus overcame mankind’s greatest fear - the fear of death - through His resurrection. If we know that Jesus loves us, and we’re reminded of His love and His resurrection by the Spirit, then fear will lose its grip on us.

Main Passage

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
- 2 Timothy 1:7

13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
- 2 Timothy 1:13-14

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…
- 1 John 4:13-15, 18

Questions

1. What can we learn about God in the Main Passages above?

2. Given the effects of fear vs. the effects of the Holy Spirit listed above, do you notice any ways in which you might have been acting in fear? How so?

3. What do you need to do to experience the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?

Application: 

1. We can experience God’s presence as we “go” in faith, and help others follow Him. Do that this week by inviting at least one person to watch our Easter Worship experience on Sunday, April 12, 2020!

"Carriers" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

In our world today, in which everyone has been affected by the spread of the coronavirus, people are afraid that they may be near someone who’s carrying the virus. People are carrying fear with them. The world desperately needs to see people who are “carriers” of faith! If you’re a Believer, then God has chosen you to carry faith - for your benefit and for the benefit of those around you. We can learn to carry faith by imitating godly people who are fruitful in spirit and discipleship. Faith moves through us as we choose to be models and examples to others. By living out our faith and sharing it with others, we’ll see faith begin to spread everywhere.

Main Passage

3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.

- 1 Thessalonians 1:3-8

Questions

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

2. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a godly mentor that you have applied to your life?

3. Think about the people who have noticed your walk with God. How can you model or share your faith in this season?

Application: 

1. Be a carrier of faith!

"Is it Well?" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

In the current COVID-19 crisis, people are focused on meeting their “external needs.” But we have “internal needs” too. These needs originate in our soul (or “inner being,” as it’s described in Hebrew). Our souls need rest, which we find when we disconnect from the world’s distractions and connect to God in prayer and in His Word. Our souls also need to be led. We do that by pausing our negative thoughts, replacing them with God’s Word, and acting in obedience. Finally, our souls need hope! A Believer’s hope in God is secure. The world cannot take away our relationship with Jesus Christ, or the promise of eternity with Him.

Main Passage

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

- Psalm 23:1-6

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

- John 16:33

Questions

1. What can we learn about God from Psalm 23?

2. What do you need most right now: rest, leadership for your soul, or hope? Why?

3. God can meet our internal needs. What can you do to receive the rest, leadership, or hope that He has for you?

Application: 

1. Look for ways to be a blessing, and to share God’s love in this season with wisdom. Remember: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

"Faith Over Fear" - Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, we’re surrounded by fear in the media, on social media, and even the people around us. As Christians, we need to choose faith over fear! We rest in the unseen power of God, instead of being restlessly thinking about potential problems. Cultivating a climate of faith is one important step in choosing faith over fear. We must surround ourselves with people and media that point us back to God. We also need to do the opposite; limiting things that cause us to be fearful or anxious. We build faith further by internalizing the promises of God. God’s promises are active today and accessible by His children. Finally, we obey the call of God to “go” in faith - choosing prayer over panic and wisdom over worry as we do so.

Main Passages

35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” 37 He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. 38 When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. 39 He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” 40 But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. 41 He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). 42 Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished. 43 He gave strict orders not to let anyone know about this, and told them to give her something to eat.
- Mark 5:35-43

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
- 2 Timothy 1:7

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night,nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
- Psalm 91:1-6

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in the main thought?

2. What can we learn about God in the main passages?

3. Are you cultivating an environment of faith, or fear?

Apply

1. Find someone to encourage as COVID-19. Look for ways to help people.

"Pass the Salt" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed that His followers would be the “salt of the earth.” What does that mean?First, there’s nothing that can duplicate salt’s flavor. It’s unique and it goes with almost anything. In a similar way, there’s nothing like the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyone needs it, and Christ’s followers are called to share it! There is no substitute. A second meaning communicated by Christ’s salt analogy lies in salt’s use as a preservative. For ages, salt was used to preserve meats and other foods. Christians are meant to be a preservative of the earth: in becoming and behaving like Christ, our lifestyles and values help to slow the moral and spiritual decay of the world. If we do not do these things, then we have lost our unique purpose in the world - just like salt that lost its flavor.

Main Passages

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
- Matthew 5:13

Discussion Questions

1. Salt preserves things. Christians slow the moral and spiritual decay of the world around them through their words and lives. Have you ever impacted the situation around you because you walked out your faith? What happened?

2. Salt enhances flavor in a unique way. Christians bring the Gospel, which is unique in its message and its power to save those who hear it, to those around them. Who have you brought the Gospel to recently?

Apply

1. Be salt in the way you live, and by sharing the Gospel. If good things start to happen because you’re behaving as salt, then share with your group throughout the week!

“Absent or Abiding?” Discussion Guide

Main Thought

God wants to be present, active, and involved in our lives. God also invites us to abide, or remain, in Christ. Spiritual fruit like unconditional love, unwavering joy, and new disciples comes from our lives when we abide in Christ. Sometimes, we forget to abide in Christ because we’re busy. At other times, we’d rather remain occupied with other things. This can make us happy for a short time but we’ll eventually find ourselves spiritually drained. 

We abide in Christ when we read His Word, talk to Him in prayer, and obey Him consistently. Obeying Christ begins with the Great Commandments (to love God and other people), and with the Great Commission to “go and make disciples.” That’s when the spiritual fruit mentioned previously grows naturally out of our lives! We need to make the choice. If we’re absent, we’ll be empty. If we abide, then we’ll be fruitful.

Main Passages

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 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. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
- John 15:1-8

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. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
- John 4:35-36

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. What keeps you from abiding in Christ? Busyness? Being occupied with other pursuits? Maybe both?

3. What can you do to abide in Christ?

Apply

1. Reading the Bible, talking to God in prayer, and obeying God help us to abide in Christ. Do what it takes to abide!

"Put a Ring on It" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Successful relationships require commitment. A relationship with God is no different. Sometimes, we don’t fully commit to following God because we’re afraid we’ll miss out on something. We might also be overcommitted to other things. But we’ll experience our best lives when we follow God wholeheartedly! This kind of commitment reflects God’s heart and character. Jesus was fully committed to saving us, even when He had to die on a Cross to do so. To follow Jesus wholeheartedly as disciples, we must exercise the “Three Fs”: Follow God, Fish for Men, and Fellowship with the Church.

Main Passages

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; 4 who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;
- Psalm 15:1-2, 4

19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
- Matthew 4:19

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. Does a fear of missing out on something or an “overcommitment” to other things keep you from following God? If so, what would those things be?

3. Do you practice the Three Fs (Following God, Fishing for Men, and Fellowshipping with the Church) regularly? Which one needs the most work in your life?

Apply

1. Build one of the Three Fs that need the most work in your life!

"Living Large" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

There are seasons in which we’ve struggled, only to discover that God wants to call us out of that and into a new season. God, in this season of Every Nation Church Las Vegas’ history, wants us to go beyond! This can begin today with whatever we already have. We don’t need to wait for new resources; rather, we should begin with whatever we have now. Don’t hold back either! We’re all anointed to make a difference in the world for God’s glory, the people around us, and even for ourselves to be blessed. If we are to live the life that God intends, then it’s time for us to go deeper and draw closer to God than ever before.

Main Passages

2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
- Isaiah 54:2-3

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
- Joshua 1:6

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. We all have God-given dreams or goals, but different circumstances in life can hold us back. What’s one goal that you’d like to achieve for God in 2020? Is there anything holding you back?

3. What can you do to “go deeper” and draw closer to God than ever before?

Apply

1. Apply your answer to question 3!

"Inviting Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We invite our friends, family, and other acquaintances whenever we throw a party or celebration. If that were God’s criteria, then we would have lost our invitations into God’s presence because of our sin. Yet God extended His “inviting grace” to us through Jesus Christ! We’re invited to experience God’s presence, on earth and for eternity. Experiencing God’s grace transforms us. We should be able to look at ourselves and see a difference over time. God’s grace should also empower us to make a difference in the lives of others. God’s grace works in us, with us, and through us for God’s glory and the benefit of others.

Main Passages

9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
- 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
- Matthew 4:19

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. 
- 1 Corinthians 18-20

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. Think back at your life since becoming a Christian. Share one of the biggest changes in your life that came about because of God’s grace. What is it? (If you aren’t a Christian, what’s one positive change that happened in your life? What catalyzed that change?)

3. How does God’s grace flow through you to others on a regular basis?

Apply:

1. One of the “Three Fs” of Discipleship is “Fishing for people.” Who can you “fish for,” or invite to experience God’s grace in their lives? Pray for an opportunity and step out in faith!

"Enriching Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We all need things and want things. New opportunities present themselves all the time. In the face of these unlimited choices, we often find that our finances are limited. We’re forced to choose; God gave to us generously through Jesus, and invites us to choose to be generous. Being generous makes us more like Jesus and helps us grow in our relationship with Him. If we give generously, then we release God’s enriching grace into our lives. God’s enriching grace causes us to be content in every situation and every season, and to excel for God-given purpose. We’re able to both extend generosity to others, and experience God’s generosity for ourselves.

Main Passages

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

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. 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
- Matthew 6:19-20, 24

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. The state of our hearts can be revealed by our “Giving Posture.” We might feel obligated to give (Got to Give), be looking for something in return (Give to Get), or perhaps we’re excited to give generously (Get to Give). Which Giving Posture best describes you right now? 

3. What do you think your Giving Posture reveals about you?

Apply

1. Think of one way to be generous, or of a way to improve your Giving Posture. Do that in faith this week.

"Sufficient Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Pain and suffering come in different shapes and sizes. These things range from being inconvenient to being dangerous; from mildly frustrating to life-threatening. We’re all suffering through something. You might’ve wondered whether your suffering was caused by the Devil, or if God sent trouble your way to teach you. Both might be true to an extent. The Devil attacks us, but God allows it so that we can experience His “sufficient grace.” In God’s sufficient grace, He strikes a mysterious and grand balance. God provides us with supernatural help, and with opportunities to grow into the best versions of ourselves. These things give us hope and purpose in the midst of our pain. We respond by shifting our perspective, by praying, and by practicing actions and attitudes that honor God. 

Main Passages

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 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. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. How do you typically respond to difficulties in life?

3. What do you want God to do for you in a current trial? What might God want to do in your relationship with him, your knowledge or skills, or your character? 

Apply

1. Meditate on a new perspective or decide on a new course of action to support whatever God might be doing in your life. Pray for the strength to persevere.

"Sanctifying Grace"

Main Thought

In the Disney’s Iron Man film series, Tony Stark initially creates the “Arc Reactor” to save himself from deadly shrapnel. The Arc Reactor is then used to power the Iron Man suit. Tony becomes a superhero and lives differently from then on. God’s grace is similar for Christians. Grace is the undeserved favor we received through Jesus’ sacrifice. We’re saved from sin by grace and then sanctified by grace, or transformed to live a new life. God transforms our will, as we begin to desire things that please Him. It’s our job to respond by “working out” our salvation, and making decisions that honor God.

Main Passages

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. How does God, through grace and the process of sanctification, train us to live a new life?

3. How have you seen sanctification at work in your own life?

Apply

1. How might God be sanctifying you in this season of your life?

"Justifying Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Augmented Reality is an interesting technological tool. The user puts on goggles and headphones. Then, their experience of the world is transformed by the system. But nothing has really changed! The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change our lives, and the lives of others. We all begin distant from God and disillusioned by the world. Jesus appeared into the world to intervene in an amazing way. If we trust in Jesus, then He will truly transform our lives. Our futures can be very different from our past! This is more than a temporary, conditional transformation - because our ultimate inheritance from God becomes an eternity with Him.

Main Passages

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
- Titus 3:3-7

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. We all know, deep down, that our world could be and should be better than it is? Why is that?

3. What has God brought you from? What do you think God might want to bring you into this year?

Apply

1. Act based on your answer to Question 3!

"I'm Forgiven So It Doesn't Matter How I Live" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. How did you come to God for help over the past week? What happened?

Main Thought

The Bible is clear that Christians are saved by God’s love and grace when we place our faith in Jesus Christ, not by our good deeds or how we live. This is great news since none of us can live perfectly in order to earn our salvation. Christ earned it for us. However, this can lead to a common misconception that we can continue to sin since we are already forgiven. This is completely false. How we live matters for several reasons:

1. We were all created to do “good works” of love to make a difference in the lives of others rather than to live selfishly. Life will never be fulfilling until we do the “good works” that we were created for.

2. Sin has consequences in this life. It hurts us, others, and prevents us from fulfilling our purpose and experiencing true joy.

3. Sin damages our most important relationship, which is our relationship with God. If we continue to willfully sin, we are rejecting God’s love and the gospel that saves us.

We should be grateful for God’s unconditional grace that we don’t deserve. In response, we should strive to continually grow in “good works,” loving Him and others with our lives. We should also strive to rid ourselves of sin with His help and to become more like Jesus in every area of our lives.

Main Passages

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

“...each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."
- James 1:14-15 NIV

“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.”
- Hebrews 10:26-27 NIV

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. What areas of sin in your life is God challenging you to be free from? What “good works” is God challenging you to grow in?

Apply

1. Growth happens as we walk with God by practicing spiritual disciplines (like prayer, reading the Bible, reflection, etc.). It also happens as we walk other believers in honesty and transparency, as well as by encouraging and challenging one another to obey God. What practical step can you take to continue to grow in your faith right now?