We Need Spiritual Formation

Main Thought

Disciples are people who follow God, fish for people (by sharing their faith in Jesus), and fellowship with other believers. There are great things that we need to do. But are they enough to secure a long-lasting relationship with God, healthy relationships with others, or a life of service in His Kingdom? No. We need spiritual formation! Spiritual formation is the process by which God transforms us internally. The goal of spiritual formation is to help us love Jesus with all we have, and to look like Him in all areas of our “inner being.” Our inner being includes our emotional health, mental health, our family history and hurts, our sin, and our character development. It’s every part of us that we can’t see - and God wants to use every situation as a tool for spiritual formation. Formation begins when we ask, “Who am I becoming?” Good actions flow from us naturally when good change is happening inside us.

Main Passages

19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

- Matthew 4:19

30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

- Mark 12:30

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. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

- Romans 8:28-29

Discussion Questions

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

2. What part of your “inner being” needs the most growth, or spiritual formation, right now?

3. In this season of your life, how is God calling you to become more like Jesus? Who are you becoming?

Wrestling for Change

Main Thought

Jacob was a known deceiver. He even lied to his family in order to get what he wanted. As a result, he eventually needed to wrestled with life - which included situations that he helped create. He wrestled with himself internally. His spirit and emotions faced moments of inner turmoil like ours do. But Jacob also wrestled with the Divine and encountered God. That’s when he finally faced the truth. God touched Jacob’s hip, injuring him and caused him to walk differently. Then, God gave Jacob a new name. He was recognized as a new person.

Change starts to happen inside us when we admit the truth about ourselves. We allow God into the dark and difficult parts of our lives. This can include our emotions, our character flaws, or the lies we’ve come to believe about ourselves. It can hurt, but that’s when God can touch us and change us. Then we’ll begin to discover the incredible things God wants to do in us and through us. We can become new too.

Main Passages

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed…

- Genesis 32:6-7

24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”

- Genesis 32:24-27

28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip

- Genesis 32:28-31

Discussion Questions

1. Is there a situation or circumstance that you’re wrestling right now?

2. Have you wrestled with your own spirit and/or emotions recently? If so, why?

3. What difficult truth have you discovered about yourself in the situations you mentioned? How might God be trying to help you change and grow?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: Genesis 2

27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 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

An easy, memorable way to learn how to read and process the Bible is through the H.E.A.R. journaling method. This process helps us read God’s Word with the goal of understanding it and applying it to our lives. The letters stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from Ephesians 1. Highlight this verse or write down the Book, chapter, and verse number.

• Explain the context: By asking some simple questions with the help of God’s Spirit, we can understand the meaning of a passage or verse. The following questions can help us understand the context of a passage: What’s happening in the story? Why was this written, and to whom? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? What does God intend to communicate through this text? 

• Apply it to your life: Application is the heart of the process! Answering a series of questions can help us uncover the meaning of these verses to us on a personal level. What is God saying to me? How can this help me? What does this mean today? How would applying this look in my life?

• Respond with action: This is the last part of the H.E.A.R. Journal. Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You can describe how you’ll be different because of what God said to you through His Word. You may indicate what you’re going to do because of what you have learned. You can even respond by writing out a prayer to God.

This week, we’ll read the Main Text from Pastor Roland’s sermon last week: Genesis 2:15-25. We’ll write our responses and share them with our group. (If you already journal some other way, feel free to do that.) Pay special to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! If you get stuck, try using these questions to help you think about how this passage relates to Pastor Roland’s sermon. Answering these questions might be helpful, but it’s optional.

• Do these scriptures remind you of part of last Sunday’s sermon? 

• What does this passage teach about marriage?

• What does this passage teach about being single, preparing for a relationship, or being in a relationship?

Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word!

When Love Falls Short

Main Thought

Have you ever run out of something you need? Maybe you’ve run out of something like time, gas, or money. It’s tough to need something and not have enough. This happens with love too. There is an endless demand to love people, but we don’t have an endless supply of love. When love falls short, it produces problems like gossip, bitterness, or anger. What do we do when our ability to love falls short? We go to God! God’s “love supply” is endless. We can go to God as our shelter when we’re overwhelmed, when we’ve been hurt, or when we make mistakes. Once we’ve experienced God’s love, we’re better equipped to extend God’s love. God’s love becomes our standard and our source as we love others.

Main Passages

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

- Ephesians 3:17-19

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

- Ephesians 4:1-3

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

- Ephesians 4:29-32

Discussion Questions

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

2. Have you felt short on love over the past week or two? What exposed your lack of love?

3. What do you think it means for God’s love to be our shelter or source? How will you tap into that?

Mixed and Fixed Messages

Main Thought

We’ve seen and heard mixed messages about marriage. They come from places like movies, music, and the lives of other people. These mixed messages produce mixed results. God wants to fix the marriage message! 

The Bible teaches us that marriage is meant to mirror the “Gospel,” or the good news about Jesus. If we can understand the love of Christ for us, and how He relates to us, then we’ll understand God’s desire for marriages. What does the Gospel teach us about the love of Christ? Jesus rejected sin. He remained committed to His love for God and us. His sacrificial love brought Him to the Cross, where He died in our place for our sin. His sacrifice created a covenant with us. (In the Bible, a “covenant” is an unconditional promise - often motivated by what one gives rather than by what one receives.) His love sanctifies us, cleansing our character, as we become more and more like Him.

These elements of the Gospel message create a lens by which we can view marriage more clearly. Marriage is meant to be committed and exclusive. It’s founded on sacrificial love, which informs our motives and actions even when passionate emotions fade. Marriage is meant to be a covenant. And marriage should cleanse us. In marriage, we’re meant to help one another become the best possible versions of ourselves. This beautiful vision of Marriage becomes reality when it reflects the love of Jesus Christ, revealed in the Gospel. That’s how the marriage message can be fixed.

Main Passages

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

- Ephesians 5:15-17

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

- Ephesians 5:25-32

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you in last week’s sermon, the Main Thought, or the Main Passages above?

2. What’s one or two things that created “mixed messages” regarding love or marriage for you? It could be the media, the lives of people you know, etc.

3. How does the Gospel help you understand marriage more clearly?

God's Purpose for Marriage

Main Thought

Genesis 1 poetically describes the creation of the world. In Genesis 1, God creates light. He creates the earth. He creates humanity. Then, alongside these other incredible things, God creates marriage. God’s purposes for marriage can be viewed simply yet are incredibly profound. His purpose includes reflection. Marriage is meant to mirror God and His Kingdom. God the Father wants us to be united in heart and purpose, like He is with the Son and the Holy Spirit. God’s purpose for marriage includes replication and multiplication. God’s purpose for marriage also includes rulership. Through marriage, God wants to empower us to act on His behalf in the world.

Main Passage

​​26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

- Genesis 1:26-28 ESV

Discussion Questions

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

2. Do you think our society or culture believes that marriage has a purpose? If so, what does that purpose include?

3. How can marriage reflect God and His Kingdom?

You Can't Dispute the Fruit

Main Thought

Jesus taught in parables. Parables are statements or stories that use tools, like comparisons and analogies, to teach spiritual meaning. In one of these parables, Jesus compared Himself to a grape vine and His followers to branches that come from it. We can learn a lot from this simple idea! The first is that we’re dependent on God’s Spirit for spiritual life, growth, and progress. Everything comes from Him! Healthy fruit comes from healthy trees; healthy spiritual fruit comes from healthy Christians. When things like love, joy and peace come from us - and when people are blessed by us - it reveals that something good is happening in us! When things like bitterness, anger, and cynicism come from us, it reveals negative things happening in our souls. The fruit we bear is always visible. It’s a reliable way to gauge our spiritual health. Good, spiritual fruit increases in our lives over time as we abide in God. This fruit exists for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

Main Passages

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 

- John 15:1-3

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. 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. 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. 

- John 15:4-6

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

- John 15:7-11

Discussion Questions

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

2. Might there be bad or negative spiritual “fruit” coming out of your life? Why might that be happening? What can you do to address that?

3. What good, spiritual “fruit” has come from your life recently? Why do you think that’s happening? Continue to honor God and do things that contribute to good fruit!

Check Yo Self

Main Thought

Sometimes, the promises of God come with a premise. A condition. Jesus made three conditional promises in John 8: that we’d be his disciples, that we’d know the truth, and that the truth would set us free. What do we need to be set free from? As humans, our “default setting” is habitual sin. Sin is any thought or action that exalts self, damaging relationships with God or others in the process. Sin attempts to meet legitimate needs (like love, comfort, control and more) in illegitimate fashion. Sin overpromises and underdelivers. We eventually find ourselves unsatisfied, and increasingly distant from God and others . Yet we continue in sin as if we’re enslaved by it. It’s a painful cycle and a painful truth. But truth in God brings freedom.

Jesus wants to set us free from slavery to sin! He’ll fulfill the three promises in John 8 if we abide in him. Then, we’ll learn what it means to be free in Jesus. Instead of being enslaved by habitual sin, we are free to do things that honor God. Things that help us grow in relationship with God and others. Things that bring lasting satisfaction and eternal impact. We can experience this freedom in Jesus when we abide in him.

Main Passages

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

- John 8:31-32

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

- John 8:34

16 Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of that same one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were entrusted, 18 and after being freed from sin, you became slaves to righteousness. - Romans 6:16-18 (NASB)

Discussion Questions

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

2. Have you ever felt distant from God or from people as a result of your sin (a thought or action in which you were wrong)? Share what happened if you’re able and willing.

3. What do you think it means to abide in God? What are you doing, or what can you do, to abide in God more?

Staple Foods

Main Thought

Everyone depends on something. This is obvious in a physical sense. We all eat food and drink water, right? But we depend on things spiritually and emotionally too! We can depend on our possessions, on other people, or even on ourselves. The things we depend on might reveal what we’re desperate for. (For example, we can depend on our possessions as a means to find the approval we’re desperate for.) Unfortunately, our desperate searches can result in disappointment when we discover that the things we want are temporary. They’re fleeting and they fall apart. 

But God wants to meet our greatest needs through the “Bread of Life,” Jesus Christ! Bread is a “staple food.” Different cultures have depended on it for thousands of years. It’s also a versatile food. It’s been used in and with more dishes than anyone can imagine. We can depend on Jesus just like a staple food. He’s also versatile enough to provide for any of our needs!

So how do we “eat” this Bread of Life? We need to participate actively. We sit down and engage Jesus through His Word and prayer, just like we sit down for a meal. We meditate and reflect on what He’s teaching us throughout the day. We take everything He reveals about Himself - His will, His Character, His power - and become like Him. “You are what you eat,” after all! As we deepen our dependence on God, we’ll discover that He doesn’t disappoint. Jesus is the Bread of Life, a staple food in our spiritual lives.

Main Passage

48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.

- John 6:48-51

67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

- John 6:66-69

Discussion Questions

1. Do you depend on anything to help you spiritually and emotionally, aside from God?

2. Why do you depend on that thing? Do you think it might reveal something that you’re desperate for?

3. How can you “eat the Bread of Life,” and deepen your dependence on God?

When in Doubt

Main Thought

Doubts are inevitable in a world that’s been damaged by sin. Sometimes, we might even doubt that we’ve been saved and changed by Jesus, or that we’ll spend eternity with God. What do we do in the face of such scary doubts? The answer has less to do with us and more to do with Christ. Jesus has the ability to give us life, because He’s the Source of Life! Christians have witnessed and experienced what it means to find life in Jesus. The life we find in Him now is a sign of eternal life to come. Through His resurrection, Jesus also proved that He is God’s Son and has authority to judge. These things lead us to acknowledge Christ - to believe in Him and behave like Him - more and more over time. As our acknowledgement of Christ grows, our assurance in Christ grows too. We become more confident of our salvation as we walk with Him. Eventually, this confidence becomes bigger and more resilient than our doubts. We can live without fearing death or judgement because of Jesus.

Main Passages

5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

- John 5:8-9

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

- John 5:20-24

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever doubted that you’ve been saved by Jesus, or that you’ll spend eternity with God? If so, did something trigger your doubt?

2. Has your assurance (or confidence) in God grown over time? If it did, what contributed to that growth?

3. How can you acknowledge (or honor) Jesus a little more in this season of your life? (Helpful hints: maybe you can grow in your belief through experience or study. Perhaps you can alter some behavior to become more like Jesus.)

To Know the Word

Main Thought

The first chapter of the Gospel of John famously refers to Jesus as “the Word of God.” Why is this title used to describe Jesus? Words take things that are hidden inside us (like our thoughts, our emotions, our will, and even our character) and make them known. Words allow us to know one another more fully. Jesus is called “the Word of God” because He reveals things that were hidden about God. Jesus reveals God’s thoughts, His heart, His will, His feelings, and so much more. But we don’t have the benefit of seeing Jesus in person, or speaking to him face-to-face! Instead, we can know God through His written Word, the Bible. The Bible teaches us about God’s grace: His love and favor that we could never earn on our own. The Bible also teaches us the truth about God. Because God is full of grace AND truth in equal measure, we can come to Him with nothing hidden.

Main Passage

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. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… 

- John 1:1-4, NIV

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 

- John 1:9-13, NIV

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

- John 1:14-17, NIV

Discussion Questions

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

2. What’s one thing you learned about God from the Bible that had a major impact on you?

3. What’s one thing you can do to know God a little more in 2022?

The Day After Christmas

Main Thought

Christmas is a happy time and a welcome “conclusion” to a busy year and an even busier holiday season. After all the parties and shopping, we just want to take a moment to…. Relax. After all the gifts are opened and the space underneath the tree is empty, what’s next? What happens after Christmas is one of the most important part of our Christianity. The message of Christmas isn’t just for December! It’s a perpetual message meant to be shared throughout the year. What will you do with the timeless message of Jesus coming to earth? There are three main things we can do:

Ponder: Reflect the meaning of the event and the gift.

Praise: Celebrate the gift.

Proclaim - Celebrate the giver and share Him with others.

Main Passage

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

- Isaiah 53:5-6

17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:17-20

Discussion Questions

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

2. Which of the three main responses to Christmas (listed above) do you do most naturally?

3. Which of the three main responses to Christmas (listed above) can you be more intentional about doing?

Christmas - It's Time!

Main Thought

Ask any parent and they will tell you that they are very familiar with the phrase: “It’s time!” After nine months of carrying a baby in the womb, there’s a moment when a mother’s body gives the signal that a baby is about to arrive and there’s nothing you can do to stop it! In the book of Isaiah, the prophet spoke of a Messiah that would come to save God’s people. This good news brought hope and expectation, but the Jewish people had to wait a while. Finally, almost 1800 years later, it was time! God fulfilled Isaiah’s prophesy and executed His plan to save the world by sending Immanuel (God with us). It’s Christmas; it’s time to reflect on Jesus - who came to be with you.  Let’s make it about God. It’s not about presents; it’s about God’s presence. God wants to be present in each of our individual lives.

Main Passages

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 

- Isaiah 7:14

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. 

- Matthew 1:23

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. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

- Hebrews 4:15

Discussion Questions

1. At Christmas, we remember that God sent His Son Jesus to be born and live as a Man. What can the Christmas story teach us about God?

2. What are you doing, or what can you do, to make sure God is present in your holiday celebrations this year?

3. Is God present in your life this holiday season? If so, how?

Ready for Lights

Main Thought

Most of us have endured difficult circumstances over the past two years. You might have faced one hard thing after another, or dealt with multiple difficulties at the same time. Distress can rule our days until we find ourselves in a dark place. But God wants to be with us! He wants to bring light into the darkness of our lives. He can be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. God’s light shines brightest when we allow Him to reign. God reigns when He’s our first priority; when He calls the shots; when He is Lord. Does God reign in your life?

Main Passages

21 They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

- Isaiah 8:21-22; 9:2

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

- Isaiah 7:14

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

- Isaiah 9:6-7

Discussion Questions

1. Does God reign in your internal world: your heart, emotions, thoughts, attitudes, etc.? Why or why not? 

2. Does God reign in your external world: your habits, your time, your schedule, etc.? Why or why not?

3. What practical adjustment can you make to allow God to increase his reign in your life?

The "Altared" Dreams of Joseph

Main Thought

Joseph, the eventual husband of Mary and adopted father of Christ, was a man who had dreams too. The Greek word for his profession, often translated as “carpenter,” would have been more in line with what we call an architect or a general contractor. He would have worked for years to pay a high “bride price” before becoming betrothed to Mary. Then, his betrothed became pregnant! Who would have believed that it was actually an act of God? Joseph was righteous and wanted to send Mary away quietly. But God came to Joseph in a dream and made it clear that His plans were different. Instead of holding onto his goals and plans, Joseph submitted to God and obeyed Him. This obedience likely cost him his reputation; it would have been costly financially, and it cost them their comfort. But Joseph received the great privilege of being involved in God’s mission to save the world through Jesus. If we are willing to “altar” our dreams - place them on a metaphorical altar to God, changing (or altering) our plans to align with God’s purpose - then we’ll eventually find that God’s plans for us are better than our wildest dreams for ourselves.

Main Passages

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was betrothed to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). 24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

- Matthew 1:18-25

Discussion Questions

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

2. Pastor Brett said: “You need to live long enough to look back and thank God for saying ‘no’ to some things.” Can you look back at your life and thank God for saying “no” to any of your prayers or desires? Why?

3. What dream or plan do you need to offer to God, even if He changes it? What attitude or action step can you take practically as you do this?

The Lost Art of Gratitude

Main Thought

Every year, the month of November kicks off the holiday season with a theme of gratitude and thankfulness. Gratitude can be defined as the act of feeling AND  communicating appreciation and thankfulness for people, circumstances and possessions in our lives. Our main text tells the story of Nehemiah, who took it upon himself to  lead a group of Israelites to rebuild the broken walls around Jerusalem. Thankfulness is not the central theme in the this story. But we can learn from Nehemiah who, after completing the wall, made it a point to stop everything they were doing to express their thankfulness to God. As we come out of the Thanksgiving holiday, and progress into Christmas and the new year, let’s use the following discussion questions to help us reflect on the theme of always being thankful and expressing it to God and others.

Main Passages

27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; 29 also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall. 31 Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate. 32 And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah

38 The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall,

40 So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me; 

43 And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

- Nehemiah 12:27-32, 38, 40, 43

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…

- James 1:2

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Discussion Questions

1. Do you personally find it easy or difficult to express gratitude to God or to others? Explain. 

2. With 2020-2021 being such challenging years, what are some things that you are grateful for that have come out of this difficult season?

3. What are some ways you can actively show gratitude towards God and in the next few weeks? How can you show gratitude towards others?

Turning Temptation into Triumph

Main Thought

We’ve all been tempted. There’s no avoiding it. Sometimes it’s something small, like eating a delicious dessert while trying to eat healthy. Other times, it may be something more significant and harmful leading to feelings of guilt and regret. The bible uses the word “temptation” and “trials” interchangeably. As strange as it sounds, temptation in itself is not wrong. God sees these moments as trials and an opportunity for our spiritual growth. At the same time, the devil sees these moments as an opportunity to cause you to fail creating separation between you and god. The end result, positive or negative, depends on your response. The good news is Jesus himself, knows what it’s like to be tempted. He also overcame the temptation and makes it possible for us to do the same.

Main Passages

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
- Matthew 6:9-13

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your Go and him only shall you serve.’”
- Matthew 4:1-10

12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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 10:12-13

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
- Hebrews 2:17-18 (NIV)

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out from the main thought and the main passages above?

2. According to the passages above, what are some weapons that we can use when we face temptation? What other tools not mentioned above, do you find helpful when experiencing temptation?

3. What area of testing or temptation are you believing God to give you victory over? What steps can you take to put yourself in a position to win in this area this week?

The Heart of Forgiveness

Main Thought

Forgiveness is “ RELATING to others based on God’s MERCY toward US and RELEASING others to God’s JUSTICE.” In the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded in ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ that forgiveness should be as regular a part of our lives as asking for our “daily bread.” We are also reminded that we must not only seek God’s forgiveness but also seek to extend forgiveness to others as well. And as we allow God’s forgiveness to come “to us” and flow “through us”, we will keep the door of His peace, blessing, and favor open in our lives.

Main Passages

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
- Matthew 6:9-15

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
- Matthew 18:21-35, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the main thought and main passage above?

2. Share about a time when you either received forgiveness (from God or others) OR when you extended forgiveness to others. What happened? How did it impact your life?

3. In what area of your life do you need to experience God’s forgiveness? And to whom (or what) do you think God is challenging you to extend forgiveness to today ? (a family member, co-worker, yourself, an unexpected situation, etc.)

Close:

As you close, take a moment to pray for one another and to personally pray for forgiveness as needed. Below are a few helpful “sample prayers” to help you to pray for forgiveness, if you’re not sure where to start:

For Personal Forgiveness:

“Father, in the name of Jesus, please forgive me for _______(describe what happened)______ . Thank you for forgiving me and for helping to live for you. Amen.”

For Forgiving Others:

“Father, in the name of Jesus, I choose to forgive___(person, yourself, or a situation) for _____(describe what happened)___________. Amen.”

All I Need

Main Thought

Sometimes, we become anxious or worried when our minds dwell on the things we need. Did you know that God is aware of our needs too? While we should work hard, we should also acknowledge God as our ultimate provider. He knows what we need and when to give it to us. We can come to God and confess our needs to Him. He’s a Good Father who wants to provide! But why do we need to confess our needs to God when He already knows what they are? Consistently praying for our needs builds our trust in God and develops our relationship with Him. We can ask Him to provide daily, and we can grow closer to Him every step along the way.

Main Passages

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.  Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

- Matthew 6:9-13

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

- Matthew 6:31-32

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

2. Have you ever seen God miraculously meet your needs, or the needs of someone you know?

3. What do you need God to provide in this season? Pray with your group.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

Main Thought

In the Gospel of Luke, the topic of persistent prayer immediately follows  what we know today as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus highlights the principle of praying and not giving up because He understood that persisting in prayer is the key to seeing God’s Kingdom come and God’s will done on Earth. As we persist in prayer, God changes something IN us so that He can change the world THROUGH us. As God works in us, He 1)  “sensitizes” our hearts (so that we care about what He cares about), 2) strengthens our will to obey Him, and 3) shapes our character (so we become more like Him.)

Ultimately,  persisting in prayer begins with having a  relationship with God. As we hold the “faith tension”  between God’s goodness (having a” Restful Trust”) and God’s ability (having a “Confident Hope”), we will continue to be fueled to pray until something happens. 

Main Passages

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4 For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” 

- Luke 18:1-8, ESV

“And he [Jesus] withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly…”

- Luke 22:41-44, ESV

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the main thought and main passage above?

2. As  we persist in prayer, God often desires to  1)  “sensitize” our hearts (so that we care about what He cares about), 2) strengthen our will to obey Him, or  3) shape our character (so we become more like Him.) What do you think God wants to change in you as you persist in praying for someone or something? 

3. For whom  or for what does God want you to persistently pray for in this season so that He can change the world through you?