The Guiding Light

Main Thought

Our world can be a dark place for so many different reasons. Jesus Christ was born into the darkness in order to reveal God’s light. He revealed God’s character, care, and compassion for humanity - revelations that culminated when Jesus went to the Cross. Yet many people rejected Jesus. He wasn’t the kind of Savior that a lot of people wanted. Others might have wanted to follow God on their own terms. Many simply dismissed Jesus or denied Him. But light in a dark place cannot be denied forever. It shines anyway, and it guides those who choose to follow it. If we choose to receive Jesus, then we become a part of God’s family. He can guide us through this life into an eternity with Him.

Main Passages

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

- John 1:9-13 

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 53:6

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

- John 1:11-13

Discussion Questions

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

2. Have you ever felt like God guided you out of darkness in your life?

3. Is anything keeping you from allowing Jesus, the Light of the World, to guide your life?

The Messiah is Comfortable in Our Mess

Main Thought

Jesus Christ was born into a mess literally and figuratively. Mary’s virgin conception surely would have looked scandalous to any outsider. Then, when it was finally time for her to give birth, the newborn Jesus was placed in a manger. Mangers were feeding troughs for animals! Why on earth would God allow His Son to be born in this way? It’s because He wanted to send a message. The Messiah came to meet us in our mess and help us clean up. Our “mess” represents the problems and pain we face. That comes in all shapes and sizes, but we all have something messy in our lives. If we want to meet the Messiah in our mess, then we can’t hide it. We need to invite Him in and be open to His help. It takes openness and obedience.

Main Passages

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Luke 2:4-7 NIV

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”).

- Matthew 1:22

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

- Luke 2:15

Discussion Questions

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

2. Is there a mess in your life right now, or have you been through one before?

3. What could it look like for God to meet you in your mess?

The Necessity of Light

Main Thought

As Christmas draws near, houses are decorated with colorful lights. These lights stand out in the dark - and they’re a powerful picture of something the world desperately needs. Our world is a dark place where people are searching for things like truth, purpose, and love. We desperately need a light. God sent Jesus to be the Light the world needs! We can find our soul’s greatest needs in Him. After we come to Christ, God calls us to be lights like Jesus. The closer we are to Him, the more radiant we become. It can be challenging to shine in a dark world. Yet we can remain confident, knowing that light always wins in the end.

Main Passages

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

- John 1:1-5

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

- John 1:14

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

- Matthew 5:14-16

Discussion Questions

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

2. How can it be challenging to be a light for Jesus in a dark world?

3. Think of a person (or a group of people) that you can be a light for by pointing them to Jesus. Who is it, and how can you shine your light in Christ?

The Game Changing Power of Gratitude

Main Thought

Greed is everywhere in our society. There is an endless desire for “more” all around us: more of some product, service, or money. This consumerism is one expression of greed. Greed is also expressed when we care about things that benefit us in a way that excludes or ignores others. We can think of greed as a poision to the soul. Thankfully, after one of his miraculous encounters, Jesus recognizes an individual whose actions reveal the antidote to the greed. The antidote to greed is gratitude! Gratitude allows you to see with greater perspective. It causes us to appreciate the things we have, many of which are more important than the things we don’t have. Gratitude also produces the grace to follow God. When we’re grateful, we can see that our blessings in God outweigh our challenges. Finally, gratitude provides a place of peace and salvation. It helps us find rest in a world that’s gone mad.

Main Passages

“On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

- Luke 17:11-19

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! “

- Psalm 107:1

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”

- Habakuk 3:17-18 (NLT)

Discussion Questions

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

2. Has gratitude ever helped you endure a frustrating or difficult situation? If so, how?

3. What’s one current challenge you’re facing? Try to think of one thing you can be grateful for in the midst of that situation, and share that with your group.

How to Stand in a Storm

Main Thought

Storms are inevitable. This is true in nature, and it’s true in our own lives. Stress, emergencies, and other “storms” come for everyone. How can we prepare for them? According to a famous parable of Jesus, we have two options when it comes to building our lives. (We build our lives on something when it’s the foundation of important things like our identity, direction, or hope.) The first option is to build our lives on “sand.” Sand can represent things in the world that are subject to change. This covers a wide range of things; some common examples may include a situation, possibilities that we see, or the good things people say about us. When storms come, we’ll eventually find that these things are unreliable. Thankfully, we have a second option on which to build our lives: Jesus and His Word. His love, His presence, and our assurance in Him are unmoved by life’s storms. If we want to build our lives on Christ, then we must repeatedly choose to live and act by faith. If we do this, then we will be well-prepared to stand strong in life’s storms.

Main Passage

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” 

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

- Matthew 7:24-29

Discussion Questions

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

2. Have you experienced any significant storms in your life recently?

3. How can you act in faith and build your life on Jesus?

The Burden That Brings Rest

Main Thought

We live in a chaotic and restless world. This can even be true in our own minds. Everyone experiences restlessness at some level. One of the biggest reasons for this restlessness is our need to perform well or prove ourselves (either to ourselves or to others). In moderation, these things can become blessings. Left unchecked, these desires can become cravings that only leave us wanting more. They cannot be satisfied, and they cause the chaos in our minds to become a heavy burden. God doesn’t want us to carry burdens like this. He invites us to exchange our burdens with Him. We can receive God’s love and approval for us. These things are free gifts through Jesus Christ. Living from this place of love and approval is key to experiencing the peace we search for while continuing to walk by faith.

Main Passages

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

- Matthew 11:28-30

Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.

- Jeremiah 6:16

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

- 1 Corinthians 1:30 NLT

Discussion Questions

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

2. When can a desire to perform well or prove ourselves be helpful? When do those desires become unhealthy or burdensome?

3. How can receiving God’s love and approval help lift the burdens in our minds, and free us to live well?

Comfort for the Troubled Heart

Main Thought

Change is constant in the world we live in. Sometimes, change can be uncomfortable or chaotic. We might feel vexed or troubled. Where can we find comfort for our troubled hearts? When our lives or the world is in a state of disarray, we can turn to God and His Word. God’s Word points us to a future place with God where we’ll be free of trouble forever. We can reach that place through faith in Jesus Christ. But Jesus didn’t just leave us waiting to find peace in eternity. He promised that we could also have peace through the presence of His Holy Spirit while here on earth. These present and future promises give us strength, stability, and comfort in a world that’s gone mad.

Main Passages

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 

- John 14:1-2

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

- John 14:4-6

25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 

- John 14:25-27

Discussion Questions

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

2. What are some things that have troubled you or challenged you recently?

3. How does God give us peace in an unpredictable world? Have you ever experienced that for yourself?

Freedom From & Freedom To

Main Thought

In the Old Testament, God used Moses to give his people a set of laws. These rules eventually came to be known as “the Law of Moses,” or simply as “the Law.” The Law established a standard for moral goodness (or righteousness) in relation to God and others. Yet the Law could only portray righteousness. It could not produce it. The Law’s standard was too high, and it didn’t transform the human heart. This is where Jesus enters the picture. He exceeded the standard of the law because of His love for God and Man. Jesus earned righteousness for Himself. Then, He extended that same goodness to us as a gift. We are free from the rigid requirements of the Law because we’re made righteous through faith in Christ! But what should we do with our freedom? We should respond to God’s love by imitating Christ and exceeding the standard of the Law. We do that when we love God “with all,” in all areas of our lives.

Main Passage

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

- Galatians 4:4-5

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

- Mark 12:30-31

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

- Mark 12:41-44

Discussion Questions

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

2. Why do you think it’s significant that Jesus freed us from the standard of the Law?

3. What’s one practical step you can take toward loving God with all you have?

God First

Main Thought

Throughout the Bible, there was an emphasis placed on “first things.” The firstborn was set apart for God and needed to be redeemed. The first portion of one’s wealth was dedicated to God as well. These rules taught a clear principle: God comes first! When we put God first, we honor Him. Then, the actions that we take with our hands begin to teach our hearts. We learn to put God first in the way we live our lives. God moves in favor on behalf of those who put Him first in faith.

Main Passages

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.”

- Exodus 13:1-2

3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.

- Genesis 4:3-5

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

- Proverbs 3:9-10

Discussion Questions

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

2. Why do you think God wants the “first things” set apart for Him? 

3. In what way (or ways) can you put God first in your life this week?

The God of the Valley

Main Thought

A valley is a low point between mountains or hills. We all face “valleys,” or low points, in our lives. Life can be hard! Things may not turn out the way that we want. Unexpected circumstances, even heartbreaking ones, will arise. What do we do when we find ourselves in one of life’s valleys? The first thing we should do is look for God. God wants to be present in our valleys. He’s also able to bring us through our valleys, so that we can eventually experience something great on the other side. If we want to get there, then we need to walk with God intimately and intentionally. Intimacy with God comes as we seek to know God, and to be authentically known by God, more and more. We’re intentional in our walk with God when we take meaningful steps of faith and obedience in the direction that God determines. God loves us too much to leave us in our low points. He’s calling us to move forward with Him!

Main Passages

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. 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 23:4, 6

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

- Psalm 34:17-18

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

- Philippians 3:12

Discussion Questions

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

2. God calls us to walk with Him intimately and intentionally. Can you improve on either of those things in this season of your life?

3. Are you trusting God for progress or breakthrough in any area of your life? If so, what? Pray for one another to experience these things as we walk with God.

Promise, Premise, and Process.

Main Thought

We want God’s promises. God promises to fulfill His plans for us; to give us the power to both endure trials and excel in life; and to provide for our needs. Yet the promises of God often have a premise attached to them. There is a condition that we must first fulfill in order to experience some of God’s promises. In each of these cases, the premise is sacrifice. Sacrifice is an inseparable part of the Christian life. While sacrifice looks different for everyone, there’s one way in which God calls almost every Christian to sacrifice: financial giving. Giving is often a part of the process of experiencing God’s promises. We can give (and sacrifice) in confidence when we know what God wants to accomplish in us, for us, and through us.

Main Passages

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

- Philippians 1:5-6

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

- Philippians 4:11-13

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

- Philippians 4:18-19

Discussion Questions

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

2. Why do you think God ties the fulfillment of some of His promises to sacrifice and giving?

3. Out of God’s three promises mentioned above, which matters most to you in this season and why?

Crazy Generosity

Main Thought

Jesus Christ loved us with a “crazy love.” He loved us faithfully and powerfully. He forgives and blesses us generously. Isn’t it natural to reciprocate this kind of love? That’s what God invites us to do when He we give financially toward His Kingdom. We learn to be generous because of all the ways that God gave to us first. Why would the God of the universe ask us for anything, and use the gifts of ordinary people? One of the biggest reasons is that our generosity gives us a place in His story. It makes a long-lasting difference and impacts the lives of others. But it doesn’t have to stop there. If we allow the blessing of God to come through us, it’ll often come to us. That’s what it means to experience the crazy generosity of God.

Main Passages

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.

- Matthew 21:1-6

7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

- Matthew 21:7-11

Discussion Questions

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

2. Have you experienced the blessings of God recently? If so, how?

3. How do you currently respond to God’s generosity toward you? Is there a way that you can grow in your response to God’s blessings?

Every Member is a Minister

Main Thought

Christianity was never meant to be a spectator sport. Jesus founded His Church with the idea that every member should minister! In the Bible, the word “ministry” did not refer to full-time Christian professionals. Instead, the word “ministry” referred to service. It was a verb - an action that any Christian could take. Everyone can serve using their talents and spiritual gifts. Everyone can pray with someone else. Simple and sincere prayers can make a big difference. Everyone can share Jesus through an invitation, a scripture, or their testimony. We make an eternal difference whenever we help to make disciples in these ways. Every member is a minister! If you’re a member of the body of Christ, then God empowers you to do all of these things right now.

Main Passages

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 28:19-20

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

- 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4

So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” - John 4:28-29

Discussion Questions

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

2. Does anything stop you from ministering to others? If so, what?

3. Is there an opportunity for you to take a step in faith and serve others, pray for people, or share Jesus?

Equipping Every Believer to Minister

Main Thought

Have you ever played a sport, or learned some form of martial arts? Developing skill in these things takes time. If you remain committed, then you’ll grow gradually. It may seem slow, but the results can be incredible! Spiritual growth can be very similar to this. Spiritual growth is intentional, or planned. There are some things - like the Bible, prayer, and community - that are vital for growth. Spiritual growth is incremental. It’s a process that takes time. Finally, spiritual growth comes as we invest time and energy into our own relationship with God and other people. As we remain committed to spiritual growth, we’ll become more and more equipped for the purposes that God has called us to.

Main Passages

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

- Ephesians 4:11-13

27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

- Colossians 1:24-29

Discussion Questions

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

2. What do you think it means to be “equipped to minister”?

3. Spiritual growth is intentional, incremental, and requires an investment. Which of these three things, if any, do you struggle with most?

Built to Last

Main Thought

The foundations of a building are incredibly important. They may not be visible, but they determine the strength and height of the structures they support. Our spiritual lives need foundations too! A spiritual foundation can be thought of as the beliefs, actions, and character that help us build a relationship with God. We can establish spiritual foundations is through obedience to God’s Word. God knows best! If we consistently obey Him, then we’ll achieve the best outcome for our lives from an eternal perspective - and often from an earthly one too. A spiritual foundation is also formed through the continual testing of trials and tribulations. Enduring trials gives us the ability to persevere. This is very important because life is more like a marathon than a sprint. If we can establish spiritual foundations, then we’ll eventually be spared from destruction and set up for a life of purpose in God.

Main Passages

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

- Romans 5:3-5

Discussion Questions

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

2. Do you feel that you have a strong spiritual foundation? Why or why not?

3. What’s one way that you can obey God’s Word, or one trial that you need to persevere through? What do you think God is forming in you (or how is God teaching you) through this?

Engaging Glorious Purpose

Main Thought

Have you ever wondered about God’s purpose for the World? It can be said that God’s purpose is simply to love and bless. Creation, and mankind in particular, is best positioned to experience God’s love when in right relationship with Him. Yet God’s purpose was derailed when Adam and Eve chose not to trust God and rejected His love. Mankind’s relationship with God was ruined. But God immediately set out to make things right! God promised that a Man, born from a woman, would crush the Serpent. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus died for our sin, then was restored to life - which also restored our ability to experience God’s love. We begin to experience God’s love and blessings again when we hear and believe the Good News about Christ. God’s purpose also expands to others when they hear and believe. Thus, we can engage our place in the glorious purpose of God when we engage others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Main Passages

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.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.

- Genesis 1:27-31

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

- Ephesians 1:3-10

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

- Romans 10:14

Discussion Questions

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

2. How have you tried to find purpose in the past? What worked, and what didn’t?

3. Do you think that you’re fully engaging your role in the purpose of God? Why or why not?

Life Group H.E.A.R. Journal: Luke 14

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 in the acronym stand for Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond. 

Please read the following passages from Luke 14, , which Pastor Roland featured in his message this past Sunday.

16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

- Luke 14:16-24

Next, do each of the four things listed below:

• Highlight a scripture: Pick one verse (or pick a set of connected or related verses) from Luke 14. 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. 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.

Share your responses with your group. Pay special attention to the Apply and Respond steps; that’s where God’s Word comes to life! Let’s encourage each other in God’s Word.

The Power and Purpose of Your Testimony

Main Thought

We all love a good story. A good story has the ability to capture an audience, change minds and even influence others towards a certain direction. Good stories build familiarity and trust, and allow the listener to open up when they can relate to someone in the story. You may not realize it, but all of God’s people have a unique story. Our stories become a part His story that is told throughout the Bible, and that continues today.

Our testimony is our own unique story. They are meant to be shared as we witness for Christ. A simple testimony includes three parts:

• Section A: Describes your life before Christ.

• Section B: Explains how you came to Jesus.

• Section C: Describes your life since surrendering to Jesus.

Main Passages

3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

- Acts 22:3-8

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.

- 1 Peter 3:13

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

- Romans 1:16-17

Discussion Questions

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

2. Take a few moments to outline your testimony according to the three sections listed above.

   • A testimony tip: In addition to sharing what happened at each step, try to describe how you felt at each step along the way.

3. Try sharing your testimony with your group!

Busy Witnesses

Main Thought

Most of us are busy. We live at a frenetic pace. There’s so much to get done! Yet all this activity doesn’t necessarily translate to productivity. This is true in every area of life, including in our relationship to God and His Church. How can we be sure that we’re effectively building God’s Kingdom while engaging unchurched people? We can start by investing our time - even if it’s limited - in activities that consistently create the greatest returns. Many people become open to faith in God through their relationships with believers they know. Routine outreach built on a consistent time, activity, place, or people group can help create these relationships. As we go in faith to engage others, God multiplies our natural efforts with His supernatural power. Our efforts can have an eternal impact when we use the time that we have intentionally.

Main Passages

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

- Psalm 90:12

After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, 3 and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

- Acts 18:1-3

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. 

- Acts 18:4

Discussion Questions

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

2. Do you have relationships with unchurched people that you’re engaging on behalf of Christ? Do you have a form of routine outreach?

3. Do you think it’s possible to use your available time, relationships, or activities more strategically in order to become a more effective witness for Christ? If so, how?

Principles of Harvest

Main Thought

One of the last promises that Jesus made was that His followers would receive power to be witnesses. This power eventually came through the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Pentecost, in turn, happened to be an agricultural holiday or tradition. There are a lot of parallels between being a witness for God and farming. Both require planting. We sow seeds into the dirt - and we can sow the Word into the lives of others through the Gospel, our testimonies, an invitation, a prayer, and more. After we plant, we wait. Waiting on God includes prayer because only He can make a seed grow. Finally, the time comes to harvest. Engaging people turns into establishing them in the Word, faith, and community. But God always blesses those who bless others.

Main Passages

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts 1:4-5, 8

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

- Mark 4:26-29

2 And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

- Luke 10:2-3

Discussion Questions

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

2. When it comes to the stages of planting, waiting, and harvesting, where do you think you are right now?

3. How can you begin to move to the next stage in faith?