09.11.16 Small Group Discussion

Jonah - Remember

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
  
  
• Based on last week’s discussion about spiritual maturity, how did you do this past week being spiritually mature? What was easy for you to act on and what things caused you to drag your feet?
  
  
• Have you ever been to the ocean, or perhaps scuba diving, or at the lake when the waves are particularly strong? How did it make you feel to be surrounded by the water?

Read: Jonah 1:17-2:10.

• What can we learn from God’s methods of saving from how He saves Jonah?
  
  
• Jonah was in the depths of the ocean and still believed God could save him. Do we honestly believe, and live, in a way that shows we believe God can save us no matter our situation? Why or why not?
  
  
• Not only should we ask ourselves if we believe God can save us no matter how deep we are, we should also believe and live in a way that reflects that truth for others. No one is too far gone. When you think about the various people in your life and interact with them, do you see them as lost in the ocean of sin but still able to be saved? Why or why not?
  
  
• What consequence(s) did Jonah still experience from his previous actions, even though he repented and God saved him? How can we learn from Jonah in this regard for our own lives?

Prayer: Pray that we always remember that God can always save us.

09.04.16 Small Group Discussion

Jonah - Running

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

As we start this study of Jonah, take a few moments as a small group and read all of Jonah together to get a picture of the whole story, and then we’ll dive into more specifics.

• As a child, what was a job or chore that you really hated and never wanted to do? What did you hate about it? What did it take for you to do what was asked of you?

Read: Jonah 1:1-3.

• What is your beginning impression of Jonah?
   
• Have you ever run from God or from something He has told you to do? What impact did that have on you? What, if anything, got you to eventually follow what He was telling you to do?

Read: Jonah 1:4-10.

• During the great storm, Jonah is sleeping and ignoring God while the pagans reach out to their false gods. Do you feel like there are times that we as Christians have less faith, or are less committed, than people who follow a different religion? Why do you think this is?

Read: Jonah 1:11-16.

• What do you think was the reasoning behind Jonah telling the sailors to throw him overboard?
   
• God ends up impacting the sailors, though Jonah was never supposed to be around them. God used Jonah to make a difference, even though Jonah wasn’t in the original location God told him to go to. What does this say about God’s ability to use us?

Prayer: Pray that we are open to what God wants and are willing to see it through.

08.28.16 Small Group Discussion

Colossians -- New skin

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Share two memories: One of a time that you were chosen for something (perhaps by your spouse or a task at work) and a time that you were not chosen (perhaps elementary kickball or a school play).

Read: Colossians 3:12-17.

• What does it mean to you to be chosen by God?
   
• Do you think it’s possible for us to attain holiness? Why or why not?
   
• Define the things we are called to clothe ourselves in (Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience). What do you think you do well? What do others say you do well?
   
• Which do you struggle with the most?
   
• Why do you think Paul lists love as the most important piece?
   
• How does verse 17 impact our daily living?
   
• How much contrast is there between the worldly clothes and the clothes of a Christ-follower?
   
• How much of a difference is there between your old worldly clothes and your clothes as a Christ-follower?

Read: Colossians 3:18-4:1.

•  What is Paul telling wives to do?
   
• What is Paul telling husbands to do?
   
• Is Paul being demeaning to wives? Why or why not?
   
• Children are to obey their parents in everything. Do you think there is a limitation to that instruction? Why or why not?
   
• Why do you think Paul lays out instructions for fathers, but not mothers?
   
• Do you think these verses lay out a hierarchy or structure to how a family works? Why or why not?
   
• If it does provide a structure, do you agree with it? Why or why not? If it does not provide a structure, what do you think a family’s structure should be?
   
• Even though we don’t have masters and slaves in America, what can we draw from 3:22-4:1 and apply to our current situations?
   
• How much of a parallel is there between 4:1 and the previous relationships listed?

Prayer: Pray that we will keep ourselves clothed in Christ-like attributes and that our relationships will reflect Christ.

08.21.16 Small Group Discussion

Colossians - What Not to Wear

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What are some of the things on which you base your identity?
   
• Think back to when you became a Christian. Was choosing to follow Jesus a radical change for you, or was it something that was the next logical step in your faith journey?

Read: Colossians 3:1-4

• Last week Frank challenged us to "think eternally." When Paul tells us to "set your sights on the realities of heaven," how do you think we do that, practically speaking? 

• The ancient Greeks spoke about someone who was buried as being hidden in the earth. Paul says that a Christian's "real life is hidden in God with Christ." What do you think he means? 

Read: Colossians 3:5-11

• Paul's list of sinful, earthly things is extensive! Why do you think Christians tend to "rank" sinful behavior, disdaining some sins and ignoring others?
   
• Why do you think that, when you have "stripped off your old sinful nature and wall its wicked deeds," do you sometimes struggle with picking those old sinful habits back up?
   
• There is a difference between knowing God, and knowing about God. Paul writes that we are renewed as we learn to know our creator and become like him. What is something you can do this week to better know God?

Prayer: Pray that God will give you a greater desire to know him and to relentlessly pursue your relationship with him.

08.14.16 Small Group Discussion

Colossians - Cancel the Funeral

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What were you like as a teenager (rebellious, reserved, straight as an arrow)?
   
• Were your parents strict or permissive? When, if ever, did they start giving you freedom? What did that freedom mean to you?

Read: Colossians 2:11-15.

• What does our spiritual circumcision mean?
   
• How is this spiritual circumcision different from Jewish circumcision?
   
• What is the significance of the relationship between the Cross and the Law detailed in verses 13-15?

Read: Colossians 2:16-23.

• What type of freedom does Christ’s circumcision provide us?
   
• What are the Christians warned against and told to look out for with false teachers?
   
• Chapters 1 and 2 establish Christ’s position in existence. How does this passage remind us of this?
   
• How does Paul challenge the legalism that has infected the church?
   
• Do you feel like legalism is still a problem? Why or why not? How can this be addressed, if so?
   
• What are the failings of human commands and teachings?
   
• In applying these passages, how should we change our living? Have you been living just rules? How do we bring about the freedom that Paul is talking about?

• This week, how can you best exercise the freedom you have in Christ?

  Prayer: Pray that we live out our freedom and don’t get bogged down in rules.

08.07.16 Small Group Discussion

Colossians - God with a Capital G

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Have you ever been told you resemble someone else (family member, celebrity, etc.)? How did that make you feel?

Read: Colossians 1:1-14.

• What is the picture you get of the Christ-followers in Colossae?
   
• Verses 9 and 10 express Paul’s prayers for the people to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will for the purpose of living lives worthy of God and pleasing Him. Is the idea of living a life worthy of God daunting to you? Why or why not?

Read: Colossians 1:15-23.

• These verses establish in no uncertain terms that Jesus is God. Is that a concept that you struggle with currently or did previously? What makes the concept difficult or what helped you accept it?
   
• Everything, including thrones and authorities, were created through Jesus. How does this impact how you interact with the various facets of life?

Read: Colossians 1:24-2:10

• Paul speaks of rejoicing in the suffering he endures for the sake of the Church. What are you currently suffering through that you can rejoice in for the sake of your fellow Christians?
   
• Throughout these passages that we have read, Paul praises the Colossians and is very happy for their level of faith, but he still prays for them earnestly. How does this impact who we prayer for or when we pray for people?
   
• Christ is the fullness of God, and we have fullness in Christ. What are some of the others things that we try to find fullness in? Where is true fullness found?
   
• Jesus is the head over every power and authority, which includes our power and authority. How do you do at recognizing Jesus as the head, as opposed to wanting to place yourself at the head of your life and following your own authority?

Prayer: Pray that we will live worthy lives, recognizing Jesus as the head of all things. Pray for your brothers and sisters who are struggling. Pray for your brothers and sisters who are going strong so that they can continue to do so.

Soul Revolution Small Group Resources

The writers of Soul Revolution have provided small group materials for our current series.  We've copied their recommendations and schedule below for you.  If you have any questions, please connect with us and we will do what we can to help.

Benefits of studying Soul Revolution as a group:

• Imagine the members of your Small Group or Sunday School class, not just showing up to meetings, but connecting with each other in meaningful, authentic ways about their own personal spiritual growth.
• Imagine group members having an impact far beyond your group meetings – into the lives of those they regularly do life with and others in your city.
• Imagine your group members learning what it looks like to live day-to-day fully available to God.

Tools for studying Soul Revolution as a group:

• Curriculum, suitable for Small Groups or Sunday School classes (see below).
• Practical helps for your group members:
  • Practical advice about doing the 60-60 experiment

Soul Revolution Group Curriculum:

• Leaders Guide (the group facilitator needs one copy of this)
• Guide for Running Partners in Small Groups (each member of your group will need a copy of this for when they meet in Running Partners – see schedule below)
• In addition, each member of your group will need a copy of Soul Revolution.
• The curriculum is based around meeting as a large group, then meeting as smaller “Running Groups” on alternating weeks. The schedule would be:
  • Intro (Week 0):
    • Meet as a group
    • Read introduction together in the meeting
  • Week 1:
    • Meet as Running Partners
    • Read chapters 1-3 prior to meeting
  • Week 2:
    • Meet as a group
    • Read chapters 4-5 prior to meeting
  • Week 3:
    • Meet as Running Partners
    • Read chapters 6-7 prior to meeting
  • Week 4:
    • Meet as a group
    • Read chapters 8-9 prior to meeting
  • Week 5:
    • Meet as Running Partners
    • Read chapters 10-11 prior to meeting
  • Week 6:
    • Meet as a group
    • Read chapters 12-13 prior to meeting
  • Week 7:
    • Meet as Running Partners
    • Read chapters 14-15 prior to meeting
  • Week 8:
    • Meet as a group
    • Read chapters 16-18 prior to meeting

5.29 Small Group Discussion

Regrets - No Going Back

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Which of the four parts of this series (Looking Back, Letting Go, Launching Out, and No Going Back) has been the most impactful for you? Why?
   
• What is something that you consider to be a great waste of time?
  
  Read: Titus 3:9-11 and Philippians 3:12-16.
•  What are some of the useless arguments that we allow ourselves to get bogged down in that Paul warns against?
   
• Paul warns to stop dealing with divisive people after two warnings. How well do you do at following this idea? If you struggle with it, what makes it hard to follow? If you handle it well, what suggestions would you give?
   
• Paul himself, an Apostle, states in Philippians that he has not obtained perfection, but that he is determined to continue striving. How does that impact your ability to forgive yourself of your mistakes?
   
• There is not enough time to get sidetracked and too much at stake to get stuck in the past. Why do we still get stuck looking back when the stakes are so high?
   
• What can we do that makes a truly lasting impact during our lifetime?
   
• How can we help others, as well as ourselves, take steps to never go back to our previous regrets?

Pray that we will allow God to keep our regrets redeemed and not get lost looking in the rearview mirror. Pray that we will not get caught up in squabbles, but instead focus on the redemption that God has given and offers to everyone.

05.22 Small Group Discussion

Regrets - Launching Out

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Have you ever made something and then got frustrated when it didn’t function or behave the way you intended?

Read: Titus 3:8 and Ephesians 2:8-10.

• Why should we do good?
   
• What keeps us from doing good?
   
• There is a saying, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
   
• Does the fact that God has prepared works for us to do encourage you in doing good, or does it make it more daunting when trying to figure out what to do? Why?
   
• Does doing good always look nice/friendly? Why or why not?
   
• In what ways are you already doing good?
   
• What are some of the ways the Church can improve in doing good?
   
• How will you do good this week?

Prayer: Pray that we will be brave in doing good.

05.15 Small Group Discussion

Regret - Letting Go

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• If you were a prince or princess for a day, what would you do?
   
• When something you regret ends up having a silver lining, how does that make you feel?

Read: Titus 3:4-7.

• Verse 5 states that we were saved because of God’s love and mercy, not from righteous things we have done. Why do you think people still struggle with a “works save” mentality?
   
• What does it mean to you to have the Holy Spirit?
   
• Verse 7 states that we can become heirs (some translations may say that we became righteous) due to God’s grace. What does it mean to you to become an heir to God?
   
• Because of God’s grace, our regrets can be repurposed, or redeemed. What are some ways that our regrets can be redeemed?
   
• How does having the hope of eternal life impact our daily living?
   
• Is having our regret redeemed the same as finding a silver lining in that regret? Why or why not?
   
• Jesus was the only one to live a perfect life without regret. Does that mean we shouldn’t feel bad about making mistakes, because after all, we’re not Jesus? Because God redeems us, does that feel we shouldn’t feel bad about making mistakes? Why or why not?
   
• How does God’s redemption of our regrets through grace impact how we handle other people and their mistakes?

Prayer: Pray that we accept God’s grace and live acknowledging that His grace is what redeems us, not our works.

05.08 Small Group Discussion

Regret - Looking Back

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What does “regret” mean to you?
   
• On your deathbed, what is something you want to have as part of your life’s story (a particular item, vacation, relationship, etc.) so that you can say you don’t regret not having it when your time comes?
   
• What do you think of the thought, “I regret nothing, because the events of my life have made me who I am.”?

Read: Titus 3:3-7 and Ephesians 2:1-6.
 

• Why do you think we struggle to see ourselves as redeemed more often than as the sinful beings we used to be?
   
• When we are baptized, we are born again. The Greek for “born again” literally means that we come into being again. What we are after baptism is a completely new creation that did not exist before we entered the water. How does this view affect how you see yourself as a Christ-follower?
   
• How can our mistakes, the things we regret, be used for good?
   
• If you’re comfortable, please share something from your past that God has redeemed for His glory.
   
• Both of the passages mention that we were sinful before being redeemed. How can this truth help us interact with others coming to terms with their own regrets and sinfulness?

Prayer: Pray that we will allow God to use the mistakes in our lives for His glory.

05.01 Small Group Discussion

Self Serve - Fourth: Overcome Evil

• If you haven’t had the chance yet, take a moment to discuss the Love My City event. What did you do? What were your takeaways from participating? What are some potential ideas you would like to see done in the future?
   
• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• How are you doing with memorizing Romans 12?
   
• When faced with a conflict, what are your typical responses?
   
• Does your way of handling conflict change depending on who your conflict is with? Why or why not? If yes, how so?

Read: Romans 12:17-21.

• If someone has ever repaid your evil with good, please share. How did it make you feel? How did it impact you?
   
• Based on verse 18, can we live at peace with everyone? Why or why not?
   
• How does that affect how you interact with others and how you respond when the other person simply isn’t willing to strive for peace?
   
• Regardless of our political preferences, how does this passage impact how we handle others’ political views and what our response is towards the person who ends up in the White House?
   
• Target has been in the news a lot lately for announcing that they are allowing transgender people to use the bathroom that matches the gender they identify with, and maybe people have strong feelings on how Christians should or should not react. How does this passage help to structure what our response should be?
   
• How can we overcome evil with good?

Prayer: Pray that we can face the numerous conflicts surrounding us with love.

04.17 Small Group Discussion

Self Serve - Step Three: The Choice is Yours

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• How are you doing with memorizing Romans 12?
   
• How does the world define love?
   
• How do you define love?

Read: Romans 12:9-16.

•  Do you think sincere love is common? Why or why not?
   
• What are some ways that people can hate what is evil and cling to what is good?
   
• What does it mean to be devoted to one another in love?
   
• Do you practice hospitality? If so, how? If not, why?
   
• How can we bless those who persecute us?
   
• Share a time that someone either rejoiced with you or mourned with you? How did that make you feel?
   
• Reread verse 16. How does this connect back to the previous sections we have studied? How does verse 16 help us to love others?

Prayer: Pray that we will love others sincerely, placing their needs above our own.

04.10 Small Group Discussion

Self Serve - Step Two: Go All In 

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• How are you doing with memorizing Romans 12? What can be done to encourage you to continue, or to start if you haven’t yet?
   
• What are some things that people say you are good at? What are some things that you think you are good at?
   
• What are some of your hobbies?

Read: Romans 12:3-8.

• In verse 1, we are told to be a living sacrifice. How do verses 3-5 help us to become living sacrifices?
   
• Why do we hold on to the prideful idea that our role is more important than anyone else’s, whether it be within the Church, work, etc.?
   
• What does it mean that each of us (each member of the Church) belongs to all the others? How does that impact how we interact with fellow Christians?
   
• Do you feel that the list of gifts in verses 6-8 is a list of all the gifts that God gives, or are those merely examples? Why?
   
• Verse 6 states that we all have different gifts according to the grace that God has given us. Does this leave any room for the possibility that any of us is without a gift from God? Why or why not?
   
• Do you feel like you have a handle on what any of your spiritual gifts are?
   
• How do you think you can learn about your gifts or develop them farther?

Prayer: Pray that we be humble in regards to our gifts and glorify God with them, instead of ourselves.

04.03 Small Group Discussion

Self Serve - Step One: Die

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What does the world say you should be?

• What does the Church say you should be?
   
• What is something that you have hidden about yourself in order to feel like you belong?

Read Romans 12:1-2.

• Why should we offer ourselves as living sacrifices?
   
• What does being a living sacrifice mean?
   
• How can we be transformed by the renewing of our minds? What do you think that means?
   
• How can we understand what God wants for us?
   
• Is the Church better at self-service or serving others? Why?
   
• What are some of the things that prevent you from dying to yourself and living for others?
   
• What are some of the things, or who are some of the people, who help you live for others?
   
• How can you help others to learn to live for others?

Prayer: Pray that we will move towards putting others before ourselves.

03.27 Small Group Discussion

#nofilter - The Road to Emmaus

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Share a time when you were glad someone else was able to verify your story, or that you wish there had been someone else there to verify your story.

Read Luke 24:13-35.

• Why do you think Jesus asked the two what had been happening in Jerusalem over the last few days?
   
• Is there significance to the followers referring to Jesus as a prophet, as opposed to anything else? Why or why not?.
   
• The followers say their hearts were burning while Jesus was talking to them. What do you think they meant? Have you ever had something similar?
   
• Do you think they would have realized who Jesus was if they hadn’t invited him to stay with them? Why or why not?
   
• The followers traveled together and encountered Jesus. What is the importance of traveling together?
   
• Is there someone that you’re bringing along the road to encounter Jesus?

Prayer: Pray that we will walk alongside one another and bring others with us.

03.20 Small Group Discussion

#nofilter - The Power and the Powerless

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What comes to mind when you hear the words powerful and powerless?

Read Mark 15:38-39, Luke 23:33-43, and John 19:25-27.

• The centurion is changed by watching Jesus. The thief and Mary are changed through words. Do you lean towards words or actions when trying to impact others? Why?
   
• In these three passages, Jesus impacts the powerful (the centurion), the powerless (the thief), and family (his mother). In your life, which of these three groups do you find yourself trying to impact most often?
   
• Which of these groups do you feel is the easiest and the hardest to impact? Why?
   
• Do we actually impact others or is it God? Why?
   
• Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus changed people. What does that mean for us in regards to when we need to be open to being used by God?
   
• What filters do you use that prevent you from being used to reach the powerful, the powerless, and family?
   
• Jesus looked at others through the lens of love and demonstrated radical forgiveness and an astonishing level of selflessness. Does the Church properly reflect that same attitude? Why or why not?
   
• Do you demonstrate that forgiveness and selflessness? What can you do to continuing growing in those areas?

Prayer: Pray that we are open to Christ using us to impact others, regardless of their status in the world.

03.13 Small Group Discussion

#nofilter - 10 Lepers

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Share a time that someone expressed genuine gratitude to you. How did that make you feel?

• Likewise, how have you felt during times when people have not shown gratitude?

• Think of a time that you showed genuine gratitude to someone. What was it that made you express your gratitude?

Read Luke 17:11-19.

• Why do you think the other nine people didn’t return to thank Jesus?
   
• What is the significance of the fact that the one person who returned was a Samaritan?
   
• If you’re Jesus in this situation and you know nine out of ten will not thank you, does that impact how you handle the situation?

Read Romans 5:6-8.

• How does this passage detail the love Jesus has for us?
   
• Why do we often want to attach strings to our acts of service and kindness? Why is it that we struggle to love and serve when there is no hope of being thanked for doing so?
   
• Does the Church do a good job of serving and loving with no expectation of gratitude? Why or why not?
   
• What filters prevent you from serving and loving when there’s no chance of gratitude?

Prayer: Pray that we will give of ourselves the way Jesus gave of himself.

03.06 Small Group Discussion

nofilter - Zacchaeus

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Have you ever met someone that completely changed your life? What was that like?

Read Luke 19:1-10.

• Why did Zacchaeus change?
   
• The crowd saw Zacchaeus as a sinner, but Jesus saw him as a son of Abraham. What are some of the filters that keep us from seeing people as sons and daughters of God?
   
• Why do we expect people to change before they decide to follow Christ?
   
• How does the Church do at allowing and assisting others to change after they’ve decided to follow Christ? How can the Church improve?
   
• In your interactions with non-Christians, do you typically push for change before they’ve actually committed to following God? Why or why not?
   
• Can we change people the way Jesus did? Why or why not?
   
• The love of Jesus accepts people as they are, but doesn’t let them stay that way. How does the idea impact your interactions with people?

Prayer: Pray that we are full of love and patience to help people find their way to God so that they can be changed by the Holy Spirit.

02.18 Small Group Discussion

#nofilter - Temple Confrontations

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Share a time when you were caught red-handed as a child. How did the people around you respond and how did it make you feel?

Read  John 8:2-11.

• If Moses’s law declared stoning as the punishment for adultery, why didn’t Jesus allow the woman to be stoned?
   
• Why do you think the oldest people turned away first?
   
• The teachers and Pharisees acknowledge that they have sin when they walk away. Why do you think they felt they had the right to punish the woman?
   
• Does Jesus condone the woman’s actions? Why or why not?
   
• Does Jesus condemn the teachers and Pharisees? Why or why not?
   
• Why do we look at others through the filter of comparison, feeling that our sins are either less than or greater than the sins of others?
   
• Whether in yourself or with others, which issue do you encounter more often: The feeling that one’s sins are greater than others or that one’s sins are lesser than others? How can you address each of those situations?
   
• How does the Church do at not condemning people in the midst of their sin?
   
• How can the Church, and how can you, improve at not condemning people?

Prayer: Pray that we will see ourselves as needing just as much grace as everyone else, and that we will be able to love others accordingly.