02.18.18 - Small Group Discussion

PoV - Glory and Suffering

Main Point: Suffering and glory go together.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What comes to your mind when you think about glory and suffering? Do they go together in your mind? Why or why not?
   
• Share a time when suffering led to glory.
   
• What’s something you have wanted to achieve, but have been hesitant to put in the hard work for?

Read: Mark 9:2-11.

• Peter, James, and John see Jesus transformed into brilliantly white clothes symbolizing righteousness and hear God speak in support of Jesus. How does this fit with how they pictured the messiah?
   
• Peter babbles in fear about building shelters. What are some ways we respond to God’s glory in fear?
   
• Why could they not understand the phrase, “rising from the dead?”
   
• Jesus declares that he will suffer and be rejected. Does this fit with what we think of when we think of heroes in stories? Why or why not?
   
• How is suffering and glory going hand in hand an encouragement?
   
• If you are a person who has had a lot of suffering, what can help you remember that glory will eventually come?
   
• If you are someone who has not had much suffering, how can you help lighten the load of others?

Prayer: Pray for strength to endure suffering, and pray for courage to step up and help others who are suffering.

02.11.18 - Small Group Discussion

Point of View - Paradoxial Savior

Main Point: Changing your point of view is more important than changing your circumstances.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Share a time when your point of view shifted dramatically as the result of being confronted by some new experience or situation.
   
• Why do you think it is so hard to see things from another’s point of view?

Read: Mark 8:31-33

• Imagine being there when Peter confronted Jesus. What do you think was going on? What would your reaction be?
   
• In his response to Peter, Jesus makes it clear that people are not the enemy; the devil is. What are some practical ways you can live that principle out?
   
• What are some ways you struggle to see things from God’s point of view?

Read: Mark 8:34-38

• These four paradoxes that Jesus tells the crowd must have had puzzled them. Which of the four challenges you the most?
   
• Frank said that changing your point of view is more important than changing your circumstances. Share a time where you longed to change your circumstances, but needed to first change your point of view. What difference would (or did) changing your point of view make?
   
• It can be difficult to see situations from God’s point of view; it can be nearly impossible, sometimes, to see people from God’s point of view. Is there someone in your life that you need to begin seeing through God’s eyes? What would that look like if you did?

Prayer: Pray for the spiritual vision to see everything from God’s point of view.

Read Mark 9:2-13 to be ready for next Sunday’s teaching.

1.28.18 - Small Groups Discussion

Main Point: A generous lifestyle is about more than money.

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

• Share some instances where you have seen generosity lived out that had nothing to do with money.

Read: Exodus 31:1-6

• Who do you know that has been specifically chosen and gifted by God for a task? What kind of inspiration have you drawn from being around that person?

• We don’t know anything else about Bezalel and Oholiab except what we read here (and a bit about their genealogy in a couple other passages). What kind of legacy did they leave behind? What would you like to be written about the way you used your gifts for God’s glory?

Read: Exodus 36:1-7

• What does this passage communicate about generosity?

• The wealth that the Israelites offered for the construction of the Tabernacle was immense. 2,800 pounds of gold worth $41 million today and 9,600 pounds of silver worth $2.25 million today. What strikes you about that incredible outpouring? In what ways does our giving reflect theirs? In what ways does it not?
• Frank said, “A generous lifestyle is about more than money.” What is it about? •
• America is the wealthiest nation on the planet. The poor in America are middle-class in the rest of the world. What responsibilities come with the privilege?
• Talk about the way this series has affected your group’s perspective of generosity and how you can continue to grow in generosity as a  group and as individuals.

Prayer: Thank God for the ability to raise your standard of giving and impact the world for Christ through being generous.

01.21.18 - Small Group Discussion

Contagious Generosity - How to be Generous

Main Point: Generosity begins where tithing ends.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• This week’s teaching was on the obedient discipline of tithing (giving ten percent of your income) to God. Why is that such a difficult topic to talk about, and a difficult discipline to practice?

Read: Malachi 3:6-11

•  According to this text, what is the connection between tithing and being blessed?

Read: Hebrews 7:1-2; Genesis 14:17-20

• The Hebrew writer compares Jesus to the ancient priest, Melchizedek. What impact do these two scriptures have on our understanding of whether or not Christians should tithe?
   
• In Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus said that he did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. He also said that our righteousness should exceed that of the Pharisees. How does that influence your understanding of tithing?
   
• The main point of Sunday’s sermon was, “Generous obedience always results in generous blessing.” Where have you seen the connection between obedience and blessing you your life this week (or in the past)?

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

• What does “cheerful” giving look like?
   
• How can you as a group encourage each other to be more generous?
   
• If your group has not already done so, talk about a way your group can come together to plan an act of contagious generosity.

Prayer: Pray for God to give you a heart that obeys him in the way you practice tithing and generosity.

01.14.18 - Small Group Discussion

Contagious Generosity - What Generosity Looks Like

Main Point: Generous obedience always results in generous blessing.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Frank talked about an example of contagious generosity at a McDonald’s drive-thru where 167 people in a row paid for the meal of the people in line behind them. Share with your group about a time when you experienced something like that.
   
• Why do you think generosity is contagious?

Read: Genesis 12:1-5; 13:8-17; 14:19-20

• Where do you see the principle, “I will bless you … and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2) at work in your own life, or in the lives of people you know?
   
• What role do you see generosity playing in the different life paths of Abraham and Lot?
   
• In terms of generosity, in what ways are you more like Abraham? In what ways are you more like Lot?

Read: Luke 19:1-10

• Luke portrays Jesus as being intentional about connecting with outcasts. What does that teach you about Jesus?
   
• Jesus restored Zacchaeus’ identity, which he had forfeited by collaborating with the Romans and taking advantage of his own people. In what ways do we forfeit our identity, and how does Jesu restore us?
   
• The main point of Sunday’s sermon was, “Generous obedience always results in generous blessing.” Where have you seen the connection between obedience and blessing you your life this week (or in the past)?

Prayer: Pray for your heart to grow more obedient!

01.07.18 - Small Group Discussion

Contagious Generosity - Where Generosity Begins

Main Point: You were created to give, not to keep.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Share a time from your childhood when you naturally responded with generosity. Or perhaps a time when you saw a child in your life naturally want to give generously.
   
• Why do you think children lose that sense of generosity?

Read: Luke 12:13-15

• Why do you think we sometimes struggle with feelings of envy and unfairness?
   
• Why did Jesus refuse to perform a function – settling a dispute between two people – that was something a first-century rabbi would normally do?
   
• What are some ways that work for you, or that you would recommend others can use to defend against greed taking root in their lives?

Read: Luke 12:16-20

• What surprises you about this parable? Where do you see yourself in this story?
   
• On Sunday Frank offered three reasons why the farmer might have acted this way: he might have been fearful his grain would run out, forgetful that God was the source of his wealth and/or prideful in his accomplishments. How are these three enemies of generosity?

Read: Luke 12:21

• What are some practical ways you can be rich toward God?
   
• What is your reaction to Sunday’s Big Idea: You were created to give, not to keep.

Prayer: Pray for your heart to grow more generous!

Action: Talk about a way your group can engage in contagious generosity this month.

12.31.17 - Small Group Discussion

Socks and Underwear - Gift Returned

• Share you best of / worst of Christmas 2017.
   
• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

Read: Luke 2:8-18

• Everyone in this story is named – except the shepherds. Why do you think that is?
   
• After the first Christmas, the shepherds went back to their everyday life. We have to go back to our everyday lives after Christmas, too. How will the lessons of Christmas 2017 change the way you live?
   
• The shepherds spread the word about what they saw that first Christmas night. What are some ways you can spread the word about the coming of the Messiah?
   
• Frank told us Sunday that a better translation of verse 19 is “Mary treasured all these things and put them together in her mind.” What are some of the lessons that you’ve put together after all you experienced this Christmas?

Read: Colossians 4:5-6

• What are some ways that you can make the most of the opportunities God presents you at work to share Jesus with the people God has put in your path?
   
• What are some ways that your conversations can be “seasoned with salt and full of grace?”

Prayer: Share with the group the name of someone you would like them to pray about becoming a Christian in 2018.

12.17.17 - Small Group Discussion

Socks and Underwear - Gift Returned

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What is a gift that you received that really surprised you?

Read: John 1:10-13

• What is a great adoption story that you know of? Maybe it is your own, or maybe it is someone in your family.
   
• What is it about adoption that makes it so special?
   
• When a child is adopted, the family goes to the courthouse for a special proceeding in front of a judge. Your “adoption ceremony” as a Christian took place when you trusted Jesus and were baptized. Share your Christian “adoption story” with the people in your group.

Read: Galatians 4:4-5

• Frank said on Sunday that we should receive the gift of God’s Son gratefully, humbly, and joyfully. Why do you think Christmas, especially, brings up those feelings in us?
   
• What is your response when you receive an amazing gift that is totally undeserved?
   
• The difference between wages and gifts is that wages are earned and gifts are undeserved. What is your response to Jesus, as God’s amazing, undeserved gift?

Prayer: Pray That your life reflects the gratitude, humility and joy that should be ours as recipients of the most amazing gift ever: Jesus!

12.10.17 - Small Group Discussion

Socks and Underwear - Gift Returned

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What is your worst gift returning experience? Maybe a bad customer service experience or a weird gift that was awkward to return. Or maybe a gift that you gave that you later found out was returned.

Read: John 1:10-11

• Try and imagine yourself living in first century Israel. Do you think you would have recognized and received Jesus or not?
   
• The Romans in Jesus’ day rejected him as the Son of God because they rejected the children of God (the Jews). Do you know people who have rejected Jesus because of experiences they’ve had with His followers? How did you act in that situation?
   
• Are there times when you’ve struggled with rejecting Jesus or the church because of the Christians you know? How did you work through that?
   
• The Jews in Jesus’ day rejected Jesus as Messiah because He wasn’t the kind of Savior they expected. Are there times when you’ve felt let down by Jesus? What did you do in that situation?

Read: John 14:2-3

• Jesus didn’t come to earth to save you from unemployment or disease or poverty or pain. He came to save you from hell. How does this challenge the way you view Him as Savior?
   
• How can you and I help people who reject Jesus because of His followers? How can we help people who reject Jesus because He wasn’t the Messiah they were hoping for?

Prayer: Pray to have compassion and patience with people who have obstacles that stand between them and faith in Jesus.

12.03.17 - Small Group Discussion

Socks and Underwear - Unexpected Gift

Main Point: Hope sometimes comes in ugly packaging.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Is there a Christmas where you received a gift that disappointed, or one where the packaging did not match the contents?
   
• What is the oddest gift you’ve ever received?

Read: John 1:1, Luke 2:7

• What surprises you about these two very different accounts of Jesus coming to earth?
   
• If you were planning the birth of God’s son, what would you have done differently? Why do you think God made his entrance into this world the way he did?

Read: Hebrews 4:15-16

• God wants to identify with our struggles and challenges. What are some of the struggles that you have that Jesus had, and how does knowing that help you?

Read: Philippians 2:5-7

• Where do you see God’s love in this passage?
   
• How can you reflect Jesus’ humility and attitude of service this Christmas?
   
• Where are some places that you’ve been able to find hope despite the ugly way it might have been packaged?

Prayer: Pray for people that you know who need hope this Christmas, and for your ability to demonstrate hope to them.

11.26.17 - Small Group Discussion

Identity - Who Do You Say That I Am?

Main Point: Your core identity determines where you belong, not the other way around.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• We have looked at three important questions this month: 1) Who am I? 2) Where do I fit in? 3) What is my purpose? Which of these do you struggle the most with, and why?
   
• Which of these have you learned the most about this month, and why?

Read: Matthew 16:13-14

• Jesus took the disciples to Caesarea Philippi, a city that was dominated by false gods. What are some of the false gods or beliefs with which you struggle?
   
• The trip to Caesarea Philippi was, essentially, a field trip with an intended purpose. Why do you think Jesus deliberately took his disciples to a city that good Jewish rabbis strictly avoided?
   
• When Jesus asked Peter about his identity, Peter told him, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). What are the implications of that statement in your life?
   
• All three – identity, belonging and purpose – are contained in Jesus’ reply to Peter in verse 18: “And I tell you that you are Peter [a new identity] and on this rock I will build my church [belonging], and the gates of Hades will not overcome it [purpose]. Despite Peter’s occasional stumbling, how did he live out this new identity, belonging and purpose throughout his life?
   
• Like Peter, as followers of Jesus, we receive new identities too (2 Corinthians 5:17). We belong to Christ’s family (Romans 12:5). And we have a purpose (2 Corinthians 5:20) Which of these is most challenging for you? Why is that the case?

Prayer: Pray for the ability to grasp your identity, belonging and purpose as a follower of Jesus.

11.19.17 - Small Group Discussion

Identity - What is My Purpose?

Main Point: Your core identity determines where you belong, not the other way around.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Has there been a time in your life when you struggled to understand life’s meaning and/or your purpose?
   
• What are some ways in your past that you have tried, but failed, to make sense of life’s purpose?

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

• Paul wrote that he “stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.” What are some ways that we evaluate others from a human point of view?
   
• Paul describes someone who has become a Christian as “a new creation” in verse 17. How does that affect how we view ourselves? How does it affect the way we should view others?
   
• God reconciled the world to himself through Jesus. Jesus uses you and I to reconcile the world to God, too. God has given us “this wonderful message of reconciliation.” What are some of the ways that we communicate that message?
   
• Paul writes that we are “Christ’s ambassadors”? An ambassador does not speak from himself or herself. How should your speech reflect that?
   
• An ambassador represents the interests of his or her sovereign. How should your actions reflect that?
   
• What are some practical ways you can act as a faithful ambassador in your neighborhood? In your workplace? In your school?

Prayer: Pray for opportunities to engage in community and to bring others along

11.12.17 - Small Group Discussion

Identity - Where Do I Fit In? 

Main Point: Your core identity determines where you belong, not the other way around.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What are some groups that you belong to, or belonged to previously?
   
• Why did you join those groups?
   
• Where or when have you struggled to fit in?
   
• What is the impact for you of feeling like you belong? What is the impact of feeling like you don’t belong?

Read: Genesis 1:26-27, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, and Matthew 12:46-50.

• Why do you think our faith has become so individualistic? What damage or loss is there where our faith is focused on me instead of we?
   
• According to the Ecclesiastes passage, what are some of the benefits of community?
   
• Why do you think churches often times follow the formula of belief + behavior = belonging? What damage is done by following this formula?
   
• How can we shift our mindset to allow people to feel that they belong while they figure out what they believe?
   
• The Matthew passage states that we are a part of Jesus’s family, meaning that we have a place to belong because of our identity. Do you live in such a way that your identity determines where you belong, or do you live in a way where the group that you feel like you belong in determines your identity? How so?

Prayer: Pray for opportunities to engage in community and to bring others along with you.

11.05.17 - Small Group Discussion

Identity - Who Am I?

Main Point: The identity that matters most is the one you will have the longest.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What are some of your identities? Of those, which one is your favorite?
   
• How can our different identities be helpful? How can they be harmful?
   
• Have you experienced any challenges from having your identities clash with one another?

Read: Genesis 1:27.

• We were created in God’s image. What does that mean?
   
• God saw that it was not good for man to be alone. What are the benefits of living in a community? Have you ever had particularly good times due to community, or likewise, had particularly hard times due to not being in community?
   
• We were created as male and female, so we have differences. How is it beneficial being different, and how can it be a challenge?
   
• Sin is, essentially, acting in a way that does not properly represent our identity as a child of God. How does this impact your view of what sin is?
   
• Do you believe that you are a child of God? Why or why not?
   
• Do you believe that everyone else has the chance to accept their true identity as a child of God? Does your life reflect this belief?

Prayer: Pray that you would remember your true identity as a child of God, and let that impact your daily living.

10.29.17 - Small Group Discussion

Hacked - Good Enough?

Main Point: Faith always responds, or it isn’t really faith.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What are some items in, or areas of, your life that you settle for “good enough” in? Why?
   
• What are some areas that we strive to be good enough in, but sometimes fall short?

Read: The Fifth Claim of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: Good people go to Heaven.

• Why is this idea appealing?
   
• What are the dangers of this viewpoint?

Read: Romans 3:19-26.

• What was the purpose of the Law?
   
• The Greek word pistis is most often translated as belief and faith/trust. How do you define these words?
   
• If belief is an intellectual acknowledgment of something, what is the danger if we just believe that Jesus is real?
   
• Verse 26 speaks to the fact that those who have faith in Jesus are justified. There is an action component to our faith. What does that action piece of our faith look like?
   
• If it is our faith, not goodness, that allows us to be saved, how then should we view others as they figure out their faith? Can we have some kind of check list of the things they must do to be saved? Why or why not?
   
• Why do we struggle with wanting to feel good enough through our actions? Why do we struggle with wanting to make others measure up through their actions to be good enough?

Prayer: Pray that we remember that it is not any amount of goodness on our part, but rather God’s grace that saves us.

10.22.17 - Small Group Discussion

Hacked - Who’s in Charge?

Main Point: God loves you too much to let a lesser god take His place, even if that lesser god is you.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Who is in charge of you, and who are you in charge of?
   
• What rights does a creator have over the things they create?
   
• What do you think leads to a culture of focusing on ‘me’ instead of ‘we?’

Read: The Fourth Claim of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: God doesn’t need to be particularly involved in a person’s life, except for when God is needed to resolve a problem.

• Does the way we spend our daily lives support this idea? Why or why not?
   
• Why is this idea appealing?
   
• How does this idea fall apart in practical and spiritual situations?

Read: Psalms 24:1-10.

• In what practical ways do our lives reflect or not reflect the belief that God is Lord of everything?
   
• Since all people belong to God, how must we treat all people?
   
• What ownership do we have over people and things? Why?
   
• God loves us too much to allow a lesser god take His place, even if that lesser god is us. What is the impact of this statement?
   
• There is a reverence when people enter the presence of a king. Why do we struggle to recognize that God is king of everything?
   
• How can we show that God is God and we are not in our daily lives?

Prayer: Pray that we remember that God is God and we are not.

10.15.17 - Small Group Discussion

Hacked - Feeling Good

Main Point: We want happiness, but we need endurance.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What makes you happy?
   
• When have you needed endurance?

Read: The Third Claim of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: The central goal of life is to be happy and feel good about oneself.

• How is this claim appealing and why is it difficult to resist?
   
• What is dangerous about the desire to be happy?
   
• Why do you think people have the mentality that a Christian life is supposed to be happy, and how can we help clarify that viewpoint?

Read: John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 4:11-12, 14-17, and James 1:2-4.

• How does the combination of troubles and peace presented in these passages compare and contrast with your opinions on how life is supposed to be?
   
• When has endurance helped you when happiness has failed?

Read: CS Lewis presents an idea that there are things in life that should be considered first things and there are things considered second things, and the only way you get the second things is by putting the first things first.

• What are some second things that you have put ahead of first things? How did that work out?
   
• How can we prioritize things properly?
   
• When someone’s happiness has faded, how can you help them to endure?

Prayer: Pray for endurance to persevere through the trials we face.

10.08.17 - Small Group Discussion

Hacked - Be Nice

Main Point: God wants more than niceness; God demands holiness.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• How do you typically approach disagreements with people (nice, push-over, need to be right, etc)? Why do you think you handle disagreements that way?
   
• Do you think it is possible to be too nice? Why or why not?
   
• Have you had times where a desire to be nice has kept you from speaking up? Share your thought process and feelings in that situation.

Read: The Second Claim of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism: God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and most world religions.

• What seems appealing and accurate with this idea?
   
• What problems do you have with this statement?

Read: Hebrews 12:14-17.

• To be holy is to be set apart. What are some examples in our daily lives where we make the choice whether to be holy or not?
   
• How can live out the command in verse 15 to help others live out holiness without sounding holier than thou?
   
• Are there some discussions or actions that you’ve been avoiding because you’re afraid of not being nice? What do you need to do in order to do the right thing? How can your small group help you?

Prayer: Pray that you will aim for holiness, no matter how uncomfortable that can be.

10.01.17 - Small Group Discussion

Hacked - God is Watching

Main Point: God isn’t just a spectator; He’s a participant.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• What product do you refuse to buy anything other than name brand?
   
• Share a time you were tricked by something that was only almost-real (a food, a false friend, etc.).
   
• Is it important to be open to exploring your faith? Why or why not?
   
• Where or when have you seen or experienced hacked Christianity?

Read: First Claim of Modernistic Therapeutic Deism: A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth (as opposed to Him being engaged with us).

• What are some of the benefits to thinking that God just watches, instead of engages?
   
• Is just watching how God operates? Why or why not?
   
• In what ways does how we live reflect whether we believe God just watches or engages with us? 

Read: Acts .17:24-28.

• How does this passage support that God is engaging, and not just watching?
   
• What damage has been done by this false view that God just watches?
   
• How can you focus on seeing moments of God engaging with you with week?
   
• How can you help others see that God engages, as opposed to just watches?

Prayer: Pray that you will treat God with the proper respect He deserves; He wants a relationship with you.

09.24.17 - Small Group Discussion

Ruth - Join the Family

Main Point: God’s story has the power to transform your story.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?
   
• Where did you come from? What is your family legacy?
   
• Have you had times where you’ve thought, “If they only knew what I did,” or something similar where you actions or past made you feel like there’s no way you could belong in God’s family? If you’re comfortable, please share.

Read: Ruth 4:1-8.

• Why do you think Boaz didn’t mention Ruth at first to the other guardsman-redeemer?
   
• Why do you think the other guardsman-redeemer changed his mind, once Ruth was brought up?
   
• Have you had times where the people who are involved in a situation make you not want to involve yourself? What about the reverse where your presence kept others from wanting to participate?

Read: Ruth 4:9-22.

• Verse 13 reads that God enabled Ruth to become pregnant. How does this indicate God working behind the scenes even when we cannot see what He is doing?
   
• Ruth, a foreigner, is a direct ancestor of King David, and eventually Jesus. What legacy can you leave behind for those that come after you?
   
• How has God’s story transformed your story?
   
• How can you help others’ stories be changed by God’s story?

Prayer: Pray that you will allow God’s story to change your story, and remember that He is in control.