11.22.20 - Small Group Discussion

Different - Peace 

Prayer is the Path to Peace.

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

• What are your coping mechanisms for anxiety?

• What have you been anxious about lately?

Read: Philippians 4:6-9

Paul said not to be anxious about anything. Is this anxiety for things that impact us, impact others, or both? Why?

• What does “the peace of God that transcends all understanding” mean to you?

• If we can have peace from God, how do we help others have that peace?

• Have you ever remained at peace when everyone around you was worrying (or been around someone else who has been at peace while you and/or others were worrying)? What was that like?

• How does God’s peace function as a guard for your heart and mind?

• How do you focus on the list of positive things that Paul lists in verse 8 amidst all the negative that exists around us?

• Paul writes to put into practice what has been learned from him. Who are you teaching? Who is teaching you?

Prayer: Pray for peace.

11.15.20 - Small Group Discussion

Different - Joyful and Gentle

Joy is a choice, one that leads to gentleness.

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

• What characteristics do you see in a person that tells you they have joy or gentleness?

Read: Philippians 4:4-5

• How do we rejoice in the Lord? What does that look like?

• How do we hold onto joy? What changes when you have a joyful attitude?

• What does gentleness look like to you? How can we show gentleness?

• Walter shared an example of Christian division where one of the people was called out as being wrong. Does unity call for accepting all viewpoints or does it require calling out others when they are wrong? Why?

• How do we know when viewpoints should be addressed, and how do joy and/or gentleness factor in to how it’s handled?

• Does the fact that Christians have a kingdom that is not of this world impact how we engage with, or care about, the struggles of the people who are not yet Christians? Why or why not?

• Does your joy in the Lord play a role in bringing other people into the kingdom that we are part of, which is separate from the world? Why or why not?

• Paul writes, “The Lord is near” at the end of verse 5. How does the Lord being near factor into our joy and gentleness?

Prayer: Pray for an attitude of gentleness and help focusing on having joy.

11.08.20 - Small Group Discussion

Different - Harmony

Christians should be different.

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

• What makes you different from others?

• What does keeping the status quo mean to you?

Read: Philippians 1:27, 2:14-16, 4:1-3, Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, 14:13, 19

• We are told to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does that look like?

• Is there a difference between grumbling/complaining and expressing dislike of something? Why or why not?

• Frank presented the example of the church in Rome having arguments because of different opinions regarding their diet. What issues cause divides in our Church? How do we approach those topics?

• What does it mean to be a peacemaker? How do you make peace? How is being a peacemaker different from a peace keeper?

• Romans tells us to live at peace with everyone as much as it depends on us. Is there a difference between living at peace and not rocking the boat? Why or why not?

Prayer: Pray that you will make peace.

11.01.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Choose Life

Choices have consequences.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-8, 15-19, 30:19-20, John 3:16-18, 4:15, 21, 1 John 2:24-25.

• What typically motivates better: good consequences or bad consequences? Why?

• Do God’s promises of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy still apply to us today? Why or why not?

• Why do we lose focus on the ‘then’ part of if/then statements?

• Why does choosing between life and death seem like a far simpler choice than choosing whether or not to obey commands?

• What choices seem simple to you that others struggle with making? How do we interact with people while they are making those choices?

• What makes the choice of following Jesus appeal to you? What makes the choice to follow not appealing?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.25.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - What God Requires

Right attitude; Right Actions. Both are necessary.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Deuteronomy 10:12-11:1.

• What is a family story that has been passed down? What does it mean to you to have those stories? Or, if you don’t have them, is there a sense of loss for not having them?

• Why should we fear God? What does it look like to fear God?

• Why are our actions an important facet of our faith, and not just our attitudes?

• What does it mean to you to be chosen by God?

• What happens when we love God and  something/someone else?

• God makes sure the widows and orphans receive justice and He loves the foreigners. We must do the same. What are you doing to show love to the marginalized and making sure they are cared for?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.18.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - A Different Attitude

God’s route might not seem safe, but the destination is sure.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Numbers 14:24, 34-35, Joshua 14:12-13

• What has been interrupted for you this year?

• What do you feel it is like to have God as an ally? How about as an enemy?

• Do you feel like sin always has consequences? Why or why not?

• What does it take for you to be like Caleb and Joshua, instead of the other 10 spies?

• Caleb’s choices didn’t keep the rest of the Israelites from dying in the wilderness. Did his choice still matter? Why or why not?

• When our journeys are interrupted, whether by sin or something else, how can we hold on to the confidence that the destination God wants for us is stable and good?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.11.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Life is in the Blood

Jesus did what you cannot: fulfill the Law’s blood requirement.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Genesis 3:4-6, Leviticus 17:10-12, Hebrews 9: 13-15, 10:1-2, 10

• Does all the blood in the Old Testament cause an issue for you? Why or why not?

• In what ways do the relationships in your life that you care the most about cost you the most?

• How do relationships suffer when there is sin?

• What does the Genesis passage tell you about the relationship between people?

• Do you think the visual reminder of seeing animals killed for your sins would help you make the right decision? Why or why not? What about a reminder of a person being killed for your sins?

• What does baptism mean to you?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.04.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Choose Your Side

The only mediator you need is Jesus. The only people you need is the Church. The only place you need is the cross.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Exodus 31:18-32:1, 32:7, 14, 26, Hebrews 3:3-6

• Who/What are some of the people, places, and/or things that make you feel connected to God? Why?

• What are the positives and negatives of these connections?

• In your mind, would there be a difference in what the Israelites did if they hadn’t already said they would do what God commanded? Why or why not?

• What group would you see yourself fitting into when Moses calls the people to him?

• If Jesus is the only mediator you need, what are you currently doing to be close to him?

• If the only people you need is the Church, what is the Church currently doing to create community? What can be done to create a better community?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

09.27.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - A Savior for God’s People

God sent a deliverer to save you. God saved you to be a deliverer.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Exodus 1:8, 15-16, 22-2:3, 10, 3:7-10

• Why study the Old Testament?

• What needed to happen for a pharaoh to come to power who knew nothing of Joseph? What can we learn about the importance of remembering, learning, and sharing what came before us?

• The Hebrew midwives defied the law they were given and chose to do what was right. How does this apply to our lives? Where does following the law get in the way of being faithful?

• Moses was saved through adoption. What is the connection to us being saved?

• What similarities do you see between Moses and Jesus?

• What does it mean to you to be a deliverer? Is that something you think Christ-followers are called to be? Why or why not?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

09.20.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Evil turned to Good

Let your pain be someone’s gain.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Genesis 50:14-20, Romans 12:17-21

• What is your answer for when people ask why bad things happen?

• Joseph states that what his brothers intended for evil, God used for good. Does that mean that God wanted the bad things to happen (or made them happen)? Why or why not?

• Do you have any examples in your life of being able to use the pain in your life to help someone?

• Will we always be able to have good come out of evil? Why or why not?

• What does it look like to refuse revenge against those that have wronged you?

• How do we overcome evil with good? What does that actually look like in our current world?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

09.13.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Blessed to be a Blessing

Faith Faces Forward.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Genesis 12:1-5, 15:6, Hebrews 11:8-16

• Why do you have faith? Or why don’t you?

• Does having faith mean our prayers are always answered? Why or why not?

• What does it mean to have forward-facing faith?

• What promises have you seen fulfilled that you were waiting for? What are you still waiting on?

• Do you live like you’re a nomad, or do you live like earth is your home? How does your stance impact how you live?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

08.30.20 - Small Group Discussion

The Church has left the Building

Community Starts With You.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What does a community look like to you?

• What solidifies a community? What destroys a community? Why?

Read: Philippians 2:1-11

• Why is Jesus being the priority over community important for a community to grow?

• What works well in your small group?

• What can your small group improve on?

• How are you doing with inviting, or reaching out to, others in order to help them have a sense of community?

• Why is it important to realize the building at 6300 Aurelius is not the church?

• What has been different for you in regard to your faith since we stopped meeting at 6300 Aurelius?

Prayer: Pray that God will bring the right people together in your life to create community.

08.23.20 - Small Group Discussion

Talking Points - Kingdom First

The Unity and Diversity of the Early Church shocked and intrigued the ancient world, and ours should too.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Many times, we attribute someone’s character to their behavior. For instance, what’s your initial opinion of someone when you see them being lazy? Late? Generous? Opinionated? Educated? Extravagant? Loud?

• Similarly, people can make character judgments based on how people lean politically. Why do you think people do that?

• When it comes to having conversations about politics, would you describe yourself as more unifying or more disruptive? What’s something you can do (or stop doing) to approach political conversations in a healthier way?

Read: Galatians 6:2, Galatians 3:26-29, Luke 16:15, John 13:35

• In Galatians 3, Paul talks about cultural barriers that should be minimized because of Jesus. What stands out to you?

• Are there cultural categories (gender, race, political parties, economic class, etc.) that you have difficulty seeing both sides of as having equal value? What makes it difficult for you, or why is it difficult?

• The Fundamental Attribution Error is a cognitive bias that causes us to attribute another person’s behavior to their character, even though we attribute our own behavior to circumstances or environmental factors. How do we work to combat that bias?

• How do know when a person’s behavior can be attributed to their character?

• Does South have division between power/powerless, wealthy/poor, educated/not educated, citizen/foreigner, or race? Why or why not? If we don’t have those divisions, how do we maintain that? If we do, how do we eliminate them?

Prayer: Pray for unity and to love unconditionally.

08.16.20 - Small Group Discussion

Talking Points - Choosing Sides

People first; politics second.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• When you’re with family, do you discuss politics or avoid it? Would you like that to be different? Why or why not?

• Tony Evans said, “Jesus didn’t come to take sides, he came to take over.” What does that mean to you? What impact does it have?

Read: Galatians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, John 13:34-35

• In Galatians 6:2, Paul summarizes how we can practically fulfill the law of Christ. How can we all follow the law of Christ but still disagree politically?

• Do you generally trust that someone who votes differently than you has an informed conscience? Why or why not?

• In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul talks about his method for influencing people. How would you rate yourself in trying to empathize and understand someone’s mindset?

• In John 13:34-35, we are commanded to love. What does that love look like?

• Rufus Miles said, “Where you stand depends on where you sit.” How does that resonate with you?

• Do you really feel you would think different politically if you had a different set of past and current experiences? Why or why not?

• How do you listen to those who experience the world differently than you?

• How do you learn when you hear someone say something you disagree with?

• How do we love in the face of politically disagreements?

Prayer: Pray for unity and to love unconditionally. 

08.09.20 - Small Group Discussion

Talking Points - One is the Win

Disagree politically. Love unconditionally. Pray for unity.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• On a scale of 1-10, how interested are you in politics? Why?

• What do you look forward to most, and dread most, about presidential election years?

• Think about the people you interact with most. What percentage of those people think pretty much the same way as you politically?

• Which of these statements describes you best? Why?

• I evaluate my politics through the filter of my faith.

• I create a version of faith that supports my politics.

Read: John 13:34-35, 17:11, 20-23, Matthew 16:18

• Why do you think politics are so divisive?

• Jesus prays for unity. How do you define ‘unity?’

• What stands out to you in regard to Jesus’ prayer for future believers?

• What’s a next step for you in regards to politics and moving towards unity?

Prayer: Pray for unity.

08.02.20 - Small Group Discussion

Songs and Sayings - Anger 

Anger is a process, not a destination.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Who was your favorite superhero or television character as a kid?

• If we want to be the hero, why don’t we handle our anger better?

Read: Proverbs 16:32, 17:27, 14:29

• What are the signs of getting angry?

• What things tend to cause you anger?

• Do you view self-directed anger (such as negative self-talk) the same as outward-directed anger? Why or why not?

• What is encouraging to you about anger being a process?

• Think of someone you know that has good control of their anger. What do you think of that person? What can you learn from what they do?

• What do you consider your identity to be? How can holding on to that identity help with anger?

• Who or what do you have in your life to help you with anger?

Prayer: Pray that you are able to lean on God and the people around you to help you process your anger so that it doesn’t get out of control.

07.26.20 - Small Group Discussion

Songs and Sayings - Fools, Sloths, and Difficult People

It’s important to avoid some people. It’s more important to avoid becoming some people.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What’s a situation where you’ve had the thought that it was the people who ruined it?

• How do you avoid becoming something you don’t like?

Read: Fools: Proverbs 26:4-12

• How do we handle fools that don’t listen to reason?

• Why is there more hope for a fool than someone who thinks they are wise?

• How do we avoid becoming fools?

Read: Lazy: Proverbs 26:13-16

• Why do you think everyone’s gauge for being lazy is different?

• Can you motivate people to not be lazy? Why or why not?

• Why is laziness bad?

• How do you avoid being lazy?

Read: Difficult People: Proverbs 26:17-27

• How do we know what arguments between people we should involve ourselves in?

• Why do arguments grow when more people involve themselves?

• How do we avoid becoming difficult people?

• Do you think actions speak louder than words? Why or why not?

Prayer: Pray that your actions show you are not foolish, lazy, or difficult.

07.19.20 - Small Group Discussion

Songs and Sayings - I’m Mad and I’m not Lyin’!

Liars pay a price. Anger has a cost.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What are some things we consider to be “little white lies?” Are they harmless? Why or why not?

• Why is honesty so important?

Read: Lies: Proverbs 19:1, 5, 9, 22, 28

• Do you believe that being poor and honest is better than being rich and dishonest? Why or why not?

• What have lies cost you?

• What has telling the truth cost you?

Read: Anger: Proverbs 19:3, 11, 19

• What has your anger cost you?

• What has controlling your anger cost you?

• How do you direct anger where it’s supposed to go?

• How do we handle verse 19 regarding rescuing hot-tempered people?

Prayer: Pray that you can control your anger and speak the truth.

07.12.20 - Small Group Discussion

Songs and Sayings - What You Say Matters

Words are a scalpel: They can cure or cut.

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Share a time when someone’s words really brightened your day.

• What are the positives and negatives for the variety of ways we can communicate nowadays?

Read: Proverbs 12:5-6, 13-19, 22, 25-26

• Why do you think words are so powerful?

• Do you ever feel trapped by your words? What leads to that feeling?

• How do you stay calm in the midst of being insulted?

• How does our culture view and handle lies? How do you view and handle lies? What do you view as the biggest danger of lying?

• Frank mentions a few words (Please, Thank You, I’m Sorry, I Love You, and I’m Praying For You) that cure wounds. When did you last say each of them?

Prayer: Pray for wisdom in your choice of words.

07.05.20 - Small Group Discussion

Songs and Sayings - God Sees

 God Sees Everything

• What’s one thing that stood out to you this week? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• Are you good at keeping secrets?

• Why do secrets have power?

Read: Proverbs 5:21

• Do you feel like God sees everything? Why or why not?

• How do you feel about God seeing your sins, even when they’re done in secret? Does it help you resist sin?Why or why not?

• If God sees the bad things done to us, why does it seem like justice doesn’t always happen?

• Does God seeing the bad things that are done to you feel liberating in regards to a need to get even? Why or why not?

• If we are not supposed to proclaim the things we do in order to get praise from people, how can we encourage people to do similar good things or to show people that they’re not alone during their hard times?

• When a person does something nice for us in secret, how can we show appreciation even when we don’t know who they are?

Prayer: Pray for forgiveness and give thanks for God watching over us.