04.04.21 Small Group Discussion

168 Hours - Easter Sunday

Looking at Jesus and seeing Jesus is not the same thing. Faith sees Jesus. 

• What does it mean to truly see someone? (Like in the movie Avatar, or as in “seeing through someone.”

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:13-20 (The Message Translation)

• Why did Paul write so dramatically about the resurrection in this text?

• Respond to this: “If the resurrection is not true, the claims of Christ crumble. If the resurrection is true, then Jesus and his teaching cannot be ignored.”

Read: John 20:1-7

• Time to get real with your group. If your group raced to the tomb that first Easter who would get there first? Who would arrive last?

• Why do you think John was reluctant to enter the tomb when he arrived?

• What do you make of the way John described the burial garments that were left in the tomb?

Read: 1 Peter 1:3-5

• How does the resurrection give you hope?

• What did Peter mean when he wrote that our inheritance can never perish, spoil or fade?

Read: John 20:8-9

• “He saw and believed,” means to “look carefully, to observe and perceive.” What role does faith play in that kind of seeing is believing?

Prayer: Who do you know that needs to really see Jesus. Pray that God gives you opportunities to show Jesus to that person.

03.28.21 - Small Group Discussion

168 Hours - Palm Sunday

Jesus’ future isn’t affected by whether or not people believe. But yours and mine is. 

• What is your first memory of celebrating Palm Sunday?

Read: John 12:1-11

• The cast of characters in this story is remarkable. Lazarus, a former dead man is there. So are his sisters. Jesus and his disciples are at the banquet, including Judas who later betrayed Jesus. The neighbors came to gawk, along with leading priests whose motives were suspect. Imagine being present at this banquet. Where do you see yourself in the story? Why?

Read: John 12:12-19

• On Sunday Frank said, “Jesus was the King they needed just not the King they expected.” What does that mean?

• Has there been a time when Jesus was the Savior you needed even though he might not have been the sovereign you expected? How did you wrestle with that?

Read: John 12:37-43

• Despite all they saw – the miracles, the profound teaching, Jesus’ kindness – many did not believe in him. Why?

• Aside from unbelief, what is the result of loving human praise more than the praise of God?

Prayer: Ask God to strengthen your faith and ask him to give you a burden for people who don’t know Jesus. Eternity hangs in the balance.

03.21.21 Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Share

Lost people matter to God. 

• How is it you came to follow Jesus? Who was it that shared Christ with you?

Read: Luke 15:1-2

• What is it that “tax collectors and other notorious sinners” found so compelling and attractive about Jesus?

• Why is it that, while Jesus attracts sinners, so many churches seem to repel them?

Read: Luke 15:3-7

• What can we learn about reaching lost people from the way the shepherd in Jesus’ parable sought his lost lamb?

Read: Luke 15:11-32

• In the story of the lost son which brother do you most identify with, the prodigal or the elder brother?

• What do you find compelling about the father in the parable of the prodigal son? How does he remind you of our Heavenly Father?

Extended Prayer Time: Ask God to shape your heart so it beats for lost people. Take time to pray, by name, for friends, family, neighbors and others who you know are far from God.

03.14.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Serve

When you serve like Jesus, Jesus is who people see.

• How did you learn to serve others? Was it taught or caught? Who was instrumental in you learning to serve?

Read: Galatians 6:2-3

• Why is humility so important to being able to serve like Jesus?

• How does the kind of service described in this text differ from the selfie-service that is so prevalent in our culture?

Read: Galatians 6:4-6

• What does this text say about your work?

• What is the relationship between humility and responsibility in your service?

Read: Galatians 6:7-8

• Sin and selfishness go together. Service and selflessness go together. If you reap what you sow, as Paul wrote in this verse, how can you be sure you’re planting the right kind of seeds?

Read: Galatians 6:9-10

• A lot has been written about “compassion fatigue.” You can become weary in doing good. How can you avoid burning out like that?

• How can you look for opportunities to do good to everyone, especially to those in your faith family?

Prayer: Pray Galatians 6:9. Ask God to strengthen and encourage you so you won’t give up.

03.07.21 Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Study

Don’t just be a student of the Word; become an apprentice to the author. 

• Our church’s mission is to help people write the next chapter of their faith story by fostering environments where they can seek study and serve God. Which of these three comes more naturally to you? Which do you struggle with?

Read: 2 Timothy 2:2

• Who taught you about Jesus?

• Who are the “reliable people” you are teaching?

• What obstacles or challenges do you face in doing that?

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16

• If “all scripture is inspired by God” it affects how we approach scripture. What are some of those implications?

• What does the way we read our Bible (or don’t read it) say about what we actually believe concerning Paul’s claim of 2 Timothy 3:16?

• Frank said, “When it comes to reading your Bible, if you don’t read it, you’re no better off than the person who can’t read it.” Christians often struggle to develop consistent habits of Bible reading. Why?

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• As we read scripture it prepares us for service. What is an example of a way scripture reading has prepared you for doing good works?

• How can you go beyond being a student of the Word to becoming an apprentice of the Author?

Prayer: Pray Psalm 119:1-5-106. Ask God to help you to go beyond merely reading God’s Word to applying it.

02.28.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Seek

Seeking God is the means; finding God is the goal 

• Ice breaker: What is something you often lose that you waste time looking for?

Read: Isaiah 59:1-2

• Frank said that sin and shame can make God feel really distant. Why is that?

• Adam and Eve sin teaches us a bitter irony: sin and shame cause us to hide from God. Why are sin and shame related, and why is shame so powerful?

Read: 1 John 1:9.

• Why is seeking God critical to overcoming sin and shame’s power?

Read: Matthew 6:31-33

• Frank said that what we eat, what we drink and what we wear aren’t just distractions; they’re obsessions. What evidence do you see that supports that statement?

• What are the distractions that most often keep you from sensing God’s presence?

Read: Mark 6:31-32, 45-46.

• What are some concrete steps you can take to quiet the noise in your life so you can better connect with God?

Read: Hebrews 10:24-25

• What role does feeling disconnected from other people play in feeling connected to God?

• What are some ways you can encourage each other to seek God?

Prayer: Pray Jeremiah 29:13-14. Ask God to help you overcome sin and shame, distraction and disconnection so you can seek him with all your heart.

02.21.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Their Story

You can’t control how someone’s story began, but you can impact how it ends. 

• Who was it that first shared Jesus with you? Tell us about him/her.

Read: Romans 10:9-11

• It seems like this should be so easy: “Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you will be saved.”

• Is it really that simple?

• How do we complicate it? Or to put it another way, why is it so difficult?

Read: Romans 10:12-13

• Frank said that Jesus doesn’t belong to one race or culture. Jesus is for all people. What is your reaction to that statement?

• What are the implications of it?

Read: Romans 10:14-15

• Is telling other people about Jesus the job of professional clergy people, or is it the responsibility of all Christians? Support your answer.

• Lost people matter to God. They ought to matter to us, too. How can we nurture a greater sense of urgency to help people become Jesus’ disciples?

Prayer: Share with your group one or two people that you know need Jesus in their lives and pray for the courage to be the one who share Christ with them.

02.14.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Your Story

The best version of your story has God as the lead character. 

• Who is your favorite leading character of all time? It can be from a book, movie, play, musical or ???? Why is s/he your favorite?

Read: Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 2:18

• You were created in God’s image and God exists, eternally, as three beings in one. That means you were created for community. What does this mean for you as an individual?

• What are the implications for us as a church?

• What results when you choose to live outside of community?

 Read: Genesis 3:8-9

• What must it have been like to be in such a close relationship with God?

• Humankind chose sin over God. It’s a lousy trade, but we’re still making it. Why?

Read: John 1:14, John 20:30-31 and 2 Corinthians 5:21

• What lengths is God willing to go to so that you can be part of His Story?

• How can you know that God wants you in His story?

Prayer: Pray that God will give you the grace to give Him the lead role in your story rather than choosing the spotlight for yourself.

02.07.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - God’s Story

When you know the story, it’s easy to find your place. 

• What is your favorite story or book series? Tell us about a time when you got lost in a good book.

Read: Genesis 1:1 & 1:31

• In the first chapter of God’s Story, which we call “Creation,” God makes everything that exists. In what state is the world in at that point?

• When God looks at his creation in Genesis 1, he sees that it is “good,” and then “very good.” What do you think that means?

Read: Genesis 3:6-7

• We call the second chapter of God’s Story “The Fall.” Put yourself in Adam and Eve’s shoes. Why do you think they chose to disobey God? What were their motivations and do you ever see those same motivations in yourself?

Read: Genesis 3:14-19

• What do you think of God’s response to the serpent and to Adam and Eve?

• Where do you see the “flicker of hope in the midst of despair” in this passage?

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

• The third chapter of God’s Story is called “Redemption.” This covers the period of human history between Genesis 3 and the book of Revelation. How is Jesus the answer for fallen humanity living in a broken world?

• Where do you see yourself in God’s story?

Read: Revelation 21:3-5a

The next chapter of God’s Story is called “Restoration,” and followers of Jesus eagerly look forward to it. One way of looking at God’s Story in its entirety is as the “reuniting of Heaven and Earth.” As you close your group time, watch the Bible Project video at bit.ly/SLCCVid  and discuss your observations.

Prayer: Pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for sending Jesus to reconcile us to himself!

01.31.21 - Small Group Discussion

GIVE - Faithful Giving Makes a Difference

Generosity is giving up something you love for something you love more. 

• Share a time when you experienced generosity from someone, and it impacted you in an incredible way.

Read and Review: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

• The idea of the amount of seed you plant directly affecting the size of the crop is universal. What are some other applications of this principle?

• Why the emphasis on cheerful giving? What is so important about the motivation behind the gift?

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:8-10

• Although the money and possessions you have are earned by your hard work, God is the source for both the seed (which begins the crop) and the bread (the result of the harvest). How does this put money and finances into perspective?  

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:11-15

• When you give God gets the credit. Is that the way it should be? Why or why not? 

Prayer: Pray that God will give you the grace to live out 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a cheerful giver.’”

01.24.21 - Small Group Discussion

GIVE - Giving is Ministry

Generosity accomplishes ministry; it also encourages ministry.

• Pastor Frank talked about that feeling of relief when you’re up against it financially and someone comes to your aid. If you have a story like that share it with your small group.

Read and Review: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

• At the end of his first letter to the Corinthians Paul gave them instructions about taking a collection for Christians in Jerusalem. What observations do you have about his instructions?

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

• Frank identified four characteristics of giving the Corinthians exhibited that we should follow: eagerness, enthusiasm, willingness, and planned giving. Which of those resonates most with you? Why?

• How are the characteristics above different from giving that is motivated by guilt or fear?

• Frank said that our giving ministers to others, but it also motivates them to minister to others. How does that work?

Read: Acts 5:1-11

• Acts tells a story from the early church of giving gone wrong. When you think about this story in light of the four principles above, what went wrong?

• How can you make sure you give eagerly, enthusiastically, willingly and with a plan and not like Ananias and Sapphira?

Prayer: Pray that God will show what changes you need to make (if any) to give the way he wants.

01.17.21 - Small Groups Discussion

GIVE - You Can Give Confidently

Creating confidence in the collection requires a team. 

• Pastor Frank mentioned two examples of pastors who misuse their church’s offerings. There are many others. What is most offensive about that?

• Pastor Frank talked about three potential roadblocks to giving: Fear (a test of faith), Self (a test of priorities) and Doubt (a test of stewardship). Which one of these is the biggest struggle for people? Why is that?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16-21

• Paul insisted on putting together a team to safeguard the integrity of the money the Corinthians collected to send to Jerusalem. Why?

• Pastor Frank said that, when something is offered to God, it becomes sacred (Leviticus 27:30-33). What are the implications of that?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:22-24

• Just like the early church, SLCC have people and processes to ensure the integrity of money that is collected and disbursed. Why is that important?

• Frank shared the process SLCC uses to ensure your offering is handled with integrity. Can you think of any ways that process can be improved?

• FYI – Two other safeguards the SLCC Finance Team have in place: 1) We mail a quarterly giving statement to each person who gives, and 2) Wally sends a weekly report to our elders and Finance Team to detail SLCC’s finances. What level of confidence do the safeguards we employ give you in our church’s financial integrity?

Prayer: Pray that God will enable you to overcome any roadblocks (fear, self, doubt) that keep you from being generous.

01.10.21 - Small Groups Discussion

GIVE - It Takes Grace to Give

God gives you grace. Grace enables you to give.

• Pastor Frank talked about our church’s Restoration Movement roots. What do you find attractive about our goal to restore the modern church to its ancient practices?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

• According to The London Economic, in the United States the poor are more generous than the rich. The wealthiest Americans donate 1.3% of their income while the poorest donate 3.2%. What is your reaction to that?

• Christians in Galatia give themselves to the Lord before giving money to the church (v. 5). Why is that important to developing generosity?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:6-9

• Jesus’ example set the standard for the first Christians. How did He give?

• Frank said that “God gives you grace, and grace enables you to give.” What is the relationship between grace and giving, and why is it so important? 

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:10-16

• Paul told the Corinthians they should pursue equality with other churches. What would that look like in our context?

Prayer: Pray that God will make you more aware of the grace you have received, and give you greater grace to be generous.

12.27.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Moving Forward

The best reminder is the Holy Spirit!

Luke 2:22-40 (NIV 2011)

• What is something that stuck with you from the message?

• Was there anything you found surprising, strange or or disagreed with?

• What is one reminder you use often?

• Some faith traditions place greater emphasis and teaching on God the Father and Jesus the Son. What have you experienced or understood about the Holy Spirit?

• Are there ways you practice sensitivity to God’s leading? What have you experienced as a result of these?

• What is one way you are willing to cultivate sensitivity this week?

12.20.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Peace 

• What are some of the fears you have wrestled with in 2020?

Read: Luke 2:8-10

• Frank taught something that might seem new: When God shows up people are afraid. But what if, whenever you’re afraid it’s a chance for God to show up? What are your thoughts on that?

• Older translations of Luke 2:10 read, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings.” There is actually a Greek word that can be translated behold. Modern translations often leave that word out. What does behold mean and why do you think it is in the original?

• What benefit is there to you when you truly behold the Gospel?

Read: Luke 2:10-14

• Timothy Keller wrote, “Hostilities with God lead to hostilities with others. There is no peace on earth because there is no peace with God.” How have you seen that play out in your experience?

Read: Luke 2:15-20

• Mary treasured these things in her heart, and she pondered them in her thoughts. Why is it so important that we engage with God’s story with both our emotions and our mind?

Prayer: Pray that God will enable you to really behold Christmas so your fears will be overcome.

12.13.20 Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Joy

The incarnation reveals your belief.

• Let’s dive in the deep end right away. What are some ways Christians’ professed beliefs do not match their actions? 

Read: Matthew 1:18

• Why do you suppose God sent a baby rather than a general, an emperor, or a powerful person who could take charge and made an immediate difference?

• Put yourself in Mary’s shoes. What might it have been like to live her experience?

Read: Matthew 1:19-23

• What must it have been like to be Joseph?

• Matthew quoted Isaiah to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. All the gospel authors did this in their biographies of Jesus. Yet for most first-century Jews this was not enough to convince them of Jesus’ divinity. Why were they so resistant to the idea of Jesus as God? In what ways are we?

Read: Matthew 1:24-25

• It took a dream to convince Joseph, but once he was convinced he was completely obedient. What will it take to convince us to live obediently?

Prayer: Pray John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.” Ask God to grow your love for him so big that you’re motivated to obey.

12.06.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Love

It’s easy to mistake God’s throne for a loveseat. It isn’t. 

• When we think of the first Christmas, we “sanitize” it when, in fact, there was plenty about it that was ugly.

• There’s some “ugly” in this year’s pandemic Christmas. In what ways?

Read: Matthew 1:1-20

• If the incarnation really happened, the implication for your life is this: Jesus is King, and you lose the right to be in charge of your life. What is the implication of that?

• Even when we know King Jesus is in charge, we often still want to keep control. Why is that?

Read: Philippians 2:5-11

Pastor Frank said that Jesus left Heaven’s throne room to come to earth. Make no mistake, he has returned to that throne room.

• What are some of the ways we try and push God off the throne so we can take control of our own lives?

• What are the implications of the fact that Jesus left Heaven’s throne room to come to earth?

Prayer: Pray Philippians 2:5 – “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Ask God to help you pattern your life after his son’s.

11.29.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Hope

Your past doesn’t define your hope; your future does. 

• Pastor Frank talked about his family genealogy. Share with your group a little about your background. Is there anyone famous or noteworthy?

• Who in your family tree do you most resemble, and how?

Read: Matthew 1:1-17

• If you were writing Jesus’ genealogy, would you have included so many notorious people the way Matthew did? Why or why not?

• Matthew includes some surprises in Jesus’ family tree: women, Gentiles and sinners. Why do you think he did such an unusual thing as that?

• Is there anyone in Jesus’ family tree that you identify with? If so, why?

Pastor Frank said that he thinks Matthew included infamous and unusual people in Jesus’ ancestry to give us hope. Hope that the Kingdom of God includes all people.

• Why is hope such a powerful force?

• What has been the difference in your life between experiencing hope and hopelessness?

• As we begin the season of Advent, where are you finding hope?

Prayer: Pray Ephesians 1:18 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

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.