The Way Maker
(for the week of November 29, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 and Isaiah 40:1-8
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
Everyone needs a Savior. Everyone needs to be prepared for Jesus. Every Christian needs to help others be prepared for Jesus.
 
For Starters

1. Read Isaiah 40:1-8 and Mark 1:1-8 and answer the following questions. 

• How can you prepare for the coming Jesus?

 
 

• How can you help others prepare for the coming of Jesus?

 
 

• Share with your group how Jesus became your Savior.

 
For Further Discussion 

2. What do Mark’s first words tell us about his gospel (v. 1)? Explain. 
 
3. Who was John the Baptist, according to verses 2-3? 
 
Why was John sent?
 
 
4. How was Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled (v. 4)? 
 
What is your reaction to the fact that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled?
 
 
5. What two things did John focus on in his preaching? 
 
6. How did the people respond in verse 5? 
 
7. Who was John referring to in verse 7? 
 
In what ways were the two men similar? In what ways were they different from one another? (vv. 7-8)
 
 
Applying the Scripture 

8. What does the message of Jesus offer to people? 
 
9. What usually prevents us from being witnesses for Jesus? 
 
10. How can a person’s witness reflect humility and respect for Jesus? 
 
11. How can we make sure that our lives focus on Jesus and not ourselves? 
 
12. What step could you take this week toward becoming a better witness for Jesus? 
 
13. How can you encourage other Christians to be witness for Jesus? 
 
 
Devotion on Mark 1:1-8
 
God’s Providential Hope
Mark 1:1-8
 
Four Hundred Years
 
Four hundred long years had passed since Israel last heard from a prophet – from God himself. Four hundred years of silence. But now, there was one who spoke from the wilderness. His purpose? To declare the arrival of God’s promised one, the Messiah – the one who would rescue God’s people.
 
How warmly welcomed that good news must have been, especially since Israel was under Roman rule. To finally be delivered from that oppression must have been the best news. The prophet John’s calling was to prepare the way for this mighty Deliverer by announcing his arrival. It was Jesus himself, just a few verses later (Mark 1:15), who would declare that his new Kingdom was now at hand. But how would a person become a citizen of this Kingdom? By repenting and believing God’s good news. God’s gracious and providential hope was still available after such a long time had passed. God never forgot his promises.
 
And Yet
 
And yet the good news of God’s Kingdom was not welcomed as good news. God’s Deliverer was not embraced as such. We know from the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus, that he and the Kingdom he ushered in were not what the people of his day had in mind. Jesus didn’t fit the expectations many had for the Messiah. He didn’t seem to say and do what the people had hoped he would say and do.
 
Still, he was God’s providential hope for his people. Their only hope. Israel needed to be rescued from something far greater than Rome. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, was willing and able to save his people once-and-for-all.  But not many of his people were willing to be saved on his terms. Their hopes and dreams took the shape of temporal desire – to understandably be out from under the thumb of Roman rule. They allowed the good to become the enemy of the best.
 
What are your expectations of Jesus? Are your hopes temporal only? Or, are your hopes filtered through an eternal perspective?
 
In-Between Living
 
Advent is the liturgical time of year in which we more fully and formally remember that we live between the two appearances of our Lord, Jesus Christ. His first arrival, which we celebrate during the season of Advent and Christmas, ushered in God’s Kingdom – his rule and reign in our lives. Our focus during this time of year helps us better reflect upon who Jesus is and why he came. It also gives us space to think about how we ought to live in light of his appearance.
 
However, just as we are called to live responsively to his first advent, we must also live expectantly toward his second. That is the time, as C.S. Lewis put it, “when the author walks on to the stage [and] the play is over.” Lewis adds,
 
“That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realized it before or not.”
 
Are you prepared for the coming of Jesus? How can you better prepare for that Day? Looking at and learning from his first advent informs how we are called and commanded to live in preparation for his second one. More than that, it is only as we repent of our sin and believe his gospel – the good news of his Kingdom – that we can enter the fullness of life he offers.

Pastoral Intervention
(for the week of November 22, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-24
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
God loves and shepherds his sheep and promises to send a shepherd in the line of David to save them.
 
For Starters

1. Read Ezekiel 34:11-24 and answer the following questions. 

• Why is God doing the work of a shepherd?

 
 

• What are the signs of God being a good, effective shepherd?

 
 

• Who is this shepherd that God is sending?

For Further Discussion 

2. Read Psalm 23. Describe what the following phrases mean and how you have experienced God shepherding you in that way. 

• The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (v. 1)

 
 

• He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, (v. 2)

 
 

• he refreshes my soul. (v. 3)

• He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (v. 3)

 
 

• Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (v. 4)

 

• You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. (v. 5)

 
 

• You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (v. 5)

 
 
3. What is the hope expressed in Psalm 23:6? 
 

4. Read John 10:1-18. 
 

5. What was Jesus telling the Pharisees in John 10:1-6? 
 

6. What does Jesus call himself in John 10:7-10? What does he mean by describing himself in such a way? 


7. Jesus refers to himself as “the good shepherd” in John 10:11-18. Compare and contrast Jesus, the good shepherd, to the hired hands. 


8. How does Jesus, the good shepherd, compare with the image of the shepherd in Ezekiel 34:11-24? 
 

Applying the Scripture 

9. In what ways are you a shepherd to those entrusted to your care and leadership? 


10. List the chief characteristics of a good shepherd that you find in Ezekiel 34:11-24, Psalm 23, and John 10:1-18. 


11. Which of those attributes best describes you? Which one do you most need to work on? 


12. Memorize Psalm 23 and recite it to someone.
​

From Punishment to Pardon
(for the week of November 15, 2020)
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This Week’s Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1-6 and 3:9-17
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“God disciplines so as to bring purification. This involves justice and love that leads to restoration.”
 
Discussing the Scripture 

1. Zephaniah was a prophet during the reign of King Josiah. “King Josiah instituted a sweeping reformation of worship in Judah (2 Kings 22:3–23:25), which officially abolished the worship of Baal and the stars mentioned in Zeph. 1:4–6. [However, it] might be the case that such worship continued secretly between 621 and 609.” (Holman Bible Dictionary) 

How does Zephaniah start of his prophecy in verses 2-3?
 
 
2. Read Zephaniah 1:4-6. What sins are listed by Zephaniah for which Judah (indeed, the whole world) was going to be punished? 
 

3. Read Exodus 20:1-7 and Deuteronomy 5:6-11. Write down the first three commandments. 
 
 
How were the people in Zephaniah’s day violating these commands of God?
 

4. The name, “Baal,” literally means “lord” or “master,” but was commonly used to refer to the Canaanite storm god. What do the following texts say about worshiping Baal? 

• Judges 6:25

 

• 1 Kings 16:31-32

 

• 1 Kings 18:20-21

 

• Hosea 2:13

 
 
5. Nelson’s Bible Dictionary says idolatry is “the worship of something created as opposed to the worship of the Creator Himself. Scores of references to idolatry appear in the Old Testament. This shows that idolatry probably was the greatest temptation our spiritual forefathers faced. While we find bowing down to a statue no temptation, they apparently slipped into idolatry constantly. So serious was this sin that the prohibition against the making and worshiping of images was included near the beginning of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:4–6).” 

What are ways Christians practice idolatry in our day?
 
 
If most Christians know that idolatry is wrong (sinful), how do you explain why they (we) can slip into it so easily, even if unintentionally?
 
 
6. In what ways do unbelieving “secularists” practice idolatry in our day? 
 

7. Based on the Scripture you have read in this lesson, as well as Romans 1:18-25, why is idolatry wrong? Explain your answer. 
 

8. We find another form idolatry called syncretism, in verse 5. Syncretism is a blending together of opposing beliefs and practices. How does verse 5 describe God’s people doing that? 
 

9. As in Zephaniah’s day, syncretism seems to be common in our day as well. How have you observed syncretism being practiced today by Christians? 
 
 
Have you ever unintentionally blended your Christian beliefs with other beliefs and practices? Explain
 
 
10. In the first century, the Roman empire was very pluralistic. They allowed for the belief and worship of many gods. What got Christians into trouble with Rome was not that they believed in and worshiped Jesus. It was that they worshiped him only and would not bow down to the Emperor as a god. 

How does our larger culture influence the church to adopt beliefs and practices which are not consistent with the Christian faith?
 
 
11. Even though God judges idolatry, he is merciful and calls his people to repent and blesses them when they do. Read Zephaniah 3:9-17. What is God’s promise of hope for the faithful remnant of God’s people who remain faithful to him? 
 
 
How is that promise fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ?
 
 
Applying the Scripture 

12. How can you learn to spot idolatry in your own life? What will you do once you spot it? 
 

13. What unchristian (inconsistent and contradictory) beliefs and practices have you adopted in your life? What steps will you take to turn away from them and embrace biblical truth only? 
 

14. What steps can you begin taking today to help you stand firm for Christ, even when it is hard and unpopular?

Show Me the Life Change
(for the week of November 8, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Amos 5:18-24
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“God does not want our outward pretension. He wants our hearts and lives to sincerely change.”
 
Discussing the Scripture 

1. In verse 18, God asks his people why they are looking forward to the Day of the Lord. He says it will not be what they hope it is. Read Amos 5:1-17. What problem did God have with the way Israel had been living? 
 
 
2. What will the Day of the Lord be like, according to Amos 5:18-20? 
 
 
3. Read the following verses about the Day of the Lord from the New Testament. What does each say about the Day of the Lord? 

• Romans 2:16 –

 

• 1 Corinthians 1:8 –

 

• Philippians 1:10 –

 

• 2 Thessalonians 1:10 –

 

• 2 Peter 3:10 –

• Jude 6 –

 
 
4. Based on these verses, why do we need to place our faith in Jesus Christ? 
 
 
5. Read Amos 5:21-23. According to these verses, what does God despise? Describe the imagery Amos uses to make this point. 
 
 
What does Jesus say about this same thing in Matthew 15:8-9?
 
 
 
6. What does God desire, according to Amos 5:24? Why? 
 
 
7. Read Matthew 23:13-39. What is Jesus most concerned about in these verses? 
 
 
How do his words agree with the words in Amos?
 
 
 
Applying the Scripture 

8. How would you respond to a relative or coworker who said he or she did not want to become a Christian because of all the hypocrites in the church? How is their concern valid? Explain your answers. 
 
 
9. Why does God care about the inner condition of your heart (disposition, attitude, relationship) toward him, as long as you’re outwardly doing good deeds? 


10. What might a false “appearance of piety” look like in our day? Have you ever been guilty of presenting yourself as godlier than you really are? 
 
 
What were some of your motivations for doing so?
 
 
11. What are some reasons people try to present themselves as someone they are not? 
 
 
12. What are three things you can start doing today to help keep you from hypocrisy? 
 
 

Professing for God
(for the week of November 1, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Micah 3 and 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“A prophet is one who speaks with authority given by God to speak for what is right and against what is wrong.”
 
Discussing the Scripture 

1. Read Micah 3. This chapter includes three judgments against Israel’s leadership – their prophets, priests, and rulers. List the accusations against the… 

• Rulers/Leaders –

 
 

• Prophets –

 
 

• Priests –

 
 
 
2. What is God’s sentence against the… 

• Rulers/Leaders –

 
 

• Prophets –

 

• Priests –

 
 
 
3. How should these shepherds (prophets, priests, and rulers) of God’s people be leading their people. What sources would you appeal to from the Old Testament? 
 
 
4. Why is this mistreatment from God’s prophets and priests especially heinous and sinful? 
 
 
5. How do you feel about God’s judgment on his prophets, priests, and rulers? 
 
 
6. How does Micah, a true and godly prophet of God, describe himself in Micah 3:8? 
 
 
7. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13. How does Paul describe their (Paul, Silas, and Timothy) ministry among the Thessalonians? 
 
 
8. What are the contrasts between God’s unfaithful representatives in Micah 3 and Micah (Micah 3:8), Paul, Silas, and Timothy? 
 
 
9. How did the people respond to the ministry of Paul and his associates? 
 
 
Applying the Scripture 

10. As Christians, we have all been given a certain authority when we speak and live out the Word of God before a watching world. How does that statement make you feel?


11. What impact can unfaithfulness and ungodliness by those who lead the church have in a church community? 
 
 
12. What impact can that same unfaithfulness and ungodliness have outside the church community? 
 
 
13. Put together a list of those who lead our church family and begin to pray regularly for them. 


 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson) 

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about God in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about God.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination

• Morning
  • What tasks and encounters will I face today, and how may I prepare myself to bring honor and pleasure to God in them?

 

• Evening
  • Have I yielded to my neighbor the right to have the last word in a disagreement?
  • How have I sought to use this day to grow in my humility?

​Believers and Nonbelievers
(for the week of October 25, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“Believers in Jesus Christ are called to live in the world, but not of it.”
 
Discussing the Scripture 

1. Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. What would you say Paul’s general theme in these verses is? Why do you think he wrote these verses? (In other words, what do you think his concern was?) (See also, 1 Corinthians 10:21)  
 

2. Write out each of Paul’s five rhetorical questions he asks in verses 14-16. What appears to be the implied answer in each of his questions?  
 

3. In verse 14, “Paul is not addressing the issue of marriage between believers and unbelievers here; rather, he is urging the Corinthians to avoid aligning themselves with those who view him (and others) according to false standards. In allowing these unbelievers to have influence, the Corinthians cause rebellion against Paul and dissolve the unity of the church in Corinth” (Faithlife Study Bible).  

Read 2 Corinthians 5:16. How might being joined (or, yoked) together with the “false standards” of nonbelievers negatively impact the church-at-large, or individual Christians?
 

4. What are some examples of the world’s “false standards”? Can you think of any that Christians have adopted? The church-at-large?  
 

5. Read 1 John 2:15-17. How do John’s words support Paul’s teaching in this lesson’s Scripture?  
 

6. John 3:16 declares that God loves the world so much that he sent his only Son to redeem it. Yet, 1 John 2:15 says we are not to love the world. How would you explain this apparent disagreement?  
 

7. Read John 17:13-19. What does Jesus say in these verses about the relationship between the “world” to Jesus and his disciples? Explain what he means. How do these words relate to the Apostle Paul’s words in this lesson’s Scripture?  
 

8. An oft-used phrase is that Christians are called to “live in the world but not of it.” Explain what you believe that means.  
 
 
According to Jesus’ words from Question 7, how can a believer faithfully remain “in the world, but not of it?”
 
 

9. In verse 16, Paul says we are the temple of the living God. This “refers to the whole body of Christ, the total Christian community” (NIV Study Bible). In verses 16-18, Paul quotes the Old Testament promises that declare if God’s people remain faithful to him by separating themselves from the surrounding influence of the world, he will receive us and be a Father to us.  

How can we show our love for those in the world without compromising with the world’s standards?
 
 

10. How can believers faithfully live according to God’s standards without appearing judgmental to those of the world we are seeking to love?  
 
 
Applying the Scripture 

11. What is the hardest part for you about “living in the world, but not of it?”  
 

12. What makes that difficult for you?   
 

13. What are some ways church members can support one another to live faithful Christian lives in a world that may resist God’s standards?  
 

14. How can we love and serve our neighbors and bear witness to the grace and truth of Christ, without offending them in our sensitive cultural climate? Is it even possible?  
 

15. List three nonbelievers you know and begin praying for them each day. Ask the Lord to begin the work of drawing them to himself. Pray for opportunities to love and serve them with Christlike words and deeds.  
 
 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson) 

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about God in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about God.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination

• Morning
  • Was God my last thought before sleeping and my first thought upon waking?

 

• Evening
  • Have I allowed myself to feel and share my neighbor’s joy or sorrow?
  • Have I responded to my neighbor’s weaknesses with understanding rather than with irritation?

 

​The Devoted Life
(for the week of October 18, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
 
Key Idea from Sermon 
 
“New life in Christ will fill us with devotion to better know and love God so we can better love and serve others. God will bring the increase to his Kingdom.”
 
Discussing the Scripture 
​
1. The Book of Acts is often called, “the Acts of the Apostles.” Read the following verses and write down your suggestion for another title (Acts 1:4-5; 1:8; 2:4; 2:17; 2:33; 4:8; 4:31; 6:3; 6:10; 8:17; 9:17)?  
 
2. Read Acts 2:1-41. What happened to bring all these new followers of Jesus Christ together in Acts 2:42-47? 
 
3. Verse 42 says these new believers devoted themselves to four activities. Look up the word “devoted” in a dictionary. What does it mean? Why do you think they were so devoted? Why is such devotion important for a follower of Jesus? 
 
4. List the four activities that verse 42 says these new believers were devoted to.  
 
5. What would the “apostles’ teaching” have included? (Read Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:25-26, John 16:12-13, and Acts 1:3 for ideas.) What does the “apostles’ teaching” include today? 
 
6. The Greek word for “fellowship” is, koinonia. It means sharing and participating in a common goal. One commentator said it was an intentional and intimate experience, where the believers shared together “in material goods as well as spiritual wealth.” What does Acts 2:42-47 suggests that fellowship looked like? 
 
7. The reference to “breaking of bread” in verse 2, is twofold. It means both enjoying a common meal together as well as the Lord’s Supper. Why would both have been so important to the early Christians? Why are both so vital for Christians today? 
 
8. Verse 42 tells us these new believers also devoted themselves to prayer. The Greek word here actually means, “the prayers.” This tells us that not only did they pray individually but also together as a community. Why is that so significant in the life of a Christian community? 
 
9. Verse 43 points out that God strengthened this new community of believers with the presence of supernatural miracles performed by the apostles, which filled the people with awe. Why do you think God did this? 
 
10. What do verses 44-46 report as the result of the devoted life of this new Christian community? 
 
11. And what does verse 47 say was the result of verses 42-46? Who ultimately produced that fruit of the Kingdom of God? (Bonus Question: How would you write this out as a mathematical equation?) 
 
Applying the Scripture 

12. Can Christians today have the same level of devotion as these early believers did? Why or why not? Do you? Why or why not? 
 
13. How can you devote yourself to the apostles’ teaching?  
 
14. How can you devote yourself to Christian fellowship? 
 
15. How can you devote yourself to “the breaking of bread” (Lord’s Supper) (Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 for some insight)? 
 
16. How can you devote yourself to private and corporate prayer? 
 
17. Whose help will you need to be so devoted? (not a trick question) 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson) 

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about the Holy Spirit in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about the Spirit.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination 
 

• Morning
  • Consider the people you will encounter today. How can you bring them encouragement, a word of grace, a needed kindness? Consider people with whom you have a strained relationship. How can you equip yourself to show love to these?

 
 

• Evening
  • How did I spend the time that was not occupied with prayer, reading, and meditation? Did I honor God and promote spiritual refreshment throughout the day’s activity?
  • How have I sought to use this day to grow in love for my neighbor?

​Sharing Your Story
(for the week of October 11, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 4:1-20
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“Be ready to talk to others about what you see God doing in you and around you.”
 
Discussing the Scripture
 
1. According to verses 1-3, what got the apostles in trouble with the religious authorities? What happened to Peter and John because of this? 
 
2. What was the result of what Peter and John were doing (v. 4)? Do you think this result was worth getting in trouble for? Why or why not? 
 
3 What question was asked of Peter and John in verse 7? Why do you think they were asked this question? 
 
4. Who enabled Peter to answer the religious authorities in this high-pressure situation (v. 8)? What does this teach you about your need when sharing your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 
 
5. In verses 9-11, what was Peter’s answer to the religious authorities? 
 
6. What truth did Peter communicate in verse 12? (see also Matthew 1:21; John 14:6; Acts 10:43; 1 Timothy 2:5) 
 
7. What astonished the religious leaders, according to verse 13? How does that encourage you to share your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 
 
8. In verses 14-17, the religious leaders conferred with one another and decided to tell Peter and John they could no longer speak to anyone else in (about) the name of Jesus. Why? 
 
9. How did Peter and John reply in verses 18-19? (see also Acts 5:29) Could you reply the same way Peter and John did? Why or why not? 
 
10. What are some things you and these apostles have in common? (A hint for one answer is found in Romans 8:11) 
 
Applying the Scripture
 
11. What would you say are your top three obstacles in sharing your story about who God is and what he has done in your life? 
 
12. Reflect on each obstacle you just listed. What is it about each one that makes it an obstacle for you? 
 
13. What are three things you could begin doing today to move past those obstacles? What truths did you learn in this lesson’s Scripture to help you make those changes? 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about the Holy Spirit in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about the Spirit.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination

• Morning
  • Think about the acts of prayer, worship, and study you will pursue this day, and prepare yourself to engage each act with your whole being, energy, and attention.

 

• Evening
  • Have I spent time today reflecting on God’s kindness and God’s character?
  • How have I sought to make this day holy to God through worship and resting in God’s love?

Know and Use Your Spiritual Gifts
(for the week of October 4, 2020)
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Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: John 13:1-17
 
Key Idea from Sermon
 
“We get to exchange expressions of reconciliation and communicate love when we lower ourselves and serve others.”
 
Discussing the Scripture

1. What was about to happen to Jesus that would reveal his love for his disciples to the end (v. 1)? According to this verse, to whom was Jesus going to return?

 

1. How does knowing your ultimate purpose and destiny strengthen you to accomplish your goal? How does knowing this help you in your spiritual journey? (Do you know your ultimate purpose and destiny?)

 

1. Verse 3 reminds us that our heavenly Father “put all things under Jesus’ power.” This means among other things, that Jesus could have stopped Judas from betraying him, yet, not only did he allow Judas to betray him (which would cost Jesus his life), but Jesus also taught his beloved disciples the importance of becoming a servant by his example of washing their feet. What do you learn about Jesus in this verse? What is he teaching you about yourself in this verse?

 

1. Read verses 6-10 again. Describe Peter’s objection and the response of Jesus. What are some lessons you gain from this interaction? What lesson hits closest to home for you? Why?

 

1. In verse 12 Jesus asked the disciples if they understood what he had done for them. Do you? Explain what he did and why it is so important.

 

1. How does the act of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet foreshadow what was about to happen to him on the Cross?

 
 
Applying the Scripture

1. What feelings do you experience when you serve another person?

 

1. What feelings do you experience when you serve someone who is not able to repay you or who does not show gratitude?

 

1. What do you find most difficult in serving another person or group of people? What do you enjoy most?

 

1. How does knowing your spiritual gift(s) come into play in serving others? Do you know yours? What spiritual gift(s) do you have? How can a person discover what their spiritual gift(s) is?

 

1. Who are some people in your spheres of influence (or not yet in those spheres) you can start serving this week? What are two or three ways you can be more intentional in serving them?

 
 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about Jesus in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about our Lord.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination

• Morning
  • What tasks and encounters will I face today, and how may I prepare myself to bring honor and pleasure to God in them?

 

• Evening
  • Have I sought God’s purposes in all my interactions with other people today?
  • How have I sought to use this day to grow in love for God?

Spending Time with Others
(for the week of September 27, 2020)
​(PDF at the bottom of lesson)
 
Note to Group Leaders: More than anyone else, you are aware of the size of your group, time constraints, the needs of your group, etc. Please read through the Scripture and material below and use whatever you believe will be most helpful to your group.
 
This Week’s Scripture: Acts 9:19b-31 and Mark 2:1-12
 
Pastor Phillip’s Key Idea
 
“Learning, Loving, and Living Jesus involves influencing others for the sake of Jesus. Be the kind of person who brings others to Jesus.”
 
Discussing the Scripture
 

1. Read Acts 9:19b-31. What had Saul (soon to be “Paul”) been doing in verses 19b-22 that had gotten him into trouble with the Jews in Damascus? What were they planning on doing to Saul (v. 23)?
2. What did Saul’s new fellow disciples do to help him out of this dangerous situation (v. 25)?
3. Two or three year later Paul traveled to Jerusalem (he refers to this visit in Galatians 1:18-20) to join the disciples there. But because of his past, the disciples were afraid of him. Who intervened on behalf of Saul and how did he do so (v. 27)?
4. What did this intervention allow Saul to do in the name of Jesus (v. 28-29)?
5. What did fellow believers in Jesus do to help Saul once it was learned that people wanted to kill him (vv. 29-30)?
6. Read Mark 2:1-12. Describe the scene in verses 1-2.
7. Who helped the paralyzed man in verses 3-4? What did they do on his behalf?
8. What were the results of the efforts of these friends (vv. 5-12)?

 
Applying the Scripture
 

1. Summarize what the people in both stories did. What were the risks? What did it cost them?
2. Who are the people in your life who need to be “brought to Jesus?” What risks are there for you to do so? What might it cost you?
3. In your group, discuss ways you can help other Christians for the sake of Jesus (like Saul’s story). Discuss ways you can help bring those who need Jesus to him (like Mark’s story).
4. What personal obstacles will you have to overcome to do those things?
5. Spend some personal time this week, as well as in your group, praying for God to reveal to you the people who make up your personal mission field. Pray for God to give you the grace, wisdom, courage, and opportunities you need to help introduce others to Jesus.

 
ACTS (A prayer guide for this lesson)
 

• A – Adoration (What did you learn about Jesus in this lesson? Offer some words of praise and adoration for what you learned about our Lord.)

 

• C – Confession (Was there a sin or struggle this lesson helped you see in yourself more clearly. Confess this to God and ask him to help you turn from it and toward greater spiritual growth. Read 1 John 1:9)

 

• T – Thanksgiving (What spiritual truth did you learn in this lesson? Spend time thanking God for revealing it to you.)

 

• S – Supplication (Pray for any needs of the members of your group, including their spiritual needs.)

 
John Wesley’s Questions for Self-Examination
 

• Morning
  • Was God my last thought before sleeping and my first thought upon waking?

 

• Evening
  • Have I done anything today without considering how it might advance God’s purposes, whether in small or large ways?
  • Have I been quick and eager to do what good I could do this day?