August 31 - Longing for Favor

Zechariah 1:1-6

Grow:

  • To better understand the book of Zechariah, watch this video.

  • Zechariah repeatedly refers to God as the “Lord of hosts.” Learn more about this title for God, in this article.

Share:

  • How can I model repentance in my relationships so others might see firsthand what “returning to God” looks like?

  • Who in my life needs to hear God’s invitation to “return” to Him? How can I lovingly share that message?

Connect:

  • How do I typically respond when God convicts me? Do I harden my heart or turn back to Him?

  • Where might I be resisting God’s call to “return” fully to Him? How we can encourage one another toward “returning”?

  • Explore Lev. 23:26-32, 2 Sam. 12:17-23, Esther 4:3-16, Neh. 1:2-4, Isa. 58:1-12 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
August 24 - Fighting for Community

Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 12:29-31, Matt. 22:37-40

Grow:

  • For helpful context to the greatest commandment (known as the Shema), watch this Bible Project video.

  • Do the things I make time for line up with what I say is most important to me? What changes could I start to make to be more aligned?

  • For further study, explore the Bible passages in the sermon notes to the left that we didn’t read as part of the sermon (the ones in italics).

Share:

  • To love God is to love your neighbor. What’s one tangible way I can show love to my “neighbor” this week?In what new way do you sense God is calling you to view/use your money?

  • What intentional step can I take this week to share my life with fellow believers – and invite them to do the same?

Connect:

  • What is currently keeping me from being the person of love Jesus calls us to be? (busyness? offense? etc.?)

  • How can we encourage and challenge one another to fight for meaningful community this year?

  • Explore Zechariah 1:1-6 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
August 17 - Money Matters

2 Corinthians 8:9-14, 9:6-7

Chapter Reflection:

  • What is the “good news” from this passage?

  • How does this passage inform how I view and praise Jesus?

  • Has the Holy Spirit revealed to me an area of repentance I need to pursue?

Discussion:

  • What was most challenging to you from today’s message?

  • In what new way do you sense God is calling you to view/use your money?

  • How can we help one another embody the truths we have heard and considered this week?

Resources:

  • Jesus’ teaching on money from BibleProject..

  • 7 Things Jesus Said About Money article.

  • The Treasure Principle – a quick but meaningful read on becoming a joyful giver.

  • MoneyWise – A 6-session small group study on RightNow Media, to help you become a better steward. (To sign up for a FREE RightNow Media account, text “npberean” to 49775.)

Dan Smith
August 10 - Jesus... The Source of Life

John 15:1-17

Chapter Reflection:

  • What is the “good news” in this chapter?

  • How does this passage inform how I view and praise Jesus?

  • Has the Holy Spirit revealed to me an area of repentance I need to pursue?

Discussion:

  • What was most meaningful from the reading?

  • How can we embody the truths we have read and considered this week?

  • Who can I tell about his Jesus is changing me through engaging the gospel of John?

Resources:

  • Gospel of John (ch.13-21) overview video:

  • Use this song as a meditation and prayer, as you learn to abide.

  • The Bible Project App (Bible reading resource with helpful videos/resources for each chapter):

  • Pause App” – a practical tool to help you practice abiding.

  • Simple Bible study method.

  • Lectio365 App” – Daily guided devotionals with reflection and prayer.

Dan Smith