John 15:1-17

Note: We’re evaluating whether or not to continue including this new Beyond Sunday section in the bulletin. If you’ve found it useful and would like us to keep it (and/or if you have ideas to make it better), please let us know at npberean.org/yes

Think it out

• How would you describe someone who is abiding in Christ? Is that evident in your life?

• Dig deeper into what it means to ABIDE with this resource: The Disciplines of Abiding. (If you haven’t yet signed up for your FREE RightNow Media account, text npberean to 49775).

Talk it out

• How does time in the Word, prayer, or community help you love as Christ loves you?

• What helps turn your affections toward Jesus? What distracts you from Him?

Live it out

• Memorize John 15:5. Repeat it throughout this week to evaluate how well you are abiding.

• Who in your life needs to experience Christ’s love? Consider one way you can lay down your life for them this week? Then do it!

Romans 3:27-4:25

Note: We’re evaluating whether or not to continue including this new Beyond Sunday section in the bulletin. If you’ve found it useful and would like us to keep it (and/or if you have ideas to make it better), please let us know at npberean.org/yes

Think it out

• How could you share the joy of being justified (declared “not guilty) with someone who has never encountered Jesus?

• For more on the life of Abraham from Genesis, check out this video.

Talk it out

• What are some ways we try to achieve righteousness instead of receiving it by faith?

• Why do we often put our faith in something other than God? What is the outcome of misplaced faith?

Live it out

• Romans 4:7-8 is a quote from Psalm 32. Read this psalm aloud, one line at a time, personalizing it to your life.

• Who in your life struggles to have faith? Use truths from this message to encourage them this week.

Romans 3:21-26

Think it out

• Check out this article for a deeper explanation of Justification.

• Reread the passage, noting repeated words. Why is it vital for believers to understand how righteousness and justification are linked?

Talk it out

• How is God’s righteous character displayed at the cross?

• Read verses 25 & 26 in the New Living Translation.  Why was his blood sacrifice necessary?

Live it out

• Praise God daily for redeeming you from sin. Ask God for opportunities to share how this gift has changed your life.

• When tempted to claim righteousness by what you do, listen to “Nothing but the Blood.”

Romans 3:9-20

Think it out

• How has sin caused destruction in your life?

• To look more into the Biblical understanding of  sin, watch this video.

Talk it out

• Do you agree it is impossible to keep God’s law perfectly? Then how can we possibly have a righteous life?

• How do you see universal sin playing out in the world around you right now?

Live it out

• Listen to “Son of Suffering” this week. Celebrate all the ways Christ’s amazing sacrifice gives you hope in the midst of sin.

• Who in your life is breaking down in sin? How can you acknowledge their “bad news first” but also share the good news of Jesus with them?