January 26 - Pursuing Unity

! John 3:11-18

Grow

  • To better understand biblical unity, check out this article.

  • Copy verses 16-18 on a card or set it as your phone background. Read it every morning when you wake and every evening before bed, until you know it by heart.

Share

  • Verse 18 urges us to not love in word or talk but in deed and truth. When has your love for a fellow believer been all talk and no action? How can you love them better this week?

  • Is there a believer God has given you influence with? How can you challenge them with this truth this week?

Connect

  • Discuss how self-centeredness leads to disunity. What would change if we treated others better than ourselves?

  • What tangible step(s) can we take together to pursue unity at a deeper level?

  • Explore Romans 12:9-21 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
January 19 - Loving Others

Mark 12:28-34

Grow

  • The call to love is everywhere in the Bible. Learn more through this page

  • Copy Mark 12:30-31 on a card. Read it every morning as a prayer and every evening to evaluate your day.

Share

  • This week, how can you tangibly show love to a “neighbor” who likely won’t love you back.

  • Who in your life doesn’t yet know Jesus? Look for opportunities to both love them in action and share Jesus with them in words.

Connect

  • In what situations is it hardest to love others? Why do you think that is?

  • Consider one tangible step we can take to grow in genuinely loving others. Then do it together.

  • Explore 1 John 3:11-18 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
January 12 - Being Transformed

Psalm 135:1-21

Grow

  • To better understand and read the Psalms, watch this video.

  • For additional perspective on being transformed, read this article.

Share

  • Today’s verses urge us to “Praise the Lord.” How can praising Him help you share God with others this week?

  • Make a list of things you’re grateful to God for. Intentionally share your gratitude with anyone God has put on your list.

Connect

  • If we become like what we behold, in what ways does treasuring anything above God actually hinder our transformation?

  • Try using the suggested approach pursue transformation: 1.Name your idols (confession)

    2.Neuter your idols (identify how weak/destructive they are). 3.Replace your idols by praising Jesus, thanking Him for prevailing!

  • Explore Mark 12:28-34 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Dan Smith
January 5 - Treasuring God

Luke 6:43-49

Grow

  • Dive deeper into the treasure we find in God through this article.

  • Copy James 1:22 on a card. Read it every morning when you wake and every evening before bed, until you know it by heart.

Share

  • What do your words reveal about what is in your heart (Luke 6:45)? What good treasure can you speak into another person’s life this week?

  • Who needs to hear about how Jesus treasured you? How can telling others about Jesus help you treasure God more?

Connect

  • How does trauma reveal whether we have built our lives on the words of God or on the shifting sand of culture? Share examples of both in your own life. How are they different?

  • Words are cheap when you’re not doing what you say. What words and actions do you need to commit to saying and doing in this new year?

Dan Smith