Matthew 3:13-17 & John 3:22-36

Grow

• For a closer look at how and why Jesus added humanity to his divinity, check out this BibleProject video

• Spend some time allowing your heart to be still. Invite God’s presence and allow him to whisper, “you are my beloved” over you.

Share

• Do you want Christ to increase in your life? Why? Who can you share that desire with this week?

• What’s one tangible way you can “decrease,” with those around you, as Christ “increases” within you?

Connect

• Read John 3:46 again. Do you see belief and obedience as the same? or different? How does this influence how we live our daily lives?

• What step of obedience is the Lord asking you to take this week? How can we support one another in this?

• Explore Luke 4:14-25 and Matthew 4:23-5:11 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Jeremiah 3:19-20 & Isaiah 3:16-21

Grow

• “Exile” is a recurring theme in the Bible. Learn why, in this video.

• Read about “shalom” in this article. Meditate on this peace that only God’s presence can bring.

Share

• Even as the kingdom declined, the prophets bore witness to God. How can you bear witness to God’s love and ways to those around you this week?

• What aspects of God’s character are displayed in this part of his story? How will knowing this about God impact how you treat those in your life today?

Connect

• How have you seen God’s presence in your life, even in times of “exile?” How did that encourage you?

• How can we help one another maintain hope and peace even when we are in the midst of brokenness, pain, or consequences that sin brings?

• Explore Matthew 3:13-17 and John 3:22-36 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Joshua 1:5-9, 24:15, 1 Sam. 8:4-7, 2 Sam. 7:16

Grow

• Watch this video for a helpful overview of the rise and fall of God’s people during this time of judges and kings.

• Look up definitions for the word “king.” Journal your thoughts, comparing and contrasting these definitions with what the true King is like.

Share

• Joshua repeatedly commands God’s people to “be strong and courageous.” Share with someone this week how God’s presence brings you strength and courage.

• Spend time reflecting on ways you may be refusing the true King in your life. Then honestly share with a friend and pray for one another.

Connect

• God’s people asked Samuel to anoint a king for them like all the nations. As Christians today, how can we still stumble by trying to be like “other nations?”

• Discuss ways we desire the true King’s rule and ways we cling to self-rule. How can self-rule lead to “doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord?”

• Explore Jeremiah 3:19-20 and Isaiah 3:16-21 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Psalm 143

Grow

• For an in-depth look at the book of Psalms, consider this helpful BibleProject video.

• Listen to the song, “Revive me,” as an additional way to meditate on Psalm 143.

Share

• Psalm 143 is a prayer of David. Pick a section to share with someone who needs God’s mercy and help this week, commit to praying these verses for them.

• Rewrite verse 10-11 in your own words. How can you share these Truths through your words and actions this week?

Connect

• Do you have a teachable heart (v.10)? What “level ground” do you need the good Spirit to lead you on?

• Share honestly about a time when you felt crushed, persecuted, or overwhelmed. Personalize v.11 as a prayer for one another.

• Explore 1 Samuel 8:1-7 and 2 Samuel 7:1-6 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.