Romans 12:12

Grow:

• To gain context for this passage, watch this overview video.

• How does our culture define hope? How would you define hope? How do they line up with the hope we see expressed in this verse?

Share:

• How could this verse practically influence your daily interactions with those in your circle? (home, work, community).

• Consider someone in your life who seems to be struggling to have hope right now. How can you both model and encourage them with this truth this week?

Connect:

• Which of the 3 (joyful in hope, patient in tribulation, constant in prayer) seems most realistic right now? Which feels the hardest?

• What would it look like for us to visibly live out Romans 12:12 in 2026? How can we move toward this together? Make a plan then spend time covering it in prayer.

• Explore 2 Kings 20:1-19 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Psalm 96

Grow:

• For insights into how to better read the Psalms, watch this video.

• Reflect on and journal your “God stories” from 2025. Then spend time thanking the Lord for how He has worked in and around you this year.

Share:

• Consider the everyday opportunities where you have the choice to trust God. How can you use those to share God’s story with those around you?

• Who in your life needs to hear of God’s faithful and marvelous works? Look for an opportunity to declare His greatness to them this week.

Connect:

• What keeps us from trusting God in everyday living? How can we grow in trusting Him more together?

• In 2026, how can we intentionally share “God stories” with one another to be reminded of God’s work and presence in our lives?

• Explore Romans 12 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Luke 2:8-20

Grow:

• To gain context for this passage, watch this video: npberean.org/beyond6

• What emotions or thoughts does the Luke 2 Christmas account stir within you? Reflect, then journal your response.

Share:

• What makes it difficult for you to tell others about Jesus? What step can you take to overcome your barriers to sharring?

• What could you say and do this week to proclaim Jesus to those who need to hear about his life and love? Be bold and plan ways to share the good news of his coming.

Connect:

• What fears, distractions, or comforts keep you from responding to the good news in worship like the shepherds?

• In 2026, where might God be inviting you to move from simply knowing the good news of Jesus to acting on it in trust and obedience?

• Explore Psalm 96 together and consider what “God story” you might share next Sunday.

Zechariah 14:1-21

Grow:

• As we bring this series in Zechariah to a close, watch this video to review the book as a whole: npberean.org/beyond5

• Since holiness marks everything in creation, how can you transform daily habits into acts of holiness and worship? Write down your daily routine. Then “reframe” it with holiness in mind.

Share:

• God graciously welcomes even former enemies to worship. How might you extend God’s welcome to someone who seems “far” from God?

• What practical change is God inviting to you make today to better reflect a life that is set apart for Him?

Connect:

• What fear, anxiety, or discouragement would lose its power if you were to truly believe the King will set everything right?

• What prevents you from wholehearted, consistent worship of God? How can we help one another grow in spiritual fervor? (Romans 12:11).

• Explore Luke 2:1-20 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.