We invite you to ponder the week’s Bible passage and listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon), then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: What’s one reason it can be challenging to read the Bible (or to read it regularly)? If you’re a believer, what’s one reason it’s worth pushing through those challenges?

A way to pray: Pray for one another to reflect Jesus in how we respond to the sufferings we’re facing (or will face), as we seek to see 2,000 people by 2022 baptized and growing in relationship with Jesus through the Word, prayer, and community.

• Treasuring God: How do I typically react to suffering? What does this tell me I might be at risk of treasuring even more than God?

• Being Transformed: What difference would it make if I were to respond to suffering more like the apostles in Acts 5:40-42? Which Scriptures could help me do that?

• Loving Others and Pursuing Unity: How is God challenging me to use my thoughts, words, and actions to love others sacrificially and to pursue unity among believers? Which Scriptures can help me do this with both “grace and truth” (John 1:14)?