First 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 Christmas tradition that especially helps you focus on the gift of Jesus?

A way to pray: Pray for our hearts during this Advent season to slow down and focus on the strange arrival we're remembering, and the return of Jesus we're anticipating!

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What was strange about Jesus' arrival? What does this tell us about God's character? How does this help me treasure Him more?

• Being Transformed: How might this story of pain, difficulty, and humility help me face my own trials? How can I see trials as an opportunity for joy?

• Loving Others: From the start, Jesus paid a price to love us. How far am I willing to go to connect with others? What cost am I wiling to endure?

• Pursuing Unity: What would it look like practically for me to embrace the humility of Jesus (e.g. His choice of birthplace) to pursue unity with others?

First 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: If you could wave a magic wand and heal one thing in the world right now, what would it be?

A way to pray: Ask the Lord to help us reflect His character – His love, life, healing, and goodness – in the way we live our lives. Pray that He'll use our lives to draw many people to Himself, as we seek to see 2,000 people by 2022 baptized and growing in relationship with Jesus Christ through the Word, prayer, and community.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What are some ways the river reflects God's character? Which aspects particularly remind me of God's goodness and power?

• Being Transformed: Where do I need the river of God to bring His healing power to bear? What do I need Him to change in me?

• Loving Others: How does my life reflect the presence of God's river bringing life and healing to my family, friends, coworkers, and community?

• Pursuing Unity: What relationships do I have that are "dead" or "too salty"? How might the river's presence revive them and bring unity?

On November 11 and 18, we'll be hearing from guest preachers Jorge Pacheco and Scott Mathis. You can find the audio for these sermons here (updates each Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: What was one highlight of this past week for you?

A way to pray: Pray with us that by 2022, through God's grace and power, we will see 2000 people baptized and growing in relationship with Jesus through the Word, prayer, and community.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What is God showing me about Himself lately that I really appreciate?

• Being Transformed: How is God calling me to be more like Jesus? What's my next step?

• Loving Others: How have I experienced God's love recently? How can I share His love with someone this week?

• Pursuing Unity: Where do I see the enemy working to cause division and discord? How does what God is showing me help me pursue unity instead?

First 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: If you could pick one person (not in the Bible) to be the king of your country, who would you pick and why?

A way to pray: Ask God to help us consistently put Him instead of ourselves on the throne of our hearts. Apply this request specifically to the areas shared in the discussion questions below.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: How is God radically different from Samuel's warnings about human kings? Which difference do I especially appreciate?

• Being Transformed: How am I conforming to be "like all the nations" around me? How can I allow God to begin changing me in those areas?

• Loving Others: Is there any way I treat others like a human king does – seeking what is best for me rather than best for others?

• Pursuing Unity: Have I permitted anyone to speak correction into my life? Do I graciously offer correction to others? How does this build unity?