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 part of creation that is especially beautiful or awe-inspiring to you?

 

A way to pray: Pray for each other to grow in living our lives under God's good authority, reflecting Him clearly to the world around us.

 

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: What can we learn from Genesis 1-2 about what God is like? Which of these truths do I especially appreciate (and why)?
• Being Transformed: Why did God create people? What is our purpose? What change can I make in my life to live out His purpose more fully?
• Loving Others: What's one way I can reflect God among my family, friends, or community this week?
• Pursuing Unity: Why do people have a hard time submitting to God's ownership/authority? How does this affect our relationships? Why would it be better to submit to Him?

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 thing you're looking forward to in the next month?

 

A way to pray: Pray for an increased humility and peace in our lives. Ask the Lord to help us support each other well in this area of our Christian walk.

 

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: How does our view of God relate to our levels of humility and anxiety? What do verses 10-11 make me feel?
• Being Transformed: Where in my own life would I like to see greater humility or less anxiety? What's one step I can take right now?
• Loving Others: What does it look like to lead others humbly? How does Jesus model this? How can I?
• Pursuing Unity: What are some practical ways we can love and encourage each other as Christ followers? How does this affect us when we're suffering?

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: Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:13-27 (read full chapter for more context if you wish). What emotions does the story stir in you? What is important about verse 18?

A way to pray: Based on what is shared in the group discussion below, pray for each other to grow in how we respond to suffering...that the way we suffer would cause those around us to ask about the hope that enables us to handle suffering well (see 1 Peter 3:15).

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: How does suffering reveal what really matters most to us? How does treasuring God help us in our suffering?
• Being Transformed: What does it mean to rejoice as we share in Christ’s sufferings? What does it look like practically to trust our Creator and do good even when we suffer?
• Loving Others: Why would our sin against others (e.g. murder/anger, stealing/envy, doing evil, and meddling) cause suffering not just for them but also for us? Why is this kind of suffering to be avoided?
• Pursuing Unity: How can suffering draw us closer to Christ and to one another? How can we help each other suffer in a way that is good for us and honors God?

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: Share about a time you experienced hospitality or good service, such as at a restaurant, auto place, hotel, etc. What did you appreciate about it?

A way to pray: Pray for one another and our church family to really serve one another and our community well, especially as we seek to be a witness for the gospel and see God use us to draw 2000 people to himself by 2022.

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: Why is God's future judgment something we can look forward to, particularly in times of suffering?
• Being Transformed: Why would we choose not to join unbelievers in their self-indulgent lifestyle?
• Loving Others: What are some ways I enjoy showing God's love to others?
• Pursuing Unity: What are some practical examples of showing hospitality to one another and serving one another within the body of Christ?