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Message Discussion Questions

From December 22, 2024

Getting Started

Describe a time that you got lost as a kid, or as a parent you lost a child? How did you feel?
What were you like at 12 years old?
How would you describe the “teenage/adolescence” years?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
Why are our homes so monumental in shaping who we are? Good ways? Not so good ways?
In what way is Jesus already at 12 separating himself from “home”? Where is he most comfortable?
How do you struggle with separating yourself from your family of origin? What would it mean, as a follower of Jesus to find yourself more at home with God? How would this shape your attitudes, beliefs, decision-making, boundaries, prayer-life?
In what way does Jesus actions at age 12 affirm that He was aware of Himself as fully God and fully human?
How does your home address need to shift to seeing yourself as a citizen of heaven? (Philippians 3:20)
Why is the parable of the prodigal son so vital in understanding how we find our way home to God?

Explore the Passage (Luke 2:41-52)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

Why did Jesus’ parents go to Jerusalem every year? (2:41)
How did Jesus get left behind in Jerusalem? (2:43-44)
Why did three days pass before Mary and Joseph found Jesus? (2:46)
What was Jesus doing during the three days that He was on His own? (2:46)
What were the effects of Jesus’ questions and answers on the teachers in Jerusalem? (2:46-47)
How did Mary respond when she and Joseph finally found Jesus? (2:48)
What was Jesus’ response to His parents’ frantic arrival? (2:49)
How did Jesus answer His parents’ concern for Him? (2:49)
After replying to His parents, what did Jesus do? (2:51)
What do we learn about Mary through this incident? (2:41, 48, 50-51)
What happened to Jesus as He grew? (2:52)

Questions that help us understand the significance of the text

What would you have wanted to ask Jesus had you been around during those three days in the temple?
How often do children carry on the habits and beliefs from their parents?
What is the significance of Jesus separating himself from his family?
In what way can we struggle to find our identity apart from our “home”? Why is this necessary to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus?
How does this story illustrate the tension Jesus may have felt between obedience to His Father and obedience to His earthly parents?
In what way should we strive to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and others?
How did Jesus demonstrate His uniqueness as fully God and fully human already at age 12?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From December 15, 2024

Getting Started

How has your Christmas season been going so far? Are there any difficulties that you need prayer around?

Do you have a nativity set? Does it have any special memories? (It’s okay if not, but sometimes it’s fun to hear – where you got it from? Who gave it to you? Etc.)

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words and what point/idea resonated most with you? Why?

When you hear the word “unlikely,” what does it mean to you?

Does the word “home” have good memories attached to it for you? Or difficult?

Questions from the Message

What does it mean to you (and to all of us) that God selected shepherds to first see Jesus?
What would be categories of “unlikely” people today? Who are the “shepherds” of our day?

Explore the Passages (Luke 2:8-20; Isaiah 61:1-2)

Read Luke 2:8-20. What sticks out to you from the passage? How would you summarize this story? What was the “good news”?

How is the “good news” for “all people”? What about “peace on earth to people He favors”? What is the difference?

To whom did the shepherds report this experience? What was the response? What did they do next?

In Isaiah 61 and Luke 4, why is it significant that Jesus stopped where He did? Look at the differences in time periods (year of the Lord’s favor; day of our God’s vengeance)… what could this mean?

 

Apply the Passage

Why is it important to remind ourselves of our “calling” – our own unlikeliness?

Who can we pray for right now that you know? Someone that needs to “come and see” the goodness of God?

How can we pray for each other, especially in this Christmas season?

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Message Discussion Questions

From December 8, 2024

Getting Started

What is the most unique “birth announcement” you have ever heard?
What experience have you had that involved uncomfortable travel?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What are common reasons people love the Christmas season? Why are these good, but also misleading when we read the account of the birth of Jesus?
What significance is there to the reality that Christ was born into a time of division, under a military dictatorship, and into a world of poverty and hardship? In what way would His birth reveal what Christ came to accomplish?
Read Isaiah 9:6-7…
What does it mean for you that a child is born to us, a son is given? That His name is wonderful counselor?
Mighty God?
Everlasting Father?
Prince of Peace?

In what way can you celebrate who Christ is this Christmas? New tradition? New focus?

Explore the Passage (Luke 2:1-7)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

Who decreed that a census be taken of the entire Roman world? (2:1)
What did the Roman census require of everyone? (2:3)
What reason did Luke give for Joseph having to travel to Bethlehem for the census? (2:4)
What was Joseph and Mary’s marital status at the time of Jesus’ birth? (2:5)
Why was travel especially difficult for Mary? (2:5)
What details about the birth of Jesus do we know or can we infer from Luke’s description? (2:5-7)
What were the conditions in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born? (2:7)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

How well have Christmas carols, cards, pictures captured the significance of the birth Luke described?
What significance is there that Joseph and Mary could find nowhere to stay?
What can we learn about responding to unexpected difficulties from the examples of Mary and Joseph?
In what ways did God “manage” the events of history to get Joseph and Mary where He wanted them at the appropriate time?
In what way was Christ’s birth a statement about how He will live, teach, die and rise again? How do you celebrate Christ’s birth?

 

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From December 1, 2024

Getting Started

What does “home” mean to you? In what way does the reality that Christ has made for us an “eternal” home inform your attachments to this world, or should it impact how you live now? What do you consider the greatest example of faith you have ever seen? Why?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
In what way does our longing for “home” reveal that we were made for another world (ie heaven)? How does Hebrews 8:5-6 speak to the truth that even the things that God intended for our good (in the OT), the priestly system and worship in the temple only a shadow of what is real?
In what way is this true in terms of our relationship with God? What can we mistake as permanent? How does knowing that in Christ we are made for another “country”, satisfy our disappointments in this life?
What would it look like for us to live as if we are travelers? A traveler that has not yet reached your destination, a traveler what has decided to never return “home” and that Heaven is your homeland? How would it inform how you live? How you love? What truly satisfies?
What does it mean for you this Christmas to know that Home is not just a place, but it is a Person?

Explore the Passage (Hebrews 11:1-6)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

What is faith? (11:1)
What does faith help us to comprehend about the creation of the world? (11:3)
How did Abel demonstrate faith? (11:4)
What was unusual about Enoch? (11:5)
What role does faith play in approaching and pleasing God? (11:6)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

According to this passage, what is the only way we can please God with our lives?
What prompts committed followers of Christ to continue to exercise faith even when you don’t reach “the promised land?”
Why do you think the author said that “the world was not worthy of” the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11?
How do you think the individuals praised in Hebrews 11 were looked upon by those of their day?
How would seeing yourself as a “foreigner”, “alien”, a traveler in this world transform what is important?
What does it mean for you that those mentioned in this chapter refused to long for a country that they knew they could never go back to? That they were looking for a better place…a heavenly homeland?
React to this old saying, “There are some people that are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good, and there are those that are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good? What is the difference? How do we live in the tension?

 

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From November 24, 2024

Getting Started

1. Do you automatically start getting stressed as the holidays approach?
2. What is it about the holidays that make you feel stressed? Purchasing the food, having to prepare a feast, the large crowd that’s coming, the money you’re spending that you can’t afford?
3. Are you trying to impress people with a fancy meal, nice gifts and awesome decorations that you really don’t like?

Explore the Text (Philippians 4:4-9)

What did Paul encourage his readers to do? (4:4)
How did Paul tell the Philippian Christians to treat others? (4:5)
How should an awareness of Christ’s imminent return affect a person’s attitude? (4:5-7)
What did Paul say about anxiety? (4:6-7)
What were the Philippians to do instead of worrying? (4:6-7)
How can a believer enjoy the peace of God? (4:6-7)
What are the qualities of wholesome thoughts? (4:8)
What were the Philippians to put into practice? (4:9)
How can believers enjoy the presence of the God of peace? (4:9)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

As we get ready for Thanksgiving Day, have you taken a moment to sit down and discuss or write out what you are particularly thankful for this year? If not, please consider doing so.
If Christ had to grade you on a scale of one to ten on how grateful you typically are (with ten being the highest) where would you rank?
How do you think it makes God feel, when all we really focus on are the material things that we want to have and to give, rather than just being thankful for His goodness in our lives?
Do you get in such an uproar over the world, politics and other things you can’t control, that you work yourself up into a frenzy, never acknowledging that God is still in full control of the very world He created?
Worry is the antithesis of faith, and it kills our praise, not allowing a heart of Thanksgiving. Hebrews 11:6 clearly says that you cannot please God without faith. As we observe this Thanksgiving week, where are you emotionally? Are you in a state of emergency, panic, and anxiety, or are you sincerely Thankful to God for your life and His many, many blessings?
Do you find yourself murmuring more than meditating on His word???
What are some good things that you can think about and focus on and meditate on during this Thanksgiving holiday that will honor God?
Do the people around you the most hear more thanksgiving or complaining from You? Do they hear more doubt, uncertainty, and unbelief, or praises to God?
Are you willing to make a necessary shift in your life toward Thanksgiving as a way of life? If so, stop and pray about it right now. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this new commitment.

 

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From November 17, 2024

Getting Started

In what way do you see how worry negatively affects your life (thoughts, fears etc…)?
How can we separate worry from what is also our “responsibilities” (things we rightly should be concerned about)? What is the difference?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
Considering that 8% of our worries are “legitimate” and 92% are things that will never happen or are out of your control…take time to describe what are “legitimate” worries.
Why does Peter tell a legitimately worried church to accept the authority of the elders and live humbly under the mighty power of God?
How could our worry and anxiety be connected to not accepting authority of those wiser than us and accepting God’s authority over us?
Who in your life is a trusted and wise elder, placed in your life for your care?
What type of character and in what time frame will God lift you up in honor? What would this mean to a suffering and persecuted church? To someone who struggles with worry, fear and anxiety?
What would it mean for you to cast all your cares?
What would it mean for you to Seek the Kingdom of God above all other “kingdoms”?
What would it mean for you to meditate on God’s truth?
How are these things connected with our worries?

Explore the Passage (1 Peter 5:5-14)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

What were the young men encouraged to do? (5:5)
Why were all the readers encouraged to clothe themselves with humility? (5:5)
Why were these believers encouraged to humble themselves? (5:6)
What did Peter tell his readers to do with their anxieties? (5:7)
What did Peter say the devil was doing? (5:8)
How were these believers instructed to respond to the devil? (5:9)
To what did Peter say these believers had been called? (5:10)
What did Peter assure his readers God would do after they had suffered a little while? (5:10)
What did Silas help Peter do? (5:12)
Who sent greetings along with Peter? (5:13)
How did Peter tell these believers to greet one another? (5:14)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

What attitude do the young people and others in your church have toward the leaders of the church?
What leadership positions have you held? What was most difficult? Why?
What changes do you need to make in the way you lead? (whether that’s in your family or work?)
How do you need to change your attitude toward those who are in positions of authority over you?
Why do we sometimes find it difficult to be submissive to those in authority over us?
Why is being humble so difficult?
What worries tend to plague you?
What does it mean to cast your anxieties on the Lord?
How can we cast our anxieties on the Lord?
What means does the devil use to “devour” people?
How should we resist the devil?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From November 10, 2024

Getting Started

How do people today respond to shame? How do we confuse shame with guilt or embarrassment?
What is worse for this woman; her physical condition or the shame it brought her?
Can you think of any modern parallel to the shame this woman felt?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
In what way was this woman’s shame no fault of her own?
Dave mentioned that shame only survives in silence and secrecy. In what way did this woman refuse to live in shame?
This woman had been to every “doctor” and then turns to Jesus…how can we make the same mistake in our own spiritual lives?
In what way can we “cover up” our shame? In what way does Jesus heal us, bring us peace (shalom)?
Why does Jesus refuse to allow her to stay hidden, or slowly back out of the crowd after she has been healed?
Why do you think it is important for her to tell Jesus and others what had happened? For us to as well?
What is the significance of Jesus calling her a “Daughter”? That her faith has made her well? And to go in peace?
How has Christ become your peace and in what way do you have a new name and new identity in Christ?

Explore the Passage (Luke 8:42-48)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

What role do crowds play in this passage? (8:40, 42, 45, 47, 52-53)
What do we know about the sick woman? (8:43-44)
How did Jesus know that someone had been healed? (8:45-46)
What was the woman’s reaction to being discovered? (8:47)
To what did Jesus attribute the woman’s healing? (8:48)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

Now read both healings in Luke 8:40-56…
What is similar about the two healings?
What is the difference between the two healings?

What emotional effect can shame, and physical distress have on someone?
How must Jesus’ words have sounded to the woman?
In what ways do you imagine the woman’s life changed from that day on?
How did Jesus’ manner and words stand in sharp contrast to the mood outside and inside Jairus’s house?
How did Jesus show His care for the whole person in both situations? What can we learn from the boldness of both the woman and Jairus?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From November 3, 2024

Getting Started

What has brought you peace and joy this week, despite the constant news cycle?

What are some practices that bring you closer to God?

Who is the most hopeful person you know? What actions or words do they use to express hope?

Quick Reactions

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words and what point/idea resonated most with you? Why?

How has grief appeared in your life? Who has helped you through your grief? What did they do that was helpful?

How did your family of origin express grief?

Questions from the Message

“The prophetic tasks of the church are to tell the truth in a society that lives in illusion, grieve in a society that practices denial, and express hope in a society that lives in despair.” – Walter Brueggemann

Do you see these as needs in our society today?

“We become aware of hope when the outcome is at risk.” – Curt Thompson

What do you think of this quote?

Explore the Passages (Romans 5:3-5, 15:13; 1 Peter 3:13-15)

Read Romans 5:3-5. What sticks out to you in this passage? What is the journey from affliction to hope? Have you or someone you know taken this path before?

Read Roman 15:13. Who is God described as? What are we filled with? What is our work in this process? What is the outcome and what overflows from us? By whose power is this accomplished?

Read 1 Peter 3:13-15. What sticks out to you in this passage? What is the connection between “regard Christ as holy” and being known as a hopeful Christian?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From October 27, 2024

Getting Started

If you could ask God any question about life, what would it be? Why?
As a child, what decisions or actions did your parents make or did that you questioned? How does this relate to Job and God?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?

Explore the Passage (Job 38)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

What do the Lord’s questions reveal about Him?
What do the Lord’s questions reveal about Job and human nature?
For what did the Lord tell Job to brace himself? (38:3)
What is the focus of the Lord’s first round of questions to Job? (38:4-41)

 

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

How would you summarize the Lord’s answer to Job?
What point did God want Job to understand through this series of questions?
In what way did Job find God’s answers to his questions satisfying or dissatisfying?
Why was Job unable to defend himself?
If you were Job, how do you think you would have responded to the opportunity to present your case to God?
If you were Job, what questions would you have asked God?
What questions did God’s reply to Job leave unanswered or unresolved? What does this mean for our unresolved questions?

Read Job 42:1-6

What did Job say about God? (42:1-2)
What did Job say about what he had previously said? (42:3)
Why did Job say he would repent? (42:4-6)
How did God’s reply change Job’s attitude?
In what way did Job speak about things that he did not understand?
What would God say to us regarding how little we understand?
What would I need to repent of in response to God’s questions? 

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From October 13, 2024

Getting Started

Can you recount a moment where, like Elijah, you felt alone, discouraged, exhausted or burned out? What similarities resonated with you from Elijah’s story?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
What surprised you most from the story of Elijah in Chapter 19? Why?
In what way did God demonstrate his compassion for Elijah?
What can we learn from how God desires us to care for ourselves when we face similar challenges?
What does Elijah reveal about his attitude, how he views his situation in response to God’s question, “What are you doing here, Elijah? How can we lose sight of ourselves and God when we are overwhelmed?
How can we fall into a trap that says, no one cares like I care?
What do you believe was the “whisper” of God? What does it mean for us?
How can we mistake being “with” God and being busy, or busy for God? How can this lead to being overwhelmed?
What does it mean, that regardless of being overwhelmed, that God is not done with you yet?
How can being overwhelmed become God’s invitation to begins to see Him and your life differently?

Explore the Passage (1 Kings 19:1-21)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

Why was Queen Jezebel determined to kill Elijah the prophet? (19:1-2)
What did Elijah pray when he had fled to a lonely place? (19:3-5)
How did God miraculously care for Elijah in the desert? (19:6-9)
What did God say to Elijah when the prophet had taken refuge in a cave? (19:9)
How did Elijah express his despair about his circumstances? (19:10)
What did God command Elijah to do? (19:11)
What disturbances of nature did Elijah witness from inside the cave? (19:11-13)
In which of the manifestations that Elijah saw was God present? (19:11-13)
What question did God repeat in the “gentle whisper”? (19:13)
What was Elijah’s reply after seeing the demonstrations of God’s power? (19:14)
What directive did Elijah receive from God? (19:15-17)
How many faithful worshipers did God report to be in Israel? (19:18)
Where was Elisha when Elijah found him? (19:19)
What symbolic action did Elijah perform when he found Elisha? (19:19)
What did Elisha call his family together to do before he left to follow Elijah? (19:20-21)

 

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

To what extent do you think Elijah was justified in being discouraged by his circumstances?
Why did God reveal Himself to Elijah when the prophet was discouraged?
What strikes you as unusual about God’s question to Elijah in the cave?
In what settings have you felt that you were the only believer?
Of all of the manifestations of God’s power, which might have Elijah wished God would show to his enemies?
What important lesson did Elijah learn about how God chooses to speak to people?
How did Elisha make a dramatic break with his past before he followed Elijah?
What would be difficult about making a sudden break with your present life-style if God were to ask you to do it?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From October 6, 2024

Getting Started

What similar social “stigma” (if any) do you think we attach in a similar way to being a “woman without a child” in the OT?
What “constant” reminder do you or someone you know struggles with but wish they didn’t? (e.g. broken dream of what could’ve, should’ve been, but isn’t? How does this relate to Hannah’s struggle?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
How have you heard that people (or “the churches) poor responses to people’s hurt, disappointments, etc…impacted their lives?
What do you make of Peninnah’s actions, Elkanah and Eli’s words to Hannah?
In what way did Hannah have every right to be angry, resentful, vengeful and bitter in how others responded to her?
In what way does her response look like Jesus?
In what way, when you are overwhelmed, would it look like for you to take to heart that “People won’t always understand you, but God never forgets you? How could this change your attitude, expectations and behavior?

Explore the Passage (1 Samuel 1:1-20)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

What was a primary difference between the two wives of Elkanah? (1:2)
Where did the family go yearly to worship God? (1:3)
Who were the priests at this time? (1:3)
How did the husband treat Hannah on the occasion of feasts? Why? (1:5, 8)
How was Hannah treated? (1:6)
Who observed Hannah in the temple? (1:9, 13)
What was Hannah’s emotional state when the feasting ended? (1:10)
What was Hannah’s vow before the Lord? (1:11)
What did Eli assume about Hannah? (1:13-14)
How did Hannah explain her behavior? (1:15-16)
What was Eli’s response to Hannah’s situation? (1:17)
How did Hannah’s mood change after she had prayed? (1:18)
How was Hannah’s prayer answered? (1:19-20)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

What reactions, good and bad, can we have to cruel taunts?
Why did Hannah’s demeanor change so dramatically after she prayed?
What other responses to her predicament could Hannah have chosen?
Why is it important to take our requests to God?
In what ways do we try to ease the pain of someone’s obvious loss or lack?
Why does the account in 1 Samuel say that God “remembered” Hannah?
What does it mean for you that God does not forget you?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From September 29, 2024

Getting Started

How do we typically explain feeling overwhelmed? What are things we tell ourselves when we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed and anxious?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?

Describe what you know of how Paul has encountered overwhelming obstacles in his life and ministry?
How can we minimize pride as something that God desires to deal with us?
In what way did Paul become ruthlessly honest with what was the reason for the thorn in his flesh?
What can we learn about Paul praying that God would remove this thorn?
How can we learn to accept God’s NO? Has this happened to you? What may happen when we refuse to move towards acceptance?
How did Paul “reinterpret” the meaning of the thorn in his flesh?
What may God be asking us to reinterpret in our lives (that hurts), but God may be doing for our good?

Explore the Passage (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

Who was the man in Christ whom Paul described? (12:2)
Why did Paul tell the Corinthians about his vision, despite his misgivings? (12:2-4)
Why was Paul reluctant to speak about his vision? (12:3-6)
What happened during the revelation Paul described? (12:4)
Why did Paul refrain from boasting? (12:6)
For what reason might Paul have become prideful? (12:7)
What prevented Paul from developing a proud spirit? (12:7)
Why did Paul have a “thorn”? (12:7)
Who was responsible for giving Paul a “thorn in the flesh”? (12:7)
What was Paul’s response to his “thorn”? (12:8, 10)
What purpose can a thorn have in our lives? (12:9)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

What are some weaknesses that you find difficult to live with?
What can we learn from Paul’s example about dealing with things we would rather not have?
How can you allow the Lord’s power to take over where you are weak?
How does the Christian perspective on power and weakness differ from that of the world?
In what ways can you imagine that our weaknesses become an opportunity for God’s power and grace to shine?
What does it mean that God’s grace is sufficient? How would that make a difference?
What new perspective may God be offering you that you consider is an obstacle?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

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Message Discussion Questions

From September 22, 2024

Getting Started

How can a sense of being overwhelmed relate to what is in our control and what is not? What we are responsible for and what we are not?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
In what ways can you imagine David would have been justified in taking Saul’s life?
How would this action have alleviated being overwhelmed by being on the run?
What kinds of things are we tempted to do, believe or say to ourselves when we are overwhelmed by circumstances?
What was David’s “crisis of conscience” in the cave?
How would you define our God-given conscience? How can that help inform us when we are overwhelmed?
How can we separate what is in our hands (what we should carry) and what is in God’s hands?

Explore the Text (1 Samuel 24:1-22)

What activity did Saul resume as soon as the Philistine threat abated? (24:1-2)
How did Saul come to be alone for a short time? (24:3)
What did David’s men tell him when they discovered Saul alone in the cave? (24:4)
What action did David take while Saul was unaware? (24:5)
Why did David have second thoughts about what he had just done? (24:6)
How did Saul learn that David had just had him at his mercy? (24:8)
What arguments did David give to prove that he was not conspiring against the king? (24:9-11)
In what context did David invoke the name of the Lord? (24:12)
For David, what was the authoritative proof that he was not an evil man? (24:13)
Besides judging between him and Saul, what did David ask of God? (24:15)
What emotion overcame Saul when he heard David’s voice? (24:16)
What confession did Saul make regarding his own behavior? (24:17)
Why did Saul ask God to reward David? (24:18-19)
What did Saul admit that he knew about the future? (24:20)
What did Saul ask David to swear he would do when he became king? (24:21)
On what terms did Saul and David part after their meeting in the cave? (24:22)

Questions that Help us Understand the Significance of the Text

How do you think Saul would have behaved toward David if their situations had been reversed?
What was the single most important reason David had for not harming Saul?
When does restraint speak more loudly than action?
In what way does God call us to do the “right thing” over what is the “expedient thing”?
In what ways might God vindicate someone who does not use force to vindicate himself or herself?
How did David both leave the outcome of his circumstances in God’s hands, while also not leave himself vulnerable to Saul?
Why did David and Saul go their separate ways after Saul learned that his life had been spared?
Why did Saul not make any promises to David after David swore to preserve Saul’s descendants when he became king?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From September 15, 2024

Getting Started

Is there a season of your life where you felt overwhelmed? What made it so? What did it feel like to you?

Does your family have a story of perseverance? Or do you know one that you would like to share?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words and what point/idea resonated most with you?  Why?

Do you see any ways in which our culture and our faith are at odds? In what ways do we praise the same things Jesus does? In what ways do we not?

What do you think of the idea that Dallas Willard described Jesus as “relaxed”? In what ways do you see this in His ministry? Who do you know that models this way of Jesus?

Explore the Message

From the three points:
We endure with God’s delight. We endure together. We endure towards a better kingdom.

Which most resonated with you? Why?

Is there a verse you recall? What made it stick out to you?

Explore the Passages (Hebrews 10-12)

In what ways are “we those who have faith and are saved?” Do you find this easy to believe and press into or do you spend time worrying that you are drawing back? What does this look like in your life? (Hebrews 10:37-38)

In Hebrews 11, which member of the “Hall of Faith” sticks out to you the  most? How did perseverence play into their story? How does this inform our own experience of feeling overwhelmed? 

What does it mean to be surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”? (Hebrews 12:1) How do you picture this great cloud? Who is in it? What would they tell us?

Read Romans 5:3-5. What words stick out to you in this verse? 

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
How does this help us or others we know that in seasons of feeling overwhelmed?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From September 8, 2024

Getting Started

Discuss ways you feel that people today are overwhelmed? Why are we overwhelmed? In what way or area of your life can you typically feel overwhelmed?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?

In what way does the medical condition of the lepers become not just a catastrophic medical problem, but also a spiritual and relational problem?
In what way does a health or medical diagnosis become uniquely “overwhelming” to people?

From the encounter of the 10 lepers with Jesus, Dave said three things happen…
1. They found that being in the right Presence/place matters
2. Being in the Right Presence changes your perspective
3. The right perspective can transform your priorities

As you consider what overwhelms you…what would it mean for you to live in the “Presence” of Jesus? How could this change your perspective around your circumstances? What could be re- prioritized as a result?

Explore the Passage (Luke 17:11-13)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

Where did the events of this story take place? (17:11)
Who met Jesus as He entered the village? (17:12)
What did the ten men want from Jesus? (17:13)
How did the men refer to Jesus? (17:13)
How did Jesus respond to the ten men? (17:14)
What happened to the men as they went to show themselves to the priest? (17:14)
What did one of the ten do that the others did not? (17:15)
How did one man express his thankfulness to Jesus? (17:15-16)
What difference did it make that the man who thanked Jesus was a Samaritan? (17:16,18)
How did Jesus respond to the one man who returned? (17:17-19)
What did Jesus tell the man about his faith? (17:19)

Questions that Help us Understand the Signficance of the Text

In what way can we all relate to these 10 men, who in verse 13 are “crying out” to Jesus? What, at a minimum did they understand about Jesus that caused them to “cry out”?
Is there anyone in your life that may be at this point in their life?
In verse 14, Jesus tells them essentially to “go to church” (go to the priest)…why?
Why is verse 14-17 the “climax” of the story? 10 men get healed and only one (the Samaritan) comes back?
How would living in God’s undeserved grace change your perspective and priorities?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From September 1, 2024

Getting Started

What “kinds” of neighbors make you feel most uncomfortable? Why?
What do you think motivates most people to “do good”? Does motivation matter? If so, why?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
Dave mentioned that we love God with everything we have and love our neighbor as ourselves when we love God from a place of approval rather than for approval.
1. What do you think he means by that? How is it connected with Jesus’ interaction with the expert in the law in Luke 10? In what way have you seen this to be true in your own life?
2. In what way is the hatred, resentment and prejudice between Jew and Samaritan similar to what we see happening today? How do these things impact how we love our “uncomfortable neighbor”?
3. Dave said, the religious experts question exposed a deeper question that he was asking J esus: “What are the limits, boundaries or extent of loving my neighbor?” Or what are the limits or restrictions of who should receive my compassion?
– Why would this be a ridiculous question considering who Jesus is and what He came to do for us? What would it mean for us:

To “go over” (make the first move) to someone, like the Samaritan did for the wounded man? (Lk. 10:34)
To “do for one what you’d like to do for everyone”?
To go and do the same?

How is this story grounded in the gospel of Jesus? In what way is Jesus the only “good” Samarian? How does this motivate us to love even our uncomfortable neighbor?
How can we love our uncomfortable neighbor while also preserving our “theological” convictions?

Explore the Passage (Luke 10:25-37)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

What did the legal expert ask Jesus? (10:25)
Why did the legal expert ask a question about eternal life? (10:25)
How did Jesus turn the question back on the legal expert? (10:26)
How did the legal expert summarize the demands of the Law? (10:27)
What did the expert ask about loving one’s neighbor? (10:29)
What did the legal expert want to do? (10:29)
How did Jesus reply to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” (10:30-35)
What did the priest and the Levite do to help the man who was robbed and beaten? (10:31-32)
What was the Samaritan’s response to what he saw? (10:33-35)
Why did the Samaritan help the beaten man? (10:33)
What relationship did Jesus use to characterize the Samaritan’s behavior? (10:36)
How did the legal expert define the neighbor in the parable? (10:37)
What did Jesus command the expert to do in response to the parable? (10:37)

Questions that Help us Understand the Signficance of the Text

What different motivations do people have for asking questions about God and of God?
How effective is this parable in communicating love for one’s neighbor?
What natural inclinations make it easier for you to act like the priest and the Levite than like the Samaritan?
How practical was the Samaritan’s approach to the man in need?
How does it feel when someone has mercy on you?
In what ways can we as individuals and as groups of Christians be more like the Samaritan?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From August 25, 2024

Getting Started

Who has been your best and your worst neighbor in your life? Why?
What responsibility do you feel towards your “church family” neighbor?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
How can we often dismiss loving our neighbor only as something we do to those farthest from us rather than those closest to us?
According to Jesus, what is at stake if we fail to love our church family well? (John 17:20)
What connection is there to loving our brothers and sisters in Christ (unity in the body) with the unity of God in three persons?
What are ways we misunderstand “love”? (dave mentioned three: love is a feeling, love can’t be controlled, we like the idea of it without the sacrifices required) Why is it important to understand, that biblically, love is a choice?
In what way is loving our neighbor connected more to taking action, rather than feeling something? (James 1:22; 1 John 4:11-12)
In what way can you and I take responsibility to love our church family (neighbors) well? (encourage each other, give generously, serve cheerfully and get together)

Explore the Passage (Mark 12:28-34)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

Why did the teacher of the law come over to speak to Jesus? (12:28)
What significant question did the teacher of the law pose to Jesus? (12:28)
How did Jesus respond to the man’s question? (12:29-31)
How did Jesus use Scripture in answering the question put to Him? (12:29-31)
What did Jesus say was the second most important commandment? (12:31)
How did the teacher of the law respond to Jesus’ answer? (12:32)
How did the man speaking with Jesus show that He understood God’s heart? (12:32-34)
What does God value more highly than sacrifices and offerings? (12:33)
How did Jesus evaluate the teacher’s response to Him? (12:34)
What did Jesus mean when He said to the teacher, “You are not far from the kingdom of God”? (12- 34)
How did the surrounding crowd react to this conversation? (12:34)

Questions that Help us Understand the Signficance of the Text

What do you think motivated the teacher of the law to question Jesus?
Why do you think Jesus quoted Scripture to answer the question instead of replying with His own words?
How familiar do you think this passage Jesus quoted was to the teacher of the law?
Why do you think the teacher added a note about offerings and sacrifices to what Jesus had said?
What does Jesus’ treatment of this teacher of the law tell you about His own character and view of people?
What do you think it means to “love your neighbor as yourself”?
How can we practice the greatest commandment in everyday life?
What modern-day religious practices would be like the burnt offerings and sacrifices to which the teacher of the law referred?
Why is wholehearted love for the Lord more important than outward actions that Christians practice today?
How does a person’s love for God manifest itself in everyday life?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From August 4, 2024

Getting Started

What traditions do you have in the summer, if any?

Where in your life has it been easy to see growth and where has it felt slower?

Quick Reactions

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words and what point/idea resonated most with you? Why?

When you hear the invitation to love God with all of your heart, what does that look like in your opinion? How would you differentiate loving God with your mind vs. loving God with your heart?

Did you know fifty percent of people believe they are proven right until they are proven wrong, whereas the other 50% believe they are wrong until proven right? Which one do you believe you are? Do you find it hard to “trust your gut”? Why or why not?

Questions from the Message

Which verse stuck out most to you? Why?

Do you find it harder to extend grace to yourself or to other people?

Based on your upbringing, are there specific emotions that are hard for you to express?

What made David a “man after God’s own heart” in your opinion? (Based on whatever you know about David’s life.)

Explore the Passages (Mark 14:1-9)

What do you see in this story?

In what way could “loving God with all of your heart” be costly towards us? Cause us humiliation or misunderstanding?

Is there any other Biblical persons that you would say demonstrated “loving God with all their heart?”

Apply the Passage

To what brave thing do you believe God has called you or someone you know recently?

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?

How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

Message Discussion Questions

From July 14, 2024

Getting Started

In what ways can we, as Christians, minimize the importance of our minds/intellect/reason in how we follow Christ?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
As you consider what Jesus means by loving God with ALL of your mind…what have you always thought Jesus meant?
Dave said that Loving God with all your mind starts in humility, (Is. 55:8-9) involves continually unlearning and learning (Romans 12:1-2) new patterns and takes an active role in engaging your mind in the world (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Which of these points is something you’d like to apply most? Why?
In what way is our mind connected to our spiritual life?
How can arguments and pretensions set itself against the knowledge of God?
What does it mean for you to “take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ?

Explore the Passages (Romans 12:1-2)

(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begins with having a proper understanding of the basic facts; who, what, when, and where in the text.) Work through this quickly, the answers are fairly obvious.

How do people properly worship God? (12:1)
What is the most reasonable response to God’s great mercy? (12:1-2)
How is the Christian to be different from unbelieving people? (12:2)
How should the mind of a Christian be changed? (12:2)
What must happen in order for a person to discern and agree with the will of God? (12:2)

Questions that help us understand the signficance of the text

What right does God have to ask us for a full-life commitment to Him?
What makes offering our bodies as living sacrifices an act of worship? Why does Paul say this is your rational or reasonable act of worship?
In what ways are our minds susceptible to just copying and conforming to the “world”?
What customs, or behaviors are difficult for us to root out of our lives? Why?
What are the patterns can we unlearn?
What would it look like (as you think through Scripture) to let God transform you into a new person? What does Paul mean when he says “new person”?
How can a Christian renew his or her mind by changing what you think? What needs replacing? (eg habit, practice, pattern)

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?

Download Discussion Questions

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