Discuss
Message Discussion Questions – “The First Sign of Jesus”
From January 25, 2026
getting started
In what way are you skeptical of following anyone or anything? Why?
How might our skepticism prevent us from whole-heartedly following Jesus?
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 is a wedding banquet, on the surface, an unusual event to launch the ministry of Jesus?
What was unique about a 1st century Jewish wedding that gives this event a purpose beyond just turning water into wine?
Why does Jesus appear to be impatient and dismissive of Mary’s request?
In what way have you overreacted to a circumstance with God, only to find out later, He was in control of things?
Dave said that the miracle announced to the world in John 2 is that we have a problem and Jesus will rescue us from our problem.
What is the problem “with us” in the banquet? How does Jesus resolve this problem?
Respond to the quote Dave used about sin:
“Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.”
How have you seen this to be true?
In what way does Jesus “pay for our sins”?
In what way will Jesus’ life, death and resurrection redeem and rescue?
How is the glory of Jesus revealed in this miracle?
What is the result of Jesus turning the water into wine at the wedding banquet?
How does Christ’s gift of salvation provide for our joy now and at the future banquet in Revelation 19:6-9?
Explore the Passage [John 2:1-11]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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 wedding take place? (2:1)
Who was at the wedding? (2:1-2)
What did Jesus’ mother say to Him? (2:3)
What was Jesus’ response to His mother? (2:4)
How did Jesus’ mother respond to His reply? (2:5)
What were the water jars used for? (2:6)
What did Jesus tell the servants to do? (2:7)
To whom did the servants take the water? (2:8)
What happened to the water? (2:9)
What was the banquet master’s response? (2:10)
Why did Jesus perform this miracle? (2:11)
How did Jesus’ disciples respond to this miracle? (2:11)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
How does Jesus reveal His glory to us today?
In what ways has Jesus transformed you into a new person?
How has Jesus given you a new life?
What things has Jesus done that have caused you to believe in Him?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – “Patterns of a Disciple”
From January 18, 2026
getting started
In what way are you skeptical of following anyone or anything? Why?
How might our skepticism prevent us from whole-heartedly following Jesus?
Quick Reactions from the message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
From John’s account of calling the first disciples, Calvin made the following points about the pattern of a disciple of Jesus:
- Our immediate actions draws an immediate response from Christ.
- Disciples of Jesus spend quality time with him.
- Authentic disciples of Christ make more disciples.
- Jesus’s disciples are familiar to him.
- Jesus’s disciples believe him.
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
- What is it (or who is it) that is keeping you from quality fellowship with Christ?
- Does whatever is keeping you from having intimate quality time with Christ have any internal value?
- Is there anyone that you have to Christ lately, or are you discipling anyone right now?
- Who was the person that discipled you the most? What was the most valuable lesson you learned from that person?
- The disciples dropped everything to follow Jesus. Would Jesus be able to say that you have done the same, if he were standing next to you?
- Who is that you know you need to reach out to and share Christ with today?
- Why haven’t you?
Explore the Passage [John 1:35-51]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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 besides Jesus had disciples? (1:35)
What did John say when he saw Jesus? (1:36)
How did John identify Jesus for his disciples? (1:37)
What did John’s disciples do when John identified Jesus? (1:37)
What did Jesus ask John’s disciples? (1:38)
What did John’s disciples call Jesus? (1:38)
What did John’s disciples ask Jesus? (1:38)
What was the first thing Andrew did after he had followed Jesus? (1:40)
Who was Andrew’s brother? (1:40)
What did Andrew tell his brother about Jesus? (1:41)
What nickname did Jesus give to Simon? (1:42)
What words did the author interpret for us? (1:37, 41, 42)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
What does it mean to follow Jesus?
What hinders us from following Jesus?
What must we leave to follow Jesus?
To what friends and relatives could you introduce Jesus?
How can we spend time with Jesus to get to know Him better?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – “Our Calling”
From January 11, 2026
getting started
Is there a difference between our calling as a follower of Jesus and things like our work, career, education, parenting, marriage, etc.…? If so, what is the distinction?
What are the characteristics of a “humble” person?
Quick Reactions from the message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
From John’s account of John the Baptist, Dave described four characteristics of our calling from God.
- Our calling defines who we are and who we are not.
- Our Calling clarifies what we should be doing,
- Our Calling comes with a cost
- Our Calling produces humility
- Our Calling points others to Jesus
If you were to ask the apostle John, what gave John the Baptist meaning, purpose and significance—what would he say?
If someone asked you what gives your life meaning, purpose and significance, what would you say?How are our jobs, both similar and different from what God has called us to?
If you were to describe the purpose of your life in one simple sentence (like John the Baptist), what would it be?
What defined John the Baptist’s calling? How did it define what he did? How did his calling cost him? In what way did it produce humility in him? In what way did he point others to Jesus?How could you apply these same questions to what God calls you to in following Jesus?
What one thing would it mean for you to stop, start or do differently this year?
Explore the Passage [John 1:19-34]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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 Jewish religious leaders want to know? (1:19)
Who did the Jews think John was? (1:20-21)
What did John say about who he was? (1:20-22)
In what way was John a “voice of one calling in the desert”? (1:23)
What does the phrase “make straight the way for the Lord” mean? (1:23)
How did John “make straight the way for the Lord”? (1:23)
Why did the Pharisees care that John was baptizing people? (1:24)
What did John say he was not worthy to do? (1:27)
Who did John say was coming after him? (12:27)
Where did these events take place? (1:28)
Why did John call Jesus the Lamb of God? (1:29)
What are the sins of the world? (1:29)
What does Jesus do with the sins of the world? (1:29)
What did John mean that Jesus surpassed him because He was before him? (1:30)
How was Jesus before John? (1:30)
Why did John say he didn’t know who Jesus was? (1:31)
What reason did John give for baptizing Jesus? (1:31)
Why did John come to baptize people? (1:31)
What creature represented the Spirit of God? (1:32)
Why did the Spirit come down upon Jesus? (1:33)
With what did John baptize? (1:31, 33)
With what will Jesus baptize? (1:33)
What title did John ascribe to the person he baptized? (1:34)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
In what ways can you honor Christ with your accomplishments?
How can we point others to Christ?
In what situations is it difficult for you to be humble?
If you had been John how would you have felt about your role?
In what ways is your life like John’s?
What special or unique means has God given you to share His Word?
What sin of yours has Jesus taken away?
How do we receive the forgiveness that Christ bought for us?
In what way do you share Jesus’ identity as a child of God?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life?
How does Jesus baptize us?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – The Gospel of John – “The Word Made Flesh”
From January 4, 2026
getting started
How are words different than visual images? What ways are most effective in communicating clearly to you? 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 highlighted that in the person of Jesus, God has fully explained (communicated) Himself…
- As the Word of God
- To Bring us into His Family
- By making what is invisible, Visible
In what way are we “limited” as human beings in both giving and receiving communication clearly?
How did God resolve to communicate clearly to us human beings?
How do you respond to the quote, that “when God speaks to us, he speaks to us in baby talk.” What does this say about us and about God?
When John says, in 1:1-3 what is He communicating to us about Jesus; both His humanity and divinity?
How is Jesus, “the Divine Speech” of God”?
How have human beings often confused Jesus as either just a great man, prophet, rather than the Word of God? How would you use these verses with someone who is a Jehovah Witness or Mormon?
What does John mean by saying that Jesus came to his own people, and even they rejected Him? What does this say about us?
In John 1:12, how does God reveal his purpose for Christ coming to us? What must we do in response? Share your story of believing and receiving Jesus?
In John 1:14-18 – in what way does Jesus, the Word made Flesh make God visible to us?
Explore the Passage [John 1:1-18]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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 is the Word? (1:1)
What is the relationship between the Word and God? (1:1-2)
What was the Word’s role in creation? (1:3)
How is the “life” the light of men? (1:4)
What was John’s role in relation to the light? (1:6)
How did the light give light to every person? (1:9)
Why didn’t the world recognize the light? (1:10)
What is the benefit of receiving or believing in the Word? (1:12)
How and why did the Word make His dwelling among us? (1:14)
Whose glory did the Word reveal? (1:14)
What did God give us through Moses? (1:17)
What did God give us through Jesus? (1:18)
Why is it significant that no one has seen God but “God the One and Only”? (1:18)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
Why did the Word become flesh and live among us?
How does a person receive the Word?
What happens when we receive or believe in the Word?
In what way can you receive or welcome Christ into your life?
What insights can you gain from seeing Jesus as God’s Word?
How should being a child of God affect our lives?
In what way is John an example for us to follow?
How did Jesus reveal God’s glory to us?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – Choosing Joy
From December 28, 2025
getting started
How has your Christmas season been going so far? Are there any difficulties that you need prayer around?
What is a joy-filled time or moment that you recall? Share with others if you would like. What made it especially joyful?
Quick Reactions
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words and what point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
How have you seen joy in difficult circumstances (yours or someone else’s)?
Questions from the Message
Have you found joy in the presence of God? If so, when?
What is one thing you can trim or build into your life in 2026 in terms of: offense or bitterness? Worry or anxiety? Beginning your thoughts with what is true?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE [Philippians 2:12-13; Philippians 4:2-9]
Read Philippians 2:12-13. How have you seen the partnership of both God’s efforts and your efforts in your faith journey?
Read Philippians 4:2-5. In what ways can we help one another in our disagreements?
Read Philippians 4:6-7. What does it look like to have the “peace of God… guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus”?
Read Philippians 4:8. How can we practice this? What are some ways you can change your thought patterns?
Read Philippians 4:9. Look at the verbs used in this sentence. In following Jesus, in what ways do you learn? In what ways do you receive? Hear? and See?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
Looking ahead to one year from today, what are you hopeful you can say about your walk with Christ over the next year?
Are there any steps you need to take to do so?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – Joy in the Darkness
From December 21, 2025
getting started
What are negative associations you have with the dark? What are positive associations you have with light?
In what ways can the darkness of life obscure the Light of 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?
Dave highlighted three lessons of joy from Isaiah 9…
Our hope in Christ sustains our Joy (vv 1-2)
Joy is the result of God’s revelation to us (vv 3-5)
Joy is available because a child is born to us (vv. 6-7)
- Which point was a good reminder, and which point is most challenging to your view of Joy?
- Describe a time where God revealed himself to you in a dark place? Or someone else?
- In what way is it comforting to remind ourselves that Christ came to us in a world that was unjust, in a place that was unstable, born into poverty, where Kings and Rulers did not rule fairly, in a place like a stable?
- How is Isaiah’s prophecy connected and support the Christmas story?
- What is the significance that “the Light” comes from outside of us, rather than from within us?
- What was the result in v. 3-4 of God revealing Himself to us?
- What does God break, lift, burn and relieve his people from?
- What does it mean that a child is born to us?
- Which name brings you most joy in v. 6? Why?
- Who makes this all happen? Why is this significant?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE [Isaiah 9:1-7]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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.
Although he had been preaching God’s judgment (particularly on the kingdom of Israel), what total reversal did Isaiah foresee in the future? (9:1)
What contrasting images did Isaiah use to set the scene of his prophecy? (9:2)
To what situations did Isaiah compare the joy that will be Israel’s? (9:3)
What did Isaiah predict God would do for Israel, causing her to rejoice? (9:4-5)
How does Isaiah describe the Ruler who will be provided by God for His people? (9:6-7)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
What attributes of God are apparent in this passage?
How is God’s promise of the coming child an answer to His anger over our sin?
How would you explain the Light that came into your darkness?
How much of the injustice Isaiah condemned in his time do you see in our own time?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – Four Stages of True Joy
From December 14, 2025
getting started
What are typical ways culture defines joy or happiness?
What is the difference between finding joy and being joyful?
In what way is joy or happiness something that is revealed than waiting to be discovered?
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 highlighted four stages of true joy in the book of James—
- Joy is discovered when it’s most difficult to find.
- Joy Is found in testing, not tasting
- Joy Is found in God’s wisdom above all other things
- Joy Knows the difference between testing and temptation
Which point was a good reminder and which point was most challenging to your view of Joy?
What does maturity have to do with Joy?
What does it mean to understand that we are not going through the same thing, but we are all going through something? How does this relate to James 1:2?
What is the difference between Joy and an opportunity for Great Joy?
What was the point that Joy is found in testing and not tasting?
How is pressure related to testing of our faith? Why don’t we like testing?
In what way is it easier to look to other sources of wisdom, rather than God’s wisdom. In what way is this related to maturing and enduring Joy?
What is the difference between testing and temptation?
How can we end up resisting what we should be accepting, or accepting what we should be resisting? How can that frustrate Joy in us?
What does it mean in Hebrews 12:2 that Jesus could withstand both trial and temptation because of the Joy awaiting Him? How ought this inform us about Joy?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE [James 1:1-18]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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 wrote this letter? (1:1)
To whom was this letter written? (1:1)
What attitude did James tell people to exhibit when they are facing trials? (1:2)
What is produced when our faith is tested? (1:3-4)
What is God’s response when we ask for wisdom? (1:5)
What effect does doubt have on a person when he or she prays? (1:6-8)
What will eventually happen to the wealth of a rich person? (1:10-11)
What reward awaits the person who perseveres under trial? (1:12)
From where does temptation come? (1:13-15)
How does sin start and end? (1:13-15)
From where do all good and perfect gifts come? (1:16-17)
How did James describe God’s relationship with the people He created? (1:17-18)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
What trials and difficulties have you experienced during your life?
Why does God allow people to go through trials and difficulties?
What good has ever come out of a difficult situation in your life?
How does a person’s relationship with God change as he or she goes through trials and problems?
When do you find it hardest to pray?
With what doubts have you struggled concerning God and prayer?
How can doubting affect a person’s prayer life?
How can a person who pursues wealth and riches be disappointed?
How would you explain to a ten-year-old why a person does something wrong or evil?
Why do we often blame God for tempting us when we sin?
What can a person do to stop an evil desire from becoming an actual evil act?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – Abiding Joy
From December 7, 2025
getting started
Are you a half-full or half-empty person? Are you more ‘naturally’ predisposed to be happy or to be introspective?
What artificial pressures do we receive from our culture to “be more happy? What is problematic about pursuing happiness?
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 aren’t we happier? Even though we have so much?In what way can we fall for the pursuit of happiness rather than pursuing the Truth as a way to experience Joy? What is the difference?
In what ways can we to easily hand over our God-given capacity for joy to others or to things…give it away and say, “make me happy and satisfied”? How do we ask too much of life to make us happy?
Respond to the Augustine quote: You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.
How would viewing God as the Happiest Being in the universe change your view of joy?(Psalm 65:8; 65:13; Zephaniah 3:17)
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE [John 15:1-17]
(Yes, these questions can seem silly, however, good discussion and interpretation of the Bible begin 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 are Jesus and the Father related? (15:1)
What is Jesus and who is the Father? (15:1)
How does the gardener tend to the branches that bear fruit and the branches that do not? (15:2)
What did Jesus say the branches must do in order to bear fruit? (15:4)
Who are the branches? (15:5)
What did Jesus say would happen to the branches that did not remain in Him? (15:6)
What privilege was given to the branches that remained in the vine? (15:7)
What would be demonstrated by the disciples’ bearing much fruit? (15:8)
What did Jesus urge His disciples to do? (15:9)
How were Jesus’ disciples to remain in His love? (15:10)
Why did Jesus talk with His disciples about vines and branches? (15:11)
What command did Jesus give His disciples? (15:12)
What is the greatest manifestation of love? (15:13)
Who did Jesus say were His friends? (15:14)
Why did Jesus call His disciples friends? (15:15)
Why did Jesus choose His disciples? (15:16)
What was Jesus’ command? (15:17)
How are we to remain in Jesus? Why?
What does it mean to bear fruit as a Christian?
How are we to bear fruit?
When is it difficult to develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus?
In what way has God been removing “dead” or useless branches in your life?
In what way is your joy complete? What is joy connected to?
When do you struggle with loving others the way Jesus has loved you?
What kind of friend are you to Jesus?
Why is it hard to be Jesus’ friend?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – The Key to Thanksgiving
From November 30, 2025
Questions from the Message
- In your current day-to-day life, where is your first loyalty? Your career, football, family, your 401k, or perhaps – God, and His word??
- Where do you go first or what do you turn to first when given bad news or you had a bad day? A cold beer, wine, a cigarette “to calm your nerves”? Maybe shopping, or comfort food? Maybe a close friend and confidant, or – perhaps, prayer??
- Do you find yourself depressed when you can’t get the bigger house you assume you deserve and have to have? Or the car you now need because your neighbor or best friend just got a new one??
- Do you find yourself spending money you don’t have on clothes and shoes because you have to have it and you can’t stop focusing on it? Or maybe spending money that is excessive for you to hang out with “friends” who are in a higher income bracket than you??
- Are you trying to be content with what you have, but leaving out godliness? Maybe you are being responsible financially and being good with making reasonable purchases and maybe you are good at saving money, but is life aligned with Godly principles and precepts??
- Are you living outside the perimeter of Godliness in other areas and expecting the peace of God to flood your soul?
- What does biblical Contentment look like to you?
- Are you living in Contentment now, or is something (or someone) even after hearing the message today, that you cannot have Contentment without securing?
- Is God jealous right now of you finding Contentment in other places and people or would He be pleased that you’re Contentment is truly in Him?
- What have you gained from being content or have you not experienced Contentment to date??
- Which area are you having the most struggle with out of the 5 points mentioned in the message?
- What is your plan to get better in that area? Are you really going to follow through with pursuing Contentment and finding strength in the area(s) where you’re lacking from the message, or are you content without Contentment?
Message Discussion Questions – Gratefulness
From November 23, 2025
getting started
What traditions do you have for celebration of Thanksgiving?
Are they the same or different from when you were a child?
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?
Have you experienced worship and confession together?
Questions from the Message
Do you feel you have received good gifts from God? If so, share some with the group.
How have you experienced thanksgiving to God as a “drawing near” and a “receiving”?
Are there gifts of God you have only recently discovered? Or some you have left on the shelf?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE [Matthew 11; Luke 7:36-50]
What does Matthew 11:28-30 look like in practice?
Have you read Matthew 11-15 before? What reason did you believe John sent his disciples to talk to Jesus?
Have you ever had a circumstance cause you (or someone you know) to doubt what you knew to be true about God?
Read Matthew 11:25-26. What do you think this passage means? What do you think it looks like in today’s context?
Read Luke 36-50. What sticks out to you?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
How can you practice coming to Jesus with your whole self?
How can you practice receiving His good gifts?
How can we pray for one another?
Message Discussion Questions – The Music of Thanksgiving
From November 16, 2025
getting started
What are you thankful for today?
How does music work in your life to bring back memories? In what way can worship music do that for you in terms of being thankful to 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?
In what way does knowing that Psalm 118 is a poem and a song give meaning to what the people were thankful for?
In what ways can you imagine the tragedies of being held captive in Egypt and being exiled from the promised had on them? On the other hand, how had God’s saving, rescuing and returning them to the land had an impact on them?
In what ways can tragedy and triumph impact us? How can we be thankful in light of this?
In Psalm 118, what aspect of who God is provided a way to be Thankful? How is that still true for us today?
How does Jesus challenge the Pharisees in Matthew 9:10-13 to go learn the meaning of Hosea 6:6?
What expectation does Jesus have for us who have been given mercy to give mercy?
Who is messy in your life (someone not abusive or drags you into sin), that doesn’t deserve it, need the good news of mercy—to show them mercy?
How does experiencing the mercy of God even in times that the world is closing in on us “set us free” or make more space for us to be thankful and extend mercy?
Why is it better to take refuge in the Lord than trust in people? (Psalm 118:8) What does that have to do with thankfulness?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE [Psalms 118:1-9] (feel free to continue throughout the chapter)
(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 call introduces the poem? (118:1-4)
What is the theme of this song of thanksgiving? (118:1-29)
On which main character trait of God does this psalm focus? (118:1-29)
What instructions did the psalm writer give to Israel? (118:2-4)
How is the psalm writer’s situation described? (118:5, 10-12)
How did the psalm writer depend on the Lord in his time of need? (118:5-7, 10-13)
What attitude did the psalm writer have toward his predicament? (118:5-18)
What is the focus of the psalm writer’s song of thanksgiving? (118:5-21)
What advice did the psalm writer offer his listeners? (118:8-9)
QUESTIONS THAT HELP US UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEXT
What attitude could we have toward our own difficult circumstances?
What does a fearful attitude indicate about our relationship with the Lord?
In what way are Christians well equipped to handle the challenges of life?
What does it mean to trust the Lord with our problems?
What specific instructions does this psalm give to us?
Why is it better to “take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man”?
What challenges do you face in the near future?
How does this passage encourage you to handle the challenges you are facing?
How can we plan to respond to God’s help and deliverance in our lives?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – The Formula for Thanksgiving
From November 9, 2025
getting started
When you take stock of what you are thankful for…what usually tops the list? Why?
When we consider how we count our blessings, how is Paul’s list in Ephesians chapter 1 different?
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 quoted a study on gratitude that revealed that people who took time at the end of their day to count their blessings were healthier, emotionally and physically, than the control group. In what way does this resonate with Paul’s theology in Ephesians Chapter 1?
The Word encourages us to count our spiritual blessings in Christ. Dave highlighted three:
- You are Adopted into God’s forever family (v 4-5)
- You are Redeemed (v. 7)
- You are Sealed (v. 13)
- What is the difference between a physical/material blessing and spiritual blessing? In what way can we consider a spiritual blessing to be more significant than a material blessing? How is this counterintuitive in our culture?
- What would each of these images mean to those in the churches in Ephesus?
- In what way apart from Christ, are we abandoned, a slave to sin in need of redemption and sealed (or tattooed as belonging to this world)?
Why does Paul start with “Remember who you are?” when later confronting the Christians in Ephesus about their need to align their behavior to obey Christ?
Dave said, when we remember the spiritual blessings, we have in Christ…we can love differently. When you remember the grace, you have received in Christ, you can offer grace. When we remember we have been lavished with God mercy, we can offer mercy. Because I am adopted, redeemed and sealed I can learn to obey God more freely. - In what way is it easy to “forget” our blessings in Christ and then act out of lack, what we don’t have, or what others have?
- What could you do this week (or brainstorm as a group) to “count your spiritual blessings” every day?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE (Ephesians 1:1-14)
(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.
To whom was the letter addressed? (1:1)
What greetings did Paul extend to the believers at Ephesus? (1:2)
How has God blessed believers? (1:3)
When did God’s work of election take place? (1:4)
What is the purpose of God’s election? (1:4)
What did God determine beforehand for those who believe in Christ? (1:5)
What is the goal of God’s election? (1:6)
What is redemption? (1:7)
What does the work of Christ do for the believer? (1:7)
What has God given the believer? (1:8-10)
When will everything be brought together? (1:10)
How did God’s plan include people of different cultures? (1:11-12)
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those called to receive spiritual blessings in Christ? (1:13-14)
QUESTIONS THAT HELP US UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEXT
What are spiritual blessings?
In everyday language, how would you describe the spiritual blessings given to you?
How should knowing that you were chosen to be in the family of God impact how you love, serve, give, share your faith?
What has Christ done on our behalf?
How have you benefited from the grace of God?
For what work of God on your behalf are you most thankful? Why?
Why did God do this amazing work for us?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions – The Starting Point of Thanksgiving
From November 2, 2025
getting started
When are you typically most thankful or grateful? Why?
When have you experienced gratitude because you realized you had taken something for granted?
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 or why would the actions of this woman be so shocking to someone like Simon?
Dave highlighted three lessons of thanksgiving from this passage…
- Thanksgiving begins in our Need for God’s grace
- Thanksgiving depends on your Perspective
- Thanksgiving emerges when you Receive Christ’s love and forgiveness
In what way do the responses of the “sinful woman” and Simon “The Pharisee” reveal how they view God?
What does the woman need verses Simon?
What is revealed by Jesus’ story of the debts forgiven? Who is represented in the story? What can this tell us about ourselves?
What is revealed in Jesus telling Simon about all the ways the woman responded to him that he could not see? (vv. 44-46)
How ought receiving God’s love and forgiveness change our perspective and our attitude? In what way could we “live” in this mindset in our day to day lives?
EXPLORE THE PASSAGE (Luke 7:36-50)
(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 invited Jesus to dinner? (7:36)
What did one woman do when she heard where Jesus was to dine? (7:37-38)
What did the Pharisee say about what the woman did? (7:39)
How did Jesus respond to Simon the Pharisee’s harsh thoughts? (7:40-43)
What did Jesus know about the woman’s motivation? (7:41-42)
What did Jesus think of Simon’s hospitality? (7:44-46)
What contrasting treatment did Jesus mention? (7:44-46)
What was the result of the woman’s kindness? (7:47-48)
How did the other guests react to Jesus’ forgiveness of the woman? (7:49)
What did Jesus say to the disapproving guests? (7:50)
Why, according to Jesus, was the woman saved? (7:50)
What was Jesus’ double blessing on the woman? (7:50)
QUESTIONS THAT HELP US UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TEXT
What character in the story do you most identify? Or in which way can you identify with both to some degree?
Which of the woman’s actions do you find most compelling?
When have you ever felt like Simon or the other guests when confronted with a person of questionable morals?
What did Jesus receive from people who had sinned?
What were the limits of Jesus’ compassion in this story?
What are the limits of Jesus’ compassion toward us?
Why was it necessary for the guests to ask about Jesus’ identity?
If you were the woman described in this story, how would the words and touch of Jesus make you feel?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From October 26, 2025
getting started
Can you recall a time when you observed God’s people meeting needs of others around you, in ways that genuinely impressed you? Invite a few people to share. How did it impact you?
What experiences or ideas have shaped your perspective on churches and taking offering
Were they negative or positive?
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 parts of Jason’s story were new or insightful for you?
EXPLORE THE POINTS & PASSAGE DEEPER (feel free to pick and choose which ones you cover in your discussion)
Sowing and Reaping
Read 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Questions for v 1-5
Paul sends some folks out in advance to help the Corinthian people get their offering together.
What role does preparation play in regard to our giving? What are some ways to be prepared?
Questions for v 6-9
Do you agree with the conclusion about sowing mentioned in v 6?
From v 7: What types of thoughts or ideas can help someone decide in their heart what to give towards God’s kingdom?
What types of fears come up in our heart when we consider giving or even increasing our giving?
Do you have a story of how you’ve seen God be true to His word, to provide for you as you give a portion back to Him?
Questions for v 10-15
Who is the ‘he’ in verse 10?
From v 11: What are some of the other types of ways that God enriches our lives if we are generous?
What are some good places or ways to help invest financially in God’s kingdom, in addition to your local church?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in the above passages?
How is Jesus inviting you into greater participation with Him when it comes your role as a giver?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From October 19, 2025
getting started
What is one thing that has been part of your approach to money and finances that has served you well over the years?
What is one thing that you formerly believed about money and finances that you later realized was not such a good idea?
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 POINTS & PASSAGE DEEPER (feel free to pick and choose which ones you cover in your discussion)
Point #1 Work hard to provide for yourself
Was this new or review for you?
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
What are some additional thoughts or learnings that you glean from reading this larger passage.
Point #2 Be careful with debt
Read Proverbs 21:20
Since the Bible doesn’t prohibit debt completely, what are some guiding thoughts on whether or not to enter into debt? Be gracious with one another as you discuss, knowing people are at different places in their approach to debt. How can you as a small group encourage one another to live debt free?
Point #3 Build some savings
Read Proverbs 30:24-25
Why do you think God would encourage us to build savings?
What role(s) can it play in our pursuit of contentment?
Point# 4 We are stewards of what God owns and has entrusted to us.
Read Matthew 25:14-30
Were there any thoughts or points presented that were insightful for you?
If you’re willing, share whether you’ve been purposeful / thoughtful in your approach to what God has given to you. Is there someone with an example of one way they approach their property/wealth/resources, that benefits God’s people and grows God’s kingdom?
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in the above passages?
How is Jesus inviting you into greater participation with Him when it comes your role as a steward?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From October 12, 2025
getting started
Start today by sharing what you can remember about when in your life you began to realize that the Lord could work in and through your financial life (even if this Sunday was your first time hearing it).
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 POINTS & PASSAGE DEEPER (feel free to pick and choose which ones you cover in your discussion)
Point #1 The Lord owns everything.
Was this new or review for you?
Read Psalm 24:1 and Psalm 50:7-12 as a group.
Do you agree that the Lord owns everything? What are some obstacles people have with accepting that? Maybe you are still not sure if you agree it’s true, but are you willing to be open to God’s direction?
Point #2 The fear that God will make me miserable if I let Him guide my finances.
Read Matthew 7:7-11
What fears of trusting God in all areas of life does this speak to, and more specifically our financial lives?
Point #3 The LOVE of money is the root of all evil
Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Have you heard the misquoted phrase “Money is the root of all evil”?
How do we check ourselves to know if we love money, or love money more than loving God?
What are some creative stories or examples you’ve heard from people who have made unique or even radical choices to safeguard against loving money too much.
Point# 4 God wants me to be rich/God wants me to be poor.
Read Proverbs 30:6-9
Do you think God wants us to be rich or poor? Or is the answer ‘neither one’? Or what do you think is His perspective on our standard of living? Why does contentment seem hard to find?
Point #5 Taking an offering is just a church tradition.
Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 9:3-16
APPLY THE PASSAGE
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in the above passages?
How is Jesus the solution to clearing up our misbeliefs about God and money?
What might be some of God’s goals in how we relate to money and Him?
Was there one particular point from today that you sense God is asking you to go deeper with Him?
If you feel safe, share with the group what you think God is trying to tell you or ask you to do.
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From October 5, 2025
Small Group Discussion Questions
- Jesus rose early in the morning to pray to avoid distractions and to have uninterrupted intimacy with His Father, and to set a good foundation for the day ahead. When do you find it works best for you to pray? Why?
- Do you have a dedicated place (or space) and time for daily prayer? Is it special to you or is it just some random spot where you stop on your way running out the door?
- Do you find yourself falling asleep when you pray? Is it because you really don’t expect to answer and you’re just praying to “check a religious box” or are you trying to pray after you have exhausted all your physical energy for the day?
- Is prayer energizing or draining for you? Is prayer a first response or a last resort? What does this say about your faith?
- Are you keeping a journal of answered prayer? (This will help increase your faith in times of low faith).
- Are you praying less than you should because maybe God didn’t answer a previous prayer the way you wanted, and now you’re upset with God as a result?
- After you pray, do you feel relieved of burdens, or still weighed down with the same stuff you just prayed about?
- Why do some people have a much stronger prayer life than others?
- What are you willing to do to increase the power and presence of God in your prayers?
- What has God has already told you do that you haven’t started yet? (This could be in your prayer life, or other areas of your spiritual life).
- When those around you need prayer, do they look to you to pray with or for them, do they call YOU, or do you find yourself on the other end of spectrum as the one calling others who have a stronger prayer life than you when you have a crisis or urgent prayer need?
- We all need each other as Christians living in this world of unbelievers, weak Christians, and those who see no value in prayer at all. So honestly, who is your prayer partner? Or do you have a regular prayer partner to be open with and hold you accountable?
- Are you seeing specific answers to your prayers?
- Are you not praying because you feel God is too distant and/or you have sinned too much?
- List some of the reasons why we should pray.
- When was the last time you truly saw God in a way in your life that only He could do?
- When you pray, are you just venting and whining, or are you going to God expecting that He can and will answer?
- We are to pray without ceasing, which means we are to have a lifestyle of prayer where we pray throughout the day.
- Have you spent quality time teaching your children, nieces, and nephews, and grandchildren how to pray? Do they see you pray? If not, what do they see you doing?
- What actions do you plan to take to maximize your prayer life after hearing the message from this morning? Do you believe God will hear from you just as much as the prophets and disciples?
Book Recommendations
- Before Amen, by Max Lucado
- The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson
Message Discussion Questions
From September 28, 2025
Getting Started
What ways have you experienced celebrating the Lord’s Supper in other church traditions? What did you like, what was lacking?
Quick Reactions from the message
How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
READ 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
Dave said that the Lord’s Supper roots us in our relationship with God and others in three ways:
- It roots us in what unites us.
In what way did the church in Corinth abuse the Lord’s supper? What did they lose sight of? How can this happen in the church today as well?
How can we lose purpose? Read Mark 2:23-27 – How did the Pharisees lose sight of God’s purposes? In what way does this parallel what is happening in the Corinthian church?
- It roots us in the gospel of Jesus.
What is significant in the fact that the teaching of the Lord’s supper was passed to Paul, who passed it to us?
How does the celebration of the Lord’s supper remind us of the gospel of Jesus; His life, His death, His resurrection and our future with Him? Why is the only command to “remember Him”?
In what way had the church in Corinth forgotten this message?
- It roots us in sober reflection.
What is the difference between Paul emphasizing that communion was celebrated “unworthily” rather saying they were unworthy?
How were they celebrating “unworthily”? What were they sinning against?
What was happening to some in the church as a result?
What does Paul say they should do instead?
Why ought we practice “examining ourselves”? What is the purpose of “examining ourselves”?
How is taking time for self-reflection before the Lord and our ability to remember what He has done related? What are the benefits of self-reflection before the Lord?
Why is it difficult in our culture to take time to “examine ourselves”? What would it look like for you to “examine yourself” as you celebrate the Lord’s Supper?
How could you imagine celebrating the Lord’s Supper with other believers as part of a “love feast”?
Message Discussion Questions
From September 21, 2025
Getting Started
Did your family model “fellowship” for you? If so, how? If they did not, is there someone who did?
Share a time when you felt you participated in “table fellowship.”
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?
Katie said, around a table (together around a shared space for a shared time), you can gain generosity, grace, and growth. Have you seen this experience?
Rich Villodas, a pastor in Queens NY, says “We are wounded in community and we are healed in community. No way around it. Healing might not come from the community where the wounding took place, but community is needed for the healing nonetheless.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Explore the passages deeper [1 Thessalonians 2:8]
Recognizing the ‘gospel’ and ‘good news’ are interchangeable, read 1 Thessalonians 2:8. What is the “Good News / Gospel” Paul speaks about here? [If you aren’t sure, some verses to read might be: Luke 4:18, Mark 1:15, John1:12-13, and also John 1:29; if you still aren’t sure, please contact a pastor or overseer at Westwood – we’d be happy to explore this with you!]
According to the verse, why did they share their lives?
What do you think this verse is saying?
Apply the Passage
Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – how did you first learn the “good news?”
Has anyone ever demonstrated the “good news” to you through their life?
What does it mean to share your life with someone? How can we practice doing this? How does this show people the Good News?
How can we pray for one another?
Message Discussion Questions
From September 14, 2025
Getting Started
Who is someone whose reputation you admire? 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 gave three reasons we should practice reading the Bible for life…
- It produces a life worth emulating (2 Tim. 3:10)
- It is our anchor and our defense…anchor in times of suffering and defense in a world that is deceptive. (2 Tim. 3:11-12)
- Because it is trustworthy and useful (2 Tim. 3:14-16)
What reasons does Paul give Timothy to emulate him? Why?
How is both Paul’s example to Timothy and the teaching he has given an anchor and defense?
How does Paul describe both the trustworthiness of Scripture and usefulness of Scripture for Timothy?
Which of these reasons is most valuable to you now?
How are you practicing the reading and application of Scripture in your life today? Are you satisfied? What would you change?
Explore the passage (2 Timothy 3:10-16)
(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 Timothy know about Paul? (3:10-11)
From what did Paul say the Lord rescued him? (3:11)
What will happen to everyone who wants to live a godly life? (3:12)
What will evil men and impostors do? (3:13)
What did Paul encourage Timothy to do? (3:14)
How long had Timothy known the holy Scriptures? (3:15)
What are the holy Scriptures able to do? (3:15)
What is true of all Scripture? (3:16)
For what is Scripture useful? (3:16)
For what good work does the Scripture equip the person of God? (3:17)
Questions that help us understand the significance of the text
What would you like to be “known” for? Why is this important?
When and how have you been persecuted for living a godly life?
What does it mean that the Bible is God-breathed?
In what sorts of ways should we use the Bible?
How equipped are you to do every good work?
What type of doctrines do people today like to hear?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
Message Discussion Questions
From September 7, 2025
Getting Started
Describe a 24-hour day that is typical for you? How is it different today than 10 years ago? 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 used a jar, to represent time, and balls to represent the amount of time it takes up or fills up our day or week. As you look at your jar, what is missing, needs re-prioritizing, emptying, or refilling in order to reflect what God may be calling you to?
Read Psalm 90:12
What does God ask us to consider regarding the time that we have?
What is the goal of asking that God would teach us to number them?
How does this verse relate to establishing healthy rhythms and spiritual discipline in our life?
What do training, discipline and rhythms all have in common? How are they different?
Read Hebrews 12:1-2
What are we to “strip off” that slows us down? How would this apply to what goes in our “jar” and what comes out of our “jars”?
How are we to run the race of faith?
What should be our focus?
How would this impact our training, disciplines, rhythms we establish in our lives?
Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8
What does Paul ask Timothy not to waste his time over? How do we tend to “waste” time? What is the difference between “down-time” and “wasting time”?
How is Physical training good? What are the goals and results? What similarities are there to physical training and spiritual training?
What would it look like to train for godliness? What would that look like to put in your “jar”? What benefits would there be for spiritual training?
Apply the Passage
What do we learn about God and about ourselves in this passage?
What do you need to stop, start or do differently as a result of reading this passage?
How can we pray for each other?
THIS WEEK: Take time to observe and write down how you spend your time? Do you like what you see? Does this rhythm help me or hurt me? What spiritual discipline needs to be added to your jar? What needs to go? What needs to be reinvigorated?