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Message Discussion Questions

From February 9, 2025

Getting Started

In what way have you seen others “abused” a phrase like God says? And/or… how have you learned to listen to God’s voice?

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 can we grow reluctant to embrace the notion that we can hear from God?
What can be both similar or dissimilar to an ability to hear from God and how we communicate with each other?
What advantage does God have to speak to us that normal human communication does not?
What can we learn from Samuel about how God speaks?
In what way is your first instinct in life to reach for a “natural” explanation? How may this sometimes interfere with God communicating to us.
One way we can become more discerning about if we know God is speaking is to ask, “Is what I’m hearing consistent with God’s character”? Why is this vital and necessary? Of the attributes of God that Dave listed, what would you like to know more about and why? (God is all-Just, all-Holy, all-Good, all-Wise)

Explore the Passage (1 Samuel 3:2-21)

(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.

How is Eli described in this passage? (3:2)
Why was Samuel lying down in the temple of the Lord? (3:3)
How would you characterize Samuel’s relationship to Eli? (3:4-5)
What did Samuel assume about the voice he heard in the night? (3:5)
How many times did Samuel come to Eli before Eli realized what was happening? (3:8-9)
How did Eli instruct Samuel to react to the voice he heard? (3:9)
What future events did God reveal to Samuel that night? (3:11-12)
What decision regarding the priesthood of Israel did God reveal? (3:12)
What reasons did God give for judging Eli so harshly? (3:13)
How did Samuel react to what he heard God speak? (3:15)
What question did Eli ask of Samuel the morning after Samuel met with God? (3:17)
How did Samuel respond to Eli’s inquiry about what God had said the night before? (3:18)
What was Eli’s reaction to the prophecy concerning himself and his descendants? (3:18)
What was unique about Samuel’s words as contrasted to those of the other priests? (3:19)
What was Samuel’s relationship with God after God first spoke to him? (3:19-21)

Questions that help us understand the significance of the text

What dilemma faced Samuel when Eli questioned him about God’s message?
What was Israel’s relationship to God at the time of this story?
How would you characterize our day and age with regard to people hearing from God?
What characteristics of the boy Samuel made him a suitable person to hear from God?
What was good or bad about Eli’s reaction to the gloomy prophecy about his descendants?

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 February 2, 2025

Text

Galatians 1

Topic

The Gospel, Truth, Legalism, Pleasing God

Big Idea of the Message

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone

Application Point

You are FREE from sin. Live like it.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
  2. Have you ever been a victim of false teaching? How did you recognize it?
  3. Why do you think it’s easier to revert back to works-based living, rather than living in liberty? Why do we have a tendency to want to earn our salvation?
  4. Why do you think it was difficult for the Galatians to accept the true gospel message they’d heard?
  5. How can Scripture memorization keep us from accepting false messages?
  6. How can we pray for each other in accepting this grace?
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Message Discussion Questions

From January 26, 2025

Click here if you are interested in discovering your spiritual pathway

Book: Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas

Getting Started

Is there a time of year that you reevaluate things or activities in your life? Have you committed to any changes in January? If yes, which ones and how is it going?

Have you heard the story of Mary and Martha at their home before? What were the lessons you remembered?

Quick Reactions

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

Had you heard the concept of spiritual pathways before? If so, where have you heard it? If not, what was your first impression upon hearing about it?

Questions from the Message

Have you built a picture of what a “good Christian” is supposed to do? Have these pictures helped you in your life, or have they made following Him more difficult?

How were Mary and Martha shaped differently? Do you know some people who connect with God through service? Do you know people who connect with God more like Mary?

Was there a pathway that you believe is truer for you? How do you see that play out in your life?

Explore the Passages (Luke 10:38-42; John 17-37)

Between these two stories, how did Mary respond in faith? How did Martha?
What do you think Jesus was referring to when he said, “only one thing is needed” in Luke 10:42?
What did Mary choose? What did Martha choose? How do you see these choices in your own life?

Apply the Passage

How might our connections with God look differently than those around us?

What is a way you can (or have) practiced your spiritual pathway?

How can we pray for each other?

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Message Discussion Questions

From January 17, 2025

Getting Started

When you think of devotion, or being devoted to someone or something what comes to mind? Who has been a great example of devotion? Why?

Read and Explore the Passage (Acts 2:42-47)

What were the activities of the early church? (2:42)
How did the new believers approach what they did? (2:42)
What unusual deeds did the apostles do? (2:43)
How did people respond to what was going on? (2:43)
What life-style did the early believers adopt? (2:44-45)
Why might the early Christians have had “everything in common”? (2:44)
How were the goods distributed among the early believers? (2:45)
How often did the believers meet? (2:46)
Where did the early believers meet? (2:46)
How did the early Christians meet together? (2:46-47)
What did the Christians do when they met together in homes? (2:46-47)
What was the spirit of the believers in all they did? (2:46-47)
What was the growth of the early church like? (2:47)

Discussion Questions from the Message

1. Which one of these areas are you strong or lacking in? All four of these areas were critical parts of the early church so why would they be important or necessary today?
2. What you be willing to open your heart and home and have one of these focused on?
3. In your heart, what do truly think Jesus would like to see you do as a result of hearing this message?
4. Which areas have you already personally seen the Holy Spirit do the most work in?
5. Why do you think these areas are so necessary for discipleship and church growth?
6. What were the lasting, undeniable results of the actions in vs 42?
7. Do you think such powerful results can occur at Westwood if we apply all four areas on a regular basis? In which area could help lead, or participate in regularly?
8. Do any of the ministries you currently serve in offer opportunities for you to regularly participate in the 4 areas mentioned in vs 42?
9. Even though you may be already serving in some related capacity, is there more that you can and should be doing to help move the Kingdom forward, and evangelize the lost?

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 January 12, 2025

Getting Started

What training is necessary for a person in your workplace, a past workplace, school, or sport?, Why is training necessary?

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 did the Pharisees get “wrong” about God and living a spiritually devout life? (Read Mark 2:27 again for an example).
How can we mistake God’s good “tools” for growing in Him and begin to make them into rules that do not bring spiritual vitality and growth?
How does God’s word transform us according to Hebrews 4:12?
In what way have you tried to grow or change something just by trying harder? In what way can you start training better as the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9?
What does it mean that God is interested in ALL of your life, not just some sense of your spiritual life? How would that change how you train yourself for godliness this year? (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Explore the Passage (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

(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 is it necessary to live with purpose and discipline? (9:25-27)
Why did Paul lead a disciplined life? (9:27)
What was Paul most fearful of?

Questions that help us understand the significance of the text

In what way is Paul’s metaphor of athletes training for a sporting even inform us how we are to grow?
What kinds of “disciplines or training” could be useful for you this new year in helping you grow as a follower of Jesus?
Share with each other different spiritual practices that have been helpful to you growing as a Christian?
What could disqualify someone in the race of faith? What is Paul’s goal?

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 January 5, 2025

Getting Started

Describe a discipline or sport, learning to play an instrument, getting a degree that you did in your past or currently do.
What was most difficult? What was most rewarding? Why? What was the goal?

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 can we confuse spiritual growth as a project and not a process? What difference does it make?
What is the goal of spiritual growth? How is it different than just trying to be a better person, accomplishing a goal, or learning more?
In what way can you begin to invite Christ to live and walk with you in your everyday life? How can you begin to shape your 24 hour day into a process of learning to live in Jesus’ name? In whatever you do and say?

Explore the Passage (Philippians 3:15-21)

(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.

What was Paul aware of when it came to maturing in Christ? (3:12-14)
In what ways did Paul’s spiritual life resemble the discipline of a runner? (3:12-14)
What was Paul’s view of the past? (3:13)
What was Paul’s goal? (3:14) How did Paul call the Philippians to share his view? (3:15)
What did Paul hope for those who disagreed with him?
What was Paul’s plea to the Philippians? (3:16)
How did Paul want believers to imitate him? (3:17)
How did Paul describe God’s enemies? (3:18-19)
Where did the Philippian Christians have their citizenship? (3:20)
Whom did the Philippian believers eagerly await? (3:20)
What characterizes citizens of heaven? (3:21)

Questions that help us understand the significance of the text

In what way is running a race an important metaphor for growing in Christ?
What prize awaits us? How ought this motivate us to grow in Christ and to live out our faith everyday?
What kind of opposition do you face in your struggle to walk with God?
How can you imitate Paul’s life (or others) and example?
How can you re-orient your every and ordinary 24 hour day to invite Christ into every part of it? What would need to shift or change?

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 December 29, 2024

Getting Started

Have you ever traveled to a culture other than the one you were raised in?
What were some of the norms in those places that you had to get used to?

Quick Reactions from the Message

How would you summarize/paraphrase the message in your own words?
What point/idea resonated most with you? Why?
Is the concept of living between two homes something that you’ve heard of before, or is the concept rather new to you?

Explore the Passage (Philippians 3:15-21)

(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.

What are the challenges of growing to maturity in Christ as referenced in v 15?
What are some of thing things that Paul might be referring to, in telling us ‘to live up to what we have already attained”? v 16
Who are some of the people that you look to as examples of Christian maturity? v 17
What is it that brings Paul to tears? v 18-19
Those of us in Christ have our citizenship in heaven. v 20-21
-What are the privileges of this citizenship?
-What are the responsibilities of this citizenship?

Questions that help us understand the significance of the text

Can you share a viewpoint that you once held, that has been changed as you have grown in Christ?
-How did God bring you to the new belief or understanding?
What are practical ways to set our minds on heavenly or eternal things, as opposed to earthly things?
-What are the benefits of doing so?

Apply the Passage

What do we learn about God and about ourselves in these passages?
Is there a part, or parts, of your life that you’ve not brought into line with God’s kingdom and His way of living or thinking?
How can we pray for each other?

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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?

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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?

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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?

Download Discussion Questions

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)

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