02.21.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Their Story

You can’t control how someone’s story began, but you can impact how it ends. 

• Who was it that first shared Jesus with you? Tell us about him/her.

Read: Romans 10:9-11

• It seems like this should be so easy: “Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead and you will be saved.”

• Is it really that simple?

• How do we complicate it? Or to put it another way, why is it so difficult?

Read: Romans 10:12-13

• Frank said that Jesus doesn’t belong to one race or culture. Jesus is for all people. What is your reaction to that statement?

• What are the implications of it?

Read: Romans 10:14-15

• Is telling other people about Jesus the job of professional clergy people, or is it the responsibility of all Christians? Support your answer.

• Lost people matter to God. They ought to matter to us, too. How can we nurture a greater sense of urgency to help people become Jesus’ disciples?

Prayer: Share with your group one or two people that you know need Jesus in their lives and pray for the courage to be the one who share Christ with them.

02.14.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - Your Story

The best version of your story has God as the lead character. 

• Who is your favorite leading character of all time? It can be from a book, movie, play, musical or ???? Why is s/he your favorite?

Read: Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 2:18

• You were created in God’s image and God exists, eternally, as three beings in one. That means you were created for community. What does this mean for you as an individual?

• What are the implications for us as a church?

• What results when you choose to live outside of community?

 Read: Genesis 3:8-9

• What must it have been like to be in such a close relationship with God?

• Humankind chose sin over God. It’s a lousy trade, but we’re still making it. Why?

Read: John 1:14, John 20:30-31 and 2 Corinthians 5:21

• What lengths is God willing to go to so that you can be part of His Story?

• How can you know that God wants you in His story?

Prayer: Pray that God will give you the grace to give Him the lead role in your story rather than choosing the spotlight for yourself.

02.07.21 - Small Group Discussion

Elemental - God’s Story

When you know the story, it’s easy to find your place. 

• What is your favorite story or book series? Tell us about a time when you got lost in a good book.

Read: Genesis 1:1 & 1:31

• In the first chapter of God’s Story, which we call “Creation,” God makes everything that exists. In what state is the world in at that point?

• When God looks at his creation in Genesis 1, he sees that it is “good,” and then “very good.” What do you think that means?

Read: Genesis 3:6-7

• We call the second chapter of God’s Story “The Fall.” Put yourself in Adam and Eve’s shoes. Why do you think they chose to disobey God? What were their motivations and do you ever see those same motivations in yourself?

Read: Genesis 3:14-19

• What do you think of God’s response to the serpent and to Adam and Eve?

• Where do you see the “flicker of hope in the midst of despair” in this passage?

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

• The third chapter of God’s Story is called “Redemption.” This covers the period of human history between Genesis 3 and the book of Revelation. How is Jesus the answer for fallen humanity living in a broken world?

• Where do you see yourself in God’s story?

Read: Revelation 21:3-5a

The next chapter of God’s Story is called “Restoration,” and followers of Jesus eagerly look forward to it. One way of looking at God’s Story in its entirety is as the “reuniting of Heaven and Earth.” As you close your group time, watch the Bible Project video at bit.ly/SLCCVid  and discuss your observations.

Prayer: Pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God for sending Jesus to reconcile us to himself!

01.31.21 - Small Group Discussion

GIVE - Faithful Giving Makes a Difference

Generosity is giving up something you love for something you love more. 

• Share a time when you experienced generosity from someone, and it impacted you in an incredible way.

Read and Review: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

• The idea of the amount of seed you plant directly affecting the size of the crop is universal. What are some other applications of this principle?

• Why the emphasis on cheerful giving? What is so important about the motivation behind the gift?

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:8-10

• Although the money and possessions you have are earned by your hard work, God is the source for both the seed (which begins the crop) and the bread (the result of the harvest). How does this put money and finances into perspective?  

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:11-15

• When you give God gets the credit. Is that the way it should be? Why or why not? 

Prayer: Pray that God will give you the grace to live out 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a cheerful giver.’”

01.24.21 - Small Group Discussion

GIVE - Giving is Ministry

Generosity accomplishes ministry; it also encourages ministry.

• Pastor Frank talked about that feeling of relief when you’re up against it financially and someone comes to your aid. If you have a story like that share it with your small group.

Read and Review: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

• At the end of his first letter to the Corinthians Paul gave them instructions about taking a collection for Christians in Jerusalem. What observations do you have about his instructions?

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

• Frank identified four characteristics of giving the Corinthians exhibited that we should follow: eagerness, enthusiasm, willingness, and planned giving. Which of those resonates most with you? Why?

• How are the characteristics above different from giving that is motivated by guilt or fear?

• Frank said that our giving ministers to others, but it also motivates them to minister to others. How does that work?

Read: Acts 5:1-11

• Acts tells a story from the early church of giving gone wrong. When you think about this story in light of the four principles above, what went wrong?

• How can you make sure you give eagerly, enthusiastically, willingly and with a plan and not like Ananias and Sapphira?

Prayer: Pray that God will show what changes you need to make (if any) to give the way he wants.

01.17.21 - Small Groups Discussion

GIVE - You Can Give Confidently

Creating confidence in the collection requires a team. 

• Pastor Frank mentioned two examples of pastors who misuse their church’s offerings. There are many others. What is most offensive about that?

• Pastor Frank talked about three potential roadblocks to giving: Fear (a test of faith), Self (a test of priorities) and Doubt (a test of stewardship). Which one of these is the biggest struggle for people? Why is that?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:16-21

• Paul insisted on putting together a team to safeguard the integrity of the money the Corinthians collected to send to Jerusalem. Why?

• Pastor Frank said that, when something is offered to God, it becomes sacred (Leviticus 27:30-33). What are the implications of that?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:22-24

• Just like the early church, SLCC have people and processes to ensure the integrity of money that is collected and disbursed. Why is that important?

• Frank shared the process SLCC uses to ensure your offering is handled with integrity. Can you think of any ways that process can be improved?

• FYI – Two other safeguards the SLCC Finance Team have in place: 1) We mail a quarterly giving statement to each person who gives, and 2) Wally sends a weekly report to our elders and Finance Team to detail SLCC’s finances. What level of confidence do the safeguards we employ give you in our church’s financial integrity?

Prayer: Pray that God will enable you to overcome any roadblocks (fear, self, doubt) that keep you from being generous.

01.10.21 - Small Groups Discussion

GIVE - It Takes Grace to Give

God gives you grace. Grace enables you to give.

• Pastor Frank talked about our church’s Restoration Movement roots. What do you find attractive about our goal to restore the modern church to its ancient practices?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

• According to The London Economic, in the United States the poor are more generous than the rich. The wealthiest Americans donate 1.3% of their income while the poorest donate 3.2%. What is your reaction to that?

• Christians in Galatia give themselves to the Lord before giving money to the church (v. 5). Why is that important to developing generosity?

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:6-9

• Jesus’ example set the standard for the first Christians. How did He give?

• Frank said that “God gives you grace, and grace enables you to give.” What is the relationship between grace and giving, and why is it so important? 

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:10-16

• Paul told the Corinthians they should pursue equality with other churches. What would that look like in our context?

Prayer: Pray that God will make you more aware of the grace you have received, and give you greater grace to be generous.

12.27.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Moving Forward

The best reminder is the Holy Spirit!

Luke 2:22-40 (NIV 2011)

• What is something that stuck with you from the message?

• Was there anything you found surprising, strange or or disagreed with?

• What is one reminder you use often?

• Some faith traditions place greater emphasis and teaching on God the Father and Jesus the Son. What have you experienced or understood about the Holy Spirit?

• Are there ways you practice sensitivity to God’s leading? What have you experienced as a result of these?

• What is one way you are willing to cultivate sensitivity this week?

12.20.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Peace 

• What are some of the fears you have wrestled with in 2020?

Read: Luke 2:8-10

• Frank taught something that might seem new: When God shows up people are afraid. But what if, whenever you’re afraid it’s a chance for God to show up? What are your thoughts on that?

• Older translations of Luke 2:10 read, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings.” There is actually a Greek word that can be translated behold. Modern translations often leave that word out. What does behold mean and why do you think it is in the original?

• What benefit is there to you when you truly behold the Gospel?

Read: Luke 2:10-14

• Timothy Keller wrote, “Hostilities with God lead to hostilities with others. There is no peace on earth because there is no peace with God.” How have you seen that play out in your experience?

Read: Luke 2:15-20

• Mary treasured these things in her heart, and she pondered them in her thoughts. Why is it so important that we engage with God’s story with both our emotions and our mind?

Prayer: Pray that God will enable you to really behold Christmas so your fears will be overcome.

12.13.20 Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Joy

The incarnation reveals your belief.

• Let’s dive in the deep end right away. What are some ways Christians’ professed beliefs do not match their actions? 

Read: Matthew 1:18

• Why do you suppose God sent a baby rather than a general, an emperor, or a powerful person who could take charge and made an immediate difference?

• Put yourself in Mary’s shoes. What might it have been like to live her experience?

Read: Matthew 1:19-23

• What must it have been like to be Joseph?

• Matthew quoted Isaiah to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. All the gospel authors did this in their biographies of Jesus. Yet for most first-century Jews this was not enough to convince them of Jesus’ divinity. Why were they so resistant to the idea of Jesus as God? In what ways are we?

Read: Matthew 1:24-25

• It took a dream to convince Joseph, but once he was convinced he was completely obedient. What will it take to convince us to live obediently?

Prayer: Pray John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.” Ask God to grow your love for him so big that you’re motivated to obey.

12.06.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Love

It’s easy to mistake God’s throne for a loveseat. It isn’t. 

• When we think of the first Christmas, we “sanitize” it when, in fact, there was plenty about it that was ugly.

• There’s some “ugly” in this year’s pandemic Christmas. In what ways?

Read: Matthew 1:1-20

• If the incarnation really happened, the implication for your life is this: Jesus is King, and you lose the right to be in charge of your life. What is the implication of that?

• Even when we know King Jesus is in charge, we often still want to keep control. Why is that?

Read: Philippians 2:5-11

Pastor Frank said that Jesus left Heaven’s throne room to come to earth. Make no mistake, he has returned to that throne room.

• What are some of the ways we try and push God off the throne so we can take control of our own lives?

• What are the implications of the fact that Jesus left Heaven’s throne room to come to earth?

Prayer: Pray Philippians 2:5 – “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Ask God to help you pattern your life after his son’s.

11.29.20 - Small Group Discussion

Hidden Christmas - Hope

Your past doesn’t define your hope; your future does. 

• Pastor Frank talked about his family genealogy. Share with your group a little about your background. Is there anyone famous or noteworthy?

• Who in your family tree do you most resemble, and how?

Read: Matthew 1:1-17

• If you were writing Jesus’ genealogy, would you have included so many notorious people the way Matthew did? Why or why not?

• Matthew includes some surprises in Jesus’ family tree: women, Gentiles and sinners. Why do you think he did such an unusual thing as that?

• Is there anyone in Jesus’ family tree that you identify with? If so, why?

Pastor Frank said that he thinks Matthew included infamous and unusual people in Jesus’ ancestry to give us hope. Hope that the Kingdom of God includes all people.

• Why is hope such a powerful force?

• What has been the difference in your life between experiencing hope and hopelessness?

• As we begin the season of Advent, where are you finding hope?

Prayer: Pray Ephesians 1:18 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

11.22.20 - Small Group Discussion

Different - Peace 

Prayer is the Path to Peace.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What are your coping mechanisms for anxiety?

• What have you been anxious about lately?

Read: Philippians 4:6-9

Paul said not to be anxious about anything. Is this anxiety for things that impact us, impact others, or both? Why?

• What does “the peace of God that transcends all understanding” mean to you?

• If we can have peace from God, how do we help others have that peace?

• Have you ever remained at peace when everyone around you was worrying (or been around someone else who has been at peace while you and/or others were worrying)? What was that like?

• How does God’s peace function as a guard for your heart and mind?

• How do you focus on the list of positive things that Paul lists in verse 8 amidst all the negative that exists around us?

• Paul writes to put into practice what has been learned from him. Who are you teaching? Who is teaching you?

Prayer: Pray for peace.

11.15.20 - Small Group Discussion

Different - Joyful and Gentle

Joy is a choice, one that leads to gentleness.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What characteristics do you see in a person that tells you they have joy or gentleness?

Read: Philippians 4:4-5

• How do we rejoice in the Lord? What does that look like?

• How do we hold onto joy? What changes when you have a joyful attitude?

• What does gentleness look like to you? How can we show gentleness?

• Walter shared an example of Christian division where one of the people was called out as being wrong. Does unity call for accepting all viewpoints or does it require calling out others when they are wrong? Why?

• How do we know when viewpoints should be addressed, and how do joy and/or gentleness factor in to how it’s handled?

• Does the fact that Christians have a kingdom that is not of this world impact how we engage with, or care about, the struggles of the people who are not yet Christians? Why or why not?

• Does your joy in the Lord play a role in bringing other people into the kingdom that we are part of, which is separate from the world? Why or why not?

• Paul writes, “The Lord is near” at the end of verse 5. How does the Lord being near factor into our joy and gentleness?

Prayer: Pray for an attitude of gentleness and help focusing on having joy.

11.08.20 - Small Group Discussion

Different - Harmony

Christians should be different.

• What’s one idea from the message that stood out to you? Why do you think it grabbed you?

• What makes you different from others?

• What does keeping the status quo mean to you?

Read: Philippians 1:27, 2:14-16, 4:1-3, Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, 14:13, 19

• We are told to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. What does that look like?

• Is there a difference between grumbling/complaining and expressing dislike of something? Why or why not?

• Frank presented the example of the church in Rome having arguments because of different opinions regarding their diet. What issues cause divides in our Church? How do we approach those topics?

• What does it mean to be a peacemaker? How do you make peace? How is being a peacemaker different from a peace keeper?

• Romans tells us to live at peace with everyone as much as it depends on us. Is there a difference between living at peace and not rocking the boat? Why or why not?

Prayer: Pray that you will make peace.

11.01.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Choose Life

Choices have consequences.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-8, 15-19, 30:19-20, John 3:16-18, 4:15, 21, 1 John 2:24-25.

• What typically motivates better: good consequences or bad consequences? Why?

• Do God’s promises of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy still apply to us today? Why or why not?

• Why do we lose focus on the ‘then’ part of if/then statements?

• Why does choosing between life and death seem like a far simpler choice than choosing whether or not to obey commands?

• What choices seem simple to you that others struggle with making? How do we interact with people while they are making those choices?

• What makes the choice of following Jesus appeal to you? What makes the choice to follow not appealing?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.25.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - What God Requires

Right attitude; Right Actions. Both are necessary.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Deuteronomy 10:12-11:1.

• What is a family story that has been passed down? What does it mean to you to have those stories? Or, if you don’t have them, is there a sense of loss for not having them?

• Why should we fear God? What does it look like to fear God?

• Why are our actions an important facet of our faith, and not just our attitudes?

• What does it mean to you to be chosen by God?

• What happens when we love God and  something/someone else?

• God makes sure the widows and orphans receive justice and He loves the foreigners. We must do the same. What are you doing to show love to the marginalized and making sure they are cared for?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.18.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - A Different Attitude

God’s route might not seem safe, but the destination is sure.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Numbers 14:24, 34-35, Joshua 14:12-13

• What has been interrupted for you this year?

• What do you feel it is like to have God as an ally? How about as an enemy?

• Do you feel like sin always has consequences? Why or why not?

• What does it take for you to be like Caleb and Joshua, instead of the other 10 spies?

• Caleb’s choices didn’t keep the rest of the Israelites from dying in the wilderness. Did his choice still matter? Why or why not?

• When our journeys are interrupted, whether by sin or something else, how can we hold on to the confidence that the destination God wants for us is stable and good?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.11.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Life is in the Blood

Jesus did what you cannot: fulfill the Law’s blood requirement.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Genesis 3:4-6, Leviticus 17:10-12, Hebrews 9: 13-15, 10:1-2, 10

• Does all the blood in the Old Testament cause an issue for you? Why or why not?

• In what ways do the relationships in your life that you care the most about cost you the most?

• How do relationships suffer when there is sin?

• What does the Genesis passage tell you about the relationship between people?

• Do you think the visual reminder of seeing animals killed for your sins would help you make the right decision? Why or why not? What about a reminder of a person being killed for your sins?

• What does baptism mean to you?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

10.04.20 - Small Group Discussion

Immerse Beginnings - Choose Your Side

The only mediator you need is Jesus. The only people you need is the Church. The only place you need is the cross.

• What stood out to you this week?

• Was there anything confusing or troubling?

• Did anything make you think differently about God?

• How might your answers above change the way we live?

Read: Exodus 31:18-32:1, 32:7, 14, 26, Hebrews 3:3-6

• Who/What are some of the people, places, and/or things that make you feel connected to God? Why?

• What are the positives and negatives of these connections?

• In your mind, would there be a difference in what the Israelites did if they hadn’t already said they would do what God commanded? Why or why not?

• What group would you see yourself fitting into when Moses calls the people to him?

• If Jesus is the only mediator you need, what are you currently doing to be close to him?

• If the only people you need is the Church, what is the Church currently doing to create community? What can be done to create a better community?

Prayer: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, grant, we pray, that we might be grounded and settled in your truth by the coming of your Holy Spirit into our hearts. What we do not know, reveal to us; what is lacking within us, make complete; that which we do not know, confirm in us; and keep us blameless in your service through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.