1 John 1:5-10 | God is Light
1 John 1:5-10 | God is Light
Pray
Church of the Week
St. John’s Anglican Church & Pastor Josh Miller
Missionary of the Week
Local Ministries: CRU Campus Ministry, Harvest Christian School, Redwood Gospel Mission, & Salvation Army
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read 1 John 1:5-10 out loud together
Invite one person to read the verses for the week
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
God is Light - What does it mean that "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all? How does this truth shape how we understand God's character and relate to Him?
If God's light defines reality, what happens when we try to define truth apart from Him?
What does "walking in the light" look like for you personally right now? Are there areas in your life where you have avoided the light of God's truth? What helps you move from hiding to honesty in those areas?
Why does John link confession with cleansing and forgiveness? What does this tell us about how grace works - and why exposure is part of healing, not just guilt?
"The light of God doesn't destroy what's true about you - it destroys what is false." What are some lies you are tempted to believe about yourself or others that God's light is challenging? What steps can you take this week to replace those lies with truth from Scripture?
Fellowship - Why do you think John connects walking in the light with fellowship among believers? What kind of relationships help you stay in the light - and what makes that kind of honesty difficult in Christian community? How could our group better reflect God's light to each other - through honesty, grace, or accountability?
APPLICATION:
Think of one or two people in your life who you can be vulnerable and transparent with?
Practice sharing and praying with them about what God is exposing in your life.
Scripture References:
2 Peter 1:4
1 John 1:1-4 | Complete Joy
1 John 1:1-4 | Complete Joy
Pray
Church of the Week
St. John’s Anglican Church & Pastor Josh Miller
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read 1 John 1:1-4 out loud together
Invite one person to read the verses for the week
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. Take turns sharing one of the happiest memory that you have?
2. Discuss a time or season where the truths of God's Word became more precious because of the circumstances surrounding you?
3. Pastor Zach shared how John puts doctrine at the center of Christian fellowship. How does doctrine build up fellowship?
4. Have you experienced the reality of community falling short of your ideal of Christian community? How can you follow John's lifelong pursuit of true fellowship with God and the Christian community even if you are discouraged?
5. Since fellowship means "to have in common," in what ways is God calling you to share more of your life with Him and more of your life with His community?
6. Is there a temporary joy that needs to fade away so you can experience the eternal unchanging joy of a life knowing God?
APPLICATION:
Pursue the ideal of life in the community of God personally and embrace the reality and challenges of life in the community of God.
Where do you need to take a step into the community of God today?
Ask God to give you true joy that makes you faithful, fruitful, and generational in you everyday activities.
What is the next step you need to take to experience that joy?
Scripture References:
John 17:3
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Jeremiah 29:11-13
1 John 5:19
1 John 1:1-5; 5:13 | 1 John Intro
Pray
Church of the Week
St. John’s Anglican Church & Pastor Josh Miller
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read 1 John 1:1-5 and 5:13 out loud together
Invite one person to read the verses for the week
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. Who was someone you were introduced to that changed your life?
2. 1 John 1:5 says that God is light - Is there any area of your life where you've been hesitant to bring something into the light?
3. 1 John 1:3 talks about our fellowship together with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. What gets in the way of deeper community for you?
4. 1 John 1:4 says that he writes "so that our joy may be complete". How would you describe your level of joy right now? What can you do to get more connected to Jesus?
5. Who can you introduce to Jesus this week? Take time as a group to pray for each person and for boldness.
APPLICATION:
Reintroduce yourself to Jesus
Make fellowship your priority
Walk in the light that you have
Plant your life in scripture
Check your joy
Introduce someone else to Jesus
Scripture References:
1 John 5:13
John 13:23
John 20:2-4
Romans 1:16
Micah 7:9-20 | God of Love and Fury
Pray
Church of the Week
St. James & St. Vincents
Missionary of the Week
Caitlyn Christie (Hernandez) on furlough from Ministry in Guatemala
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 7:9-20 out loud together
Break it up so that everyone reads a few verses and participates.
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. Forgiveness
What is your experience with needing forgiveness for your sins and extending forgiveness towards others?
2. Second Exodus
Read the fulfillment of Micah 5:2 and 7:15 in Luke's description of the transfiguration. After reading Luke 9:28-36 discuss how Jesus ushers in a new exodus to free us from sin and death. How is it similar to His deliverance from Egypt? How is it better?
3. Justice
How does the Bible resolve the tension between God’s justice and His forgiveness? How does Exodus 34:6-7 and the cross help us understand God's ultimate plan? Does it challenge you to see the love and fury of God meet at the cross? Which characteristic of God is most challenging to you, God's Justice or God's Forgiveness?
4. Repentance
Discuss how repentance free's us up to experience all of God's forgiveness. In what way is repentance challenging for you?
Scripture References:
James 1:19
Exodus 34:6-7
1 John 1:9
Micah 7:15
Micah 5:2
Justice: The Foundation of a Christian Approach to Abuse By Jacob & Rachael Denhollander
https://www.fathommag.com/stories/justice-the-foundation-of-a-christian-approach-to-abuse
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide
Micah 6:9-7:8 | Do It Anyway
Church of the Week
Salvation Army and Major Lara Wycoff
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 6:9-7:8 out loud together
Break it up so that everyone reads a few verses and participates.
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. Influence and Integrity
Mother Teresa was influential not because of her power or position, but because she embodied her message. Who are the people in your life who have influenced you most deeply, and what made their influence so powerful?
2. Faithfulness in a Faithless World
Micah lived in a time of corruption and betrayal, yet he chose to keep looking to the Lord. What are some of the “faithless” patterns you see in our culture today? How can we resist the temptation to “play the game” and instead remain faithful to God’s ways?
3. Have You Experienced Division
Micah laments a corruption that is so deep it causes relational divides between neighbors and even the closest family members. Jesus quotes this passage and uses it to teach us that we will experience that same division when we follow Him. Have you experienced this?
4. Hope in the Midst of Discouragement
Micah declared, “When I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” What practices or truths help you find hope when you feel invisible, discouraged, or tempted to give up?
5. Building for God’s Glory
The builders of Erfurt Cathedral worked their whole lives on something they never fully saw completed. In what areas of your life do you feel like you’re “laying stones” without seeing results? How does the perspective of building for God’s glory (not our own) encourage you?
Scripture References:
Hebrews 6:10
Matthew 10:35-36
Psalm 27:3
Micah 6:8 | Extra-Ordinary
Church of the Week
Petaluma Church of Christ and Pastor George Robertson
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 6:8 out loud together
Choose one person to read
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. Look at the list of "Ordinary Things" Pastor Danny Shared and discuss how they have impacted your walk in Christ
2. Where have you seen others practice "Ordinary Faith" to make a big difference?
3. Where is God calling you to commit to ordinary faith filled steps in an extra-ordinary way?
10 Ordinary Things Christians Do that change the World
Practice Forgiveness – Jesus first forgave you
Cultivate your relationship with God
Cultivate your relationship with God's People
Cultivate your relationship with your actual neighbors
Put down your devices and your televisions and radios and podcasts
Livie at the pace of Love - Slow down engage with people and care for them - Love takes a lot of time
Be bold in sharing your faith – Invite your actual neighbors to church
Let people surprise you in responding to invitation
Read the Bible and understand it in community
Sing- Ephesians 5:19 (ESV) addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
Pray as if prayer matters
for those who are in government
Champion Life – Jesus came to give abundant life
Champion Good – Remember it is a spiritual battle
BONUS
Champion Christ – In doing all of these ordinary everyday activities you advance the kingdom of Christ in your everyday life.
Cross References:
John 10:10
Ephesians 6:12
1 Corinthians 15:19–20
2 Peter 3:13
Micah 6:8
Matthew 22:37–40
Mark 9:35–36
1 Thessalonians 4:9–12
Ephesians 5:19
Micah 4:10 | Can God Work Here?
Church of the Week
Petaluma Church of Christ and Pastor George Robertson
Missionary of the Week
Caitlyn Christie (Hernandez) on furlough from Ministry in Guatemala
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 4:10 out loud together
Choose one person to read
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. What is happening in Israel
2 Chronicles 36:15-23 gives a summary of what is happening in Israel during this time and the way the nation struggles to obey God.
In what ways does the world and culture around you make it difficult to obey God.
How can God work here in this current moment to help you overcome these difficulties.
2. Deliverance from Difficulty
1 Timothy 3:1 promises difficulties in these days
Where have you experienced God delivering you from difficulty?
When have you experienced God's presence and peace delivering you in difficulty like it promises in Romans 8:28
How does our hope in Jesus give us confidence to be delivered through difficulty, "whether by life or by death" Philippians 1:19-21
3. You are never out of God's Reach
What is the most important next step for you to take in response to the promise of hope we have in God?
Repent of Sin
Stand with the Church
Look to Jesus
Cross References:
2 Chronicles 36:15-23
2 Timothy 3:1
Romans 8:28
Philippians 1:19-21
Micah 6:1-8 | What God Really Wants
Micah 6:1-8 | What God Really Wants
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 6:1-8 out loud together
Break it up so a few people can participate in reading.
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
1. God’s Faithfulness
Micah 6:1–5 shows God piling up reminders of His grace, not accusations.
How has God reminded you of His faithfulness in your own story?
Why do you think remembering His grace is essential before we can respond to His requirements?
2. Religion vs. Relationship
The people thought God wanted more sacrifices, but Micah says God wants relationship.
Where do you see the temptation in your own life to turn faith into performance?
How can we keep our walk with God centered on love rather than on “checking boxes”?
3. Doing Justice
Micah says God requires us to do justice.
What does doing justice look like in your everyday life—at home, at work, or in your community?
Can you think of someone in your life who has little or no power to give you anything in return, but who needs you to “do right by them”?
4. Loving Mercy
We don’t just show mercy—we are called to love it.
Why do you think we often prefer revenge or resentment over mercy?
Who might God be calling you to forgive, bless, or show compassion to this week?
5. Walking Humbly with God
Micah calls us to walk humbly—not ahead of God in pride, and not behind Him in fear.
Where do you sense you may be rushing ahead of God, or lagging behind Him, in your life right now?
What daily practices (prayer, dependence, surrender) help you stay in step with Him?
Micah 5:5-15 | Walk the Line
Micah 5:5-15 | Walk the Line
Church of the Week
Penngrove Community Church and Pastor Conor Anderson
Missionary of the Week
Local Ministries Redwood Gospel Mission
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 5:5-15 out loud together
Break it up so that everyone reads a few verses and participates.
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
Defining the Line
Johnny Cash sang about “walking the line” and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote that the line between good and evil runs through every human heart.How do you see the “line” between good and evil in your own life?
Who or what do you tend to let “define the line” for you – culture, yourself, or God?
Peace without Purity
Micah warned against leaders who cried “peace” when there was no peace (Micah 3:5).Where do you see our culture today offering “peace” that is really an illusion?
Have you ever experienced false peace by ignoring guilt or distracting yourself, and how did that compare to the real peace found in Jesus?
Failed Human Solutions
Micah 5 describes Israel trusting in human strength – armies, cities, idols – instead of God.What human solutions do we chase for peace (money, relationships, success, self-expression)?
Which of these temptations is most real for you right now?
Confession and Cleansing
1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and cleansing through confession.Why do you think confession feels hard for many people?
Can you think of a time when confession actually brought freedom and peace?
Pursuing Peace with Others
Hebrews 12:14-15 warns about a “root of bitterness”Do you struggle with unforgiveness?
Is there anyone you need to forgive (or seek forgiveness from) in order to walk in God’s peace?
Scripture References:
Micah 3:5
Isaiah 57:20-21
1 John 1:7
Isaiah 32:17
Romans 5:1
1 John 1:9
James 5:16
Hebrews 12:14-15
Romans 12:18-21
Psalm 23
Micah 5:1-5 | Real Hope, False Hope, and the Gift of Hopelessness
Church of the Week
Village Baptist Church
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 5:1-5 out loud together
Choose 1 person to read through
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
Real Hope vs. False Hope
Where do people today (including us) often place their hope? How can we discern if our hope is real (grounded in God’s promises) or false (based only on our own desires)?The Gift of Hopelessness
Think of a time when you felt hopeless: looking back, how did that experience bring clarity or lead you closer to God?Micah 5:1-5 The Surprising Source of Hope
What does it teach us that God chose Bethlehem – a small, unlikely place – for the birth of the Messiah? How might that encourage us when we feel small or weak?Prophecy and Promise
How does seeing prophecy fulfilled (like Micah 5:2) strengthen your confidence in God’s Word? Why is it important to anchor our hope in God’s promise rather than our circumstances?
Personal Application
What is an area of your life where you are most tempted to build a false hope? How can you redirect that hope toward Jesus, the Good Shepherd and Prince of Peace?
Scripture References:
Proverbs 14:12
Romans 15:13; 15:4
Psalm 42:5
1 Peter 1:3-5
8 Prophecies about Jesus:
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 > Luke 2:4-7
Called out of Egypt Hosea 11:1 > Matthew 2:14-15
Shining forth from Galilee Isaiah 9:1-2 > Matthew 4:12-16
Descended from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, & David (Genesis 22:18; Numbers 24:17; Genesis 39:10; Jeremiah 23:5) > Matthew 1:1-16
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 > Matthew 1:22-23
Betrayed by a close friend for thirty pieces of silver (Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12-13) > Matthew 26:14-16; 27:9-10
Silent before His accusers Isaiah 53:7 > Matthew 27:12-14
Hands and Feet were pierced (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah 12:10) > John 20:25-27
Micah 4:1-5:1 | When You Think You’re at the Top…NOPE!
Church of the Week
Hillside Church & Pastor Doug Manson
Missionary of the Week
The Hernandez Family on Furlough from Ministry in Guatemala
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Share “God Stories”
Share testimonies of where you have seen God working in your life lately.
Read Micah 4 out loud together
Break it up so that everyone reads a few verses and participates.
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
Looking Back at Micah’s Map:
Micah exposed Israel’s corruption and warned of judgment, yet he also gave glimpses of a future Shepherd King. Where do you see corruption in our culture today, and where do you see glimpses of God’s hope breaking through?The Glorious Future:
Micah 4 describes a time when nations stream to the Lord for peace and instruction. How does this vision of global peace and worship shape the way you think about how you live right now?The Nature of Prophecy:
Prophecy can feel confusing—sometimes near, sometimes far, sometimes both. How do you personally navigate the tension between what we don’t fully understand and what we do know with certainty about God’s plan?Benefits of Prophecy:
Romans 15:4 reminds us that prophecy builds humility, endurance, confidence, and hope. Which of those four benefits do you most need in this season of your life, and why?Living with Hope:
Micah’s hearers would have wondered, “What will become of us?” Micah gives them hope in (Micah 4:6–8). Paul wrote, “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). How can we encourage each other to keep walking in the name of the Lord (Micah 4:5) even when the “mountain top” still feels far away?
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 13:9
Romans 15:4
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
1 Corinthians 15:19
Hebrews 10:28-29 | Worshipping Messiah Jesus
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Eastside Baptist Church and Pastor John Aranda
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share what the Lord has done in response to praying that God would stir up the gifts in our lives.
3) Opening Discussion Question: What has been your most memorable time or worship?
4) Read: Hebrews 10:28-29 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
How can we bring acceptable worship to God?
What is the most challenging part of worship for you that was shared on Sunday?
A Grateful Heart
Acceptable Worship
With Reverence and Awe
God the Consuming Fire
What should it look like in your life of worship to:
Show Up
Wake Up
Go Deeper
6) Apply: How can you practice grateful worship throughout this week?
Cross References:
2 Chronicles 7:1–3
Lamentations 4:21
Psalm 63:4
Psalm 3:3
Romans 12:1-2
Micah 3 | The Good News of God’s Justice
Micah 3 | The Good News of God’s Justice
Pray
Church of the Week
City Parish and the church Elders
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
Accountability: Was there an area of your life where you felt stuck, burdened, or far from Him that God worked in last week?
Suggested Outline for Your Group:
Catch up on summer / the week/ life.
Be intentional in telling “God stories” – share testimonies of where you have seen God working.
Read Micah 3 out loud together
Break it up so that everyone reads a few verses and participates.
Go through the Discussion Questions:
Don’t feel like you need to get through them all
Use the ones that are the most helpful in stirring up meaningful conversation
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Discussion Questions:
Why do we love stories where the bad guys “get what’s coming to them”?
What does our appetite for judgment in entertainment (movies like Gladiator, John Wick, etc.) say about our hearts?
How does this contrast with how uncomfortable we often feel when Scripture speaks of God's judgment?
What false sense of security did Israel have in Micah 3?
Why did they think “No disaster will come upon us” (v.11)?
Are there any ways we might similarly assume God’s blessing while ignoring injustice or sin in our own lives or communities?
Micah contrasts corrupt leaders with a Spirit-filled prophet.
What stands out to you about the difference between false prophets (v.5–7) and Micah (v.8)?
What does it look like today to speak truth with both justice and power?
How can judgment be good news?
How does seeing judgment as a necessary part of justice help reframe our view of God’s character?
Can you think of a time in your life when the idea of God as Judge actually brought comfort or hope?
What does it look like to “do justice” in your own life?
The sermon said that doing justice means “inconveniencing yourself for the sake of the worthless person.”
Where might God be calling you to disadvantage yourself to serve or speak up for someone else?
Application: As we study Micah’s prophetic words to God’s people, let’s continue to ask God to stir up the gift of prophecy among us. Leave time to pray for one another and welcome the Spirit to speak to you and through you to others. Let’s be eager to hear and earnestly desire the gifts that come from God’s Spirit (1Corinthians 14:1)
Ask Is there any injustice in my house or in my life?
If you do evil, treat others unjustly, repent.
God shows mercy to those who humble themselves confess their sins and repent of their ways
Believe and proclaim the Gospel. Jesus is Lord and is coming to judge.
Bring the justice of God’s kingdom.
Participate with God in serving those who have been hurt and taken advantage of.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 8:9
Amos 5:24
Micah 1
Micah 1:10 - 2:13 | Don't Drift!
1) Pray
Make sure you save enough time to pray together
Share prayer requests
Pray for one another
Thank God for the ways He’s answered the prayers of the group lately
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak through you as you wait on Him
Church of the Week
Calvary Chapel Petaluma & Pastor Zach Vestnys
Missionary of the Week
The Hernandez Family on Furlough from Ministry in Guatemala
2) Accountability: Be intentional in telling "God Stories" - share testimonies of where you have seen God working.
3) Opening Discussion Question: What does “drifting” look like in your own spiritual life?
In what areas do you most often find yourself losing focus or passion?
Are there times when the “freedom” of certain seasons (like summer) has led to spiritual apathy?
4) Read: Micah 1:10 - 2:13 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
Why do you think spiritual drift is so easy and often goes unnoticed?
How does the concept of everything drifting toward disorder (like The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics) help us to understand the reality of spiritual life?
What habits or disciplines tend to be the first to go when you’re spiritually drifting?
What are the signs of covetousness in our lives today?
How does coveting reveal a lack of trust in God’s goodness?
How can we practice contentment and gratitude more intentionally?
Have you ever resisted or ignored a hard truth from God’s Word?
Why is it so tempting to only listen to the parts of the Bible we like?
How can we learn to love and receive the “whole counsel of God” as an anchor for our souls?
6) Apply: ***As we go through Micah let’s continually practice asking God to stir up the gift of prophecy among us. Leave time to pray for one another and welcome the Spirit to speak to you and through you to others. Let’s be eager to hear and earnestly desire the gifts that come from God’s Spirit (1Corinthians 14:1)
Ask God if there is an area of your life where you are stuck, burdened, or far from Him?
Cross References:
Hebrews 2:1-4
Ephesians 4:11-16
Micah 1:1-9 | The Cost of Carrying the Prophetic
Micah 1:1-9 | The Cost of Carrying the Prophetic
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Adobe Christian Church & Pastor Sean O'Kelly
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Did you experience or sense a leading from the Spirit this week in response to praying for God to stir up the gifts of the Spirit last week?.
3) Opening Discussion Question: How are you experiencing God in your life right now?
4) Read: Micah 1:1-9 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
In what ways has technology helped or hindered your spiritual growth?
How important is it to experience God to strengthen and sustain your faith?
Share your thoughts about the cost of carrying the prophetic in Micah 1:8-9?
How can you consecrate (set apart) yourself more to the word and work of God?
What are some practices you have found helpful in studying God’s Word?
6) Apply: As we go through Micah let’s continually practice asking God to stir up the gift of prophecy among us. Leave time to pray for one another and welcome the Spirit to speak to you and through you to others. Let’s be eager to hear and earnestly desire the gifts that come from God’s Spirit (1Corinthians 14:1)
Ask God to show you where you need to embrace struggle and sacrifice in order to form you into the heart and mission of God.
Cross References:
Deuteronomy 15:4-11
Micah 3:8
1 Corinthians 14:1 | The God Who Speaks
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Eastside Baptist Church and Pastor John Aranda
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share a moment where they needed to wait on the Lord this last week. What were the challenges of waiting?
3) Opening Discussion Question: What has been your experience with spiritual gifts, specifically prophecy?
4) Read: 1 Corinthians 14:1 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along someone reads the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
What questions do you have as you read 1 Corinthians 14:1 to “earnestly desire spiritual gifts” and his prioritization of prophecy?
How would you define prophecy? Remember, Sam Storms defined it as “the human report of a divine revelation.”
What faith tradition are you most familiar with: Cessationism, Continuationism, Word-Faith, or Functional Cessationism?
Thinking back through the Bible's survey of prophecy, what stood out to you?
Genesis 20:7
Exodus 7:1
Exodus 15:20
Numbers 11:29
Numbers 12:6-8
Deuteronomy 13:1-4
Deuteronomy 18:15-22
1 Samuel 10:1-16
1 Samuel 19:20-24
How can you ensure that you don’t despise the gift of prophecy, and what can you do to “earnestly desire spiritual gifts,” especially that you might prophesy?
Share the "Ways to Weigh Prophecy" from the sermon and share how they can help test prophecy:
Is it spoken with love for Jesus and the Church? (1 Corinthians 14:1)
Does it glorify God? (1 Corinthians 14:25)
Does the person speaking submit to the judgement and consensus of others? (1 Corinthians 14:29)
Does the person speaking have self-control? (1 Corinthians 14:32)
Does it harmonize with Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:37)
Is the life of the person consistent with the fruit of the Spirit? (1 Corinthians 12:3 / see also Matthew 7:15-20)
If they are making predictions, do they come true? (unless they are conditional, i.e. Jonah)
6) Apply: Spend time praying together as a group and on your own for God to stir up the gifts. Be open and share if you sense that God is revealing something. Ask God to lead you into living with an earnest desire for spiritual gifts, especially that you would prophesy.
Cross References:
Genesis 20
Exodus 7
Exodus 15
Numbers 11–12
Deuteronomy 13:1–4
Deuteronomy 18
1 Samuel 10
1 Samuel 19
1 Samuel 19:20–24
1 Thessalonians 5:16–21
1 Corinthians 14:1
1 Corinthians 14:25
1 Corinthians 14:29
1 Corinthians 14:32
1 Corinthians 14:37
1 Corinthians 12:3
Matthew 7:15–20
Psalm 105:1-5 | Reflecting on Life’s Lessons and God’s Goodness
1) Pray
Church of the Week
St. John's and Pastor Josh Miller
Missionary of the Week
The Hernandez Family on Furlough from Ministry in Guatemala
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from last week devoting yourself in areas you notice drifting away from the Lord
3) Opening Discussion Question: What truths have you noticed while taking time off from the everyday routine of life?
4) Read: Psalm 105:1-5 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
Share stories of how God has worked in your life in the past.
What is a place you experienced unexpected blessing from God?
Where do you most struggle to be present in your own life?
If you were to get a do-over from the last year, what would you do differently?
How can you make that change now for the next year?
What would you need to change for you to be fully present with God and with others?
6) Apply: Where can you:
Slow Down
Soak it all in
Wait on the Lord
Cross References:
Psalm 105:1-4
Zechariah 4:10
1 Peter 5:8
Psalm 39:4
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 90:10-12
Ephesians 5:15-16
Acts 2:41-47 | Resurrection Priorities
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Calvary Petaluma
Missionary of the Week
Local missions including the Redwood Gospel Mission and Salvation Army.
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from allowing the hope of eternity to bring encouragement in daily life.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Share something that you committed to and followed through even though it was difficult. What helped to stay devoted?
4) Read: Acts 2:41-47 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
What were you pre-occupied with this week?
How can you invite Jesus into that area?
What area of your life needs to change for Jesus to be the center?
Is there something that is in competition to your devotion to Christ?
Do you need to devote yourself again?
How can you be encouraged by Jesus' devotion to you?
6) Apply: Take time this week to examine areas of your life that have drifted and ask God to help you devote yourself again to His purposes.
Cross References:
Romans 15:25-26
Matthew 16:18
Romans 8:18-25 | The After Party
1) Pray
Church of the Week
St. John's Anglican & Pastor Josh Miller
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their experience from praying for God's comfort and confidence this last week. What was it like reading through 2 Corinthians in one sitting?
3) Opening Discussion Question: What is the best experience you have had in this life? How do you think that will be amplified in your heavenly life?
4) Read: Romans 8:15-25 encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
How did Sunday sermon help you understand our resurrected bodies better?
What did you discover the Bible has to say about the New Heavens and New Earth?
If the best experiences of this life are whispers of heaven, what are you most looking forward to in eternity?
If the best gift of eternal life is God dwelling with us, how can we enjoy God's presence today?
How does the hope of eternal life give us encouragement for today?
6) Apply: Take some time and think about the difficulties you are going through. How does the hope of eternity give you encouragement for today
Cross References:
1 John 3:2
Philippians 3:20-21
2 Peter 3:13
1 Corinthians 10:31
Romans 8:16-17
Revelation 21:1-4
Titus 2:11
John 17:1-3
Colossians 1:19-23
2 Corinthians 4:13-18 | Glory Beyond All Comparison
2 Corinthians 4:13-18 | Glory Beyond All Comparison
1) Pray
Church of the Week
St James’ & St Vincent’s
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
2) Accountability: Did you share how Christ impacted your life with someone last week? What was the response?
3) Opening Discussion Question: What recent experience has reminded you that your body is getting older?
4) Read: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 Encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
What stuck out to you from the message this week?
Use the discussion questions to spur on conversation:
Have someone read 2 Corinthians 11:16-12:6 in the New Living Translation https://ref.ly/2Co11.16-12.6;nlt
Do the weaknesses of your body and your life point you towards Christ or do they distract you from Him?
Where are you most tempted to boast or rely upon your own accomplishments?
When you examine you daily life does it reflect investment in the things of this life or investment in the things of eternal life?
How does paying attention to what God is saying and paying attention to others who are following God prepare you for the glory of eternity?
6) Apply: Pray that God would give you comfort and confidence and read through 2 Corinthians in one sitting this week (set aside approximately 1 hr)
Cross References:
2 Corinthians 11:16-12:6