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
1 Corinthian 15:1-26 | Resurrection Reality
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Petaluma Church of Christ with Pastor George Robertson
Missionary of the Week
Hector & Caitlyn Hernandez in Guatemala
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from fighting for their eternal hope.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Who do you know that is newest to Calvary and who do you know who is the longest attender.
4) Read: 1 Corinthian 15:1-26 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 first lead you to believe in Christ as a risen savior?
Do you find it helpful to hear the evidences for the resurrection? Which ones are most helpful to you?
What single fact or practice has led to the greatest transformation in your life as a Christian?
What area of your life do you need to surrender if the Resurrection is real?
6) Apply: How can you share what most impacted your life in Christ with someone else this week?
Cross References:
Romans 10:9
John 7:2–5
Acts 12:2
Acts 1:14
Matthew 28:12-13
1 Peter 1:3-9 | Living Hope
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Petaluma Christian Church & Pastor Ryan
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from taking a step of faith in response to last week's teaching.
3) Opening Discussion Question: When was the last time you couldn't sleep because of excitement or anticipation. What were you looking forward to?
4) Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9 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:
How would you define hope and is there a difference between regular hope and biblical hope?
If someone asks you a reason for the hope in you, what would you say?
What would have to change in your life today for people to see hope in your life enough for them to ask you a reason for the hope in you?
How can we fight for hope as Christians in our present circumstances?
6) Apply: Take time to share how you will fight for an eternal hope in Christ this week.
Cross References:
John 3:16
Rom 5:2
1 Peter 3:13-19
Eph 1:15-20
Titus 1:1-2
Hebrews 10:34
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 20 | Believe and Know
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Petaluma Christian Church & Pastor Ryan
Missionary of the Week
Local Ministry Harvest Christian School
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from asking God to use the painful things of their past for God's Glory last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: What are some ways you have seen non-religious people practice faith. What are the things they have their faith in?
4) Read: John 20:1-31 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:
Where do you need to surrender the desire for certainty to follow Jesus.
Where have you experienced the Holy Spirit pouring out the love of God in your life?
Have you taken the first step of faith in Jesus? What I the next step of faith God is calling you to?
How does the Holy Spirit help us with,
Personal Relationship with Christ?
Purpose for this life?
Power to do his work?
When was a time you were forced to total dependence upon God?
6) Apply: Take time to share the next step of faith you need to take to follow Jesus today?
Cross References:
John 17:3
Rom 10:17
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide
Romans 8:35-37 | More Than Conquerors
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Penngrove Community Church and Pastor Connor Anderson
Missionary of the Week
Solomon Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share how they trusted God in the things didn't understand this last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Has God ever changed your plans at the last moment? How did you respond?
4) Read: Romans 8:35-37 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 you ever felt a push from the Holy Spirit? What does that look like in your life?
How does death bring victory in the Christian life and serve the believer today?
What area of your past or even present do you need God's grace to turn it into a weapon of Joy and resurrection?
6) Apply: Take time this week to examine the painful and shameful things of the past and ask God to bathe them in His grace and make them weapons for His glory in your life today. Consider sharing them with your group or a trusted friend.
Cross References:
Romans 5:8
1 Corinthians 15:25-26
Hebrews 2:14-15
Romans 8:11
Philippians 4:4
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide
Acts 1:12-14 | Choosing the Resurrection Life
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Hillside Church and Pastor Doug Manson
Missionary of the Week
Hector & Caitlyn Hernandez in Guatemala
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from reflecting on your own resurrection story, and if you shared it last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: What is one thing you learned from your Mom that still sticks with you to this day?
4) Read: Acts 1:12-14 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?
Is there anything in Mary’s Story that you can relate to in your walk with God?
Mary treasured these things up in her heart - what can you treasure up in your heart about the work and words of Jesus?
Look at the example of Mary watching her Son go to the cross. How is God present in the hard parts of her life?
6) Apply: Take the things you don’t understand to the Lord and treasure up the ways He has met you in the past. Give Him praise in the good things and give him your heart in hard things.
Cross References:
Isaiah 66:13
Acts 1:12-14
John 2:1-5
Mark 6:3-4
Luke 8:19-21
John 19:25-2
Luke 24:36-43 | Sacred Scars
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: Share experiences from celebrating the resurrection this last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: How are you choosing to implement Easter and celebrate the resurrection for these forty days?
4) Read: Luke 24:36-43 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.
Talk about the fact that Jesus’ scars are still visible in His resurrected body. Why is that significant?
If scars are a part of our resurrected bodies, how does that point to the possibility that perfection is not necessary for a meaningful life of faith?
How did Jeannine’s testimony impact or encourage you?
What scars do you have that tell a story of God’s work in your life? (It doesn’t just have to be physical scars; sometimes we speak of emotional scars, etc.)
6) Apply: As a part of our 40-day mission to celebrate and implement Easter, reflect on your own story and be prepared and courageous to share it. This is a powerful way that we witness to the resurrection! (see Revelation 12:11)
Cross References:
Revelation 5:12
Revelation 13:8
Revelation 7:9-10
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide
Revelation 19:6-7 / Revelation 21:1-5 | Invincible Joy
1) Pray
Church of the Week
City Parish and the church Elders
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from praying for someone to encounter Christ. Are you still praying for them?
3) Opening Discussion Question: Think of an example of a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances.
4) Read: The main scripture text from Sunday encourage your group to open their Bibles and follow along while one or two people read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion:
Was there anything that you didn’t understand in Revelation 19:6-7 or Revelation 21:1-5
What stood out to you from the teaching?
Discuss the idea of “Inaugurated Eschatology” – How does it shape our understanding of joy in a painful world?
How can we celebrate Jesus's resurrection and the joy He brings without ignoring the pain in the world?
Do you agree that “Joyless Christians can be Dangerous”?
Why is it important to not wait for perfect conditions to feel joy in your life?
What are some practical steps you can take to incorporate more joy in your everyday life?
6) Apply: Pray about something simple you can do for the next 40 days to continue celebrating Easter and cultivating more joy in your life. What day of the week can you set aside to celebrate weekly? (Hint: Sunday is a great option)
Cross References:
Psalm 118:24
Ephesians 4:8-10