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
Mark 16:1-8 | All Things New
Mark 16:1-8 | All Things New
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Calvary Petaluma & Pastor Zach Vestnys
Missionary of the Week
Hector & Caitlyn Hernandez in Guatemala
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from their application step from last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Did you invite anyone to come on Easter? What was their response? Take a few minutes to pray for them by name whether or not they came.
4) Read: Mark 16:1-8 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:
The First Point in the Sermon was: Everyone is Invited Into New Life
Discuss what it would look like if we really believed that. How bold would we be in sharing the Gospel and believing that no one is outside God’s reach?
Do you still struggle to believe that you are invited into New Life?
What is new in your life since you started following Jesus?
The Second Point was: Every Day is An Invitation To Something New
“The resurrection is the ultimate reminder of the reality that we don’t know the whole story” – Where do you need to be encouraged by this in your life?
Discuss the significance of every 24 hours being a “new day” and bringing God’s “new mercies” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
How can you live as if that were more true than you’ve ever believed?
What do you tend to do in Joppa?
Run like Jonah?
Or receive the vision and walk in it like Peter?
The Third Point was: Everything is Being Made New
“What situation can the resurrection not touch with the power of new hope and the potential of new possibilities?” – Where do you need faith to believe this today?
If repentance is releasing the old, a change of mind that leads to a change of heart, and a new way of thinking – is there anything you need to repent of today?
6) Apply: Commit to pray for someone throughout this week who needs to encounter Jesus.
Cross References:
Lamentations 3:22-23
Revelation 21:1-5
2 Corinthians 5:15,1 7
Mark 11:1-11 | A Disappointing Palm Sunday
Mark 11:1-11 | A Disappointing Palm Sunday
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Adobe Christian Church & Pastor Sean O'Kelly
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from taking a step of faith last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Share a Sports Game or other contest that has given you the biggest disappointment?
4) Read: Mark 11:1-11 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 follow Jesus even when we don't know what He is going to do?
Are you comfortable mixing praise and requests together in your prayers?
Where do you need to practice more child-like faith in your life?
Who are you going to share with this week for accountability?
6) Apply: Share a specific step of faith your are planning to take this week in response to the message on Sunday.
Cross References:
John 12:20-36
Romans 8:28
Matthew 21:14-17
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide
Mark 15:40-47 | Level Ground and Straight Paths
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Trinity Presbyterian Church and Pastor Reid Hankins
Missionary of the Week
Solomon & Mabel Charwi in Kehancha, Kenya
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from looking to Christ's example of dying to self and living the cross life.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Have you or someone close to you changed drastically in their social status? What was the effect on their life?
4) Read: Mark 15:40-47 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 would it look like for you to be a public follower of Jesus like the women from Mark 15?
Where in your life do you need more of the humility and courage demonstrated by Joseph of Arimathea in following Jesus?
How does the cross of Christ level the playing field for all those who come to God?
Who is God calling you to welcome into the family of God and what is the next step you need to take to invite them?
6) Apply: Share a specific step of faith your are planning to take this week in response to the message on Sunday.
Cross References:
Isaiah 40:1-5
John 3:1-16
Mark 1:1-3
Mark 15:33-39 | The Greatest Story Ever Told
1) Pray
Church of the Week
St. John's Anglican & Pastor David Miller
Missionary of the Week
Hector & Caitlyn Hernandez in Guatemala
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from noticing your weakness and inviting Jesus to be your strength.
3) Opening Discussion Question: When did the message of the cross first get through to you?
4) Read: Mark 15:33-39 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 the text?
What stood out to you in the text?
How does the physical suffering of the cross impact you when you think about it?
In your own words, describe the spiritual suffering of Jesus on the cross.
What was the darkness?
What is the significance of the curtain being torn top to bottom and the connection of Centurion being first to profess Jesus as the Son of God?
6) Apply: Set aside time each day to thank God for the cross. Meditate on different aspects of it and give praise to God. Then pray that God would help you to follow the pattern of the crucified life. Look for ways and ask for strength, believing that as we die to ourselves, we have powerful opportunities to bring the life of Christ to others around us.
Cross References:
2 Corinthians 5:21
Galatians 3:1
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide
Mark 15:16-32 | All or Nothing
1) Pray
Church of the Week
St James’ & St Vincent’s
Missionary of the Week
Shalom Christian Center on Mfangano Island
2) Accountability: Invite your group to share their successes and failures from practicing sacrificial service last week.
3) Opening Discussion Question: Why do you think Mark's Gospel focuses so little on the physical pain of the cross?
4) Read: Mark 15:16-32 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 the text?
What stood out to you in the text?
Where do you struggle with the strength of Jesus’ claim to absolute authority?
Where do you struggle with Jesus’ Way of Weakness?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 and share a time when you’ve experienced God’s power being perfected in your weakness
6) Apply: Throughout this week take note of the times when you feel weak.
Maybe it will be physical weakness.
Maybe a situation where you feel disrespected.
It could be a time when you feel inadequate for the task in front of you.
Pay special attention to the times you feel weak, then purpose to invite God’s power rather than relying on your own strength.
Cross References:
Psalm 2:1-6
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Revelation 2:17
1 Peter 2:23-25
Mark 15:1-15 | Which Jesus Will We Choose?
1) Pray
Church of the Week
Salvation Army & Major Laura Wycott
Missionary of the Week
Harvest Christian School
2) Accountability: Share an experience of Christ's faithfulness this week.
Was it linked to a weakness within yourself?
3) Opening Discussion Question: What is one of the most meaningful ways someone has served you recently?
4) Read: Mark 15:1-15 open your Bibles, and have your group read the passage out loud.
5) Discussion Questions:
Was there anything that you didn’t understand in the text?
Was there a particular verse that stood out to you in the text?
In your own words, describe Substitutionary Atonement
How do the description of early Christians and their care (for children, women, widows, the poor, and the sick) challenge us today?
With Jesus giving us as an example of life to patterned after his. What is something He is calling you to do in order for your life to be an example like His? Can you think of a story from Jesus’ life that is an example for you of that present circumstance? *If not, maybe someone in your group can think of one.
Application: Practice sacrificial service for someone in need this week. Each day pray and let the Holy Spirit bring someone to mind who has a need and initiate a caring gesture. It could be as simple as a text that lets them know you’re thinking about them and praying for them. It could be an invitation to share a meal or coffee together. The goal is to practice serving in a way that is not just an activity we check off our to-do list, but it becomes our identity as people who are following the pattern of Jesus our King.
Referenced Scriptures:
Mark 12:13-17
Acts 5:29,38
Matthew 27:16-17 (NIV)
John 13:15
1 Peter 2:20-21
Find the latest discussion guide online at www.calvarypetaluma.org/discussionguide