Edgewood Bible Church

Main idea: Gospel shepherding looks like an example worth following, a charge worth submitting under, and a confidence rooted in God and His Word. 1. A shepherd's example 2. A shepherd's charge 3. A shepherd's confidence Discussion Questions: 1. What does it look like to “train” pastors to shrink back (even unintentionally) through what we reward or punish as the congregation? 2. How does the “blood-bought” theme change the way you view (a) your sin, and (b) the person sitting next to you at church? 3. Why does Paul put “watch yourselves” before “watch the flock”? What happens when that order gets reversed? 4. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”—where is God calling you to give yourself away this week?

Main idea:  The gospel advances through faithful encouragement, resurrection hope, and purposeful urgency. Faithful Encouragement: “How do we keep walking when the path ahead looks frightening?” Resurrection Hope: “What sustains us when death strikes?” Purposeful Urgency: “How will we spend the rest of our days He gives us?” Discussion Questions 1. Read Psalm 56:3–4. What does “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” look like practically this week? Which threats are you rehearsing more than God's promises right now? 2. How would you explain to someone the difference between moral improvement and resurrection life in Christ? 3. What “good things” in your life may be quietly replacing the “best thing” of gospel priority? 4. What fear is most shaping your decisions right now?

Main idea:  When the kingdom of Christ advances, the kingdoms of this world push back. The Threat (vv. 21-27) The Riot (vv. 28-34) The Result (vv. 35-41) Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think people are often quick to riot or get angry over trivial things? How does that reflect human nature? 2. How do we see modern parallels to the Ephesian mob in online culture, media, or social movements? 3. How can Christians protest faithfully without resorting to anger, outrage, or “mob” behavior? 4. When you examine your own life, what “Demetriuses” threaten you — areas where you might be angry, anxious, or desperate if something was taken away?

Big Idea: The word of the Lord will continue to increase and triumph.    1. The word completes the gospel for the confused (1–7) 2. The word spreads through persistent teaching (8–10) 3. The word shames counterfeits and honors Jesus (11–17) 4. The word reforms lives through costly repentance (18–19)   Discussion Questions:  1. What does Paul's first question (v.2) reveal about how we should approach “disciples” today?  2. How would you explain the difference between John's baptism and being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus?  3. In vv.8–10, what stands out about Paul's strategy? What does that suggest about how the Word normally “spreads”? 4. What's the main warning from the sons of Sceva episode and what does it look like to rely on the Spirit rather than a “formula”? 5. In vv.18–20, what does “costly repentance” look like? Is there something costly that you are holding on to that you need to let go? 

Big Idea: God strengthens His church through ready and receptive disciples   Disciples that strengthen the church are: 1. Ready  (v.18-23) 2. Humble (v.24-26) 3. Receptive (v.27-29)   Discussion Questions:  1. What does Paul's “strengthening” ministry show us about discipleship? 2. What stands out about how Priscilla and Aquila correct Apollos? How can we apply this in our life?  3. How can you stay teachable—even if you're experienced, gifted or knowledgeable? 4. What do verses 27-28 teach us about churches helping and sending each other? How can we better partner with local gospel-preaching ministries?

Main idea:  Christ preserves and advances His mission through ordinary faithfulness sustained by divine assurance. 1. Christ Advances His Mission through Ordinary Faithfulness (v.1–8) 2. Christ Strengthens His Servants through Divine Assurance (v. 9–11) 3. Christ Preserves His Mission through Quiet Providence (v. 12–17) Discussion Questions: 1. What are “ordinary means” God uses to grow Christians and build churches? Which one do you most neglect when you're tired? 2. In vv.9–11, list the commands Jesus gives and the promises He attaches. Why do you think Jesus pairs them that way? 3. In Acts 18, Gallio isn't a hero, and the government isn't ultimate. What's a healthy way to relate to civil authorities without putting your hope in them? 4. Alvin York “settled obedience before the crisis.” What does it look like for a Christian to settle obedience ahead of time? Where do you need to settle it right now?

Big Idea: With heartfelt concern, we persuade and teach people to turn from idols to the living God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  1. The Resurrection of Jesus exposes the emptiness of idolatry (16-21) 2. The Resurrection of Jesus commands all people to repent (22-31) The Resurrection of Jesus demands a response (32-34)  Discussion Questions:  1. Do you agree that there are no truly non-religious people, only different devotions? What are some “respectable” idols in our culture or church context? 2. The Epicureans sought pleasure; the Stoics sought control. When life gets hard, which do you tend to rely on more—and why? 3. The resurrection exposes idols because they cannot deal with death or judgment. What are common substitutes people trust instead of God, and where do they fall short? 4. Acts 17 ends with mocking, delaying, or believing.    Which response do you most identify with right now, and what would real belief look like this week?

Main idea:  Division comes when God's Word reveals Jesus as King and calls us to pledge our allegiance to Him alone. 1. The Word persuades us that Jesus is the Christ (1-4) 2. The Word provokes hostility and distortion (5-9) 3. The Word produces discernment and faith (10-15) Discussion Questions: 1. Luke says Paul reasoned, explained, and proved from the Scriptures. What does this tell us about how God normally brings people to faith? 2. When you hear the word “allegiance,” what comes to mind? How is allegiance different from preference or opinion? 3. Why does Luke call the Bereans “noble”? What made their response different from the Thessalonians? 4. How does the Lord's Supper function as a public declaration of allegiance to King Jesus?

Big Idea: Made new in Christ, we are all ambassadors of His reconciliation.    Must I evangelize?  1. Yes, God has made you new (v.17)  2. Yes, God Gave you a ministry (v.18-19) 3. Yes, God appeals through you (v.20-21)   Discussion Questions: 1. What stands out about what God does in reconciliation (who acts first, what He provides, what He doesn't count), and why does that matter for your confidence? 2. What is “the message of reconciliation,” especially v.21 (the great exchange)?  3. Where are you tempted to be vague/quiet about Jesus (an “ambassador with no appeal”)? What would faithful clarity and love look like this week? 4. Who is one person God has put in your life to “implore…be reconciled to God”?   

Main idea: God's people should remember and celebrate God's greatness. 1. Remember what the Lord has done 2. Rejoice in what the Lord has given 3. Rehearse the story of the Lord's Greatness Discussion Questions 1. When you look back on your own life, why do you think gratitude tends to fade even after clear answers to prayer or seasons of deliverance? 2. Where in your own life are you most tempted to interpret present circumstances without reference to God's past faithfulness? 3. What would it look like for your celebration of Christmas to be more intentionally God-centered? 4. What is one practical way you could “write it down” or mark God's faithfulness this year?

Main idea:  When God appears silent, His justice is still sure, His mercy still greater, and His final reversal is coming. 1. The Faithfulness of God and the Certainty of His Justice 2. The Difference Between Justice and Vengeance 3. The Greater Reversal and the Joy That Follows Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it important that God's faithfulness and justice are inseparable? What happens to our faith if we emphasize one without the other? 2. Sin has momentum—it travels through generations. What warning does that give us about the “small compromises” we are tempted to excuse? 3. Tim Keller's line: “Joy is not denial; it is defiance.” How does that definition reshape what Christian joy looks like in suffering? 4. What dangers arise when joy is rooted in circumstances rather than in Christ's finished work?

Main idea:  God's great reversal in Esther points to the greater reversal of the gospel: death becomes life, shame becomes honor, ruin becomes rejoicing. What was meant for death brings life What was meant for shame brings honor What was meant for ruin brings rejoicing Discussion questions 1. Do you find yourself more concerned about maintaining relational peace than speaking of Christ? Why? 2. If someone asked you how Christ reversed your life, what would you say? 3. Mordecai goes from sackcloth to royal robes. How does that picture help you understand your position in Christ? 4. God didn't erase the Persian system; He overruled it. How does this encourage you when you see broken systems today — in government, workplace, family?

Text:  Psalm 91 Big Idea: Because God Himself is our refuge, we can trust Him to protect and provide for us in every trouble. 1. The blessing of confidence: God will protect and cover you 2. The blessing of covenant: God will guard you in all your ways.  3. The blessing of comfort: God will satisfy you and show His salvation. Psalm 91 — Discussion Questions 1. What does it practically mean to “dwell in the shelter of the Most High”? How does trusting God as your refuge change how you face fear? 2. Psalm 91 says we will face real danger — yet we need not fear (vv. 5–7). How can faith reorder our fears when threats feel overwhelming? 3. How does Jesus' response to Satan (Matt. 4:5–7) help us interpret promises like vv. 11–12 without twisting them? What does true trust look like? 4. Where do you go for “refuge” besides God? What would it look like this week to run to Him first for protection, provision, and comfort?

Main idea:  God overturns human evil through His sovereign providence, the intercession of His mediator, and justice that secures His people's salvation. God's Providence Sets the Stage (6:1–14) God's Mediator Identifies with the Condemned (7:1–6) God's Justice Secures His People's Salvation (7:7–10) Discussion Questions: 1. Anxiety often comes from believing we must control everything. How does recognizing God's providence help us respond to fear or worry about circumstances beyond our control? 2. God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed or hidden. How do we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when the results of His providence are not yet visible? 3. How does Esther's courage and identification with her people point to Jesus' work as our mediator? How does seeing Christ as fully identifying with sinners deepen your understanding of the gospel?

Main idea:  Humble faith quietly advances God's purposes, while proud ambition rushes toward its own downfall. 1. Humble faith quietly advances God's purposes (v.1-8) 2. Proud ambition rushes toward its own downfall (v.9-14) Discussion questions: 1. How does Esther's strategy demonstrate wisdom, patience, and shrewdness? How is this different from deceit? 2. How might approaching God with confidence change the way we pray or make difficult decisions? 3. In your own life, where do you see joy or satisfaction anchored in things other than God? How does this make you vulnerable to frustration or sin? 4. How does reflecting on Haman's folly encourage you to examine your own motives, ambitions, or sources of satisfaction?

BIG IDEA:  Praise God with Confident joy by resting in His eternal plan, and hoping in His Steadfast love.  I. Trust in His good word (4-11) II. Rest in His eternal plan  (10-12) III. Fear God, not false saviors (13-19)    Discussion Questions:  1. When joy feels far, which truth in vv.4–9 most lifts your praise—and why? 2. What's your modern “war horse” (money, control, approval), and how will you shift that trust to the Lord this week? 3. What's one concrete way you'll practice joyful waiting (vv.20–22)—sing, give thanks, or meditate on truth—and when?

Main idea: God's providence calls His people to courageous obedience in every situation. 1. God's people lament the world's brokenness (vv. 1–4) 2. God's providence places His people in uncomfortable positions (vv. 5–11) 3. God's sovereign plan calls for faithful risk (vv. 12–14) 4. God's salvation often comes through substitutionary courage (vv. 15–17) Discussion Questions: 1. How can we recover the biblical practice of lament in our worship service, our prayers, and our relationships? 2. How does the myth of “safe Christianity” show up in modern church life? 3. When have you faced a moment where obedience to God carried personal risk? 4. How does viewing Esther as a signpost to Christ rather than merely an example change the way we read this story?

Main Idea:  Human pride and hatred pursue God's people, as darkness fills the land. When men demand respect (1–6) When leaders deceive (6–11) When darkness invades (12–15) Discussion Questions: 1. What risks come with standing by conviction in a culture that rewards compliance? 2. Why does Scripture urge us to pray for our leaders—even when they are ungodly? 3. In what ways are we experiencing God's patience right now? 4. How do distraction, indifference, or apathy serve Satan's purposes just as effectively as open rebellion? Where do you notice this kind of spiritual dullness creeping into your own walk with God?

Main Idea:  God sovereignly works behind the scenes to position His people for His saving purposes, even in a world that seems ruled by chance. God's Providence in human decisions (1-11) God's Power in human deification (12-18) God's Preparation in human deception (19-23) Discussion Questions: 1. How can we cultivate relationships where “faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6) rather than only surrounding ourselves with affirming voices? 2. How do you see believers today facing similar tension between two worlds—faithful to God while navigating secular culture? 3. Why is it comforting—or perhaps uncomfortable—to realize that God can use sinful people and unjust systems to accomplish His purposes? 4. How can the truth that “God's grace is greater than our sin” change the way we respond to personal failure or the failures of others in the church?

Main idea: God's providence is quietly at work even when human pride and power seem to rule the day. The Narcissist King The Noncompliant Queen The Nonsensical Advisors Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think worldly glory fades so quickly? What does Scripture teach about the things that truly endure? (See 1 Peter 1:24–25, Matthew 6:19–21.) 2. How can resting in God's sovereignty make you a more humble and secure leader, parent, or friend? 3. What encouragement can we draw from knowing that “God's providence is not limited to the obedience of people”? 4. Pastor Jeff said, “The harder we try to secure life apart from God, the more fragile and anxious we become.” How have you seen this truth play out personally? How does unbelief lie at the root of our need to control others or outcomes?

Psalm 23 - Worship our Great Shepherd Guest Preacher - Ben Spector from South Hill Baptist Church

Acts 16 Big Idea: God saves whom He wills, when He wills—through the proclamation of His people.” 1. The Spirit summons and sends (1-15) 2. The Son saves and secures (16-40)   Discussion question:  1. When has God closed a door in your life to lead you somewhere better? What should you do if you don't know if he has changed your plans? 2. How can parents and grandparents play a key role in passing on faith like with Timothy? 3. What do Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer show us about the gospel's reach? 4. How can we worship God when facing suffering like Paul and Silas? 5. If God is the one who opens hearts, how should that change the way we share the gospel?    

Acts 15:22-41 Big Idea: God provides His word and His people so the church will agree on what to do and who should do it.  1. Embrace God's word–it brings peace. (22-35) 2. Lean into conflict–it will strengthen the church (36-41)     Discussion Questions  1. What do we learn about how the early church made decisions from the letter sent in Acts 15:22–29? 2. How do God's Word, God's Spirit, and God's people work together in discerning His will? 3. Why do you think Luke tells us about the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (vv. 36–39)?  4. What's the difference between unity and uniformity? How does this passage illustrate that? 5. Where are you tempted to avoid conflict in your life, and how might God use His Word and His people to help you face it faithfully?

Main idea:  The gospel is not Jesus plus something—it is grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone. The Danger of a Distorted Gospel—v.1-5 The Encouragement of a Clear Gospel—v.6-11 The Grace of a Shared Gospel—v.12-21 Discussion Questions: 1. How can you tell the difference between faithful obedience to Christ and slipping into legalism? 2. If grace saves us, what role does the law play in the Christian life today? 3. Where are you tempted to add to the gospel in your own life—whether through spiritual performance, cultural expectations, or personal convictions? 4. How might our church better display the humility, love, and unity that flow from the shared gospel of grace?

Main Idea:  The gospel does not advance in comfort, but through costly obedience. 1. Courageous Preaching and Mistreatment (v.1–7) 2. Confirmed Power and Misplaced worship (v.8–18) 3. Constant Perseverance and Making disciples (v.19–28) Discussion Questions: 1. What encouragement can we take from knowing that the gospel itself—not our eloquence—is what God uses to save people? 2. Why was Paul and Barnabas' response (tearing their clothes, emphatically refusing worship) so important? What danger would there have been if they had passively allowed it? 3. Why do you think so many Christians (especially in the West) are surprised when faith is costly? 4. How does God use trials to strengthen His church, and how can we encourage one another to endure faithfully until we see Christ?

Main idea:  The gospel divides but it also multiplies The Gospel Proclaimed (13-41) The Gospel Divides (42-45) The Gospel Advances (46-52) Discussion Questions: 1. What does Paul emphasize by retelling Israel's history before pointing to Jesus? 2. Paul ends with both a promise of forgiveness and a warning. How should we respond when we hear the gospel? 3. Why do you think opposition to the gospel is often stirred up, even when the message brings joy and life to others? 4. How can we hold on to joy in Christ when our circumstances are hard or when people resist the gospel?

The guest preacher is Bryan Winchester from Saving Grace Church in Milwaukie, OR

BIG IDEA: The Holy Spirit Makes Straight the Way to the Lord 1. Look to the Holy Spirit to Send 2. Look to the Holy Spirit to Speak   Discussion Questions  1. How should we make  significant ministry or life decisions today? How might we be tempted to skip this step? 2. What are some practical signs that apathy has set into our walk with God? How can fasting, prayer, and community help revive our zeal for Him? 3. What are some ways we can train ourselves to recognize and obey the “voice” of the Holy Spirit through Scripture and godly counsel, especially when the path ahead is confusing? 4. What are some modern “Elymas”-like influences that oppose the gospel today, and how should the church respond to such deception? 5. How does this passage challenge our tendency to elevate a few “superstars” in ministry rather than value the role of the whole body?  

Big Idea: Trust in the word of God not in the word of man 1. Pray when the word of man suppresses God's word.  (v.1-5) 2. Remember his word and wait expectantly (v.6-17) 3. Trust in the word of God, not man (v.18-24)  Discussion Questions:  1. It is likely the early church prayed before James was executed, yet he was still killed. How might we avoid hopelessness in our prayer in the face of disappointment? 2. Rhoda believes; the prayer meeting doubts. Why is it sometimes hardest to recognize God's intervention when we're in the middle of pleading for it?  3. What practical indicators help us discern when we're seeking God's glory versus our own? How can we cultivate humility that resists the subtle pull of self-exaltation? 4. Where have you seen God advance His gospel despite opposition—globally, locally, or personally? In light of that track record, what specific step of faith or obedience is He calling you to take this week?

Big Idea: God's grace grants life, gives time, and gathers generosity.  God's grace grants life (1-18) God's grace gifts time (19-26) God's grace gathers generosity (27-30) Discussion questions  1. How has God personally shown His generosity to you—whether in creation, the Word, salvation, or the church—and how does that shape your worship and life.  2. Peter said, “Who was I that I could stand in God's way?” (Acts 11:17). Have there been times when your assumptions or traditions got in the way of sharing God's grace with others? 3. In what ways can you, like Barnabas and Saul, give the gift of time to help others grow in faith? Who has done that for you? 4. What needs—spiritual, physical, or emotional—do you see around you, and how can you take part in “seeing needs and meeting them” as the Antioch church did?

Main idea:  Our prejudices will not stop an unstoppable Gospel from going to all people 1. The Setup: God's Sovereign Initiative 2. The Encounter: Gospel proclaimed without prejudice 3. The Implication: The church must GO to all people  Discussion Questions: 1. What does Peter's vision reveal about God's attitude toward Gentiles and the future of the gospel? 2. Why is it significant that Peter was hungry during the vision? 3. How might we today, like Peter, “bundle up whole groups of people” into the metaphorical unclean sheet? 4. When was the last time you intentionally shared a meal or had a meaningful gospel conversation with someone different from you culturally, politically, or economically?

Main idea: Walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit brings Gospel growth. 1. The Persecution of Saul 2. The Ministry of Peter

Main idea: God sovereignly sets the assignment for his servants God confounds Saul God calls Ananias God converts Saul Discussion Questions: 1. Saul was passionate, disciplined, and sincere—but still wrong. How can we guard ourselves from sincerely following the wrong path? 2. What does this story teach us about God's sovereignty and His right to interrupt our lives? 3. “Man is God's method.” How does this statement challenge our thinking about how God spreads the gospel?

Big Idea: Opposition scatters seeds to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.    1.  (1-25) Seeds scattered: The good news is scattered through spirit filled proclamation 2. (26-40) Seeds Sprouted: Personal ministry in the word bears fruit   Discussion Questions:  1.How does Saul's attempt to stamp out the church (8:1-4) end up amplifying the gospel, and where do we see a similar dynamic today? 2.Compare Philip's Spirit-empowered ministry with Simon's magic (8:5-13, 18-24). How can we discern and guard against bad motives in our own service? 3.Why do you think God delayed the Spirit's arrival until Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritans, and what does that teach us about church unity across cultural lines? 4.Philip obeys a Spirit nudge that reaches one Ethiopian official—who then carries the gospel toward “the ends of the earth.” Where might God be nudging you to open your mouth or change your route this week?

Big Idea: When God-given means become self-exalting ends, faithful men become martyrs. 1. (6.8-15) Stephen accused: You want to destroy the temple and change the law 2. (7:1-53) Stephen's defense: God is never confined, you resist his spirit  3. (7:54-60) Stephen's Sentence: Public Stoning in false Zeal because of true testimony Discussion Questions: 1. What practices or “good things” in our church life today are in danger of slipping from means to ends, and how can we guard against that shift? 2. Stephen charges the council with always resisting the Spirit (7:51). What are practical signs that we might be resisting the Spirit's leading in our own lives? 3. Saul watched Stephen die and later became Paul. How does this long-range impact of Stephen's witness encourage us when our own faithfulness seems fruitless or costly? Share examples where perseverance eventually bore unexpected fruit.

Main idea: A rightly ordered church will preserve unity and foster growth. 1. Growing churches will have conflict 2. Growing churches will have opportunities to serve 3. Growing church will have leaders who lead Discussion Questions: 1.What are the dangers of assuming motives versus stating facts in church conflict? 2. How can you personally contribute to the unity of the church? 3. How can we practically protect and prioritize the preaching of the Word and prayer? 4. Why is Christ's sacrificial death the ultimate motivation for serving others?

Main idea: Obeying God will result in more persecution but always ends in joy. 1. Obeying God instead of men will result in envy 2. Obeying God instead of men might result in death 3. Obeying God instead of men will result in persecution Discussion Questions: 1. What does it mean to obey God rather than men in your current context (work, school, family, etc.)? 2. Why is it significant that Peter mentions both repentance and forgiveness of sins as gifts given by the exalted Jesus? 3. What might it look like for a Christian today to obey God rather than men—especially when there's real cost involved? 4. When persecution or opposition arises, is your natural response fear, silence, compromise—or joy?

Main idea: True unity in the Spirit results in a true reputation 1. Barnabas—Son of encouragement 2. Ananias and Sapphira—Children of Hypocrisy Discussion Questions: 1. What do we learn about Barnabas in this passage? 2. What parallels can we draw between the early church's practices and how we can pursue unity in the church today? 3. What was the real sin of Ananias and Sapphira? 4. The sermon pointed out that the real marvel in this story is not just God's judgment but also His mercy to us in Christ. How does the gospel give us hope, even in the face of our own sin?

Big Idea: Faith fuels boldness by the Spirit to proclaim the name of Jesus. 1. (v.1-4)The Spirit gives boldness… in the face of opposition 2. (v. 5-22)The Spirit gives boldness… no matter your station 3 (v.23-31) The Spirt gives boldness to…pray for more boldness  Discussion Questions 1. How have you seen God use opposition in your own life—to advance the gospel? 2. Why is the exclusivity of Jesus still a stumbling block today, and how can we communicate this truth with both conviction and compassion? 3. Where do you feel least qualified to speak about Christ, and how does the Spirit's filling (4:8, 31) reshape that sense of inadequacy? 4. What might change in our prayers—and our expectations—if we prioritized bold witness over comfort or security?

Big Idea: The name of Jesus brings healing, truth, and salvation. 1. The name of Jesus brings healing for the broken (v.1-10) 2. The name of Jesus brings truth for the ignorant (v.11-18) 3. The name of Jesus brings salvation and refreshment (v.19-26) Discussion Questions: 1. What does it mean to act or pray “in the name of Jesus”? 2. How does the healing of the lame man demonstrate the gospel message—not just physically but spiritually? 3. Peter confronts the people's ignorance and calls them to repentance (vv. 17–19). Why is willful ignorance so dangerous? 4. What kind of “refreshing” does repentance bring (v. 20)?

Main idea: A healthy church loves teaching, fellowship, communion, and praying together. A healthy church loves teaching A healthy church loves fellowship A healthy church loves communion A healthy church loves praying together Discussion Questions: 1. What does the repeated phrase “the word of God increased and multiplied” suggest about how the church grows? 2. How does the biblical definition of fellowship (koinonia) differ from how we often use the word today? 3. Why is it important for the church to be intentional about meeting together for meals in homes, not just for formal gatherings? 4. Why is praying with and for others in your local church essential to spiritual unity and growth?

Main idea: The coming of the Holy Spirit brings together a people through the power of preaching. The Coming of the Holy Spirit The Preaching powered by the Holy Spirit The Repentance because of the Holy Spirit Discussion Questions: 1. What does this passage teach us about God's heart for the nations and the global mission of the church? 2. What does it mean to “call upon the name of the Lord”? How would you explain that to someone unfamiliar with Christian faith? 3. Why is it important for us to understand that Jesus' death was not a mistake or miscalculation? 4. What is the difference between repentance, regret, and remorse? How can we know if we've truly repented?

Main idea:  Man is God's method to reach the world.  The Classroom of God - v.1-11 The 12th Man - v.12-26 Discussion Questions: 1. What is the significance of the name “Theophilus”? How might it shape how we read Luke and Acts? 2. What does it mean that “man is God's method” for spreading the Gospel? How should that impact how we live? 3. What comfort should we draw from knowing Jesus is our High Priest who intercedes for us right now? 4. In your own life, can you share a time when God asked you to wait? How did it shape your faith? 5. Why do we no longer cast lots to know God's will? How can believers seek God's guidance today?

Main idea: Resurrection morning gives us a new relationship of peace with God through belief in Jesus Christ. A New Morning vv. 1-10 A New Relationship vv. 11-18 A New Peace vv. 19-23 A New Belief vv. 24-31 Discussion questions: 1.How would you explain the significance of the resurrection to someone who has never heard the story before? 2. What does it mean to you personally that you can call God your Father in the same way Jesus does? 3. What does this say about how Jesus pursues us in our fear or doubt? 4. What comfort does it bring to know that Jesus sees and understands us even in our doubts and questions?

Main idea: The king has come! Hope in Him for salvation, peace, and victory. I. The palms and sure salvation (v. 12-14) II. The donkey and a kingdom of peace (v. 14-15) III. The followers and Christ's complete victory Discussion Questions: 1. Read Zechariah 9:9. What does this prophecy teach us about the nature of Jesus' kingship? 2. What “kings” (or ruling desires) compete with Jesus for authority in your life? 3. How is Jesus' idea of victory different from the world's? How does this challenge your expectations of what God “should” do in your life? 4. Many in the crowd followed Jesus because of the miracle with Lazarus (v.17–18). What's the danger in having a faith based only on signs and experiences? 5. Are there areas in your life where you've waved a palm branch but not surrendered the throne?

Main idea: God's sovereignty is not without God's mercy Habakkuk's reverence in humility Habakkuk's rest in the power of God Habakkuk's rejoicing in God's sovereignty  Discussion Questions: -How does focusing on God's character rather than our circumstances help reshape our response to suffering or injustice? -Are you more troubled by the sins of the world or the sins of the church—and why? -Why is it important for faith to be rooted in God's historical acts rather than our feelings or current circumstances? -What specific ways can you practice remembering God's faithfulness this week?

Main idea: God's lateness is not God's negligence. 1. Habakkuk's response 2. God's answer Discussion Questions 1. Habakkuk initially questions God's justice, assuming Judah is more righteous than Babylon. How does Romans 3:10–12 challenge this assumption? 2. Why is it important to bring our questions and doubts to God rather than relying solely on friends, social media, or our own reasoning? 3. What does it mean to “live by faith” as stated in Habakkuk 2:4? How is this relevant to our lives today? 4. Habakkuk chose to stand as a watchman and wait for God's response. How can we position ourselves to hear from God in seasons of waiting?

Main idea: God's silence is not God's absence 1. Habakkuk's urgent complaint 2. God's unique answer Discussion Questions: 1. What are some examples of oppression and injustice in our world today that might provoke a similar lament? 2. Why do you think God chose to use the Babylonians, a wicked nation, as His instrument of judgment? 3. How does the story of Joseph relate to Habakkuk's struggle with God's justice? 4. What might change in your prayers this week after reflecting on Habakkuk's prayer?

Text: Hebrews 12:18-29 Big Idea: The blood of Jesus grants us the opportunity to gratefully worship our God. 1. Mount Sinai will kill you: the blood of Jesus moves you to Mount Zion (v.18-24) 2. Listen to God's voice: the things of this earth will pass away (v.25-27) 3. You have received a kingdom by grace: offer grateful service (v.28-29) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. How does the imagery of Mount Sinai (fear, judgment, distance) compare to that of Mount Zion (grace, joy, access to God)? 2. Hebrews 12:25 warns, “See that you do not refuse him who is speaking.” What are some ways that you might be refusing to listen to God's voice? 3. What are some “shakable” things in our lives that we are tempted to cling to(vv. 26-27)? 4. Verse 28 calls us to grateful worship because we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. How does gratitude shape the way we approach worship, obedience, and daily life? 5. Verse 24 says that Jesus' blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. What does this mean? How does Christ's sacrifice change our standing before God?

Big idea: Endure the race by faith. 1. Look to Jesus as you run the race (v.1-3)   2. Endure God's Discipline for your good (v. 4-11) 3. Strive for peace with others and for holiness (v.12-17)  

Audio does not come in till 6:00 Main idea: The law won't save you, only faith in God saves. The law won't save you (13-15) Only faith in God saves (16-17) Abraham as an example (18-25) Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it significant that the law was given long after the promise to Abraham? 2. What does it mean for salvation to “rest on grace,” and why is this important in Paul's argument? 3. What does it mean to be spiritually dead, and how does one receive spiritual life? 4. How did Abraham's deep reflection on God's nature strengthen his faith? How can we do the same in our own lives?