Fork Christian Church

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. What is the personality type that annoys you the most? (Millennial Hipster, Judgmental Baby Boomer, Gothic New Ager, Artsy Creative Type, Extroverted Salesperson, Indecisive Introvert, Overtly Wealthy Person, Poor Begger, etc.)2. How does it feel to know that someone just specifically described you in question #1? If that person never met you, how would you want them to treat you?3. Read James 1:26-2:13. What stands out to you?4. James calls us out to not commit the sin of partiality/favoritism. What are some practical ways we may knowingly and not knowingly do this to people in our own life?5. Perhaps the main problem with the sin of partiality/favoritism is a lack of understanding of the mercy that we have been given. Write down on a piece of paper your answer to the question, "What do I deserve?" Now read, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23. Based on our sin, what do we deserve? Does that match our previous answer? How would seeing God's unmerited favor on your life change how you show partiality/favoritism to others? Spend some time in prayer asking for God to forgive and to show where we need to grow.

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. What is something that stood out to you about this week's message?2. Read James 1:19. James tells us to be quick to listen and slow tospeak. Have you had situations where you did the opposite—slow to listen, quick to speak? What do you think is the problem with that?3. Read James 1:23-24. Do you really think it's foolish to hear God's word without putting it into action? Why or why not?4. Read James 1:26-27. Why do you think James defines “religion” the way that he does?5. Practice being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. If you follow that instruction, how will putting your faith into action look different this week?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. Have you ever been in a trial or in a season of suffering that made you question, “Where are you God?” Ever felt like all happiness and joy was just zapped out of your life? Briefly share what happened.2. How would you define joy? Give an example of what you think of when you think of being full of joy and the opposite of joy.3. Read James 1:1-4, 12. Look for Purpose, Promises, Perspective in Pain. What stood out to you? Do you think joy is possible in pain? Why or why not?4. C.S Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Do you believe that statement it true? Why would this possibly bring joy even in our pain?5. Read Hebrews 12:1-3. How would fixing your eyes on Jesus, focusing on purpose, promises, and perspective change how you are feeling in your trials right now or in the future? Spend some time praying for one another and whatever trials they are going through.

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. How many super close friends do you have? Share one or two ways that having close friends has impacted your life. How would your life have been different if those friends never be-friended you?2. Post-COVID statistics have pointed to extreme isolation for many. Genesis 2:18 says, "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” This passage is talking about something even deeper than marriage. Do you believe it is not good for you to be alone? Why or why not?3. Read Acts 2:42-47. Share an example of how this early church is similar to what you have experienced within Fork Christian Church and your small group. How would you personally and your group as a whole have to change in order to be more like this example of the church in Acts 2?4. One of the powerful words in the passage of Acts 2:42-47 is that "each day the Lord added to their fellowship." Are you willing to "Personally Include" new people into your group? Are you willing to multiply your group in order to make room to "Personally Include" new people? Are you willing to "Personally Include" new people into your friend circle?5. In this Just One series we have been challenged to prayerfully consider, thoughtfully invite, and now personally include Just One. How has that gone? Share with one another the one that you are reaching out to, how it went, or how you are planning to reach out to them in the next couple of weeks. Pray for one another.

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. Briefly share who it was and how it went the first time someone shared the gospel with you or invited you to church?2. Scale of 1-10 (10 being very comfortable and 1 being very uncomfortable) how comfortable are you in sharing the Gospel or inviting someone to church? Share how it went the last time you invited someone to church or shared the gospel with them?3. Read Acts 8:26-38. What stood out to you about this interaction? How could it serve as a model for us? (For example: Ask great questions, be a good listener, be prepared to give a reason for hope, share the gospel)4. Time to practice: Many times things are uncomfortable when we don't do it often. So let's practice. Who ever was the highest number on question 4 (and willing to participate) pair up with the lowest number (that is willing to participate). Highest number pretend you are a Christian work friend with the lowest number pretending to be an unbeliever but open to the conversation. Engage with each other as if you were meeting for lunch. The rest of the group, evaluate what went well and what you think would help it be better. Feel free to take turns so all can practice that want to. 5. Who is the Just One you feel led to invite to a meal or coffee to begin the process of asking great questions, being a good listener, being ready to give hope and share the gospel? Spend some time praying over this individual and how the conversation will go.*need help in learning how to share the gospel? Click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/share-the-gospel.html

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. Does showing mercy come naturally to you? Why or Why not? What life experiences or life choices have shaped your answer?2. Have you ever been shown a lack of mercy? What was your response?3. How have you either intentionally or unintentionally withheld mercy from someone else? (Challenge: Go to them and apologize!)4. Read Luke 10:25-37. Are there currently people you intentionally withhold mercy from? How can you move from being one who passes by on the other side to being one who actually shows mercy?5. How can the world be a better place if we choose to show mercy in our homes, at our work, in our schools, with our friends and with strangers?6. Read Ephesians 2:1-6 and Titus 3:3-7. How has receiving and recognizing God's mercy in your life changed you? What are some ways that you can reflect Jesus' mercy more clearly?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. Have you ever fallen head over heels in love? Ever fallen out of love? What were some of the common reasons why you fell in love, or why you no longer remained in love?2. Why do you believe that yourself or others fall out of love with Jesus?3. Read Jeremiah 2:2,5,13. Many times people consider God in the Old Testament as unloving and judgmental. What do these passages express about the desires of God? 4. In this Red Letters series, we have been highlighting the characteristics of Jesus, and how it looks to be Christ-like in our words and actions. Read Rev. 2:2-5. What happened in these passages, and what can we learn about a relationship with Jesus?5. Have you recently fallen away from your "first love" feelings and actions toward Jesus? What do you do that stirs your affections for Jesus? What do you do that robs your affections for Jesus? What can you do this week to get back to your first love feelings and actions with Jesus?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. How busy are you on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest amount)?2. Which of these following statistics do you identify most with?75% of Parents are too busy to read to children (if you have any).33% of American adults claim to live with extreme stress.50% of American adults often lie awake due to stress.121 emails per day is the average amount of emails for an American office worker.Americans check their phone once every 12 minutes on average, or over 80 times a day, for a total of 5 hours a day.12% claim to have no close friends, and are too busy to invest in pursuing them.3. Read Mark 5:21-41. How was Jesus busy, yet, "interrupted?" How did he respond?4. Jesus lived a life on a constant journey from town to town. He was very busy. Yet, during his day-to-day travel, he was frequently interrupted by people in need. Time after time, Jesus stopped and loved whoever was in his path. For Jesus, every "disruption" was seen as "destiny." What would it look like for you to see people in your path as destiny and not a disruption?5. Is there someone right now you had originally seen as a disruption that you now see as destiny? How could God be using you to impact their life?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. Do you consider yourself more spontaneous or more intentional in life? Why do you think that is?2. Do you think Jesus was more spontaneous or more intentional in His life? Why do you think that is?3. In this Red Letter series, we learned how one of the character traits so powerful about Jesus is that he is intentional. Read John 4:1-26, 39-42. What is one thing that stood out to you in this story?4. Jesus amazingly showed a great intentional evangelistic plan. He intentionally:Sought- Went out of His way (Samarian woman)Shared Similarities- Found common ground (water)Shown Sin- Called out (many husbands/adultery)Shared Salvation- The Gospel (I am the Messiah)Have you ever intentionally shared the Gospel with someone like Jesus? If so, how did it go? If not, what has stopped you?5. Who (individual or group of people) has God placed in your life that you have been intentionally ignoring vs. intentionally engaging? What would it look like for you to live intentionally like Jesus, and go out of your way to engage, find common ground, share truth in love, and ultimately share the hope you have found in Jesus? Are you willing to live intentionally like Jesus?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1. First, say the first name of someone you personally know that is not currently a Christian. Next, what would you think they would say if you asked them, "Why do you believe you exist?" Try to be as specific as possible. How would they respond if you followed up with a question, "What if there was something even more that you are here for?"2. In the message, we saw the illustration of the rope and the tape as a perspective of the timeline of your existence. How did that illustration make you feel about what you are focused on? 3. In this Red Letter series, we learned how one of the character traits so powerful about Jesus is that he is invitational. Read, Matthew 4:18-20. For Peter (Simon) and his brother Andrew, how did this invitation "to something more" change their life?4. The invitation in Matthew 4:19 was to, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." This was a three-part wholistic invitation involving our head, heart, and hands.a. Head. We all have a choice to make in "Follow me." This is a head choice to who we are following. Are you choosing to follow Jesus? If so, how? If not, why not?b. Heart. When we choose to follow Jesus, he promises to change our hearts. (Ezekiel 36:26) If you have chosen to follow Jesus, how has your heart been changed by God?c. Hands. When we choose to follow Jesus, he changes our hearts. When our hearts are changed, it changes our actions (hands) in being "fishers of men." A great way to see if you are following Jesus and being changed by Jesus is to see if you are helping others to Jesus. Who are you walking with to help them know and follow Jesus?5. Read Matthew 28:18-20. What is this an invitation to do? Who is one person you love in your life that God is leading you to "Go...Make...Baptize... and Teach?"

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) What are your top character/personality traits? (ie. honesty, adaptiveness, drivenness, determination, persistence, compassion, empathy, patience, courage, etc.) Go here for a list of examples: https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-personality-traits.html 2) What/who do you believe has most influenced those behavior traits?3) Read John 3:16. What is the power of belief in this passage? Read John 14:12. What is the power of belief in this passage? Why do you believe we have memorized John 3:16 but not John 14:12? How should this type of belief change your behavior (works)?4) In this Red Letters series we are highlighting the characteristics of Jesus, and how it looks to be Christ-like in our words and actions. These first characteristics we are highlighting are the approachability, availability, and awareness of Jesus. Read Matthew 19:13-15 and share your thoughts on how Jesus showed these characteristics.5) What, specifically, would change if you were willing to be like Christ in being approachable, available, and aware of the overlooked and forgotten people around you? Who is one person you need to make yourself (more) available for to love and bless?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) Do you ever experience any of these: Stress, Worry, Fear, Uneasiness, Nervousness, Apprehension, Dread, Doubt, Despair, or Hopelessness? In what ways do they rob you of life?2) Read Psalm 139:23-24. If you were to allow God to search you, what would he uncover? What is it that causes you such unrest? What is it that robs you of your peace?3) Read Luke 12:22-29. In the teaching, it was said, “Worry left unchecked will lead to anxiety.” Have you found that to be true in your own life, or in the lives of your loved ones? If so, how?4) Read Mark 4:1-2, 35-41. In the teaching, it was said that, “Fear left unchecked will lead to anxiety.” Have you found that to be true in your own life, or in the lives of your loved ones? If so, how?5) Read Philippians 4:6-7. If you want to experience true life in Christ, you need to “Recognize the Irrational” and “Focus on the Relational”. What are some ways you can do these things as you choose Peace NOT Anxiety?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) What is the best example of unity you have seen in your family, church, or community?2) What is the best example of division you have seen in your family, church, or community?3) Read John 17:20-21. Why did Jesus want us (the Church) to be one?4) Bryan shared an example using towels to illustrate the power of love in serving others, even those who disagree with you. What is a powerful way you have served others, or how others have served you?5) If the beginning of unity starts with humility, who is one person you are committing to humbly serve this week? Have you considered serving at FCC? To sign up to serve, go to: www.forkchristian.org/serve

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) How much would this world change if everyone lived contently with what they had and there was no longer greed in the world?2) How much money do you think you would need in order to be content? How much money do you need to have to start living generously?3) Read Philippians 4:10-13. What would change in your life if you actually lived as if you were content with what you had?4) How can you relate to Stephanie's story of having to learn how to be content? 5) Read Hebrews 13:5-6. How does knowing Jesus will "never leave you nor forsake you" change how you view your circumstances and desires? What is one thing this week with which you can choose to live open-handed? What do you need to let go of in order to learn how to live with contentment in Christ?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) Have you ever realized, “I can't quit doing this? What is one habit you have had the most difficult time breaking?2) If you have ever beaten a habit or if you could beat your habit, what would it do for you? How would it change things for you?3) Read John 8:34. What was Jesus meaning when he talked about being a slave to sin? Have you ever felt that way?4) How can you relate to Bryan's story of his Buddy Brad? 5) Rick Warren said, “If you're losing the battle against a persistent bad habit, an addiction, or a temptation, and you're stuck in a repeating cycle of good intention-failure- guilt, you will not get better on your own! You need the help of other people. Some temptations are only overcome with the help of a partner who prays for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable.” Are you someone who needs help overcoming a struggle? Are you able and willing to help others?*If you or someone you know is needing additional counseling, Pastor Bryan is open to meeting with you. In addition, for professional help, Fork has partnered with True Life Discipleship Counseling, you can reach out to them for help at: https://onetruelife.org/ **if you or someone in the group is considering suicide please immediately call 1-800-273-8255

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) Have you ever asked, “What's the point?” Maybe you have asked, “Why God?” Share a little about these moments where nothing seemed to make sense at the time.2) Have you ever looked back over time and seen that there was a purpose behind the situation/person all along? Was there something God provided or accomplished despite or through the situation that seemed to have a purpose after all.3) Bryan shared the story of when Jesus had his closest friend abandon him when he was arrested. Can you imagine what they must have been thinking throughout the crucifixion? Have you ever been tempted to walk away from Jesus when things didn't go as planned?4) How can you relate to Bryan's testimony? Do you believe that God can also redeem your most difficult circumstances?5) How can choosing to see purpose and not pointlessness change the way we behave as Christians and as a Church? Specifically, what would it look like for you to actually see your talents and your testimony with a purpose to go and help everyone find and follow Jesus? Share one way you will see your life with purpose this week and how it will change what you do.

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) How can consciously recognizing and admitting where you have blown it, made a mistake, or messed up help you to choose grace not judgment when dealing with others?2) How can choosing judgment not grace intentionally or unintentionally rob others of their best life? How can it rob us of our best life? 3) Read Romans 3:21-24. Does knowing that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins cause you to see other's sins differently? If so, how? 4) Do you remember when you opposed faith or people of faith? Or when there was a time when you couldn't or didn't accept all that Jesus had done for you? Do you show people in a similar situation the same grace you were shown or wish you had been shown? What are examples of ways that you can do better at that?5) When we live like justice is ours, we can easily start thinking that judgment is also ours. Do you find it easy to criticize another's actions, attitudes, posts on social media, political opinions, and personal choices? Read Matthew 7:2-5. What does Jesus have to say about the way we view the faults of others. 6) When we insist on judgment, it can prohibit the person we are judging the opportunity to experience the grace of Jesus that could be and should be exhibited through us. Do you agree? Why? How can we fix that?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.1) Our choices can help others live their best life or they can intentionally or unintentionally rob others of their life. Do those words cause you to want to make life choices more carefully? If so, why?2) Proverbs 18:21 says “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” How have you seen that played out in your own life or in the lives of those around you? 3) Read Ephesians 4:29. (Use 2 or 3 different Bible versions.) What “Speech” lessons is Paul teaching us here? What are some areas in your life that need improvement?4) When it comes to the words you say, post, text, tweet, snap, or display on your hats, clothes, cars and coffee mugs…Do you choose words that encourage, benefit, help and uplift those you speak to, speak about and those who happen to overhear you? What happens when your words do the opposite?5) In the teaching it was said that if we want to “Choose encouragement and Not Gossip”, we need to listen more and talk less even when talking to those we disagree strongly with… Even those on the other side of the political fence or who hold views different than ours on hot button topics. Why is this so important?6) We are all tempted to talk negatively or critically to people or talk that way about them to another. What are some reasons we should stop and pray for them before we speak?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Ephesians 2:1-101) If there was a song to describe your life, what is it and why?2) What does Ephesians 2:1-10 teach us about God's character?3) In Ephesians, Paul, speaks to both Jews and Gentiles using a collective “ya'll”. How does it change your understanding of this text from personal responsibility to communal responsibility?4) Paul acknowledges that we were bound for death, but God made us alive. We have all experienced but God moments in our life. Take time to reflect and share a but God moment with your group?5) Theologian Christopher Wright notes, “It is not so much the case that God has a mission for his church in the world, as that God has a church for his mission in the world. Mission was not made for the church; the church was made for mission – God's mission”What do you sense the Lord is already doing in your community?How can you and/or your small group join God in what he is already doing in your community?What would this work require from you as an individual? What would this work require from your family?What are some challenges to saying yes to the good work God has prepared for the church to do?What are some opportunities to saying yes to the good work God has prepared for the church to do?Why is unity essential for God's mission?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Luke 12:13-21Read Philippians 4:6-131) How do you define contentment? Based on your definition, how content are you?2) Paul says he has learned to be content in all circumstances. What circumstances do you struggle to be content in or content with?3) Contentment does not mean that we never desire better things or different circumstances or easier situations. What are some of the negative outcomes in our attitudes or our actions that result from us having a lack of contentment.4) Paul says we should worry about nothing and pray about everything. (Phil 4:6-7). How are those 2 ideas connected? 5) Read Philippians 4:8. Why should we think this way? What happens when we don't?6) Our joy is not dependent on what others have or on what we wish we had, but by learning to be content with the life and things we do have. What are some practical steps you can take to experience joy in contentment?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Fun question: What do you want to be when you grow up? Read Philippians 3:12 - 4:11. Do you have uncertainty about your future? When you think about it, what thoughts, feelings or emotions do you experience?2. In the past, have you ever considered your purpose in life? What did you think it was? 3. In the teaching it was said that staying true to the Lord should be our purpose and no matter what our future holds that we can find Joy in that Purpose. How would you describe or define staying true to the Lord in the life of a believer? How does that line up with your life? What needs to change?4. In the teaching there were 4 life journey realizations of Paul's.I'm not perfect. But Jesus is.I'm far from the goal. But I'm still going for it.I haven't arrived. But I will.I don't know my future. But I know my purpose.Can you relate to any of these? Do they provide assurance for you in your journey?5. Read Philippians 3:17. Can you say to others that when it comes to staying true to the Lord to follow your example or to pattern their lives after yours? Take a moment and ask God to show you how you can do that.

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Philippians 3:1-111. The Apostle Paul would tell us that true Joy comes from knowing Jesus. What are some things that you have chased after or done that may have given you momentary pleasure but did not bring lasting joy?2. What are some things that fellow Christians have done to distract you from finding Joy in knowing Jesus?3. How do you best know Jesus best: Intellectually, Emotionally, Theologically, Theoretically or through personal experience? Explain.4. Read Matthew 13:44. How does this parable show us the value of knowing Jesus?5. Are there things that you value more than Jesus? Things that you have pursued, accomplished, or only dreamed of accomplishing? What are they? How can you place knowing Jesus above them?6. Do you crave an every day, doing whatever it takes, in-it-all-the-way knowledge of Christ Jesus? Take a moment and pray that God would fill you with that desire.

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Philippians 2 (Whole Chapter)1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this weeks message? 2. What causes the church to not be united? 3. What can we do to prevent/address/solve that? 4. What is it about grumbling and complaining that makes it impossible for a person to be innocent? 5. Why do you think it's so important that our attitudes match our actions? 6. What does it mean for a Christian to walk worthy of the gospel of Christ, and how can we practically live out this reality this week?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Philippians 4:4-5 & Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter)1) Have you ever known someone who lives intentionally and joyfully regardless of their circumstances? What it is about them that you can model in your own life?2) Paul reminds us that a willful decision to live a life of joy is not merely a suggestion, rather that for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, choosing to live a life of Joy is the standard. How are you doing at choosing to live a life of joy?3) We live in times that are not exactly conducive to joy. What are some things that distract you from or rob you of your joy? Paul not only chose joy but encouraged believers to live a life of joy while he was chained to a Roman guard. In what ways does that inspire or motivate you to choose a life of joy?4) Who could you impact and how they would be impacted if you chose to have joy in your journey?5) It's been said that our passions follow our plans. What things about this life do you get excited for? Do you get excited about living a life of Joy? Do you get excited about a life journeying with Jesus? Do you get excited about an eternity with him?SONGS THIS WEEKHouse Of The Lord - Vertical WorshipMy Testimony - Elevation WorshipChrist and Christ Crucified - Lindy CoferTurn Your Eyes - Sovereign Grace Music

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Acts 4:32-351) Have the failures of the church ever tempted you to discount it, disrespect it, or disregard it? Does knowing that Jesus died for her (the church) cause you to see her differently?2) How would you respond to someone who says they love Jesus but want nothing to do with his church?3) How does recognizing that Christians are supposed to be an assembly of believers and not just a building full of believers change the way we should impact our schools, workplaces, and our communities?4) Read Acts 4:32-35. How does the church that you are a part of today look like this description of the early church? What are some things it can improve on?5) At Fork Christian we often say that we are just a bunch of imperfect people chasing after a perfect God. Does knowing that the early church was full of imperfections encourage you in your pursuit of Jesus or discourage you? Why?6) Regarding relationships, there are 59 commands of how to treat “One another” in the New Testament. In the teaching, we were encouraged to “Out one another one another”. How would our relationships with friends, family, co-workers, and fellow Christians be changed if we would do that?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 23:26-34, John 8:1-111) Why was the fact that Jesus led a perfect life important for our salvation?2) Have you ever gotten in trouble or punished for something someone else did? What was that like? How does it feel knowing that this is what Jesus did for you on the cross?3) Read Matthew 28:1-10. Does the love demonstrated by the resurrection compel you to love the world? If so, how?4) In the teaching we were told “Jesus did not expect those who had not encountered his love to behave like those who had encountered his love.” Are you ever guilty of expecting non Christians (or new Christians) to act like Jesus? How did Jesus respond to the woman caught in the act of adultery? (See John 8:1-11). What lessons can we learn from that?5) In the teaching we learned that “Jesus did not expect people to change their life before they experienced his love.” Have you ever thought that someone else was not good enough to become a Christian? Did you ever feel like you needed to get “cleaned up” before coming to Jesus?6) Read Luke 23:26-34. In the teaching we were told that “Jesus loved the world even when there was no love for him in return.” How does knowing that this is how Jesus loves you help you to love others who don't love you back? What are some practical ways we can do that?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read 1 Peter 1:18-22, 1 Corinthians 13:1-71) Why is the death, burial and resurrection the most significant event in all of human history?2) How does Jesus' act of love change how we love? How does it change how we love our family?3) In the teaching it was stated, “Jesus has not called us to model our families based off of the imperfect examples we see, rather he has called us to love our families based off of his perfect love for us.” How do those words impact, influence or affect how you see your role in loving your family?4) Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. What are some ways that your family would say that you are doing well in loving them? What are some areas where there is room for improvement?5) How well do your family's priorities align with God's priorities? If yes, what does that look like? Have they always? If they don't, what are some steps you can take to change them?6) How do you show your family that they matter? How would you like them to show you that you matter?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read John 15:18-221) We are told that because we follow Jesus, the world will hate us. How do we prepare ourselves to encounter hate and rejection in the world?2) Being hated never changed Jesus' love for all people he encountered. How can we soften our hearts towards those who will reject us and our faith? 3) When was the last time you chose to follow the crowd instead of following Jesus? What can you do to stand up for Jesus and for your faith the next time you're in that situation? 4) What do you think happens to us and to our testimony if we give in to persecution? 5) Where in your life do you see “worldliness” having the greatest impact? How can you change that?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Matthew 5:41-471) Do you have enemies? Be honest with yourself and others - for we cannot love our enemies as Christ has asked us if we cannot admit that we have enemies in the first place. Another way to ask this: If YOU were the man beaten and left for dead in the story of the Good Samaritan, who would the Samaritan be?2) IF you pray for your enemies, what kinds of things do you pray for? Are you pleased with how you pray for your enemies or is that an area that you feel you could grow in?3) In order to love our enemies our hearts must forgive. Do you think it's possible for us as people to truly forgive our enemies?4) As you read and see the “perfect example of Jesus” loving his enemies throughout scripture, are you encouraged by His actions or discouraged by your humanity?5) Jesus says “love your enemy”, not “like your enemy”...How do you explain the difference and what are some of the ways you could “love” your enemy today?6) Imagine with me for a moment that every follower of Jesus in Maryland loved their enemies “As children of their Father in Heaven” for the entirety of 2022... What differences do you imagine would exist in your state by the start 2023?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Matthew 5:27-30 & Matthew 18:7-91) What negative effects can the sins that we choose to hold onto have on our lives? What about on others, especially children and those still young in their faith?2) What are some things in your life that you have had to remove because they stood in the way of your relationship with Jesus? Was it difficult? Was it worth it?3) In the teaching it was said that the removal of the things that cause us to sin could be awkward, inconvenient, costly, or embarrassing. Can you give some examples of what that might look like? Are there ways that you personally have experienced these outcomes?4) We all know that the eye and hand and foot are not the problem and that cutting them off really won't fix anything. Where does the problem of sin actually lie? What is the remedy?5) Why is this teaching so important that Jesus thought it was worth repeating and why was the example he gave so strong?6) Every time Jesus spoke these words about removing the things that cause us to sin, he knew that one day he would die on the cross so that those sins could be forgiven. How does knowing this truth help you in your desire to overcome sin?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Matthew 18:21-351) Just for fun- Do you know your multiplication tables? When did you learn them?2) How should knowing that Jesus died for your forgiveness affect the way you forgive others? How are you allowing it to?3) Describe a situation where you felt unable to forgive. How did you move from bitterness and resentment to forgiveness?4) Why did Jesus give such an extreme command as to how many times we should forgive?5) Does forgiveness come natural for you? Or is it something you really have to work at? Has it always been this way?6) Have you prayed for the people you are having a hard time forgiving? Can you stop right now and pray for them by name?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Matthew 16:24-261) If you came from a faith tradition where you observed or practiced lent, what was that experience like? Was the practice of “Doing without” meaningful in your faith journey? If you have not observed lent, have you done any other sort of fasting or self-denial?2) As you have spent time reading the Bible, have you found that sometimes Jesus said things that were mysterious, confusing, or hard to grasp? Do you tend to dismiss them and move on, or dig in to them to see how understanding them might change your life?3) What are some ways that “Denying me is good for me”?What are some ways that “Denying me is good for others”?What are some ways that “Denying me is good for the kingdom”?4) “Taking up one's cross” doesn't mean simply putting up with an annoying roommate or having to live with noisy neighbors. What did Jesus mean by it? How does that impact the way you live?5) What did Jesus mean by his command to “Follow me”? What are some ways that we actually obey that command?6) It's been said that “Only a cause worth dying for is truly worth living for.” Is your relationship with Jesus worth living for? Is it worth dying for? How can you make it better?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read 2 Peter 3:1-181) In the first verse, Peter says he wants to stimulate the wholesome thinking and refresh the memory of his listeners. What were some of the things he wanted them to remember? Why was this so important for them? Is it still important for us?2) When was there a time in your life where you needed to be reassured that Jesus had not forgotten you?3) There are a lot of opinions about what the return of Jesus will look like. There are also opinions as to why he has not come back yet. What reason did Peter give for the Lord's delay? How should knowing the reason for His delay change how we live our lives?4) What does it mean to be ready for the Lord's return? What are some things it doesn't mean?5) Reread 2 Peter 3:11, 14, & 18. What are some ways individual believers should be living as we prepare for and await the Lord's return?6) Who is a valued guest you need to invite to the wedding?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read 2 Peter 2:1-221) Hey, How's your week going?2) In what ways do people abuse the freedom found in Jesus Christ today?3) What is the difference between a false teacher and someone who teaches something false? Why do you think the distinction is important?4) Peter closed out the chapter by referring to the proverb about a dog returning to its vomit. How could someone who has known the love of Jesus return to the unrighteousness that they once came from?5) How can we protect ourselves from the teachings of false teachers? What qualities does Peter try to remind us of? (Hint: look back to verses 5-8) Why are these qualities so important to be reminded of?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read 2 Peter 1:12-211) What qualities does Peter try to remind us of? (Hint: look back to verses 5-8) Why are these qualities so important to be reminded of?2) Why are reminders so important? Which of the things listed in verses 5-7 do you need to be reminded to live out?3) How is Jesus central to this passage?4) Read verses 19-20 again. How does what Peter says about God's Word shape how you feel about it?5) Why is what Peter says in these last verses so important to our understanding of God's Word and the role it plays in our lives?6) What are you going to do today to remind yourself of the power of God's Word to help you live the truth of Jesus?

DIG IN QUESTIONSIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read 2 Peter 1:1-13, Colossians 3:10, & Galatians 5:16-17.1) Have you ever described your faith as precious? How would you describe your faith in a sentence or two? Why was Peter's faith precious to him?2) Peter says that we have all that we need to live a Godly life. According to 2 Peter 1:3-4, what have we received that enables us to live this way?3) What are some differences between our old nature and our new nature? Read Colossians 3:10 & Galatians 5:16-17.4) According to 2 Peter 1:5-7, what should our response to God's promises be? How can we supplement our faith with these characteristics?5) In the teaching it was said, “Just because we have been given everything we need to live a godly life doesn't mean that we are using everything we have been given to live a godly life.“ Have you seen the truth of that played out in your life? How?6) How can you personally prove that you are among those that God has called and chosen (Vs 10)?

Message - People of the Great CommissionDig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Matthew 28:18-201) Do you agree with the notion that we already have enough churches in America? Why or why not?2) In the teaching it was said that “By the intentional, creative design of God…every living thing reproduces itself, after its kind.” What are some different ways the Church acts like a living thing?3) In the teaching it was said that regarding the great commission “Churches don't make Disciples; Churches make Churches. It is Disciples that make Disciples.” How does that change your perspective of your role as part of a “church” and your role as an individual “disciple”?4) What are you currently doing to reproduce followers of Jesus, or make disciples?5) Who are the 2 or 3 people you regularly interact with that you could mentor or model what living a life of faith looks like? Are there things you should be doing or stop doing so that you can have them actually follow your example?

Dig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Acts 2:42-471) Have you ever found yourself in a place where you had fallen emotionally, mentally, or spiritually and you felt like you had no one to help you back up? What was that experience like? 2) Why did Jesus make relationships a priority? How did he model it for us? 3) Read Acts 2:42-47. Why did the early Church make relationships a priority? How was it modeled for us? 4) Are there ways that Jesus' church could do better at relationships? What about our church? What about you?5) When it comes to seeing needs and meeting them there are usually 2 types of responses- There is the Super-hero who wants to and thinks that they can be everyone's problem solver and there are those that actually avoid putting themselves in a place to help. Which way do you lean? How can recognizing that we are all in this together help to balance your approach?

Dig In QuestionsIn light of this week's message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.Read Luke 12:13-341) When you think of the word worship what comes to mind first? How has your definition of worship informed how you worship God? Why is it important that we define worship rather than just say that we are “people of worship”? How would you define worship?2) Read Luke 12:21 again. What does this statement from Jesus's teaching say about our worship, if we worship what we treasure?3) In verse 29, Jesus tells us not to worry about having what we need. In the teaching, it was said that, “Worry distracts us from treasuring Jesus and it syphons the worship God deserves.” How do worry and worship relate to each other? Can they coexist? What is worrying you that is competing for the worship Jesus deserves?4) Identify what it is you love and treasure the most this week by using this quote as a guide: “How do I know what I love the most? By looking at my life outside of Sunday morning. What do I enjoy the most? What do I spend the most time doing? Where does my mind drift to when I don't have anything to do? What am I passionate about? What do I spend my money on? What makes me angry when I don't get it? What do I feel depressed without? What do I fear losing the most? Our answers to those questions will lead us straight to the God or gods we love and worship.” - Bob Kauflin5) Now that you have honestly identified that thing, take it to Jesus in prayer and ask Him to replace that with Himself today!

Dig In QuestionsRead James 1:19-20, Acts 2:42-47, Mark 9:351) Have you ever made a commitment to spend more time reading/studying your Bible? How has that worked out?2) When it comes to the Bible, sometimes Christians struggle with being educated without obedience, and sometimes Christians struggle with ignorance without obedience. Have either of these ever described you or do either of these currently describe you?3) In the teaching, it was said that “reading the Bible is not the end result; the end result is changed hearts, changed lives, and a changed world.” How can our spending time reading Scripture lead to those changes?4) What are some ways that reading the gospels help us to understand the heart of Jesus and, in turn, help us to love and live like Him?5) How can reading the book of Acts and the various letters written to churches and individuals help us know how we should live in the context of our families, churches, and communities?6) What are some steps that you will personally take to ensure that you are a people of the Bible?

Dig In Questions1) Was there anything from this week's sermon that stood out to you?2) What people are easy for you to love? What people are hard for you to love? Out of those two, who do you spend most of your time and effort giving love to?3) Read Leviticus 19:18. What did Jesus add to this command to make it new? Looking at the world today, why do you think His addition was crucial?4) Who are the people in your life that you have a difficult time loving? How can you love them better this week?5) What can you do to make love for others a bigger part of your life?

Dig In QuestionsRead Matthew 2:1-121) Do you have a favorite Christmas Carol whose message has brought you hope for the holidays? Is there a particular line or verse that has been especially impactful?2) Did you get the opportunity to savor the season? How or where did you find that space in the busy time of Christmas?3) The wise men passionately pursued Jesus. When you came to faith, were you pursuing him? Do you continue to passionately pursue your relationship with him?4) When we think of the wise men, we often think of the gifts they brought. But before the gifts came worship. Sometimes as followers of Jesus we focus on “doing” instead of “worshiping”. How can we make worship the priority in our lives?5) The gifts of the magi may have been given as a recognition of Jesus being King, being God, and being Savior. What are some attitudes or behaviors in our lives that show that show the world that he is our king, he is our God, and he is our savior?

Dig In Questions:1) Take a moment to read the genealogy of Jesus. Is there anything that jumps out at you?2) This is a story that we've all heard many times. Are there any aspects of the birth of Jesus that you never knew or never considered?3) Ben said that God used ordinary people in Joseph and Mary. How does He use ordinary people like us?4) Spoiler alert: Jesus is our hope for the holidays. How can we remind ourselves of this when we face times that seem hopeless?

Dig In QuestionsRead Matthew 1:18-241) Are you rushing through the Christmas season? Or have you taken some time to slow down and appreciate the joy and the celebration that this season brings? If so, how have you done it? If not, what can you give up or set aside in order to do so?2) In the teaching, it was said that “God became one of us because he is for us!” Most people have, at some time or another, felt distant from God. How does knowing that he is for us help you to draw close to him?3) God took extreme measures to restore our relationship with him. What can you be doing to strengthen your relationship with him?4) Read Hebrews 4:15. When God became flesh he took on the full experience of humanity and he experienced every struggle, temptation, and frustration that we do. How does knowing that help you to face your problems?5) In the teaching, it was said: “If God is with us there is nothing that any of us have done that he can not relate to or love us through. There is no pain in our lives that he is ill equipped to understand, no temptation that he has not wrestled with, and no hurt that he does not nor cannot meet us in.” Take a moment to thank him for being Immanuel, God with us.

Dig In Questions1) Has there been a time when you really knew you were living God's plans for you? If not, has there been a time when you realized that you were not living God's plans for you? How did you know?2) Throughout the book of Proverbs, we are urged to have wise advisers around us. Who are some of the wise advisers you have in your life? How have they proved themselves?3) List examples from your life, or of other people whose plans failed because God had other plans. 4) Ben talked about how we have a tendency to want to control our own plans. What's one tip that you can share that's helped you surrender your plans to the Lord?

Dig In QuestionsRead Proverbs 1:71) Read Matthew 23:12 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” How should those words impact the conduct of Christians? How can we practically live them out?2) Which do you tend to live in - the past, the present, or the future? Why?3) In the teaching it was said, “Life rewards action”. How does that expression relate to us in our pursuit of wisdom?4) Read Proverbs 30:24-28. From the teaching:The ant teaches us that what you bring into winter is all you have.The hyrax teaches us to know where our security lies.The locust teaches us that there is strength in numbers.The lizard teaches us the incongruity (absurdity) of God's amazing grace.The proverb said there are four things that are small but EXTREMELY WISE. How do the lessons taught by each of these creatures help us to live our lives wisely?

Dig In QuestionsRead Proverbs 3:27-281) Give an example of how someone has done good to you.2) Do you have a favorite proverb? What is it? Why?3) Do you do as much good as you think you should? What is it that keeps you from doing good when you have the ability to act?4) Why isn't it enough to simply not “do bad” to others? Why should we actively “do good” to them? 5) Read Matthew 5:43-48. Are there any people you consider to be your enemies? Take some time to pray for them by name. 6) Read Luke 10:30-35. What are some ways that you can personally do good to the people you do not know?

Dig In QuestionsRead Proverbs 1:1-71) (Just for fun) When was a time in your life that you were hopelessly lost? How did you find your way?2) The path principle says that “Your direction determines your destination”. When it comes to living out your life, are you more prone to go to the wisdom of this world for direction, or the wisdom found in scripture? Why?3) Read Matthew 7:13-14. What do these verses tell us about the importance of choosing our life direction wisely?4) Read Proverbs 2:1-8. What are some ways these verses illustrate the importance of pursuing and obtaining wisdom?5) Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Can you think of a time when you relied on your own understanding instead of God's and it didn't work out so well? What about a time where you clearly leaned on God's understanding and you saw His direction clearly?6) In the teaching, Mike said that that wisdom protects our path, directs our path, and perfects our path. How have you seen this played out in your own life?

Dig In Questions1) Read John 15:18-19, 16:33. How did Jesus say the world would treat those who follow Him? When you recognize that Jesus has overcome the world, what is your response to Him?2) With all the troubles that this world has to offer, it's great to know that there are people that we stand with, pray with, serve with, and do life with who are overcomers in this world. Who are those people in your life? Why?3) Have you ever worn the label or carried the identity of “Defeated”? What moment or situation caused you to feel that way? Has your identity changed to “Overcomer”? If so, how?4) Read 1 John 5:1-5. In the teaching it was said, “When we see ourselves the way Jesus sees us, we have this promise that we can and do overcome the world.” What does that look like in the life of a believer? What specifically does it look like in your own life?5) In the teaching, there were six practical steps for overcoming the world. Which one is the most difficult for you?We need to recognize that Jesus has set the example for us. We need to rest in God's promises to us.We need to renounce the sins that control us.We need to reject the lies Satan tells us.We need to rejoice that that in Christ we are made victorious.We need to remain in His Love.

Dig In QuestionsRead Galatians 5:1-61) In what ways or places in your life have you felt enslaved? (Sins/priorities/pursuits)? Even though Christ came to set us free from our sins, why do we find ourselves returning to the things that have previously enslaved us?2) Perhaps you have heard or even said “this person or that person can't be a Christian because of (fill in the blank)”. What are some rules or requirements that you have had put on yourself or that you have put on others?3) Re-read Galatians 5:3. In the teaching, it was said: Legalism says, “Obey the rules and escape the penalty. Break the rules suffer the penalty.” Grace says, “Keep the law, suffer the penalty. Break the law and escape the penalty.” How does that impact the way you see what Jesus did for you on the cross?4) Does grace replace the law with a license to do whatever we want? Why or why not?5) In the teaching, it was said that “True freedom is not absolute freedom.” and that “Absolute freedom leads to absolute chaos!” How do you see true freedom and absolute freedom played out in the life of the believer? How does it play out in your life?

Dig In Questions1) Why do you think John 3:16 is one of the most memorized verses of all time? What is it about the verse that people value and connect to so easily?2) While the verse is very well known, do you think it is well understood?3) If you've been born again, do you still sense that you're growing spiritually in your knowledge of the Lord? If so, does it match up with how long you've been a follower of Jesus?4) Let's get really serious now - what does it say about the depth of our sin that someone had to die? What does it say about the depth of God's love that He was willing to sacrifice his only Son and that Jesus was willing to die on our behalf?