Northstar Pulaski Podcast

Use Discovery Bible Study method to pray, read through, and discuss Philippians 2:1-4.(optional: supplemental teaching video)next step questions:-- What (or who) is it that you ultimately look to to sustain you, to satisfy you, to encourage you, to fulfill you? -- In what ways do you tend to be selfish when it comes to your time?-- What are some tangible ways you, as a community, can realign your mind, love, unity in Spirit, and purpose around the mission of Jesus?

In this opening session of our series, we spend some time casting vision for the next four months and then dive into John 15 to look at the practice of abiding.

Discovery Bible StudyFor DBS discussion:1) What misconception may have prompted Jesus to tell this parable at that time?2) What truth is Jesus teaching the crowd that followed him that day?3) Does this truth apply to us today? What can we learn from this parable?For AFTER THE VIDEO discussion:1) What does this parable teach about the Kingdom of God?2) How can I be investing my life for the sake of the Master's Kingdom?3) Am I looking for opportunities "to seek and to save the lost?"4) For whom am I praying that he/she will come to know Jesus?5) Can I honestly say that Jesus is reigning in me?For a similar, but different, parable about the Kingdom of God, read Matthew 25:14-30. DBS the passage and discuss the following questions:1) What is the meaning of the parable, and what does it teach about the Kingdom of God?2) Am I using my abilities and resources for the Master? Explain.

Discovery Bible Study⬆️ JESUS -- What would it take for you to risk everything for the sake of being heard or seen or helped? > Share a time when you acted/reacted in a way you did not care what others thought-- Picture yourself in 1st century Jericho, what would it be about Jesus that stirred your curiosity in Him?-- What do you want Jesus to do for you…right now…in your life? > Spend some time praying over these requests-- What does crying out to Jesus look like for you? > Share a time when you have reached a point in your life when this was the only viable option➡️ MISSION-- Can you think of any time when you may have hindered someone's curiosity in Jesus by something you said and/or how you acted toward them (including passive aggressive looks)?-- Hugh Halter: “You are always in discipleship mode.  Either you are pointing people to Jesus or away from Jesus” > How have you been pointing someone to Jesus by how you acted/reacted? > How have you pointed someone away from Jesus by how you have acted/reacted?-- What is one simple thing you can do this week to point _________ (a specific person) toward hope and mercy through Jesus?-- What is a tangible way of you can show the love of Jesus to someone outside of your community of faith this week?⬅️ COMMUNITY -- What is a tangible way your MC can encourage one another this week?-- What is a tangible way you can serve someone in your MC this week?-- Can you commit to praying over one another this week by name?

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY ⬆️ JESUS 1) What other prophecies do you know Jesus fulfilled? + Resource: https://www.gotquestions.org/prophecies-of-Jesus.html2) Why do you think it was important to Jesus to share the plans with his crew, even though they would not understand?3) Why do you believe Jesus is who He says He is? + When did you realize your heart believed it?4) With so many different denominations and theologies ‘out there', not to mention technology/social media, how do you know what you currently believe about Jesus is true to scripture?➡️ MISSION5) How is your life different because of pursuing and becoming like Jesus? + What is different? + Do you have any stories of how family/friends/co-workers have noticed a difference?6) Have you ever faced any consequence or pressure from your faith in and pursuit of Jesus?7) Have you taken a step of obedience in your faith, without fully knowing where it would lead? + Share stories8) How can you begin to take tangible and intentional steps toward living for and sharing about Jesus this week? Spend a few moments praying over this…then share⬅️ COMMUNITY 9) Confession: Have you recently refused or neglected trusting in Jesus (by how you have lived, loved, reacted)?10) How do you typically handle unmet expectations? + Share a time when you did not handle an unmet expectation in a healthy way11) How do you handle moments when you have explained something (multiple times)  and yet it is not heard, much less understood?12) How can your community support you in living for and sharing about Jesus this week?13) Spend time praying over one another

⬆️ JESUS 1. Why would the disciples think it was a good idea to keep the children from coming around Jesus?2. How do you think the disciples responded when Jesus contradicted their rebuke of the children? -- How would you take it if you were trying to protect the environment?3. Why do you think Luke put these 3 verses into the letter where he did?4. Being teachable infers you are learning and living out what you are being and have been taught. -- How has your life changed over the past 6 months to a year to look more like Jesus?5. What would being bold for Jesus look like in your life at home, at work, etc?6. What would need to change for you to be totally dependent on Jesus?➡️ MISSION7. Have you, your family, and/or your MC family taken any risks to engage on mission together? -- How can you utilize the children to do so?8. Has your MC had any tough/honest conversations about how to mold the culture of Family Worship in regard to our kids being childish vs childlike? -- Are you, as parents, willing to accept help when it comes to limiting distractions? -- Are you, as adults, willing to get up and move to a ‘better' location to hear and be less distracted -- Do you love each other enough to have ‘tough' conversations?9. Kids, do you feel like a valuable part your MC family? -- What have you learned from watching your parents worship, pray, sing, and transparently talk about Jesus together?10. How can you be more intentional to help families with younger children on Sunday?  Throughout the week? With discipleship?11. What are the children of your MC dealing with in life, school, faith, etc? (how would you know if you have never asked?) -- How can you pray over them?⬅️ COMMUNITY 12. As parents with younger children, how can the church come around you to help, especially for times of worship? -- How they can pray for you?13. How can you ‘know' the kids in your MC better? -- How many kids do you know in the larger church family?14. What would interdependence as an MC look like? -- What are steps you can take to cultivate a sense of interdependence as a faith family?15. How can you as a community engage the children more intentionally to pursue, become like, and live on mission for Jesus?

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY⬆️ JESUS1. How many initially presumed your prayer posture is more like the tax collector? -- Has that opinion changed?  Why or why not?2. When is the last time your prayer looked and sounded like the tax collector? (Including the times you did not verbalize it…but still thought it)? -- Is the Holy Spirit stirring something in you about it?3. Have you ever prayed a prayer like, “God, be merciful to me, THE sinner”? -- Share your experience.➡️ MISSION4. How can realizing you are in constant need of mercy/grace impact your relationships with ‘others' who may or may not know Jesus?5. Have you built any walls between neighbors/coworkers/family by how you have thought less of them? -- (Philippians 2:3→ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves)  -- How can you begin tearing those walls down?6. Compare and discuss how the life of the Pharisee vs the life of the tax collector (after leaving justified) can impact your relationship (and spiritual influence) with ‘others' around you?⬅️ COMMUNITY7. How easy and often do you tend to trust only in yourself?  -- How can this impact your community?8. How important is it to have a faith community around you to graciously point out your blindspots when it comes to pride, self-righteousness, and/or contempt toward others?9. How having that kind of support/encouragement/accountability galvanized your personal faith as well as the chemistry of your community?10. How can living in that kind of community become contagious to ‘others' who do not have it?11. How can your community cultivate that kind of depth and transparency?(extra reading)James 4:6 → But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”1 John 2:16 → For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.2 Corinthians 10:12 → Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measures themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.Proverbs 18:10–12 → The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.  A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.2 Chronicles 7:14 → If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

⬅️ LOOK BACK1) Share any stories or thoughts about previous discussions you have had and/or where you see God stirring your heart.⬆️ LOOK UP1) Read Luke 18:1-8 together2) What do you think the main point of Jesus' parable is? Why?3) What is confusing? Why?➡️ LOOK AHEAD1) Who or what are your prayers usually focused on?2) How often do you pray for the return of Jesus?3) What are some things you consistently pray about?  4) What are some injustices you feel strongly about? 5) How does your prayer life reflect your heart toward those injustices?6) How can losing sight of Jesus' return impact your faith? Your perseverance during storms of life? Your prayer life? Your witness to those who do not know Jesus?7) What tangible steps can you take this week toward including prayers for the return of our King?

Discovery Bible Study:⬅️ LOOK BACK = share any steps made from last week's discussion about seeking and/or offering forgiveness⬆️ LOOK UP (before teaching) =- Pray together - Read Luke 17:11-19- What happened? What sticks out? What is the point of the story?- How do you generally express thankfulness/gratitude?- When reflecting on your prayers or time with God, what does gratitude look like compared to frustration/pleas/requests/etc?➡️ LOOK FORWARD (after teaching) = - Does the community around you (neighbors/co-workers/family) know your opinion about and gratitude toward Jesus?- When you worship Jesus (whether privately or publicly), what is your posture? Is it calm and composed...or desperate and uninhibited?- Does your typical response when worshiping resemble your 'worshipful response' to cheering on your kids, hobbies, or favorite sports team?- If not, why do you think that is?- Share a moment when your response has been similar to the Samaritan in this passage?- Make a list, either individually or communally of things to be grateful for, that you have not expressed gratitude to God lately about. Pray over that list together (encourage everyone to simply thank God for some things on that list)- This week, how can your life tangibly express gratitude for what God has done for you and in you through Jesus?

(BEFORE WATCHING TEACHING STREAM):— Read through Luke 17:1-10 together (take turns)— What stands out to you about this passage?Why?— What questions do you have about the passage?— What do you think Jesus is saying here about temptations/stumbling blocks? And the warning about causing them?— How Jesus says to respond to these situations sounds easy...but how do you typically handle them?— How do you typically respond when someone offends or wrongs you (or someone close to you)?— How do you typically respond when someone approaches you about something you have done/not done, said/not said to offend them or someone else?— Why is it really difficult for you to forgive?— Share a time when you have approached someone and/or when someone else has approached you? (was it approached correctly?— Was it received correctly? What was the result?)— Why do you think Jesus told the parable (vv7-10)— Why do you think Jesus told the parable (vv7-10) to illustrate his point?(DBS AFTER TEACHING STREAM):— How can practicing rebuke, repentance, and forgiveness strengthen your pursuit of Jesus?— How can practicing rebuke, repentance, and forgiveness strengthen your MicroChurch family?— How can the rhythm of rebuke, repentance, and forgiveness be a light for Jesus Christ in the surrounding community?— Is there someone you need to rebuke? Have you prayed about it?— Is there someone you need to repent to (whether to God and/or someone else)?— Is there someone you need to extend grace and forgiveness toward?— Are you harboring sin (toward God and/or someone else) that you need to repent of?— What are some tangible next steps THIS WEEK that can be taken to pursue reconciliation and restoration?— Why do you think Jesus told the parable (vv7-10) to illustrate his point?

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE FOR CONVERSATION (DBS this passage further; discuss the pursuit of JESUS, discuss MISSION, or discuss COMMUNITY together) DBS → Life application:- Who is taking notes from conversations?- Who is sharing prayer needs from convo?- Following week…are there any intentional convos about ‘life application' from previous discussion?JESUS → What is God doing in and among you?- What do your personal rhythms look like (Confess, Abide, Love, Invest)- Do you need to discuss story (your story/God's story)…questions about baptism…- Do you have an interest in a D28 group (intentional, high commitment group of 3-5 same gender) MISSION → Where is God calling you?  To who is God calling you (individually and/or as an MC)?- What are some ways you can use your tangible assets (money, house, boat, influence, resources) to love and/or invest in people for the sake of mission?- Are you and/or your MC praying regularly about the "who and/or where and/or how"?- What risks are you, your family, and/or your community taking for the sake of mission? COMMUNITY → What are you doing together outside of your once a week gathering?- Disciple making happens at the speed of relationship...so how are you investing in relationships?- Discuss how can you cultivate community together? (Ask the kids. Ask the quiet ones in the room)- Brainstorm several things you can do together this summer (i.e. park playdates, hikes, meals, parties, etc)- Distribute responsibility...experiment and have fun together

Discovery Bible Study:-- Was there anything you committed to in last week's discussion to share? -- Do you find yourself relating more to the younger son or the older son? In what ways?-- How easy is it to live under our cultural and social norm of 'being a good person' and completely miss out on the Father's invitation to the party through repentance and grace?-- In what ways do you (currently or in the past) drift into this 'religious/self-righteous' sin?-- Have there been moments or situations where you were angry or disappointed in God for 'blessing' someone else or not giving you what you have prayed for? (describe)-- In what ways, have you lived like the older son, wanting the benefits of Jesus without surrendering your life to Jesus?-- Did the older son have a 'right' to be angry? Why or why not?-- Do you have a 'right' to be angry in your situation?-- Are you currently angry with, envious and/or jealous of someone?-- Is the Holy Spirit stirring you to repentance and confession?-- How can we pray for you this week to humble yourself, repent/confess, and accept the Father's invitation to the party?“Behavioral modification doesn't work because whatever reigns and rules in your heart will eventually overflow out of your heart and into actions and attitudes”

Discovery Bible Study:-- What are ways you have wanted (and/or taken) what you think you deserve and pursued your own way?-- Describe a time/situation when you felt isolated, hopeless, or lost.-- When is the last time you have been in a place of desperation? Physically? Spiritually?-- How did you handle the desperation? Who did you turn to? -- Would the son have returned had the severe famine not happened?-- Is there anything you need to repent of today? If so, can you share?-- Do you know someone currently pursuing their 'own way', in rebellion against God? (Share if willing)-- Are you willing to pray for God to bring them to and of themselves, in order to repent/confess, and return home to the Father?-- Spend time praying together

DBS QUESTIONS:John 20:21 → [21] Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (see also Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:2)- Are we intentionally trying to get into the lives of those not yet found?- Can you name anyone you are proactively praying for and seeking for the sake of the gospel?- Are you 'receiving', eating with, partying with, socializing with, mingling with, serving with, and enjoying who are lost?- Are you living in a way that makes religious people around you offended, accusatory, or grumbling? In what way?- Are you living in a way where lost people want to be around you (not because you live, act, and/or talk like them)...but because of how you welcome, treat, and love them?- Are you living in a way that models and points irreligious people to Jesus?- Do 'lost' people around us see something different in us…and ask questions about it?- Do we prefer to remain in our safe religious bubbles…so afraid of the world that we distance ourselves from it and throw stones from our ivory tower? If so, what are ways you can begin to move outside that bubble?- Are you living like Jesus and moving into places where the world lives?- Are you settled with staying in the shadows and cheering the missionaries on…or are you willing to obey to who and where God is calling regardless of the risks? Sacrificing comfort and safety (not to mention reputation) for the sake of saving the lost..the dead and hopeless?

Discussion Questions:1) Have you come to see this Parable of the Great Banquet in a new or different light? If so, in what respect?2) Do you find something of your own story in the parable? If yes, would you mind sharing with the group?3) Those who gave excuses for not attending the banquet had attachments they would not give up (in particular, attachments to material goods and affections). What might you be having difficulty in giving up in order to make God first priority in your life?Now would be a good time to share with the group and ask them to come alongside you in prayer.Going Deeper:1) What does this parable teach about the kingdom of God?2) From your experience, why do so many say "No" to God's "banquet"?3) What can you say or do to help people overcome their hesitation?4) For a similar, but different, parable about the kingdom of heaven, read Matthew 22:1-14. DBS the passage and discuss the following questions: a) What is the meaning of the parable, and what does it teach about the kingdom of heaven? b) Why is there a man present with no wedding garment? Who does he represent? c) What happened to the man? d) How did the guests obtain the wedding clothes? (I've read that some cultures still do this today.) e) What is the significance of the wedding clothes in the kingdom of heaven?

Discovery Bible Study Questions: (for after teaching)-- Do you naturally tend to assume the best in someone, or assume the worst? (Share an example of a time when your initial assumption would up being wrong)-- When is the last time you (discreetly or not) assumed your place 'of honor' without considering others? (i.e. like Dave's traffic analogy)-- Why does it seem much easier to find something wrong in what someone says, rather than to (at least) discern the heart of what they are trying to say or do?-- "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"-- What is (at least) one way you can live by this verse this coming week?Have someone take notes from this discussion. Next week, utilize your fellowship/worship space as a way to share stories as you begin to practice these thoughts

Discovery Bible Study Questions: (for after teaching)-- Did you hear something today that stuck out? Something you heard you agree with? Don't agree with? Why or why not?-- Do you naturally tend to assume the best in someone, or assume the worst? (Share an example of a time when your initial assumption would up being wrong)-- When is the last time you (discreetly or not) assumed your place 'of honor' without considering others? (i.e. like Dave's traffic analogy)-- In what ways, whether by word/action/etc., have you pridefully 'assumed' your place when it comes to faith as opposed to approaching it humbly with confidence in Christ alone?-- How can you tangibly take steps toward humility this week? -- Who is someone you can prayerfully invite to the next party (i.e. coffee/dinner/etc)?-- Why does it seem much easier to find something wrong in what someone says, rather than to (at least) discern the heart of what they are trying to say or do?"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted"-- What is (at least) one way you can live by this verse this coming week?Have someone take notes from this discussion. Next week, utilize your fellowship/worship space as a way to share stories as you begin to practice these thoughts

Discovery Bible Study Questions: (for after teaching)-- What does your "threshold of collective behavior" look like? (low or high...share an example of when you have given in and/or stood against it)-- What have you given up to pursue Jesus?-- Are you encouraged or discouraged in your pursuit of Jesus currently? How can your community come around you in prayer and support?-- What does that 'whisper' sound like to you when it is trying to get you to "get away from here" (i.e. to give up, stop trying, walk away, etc)?-- When is the last time you have prayed for, wept over, or pleaded for the Lord to save/transform? (fee free to share who...and spend time praying over them)-- To who and where is God calling you to GO? Are your prayers open to who and where HE is calling you to go, as opposed to who and where you want to go?-- Is there someone you are feeling led to talk to this week? Is there something you are feeling led to do (or stop doing) today, tomorrow, this week? Discuss and prayer over this as a community (take notes, and update next time you gather)

Questions - Luke 13Verses 1-5:1. Was the wickedness of Pilate the punishment for the sins of those Galileans?2. Were the sins of the eighteen the cause of the tower in Siloam to fall on, and kill, them?3. Do you think that people today are punished in proportion to their sins?4. What was Jesus' response to the assumed attitude of the crowd? What was important to him?5. What does it mean to repent?6. What do you think Jesus meant by "likewise perish"?7. How can we apply Jesus' warning to our own life ("unless you repent you will all likewise perish")?Verses 6-9:1. In this parable (Luke 13), who/what does the fig tree represent?2. Who does the owner of the vineyard represent? The vinedresser?3. In the parable, why would the owner want to cut down the fig tree?4. And why would the vinedresser want to delay the cutting?5. What condition is attached to the delay?6. Considering the history of Israel, what was the result of that delay? (Hint: What historical event occurred in A.D. 70?)7. What is the Holy Spirit saying to us?

PROCESSING QUESTIONS> Do you feel like peace is one of ‘those things' in life you constantly chase but rarely seem to catch up with?> Why do you think this is the case?> Where are you struggling to find peace with God, within yourself, and with others?> Why is it difficult to admit that you have a heart problem?> How have you been tempted to live more for the glory of self than the glory of God?> What captures your time and attention more than God?> How do you typically handle disruptions to your peace?> What does the way you respond to disruptions say about your level of peace?> Your need for peace?Read Colossians 3:12-15 together> How is the ‘peace of Christ' different from how you typically think of peace?> What does it offer?> Why is it different?> How can you begin to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart?> What would change in your life?> What should change to experience this peace?> How can you personally pursue peace right now, this week, that will sustain you?> How can you help bring peace to someone's life today (this week)?