Shepherd of the Valley Church Sermons

“Can you think of a time you knew what the right thing to do was—but didn't want to do it?” (Keep it light or serious—could be anything from eating veggies to making a hard relational decision.)   S.O.A.P Scripture. Observation. Application. Prayer Mark 14:32–36 Romans 12:2 Colossians 3:23 1 Corinthians 15:58   Obeservation: What emotions or actions do you notice in Jesus as He enters the garden? How do the disciples respond to Jesus' instruction to “stay here and keep watch”? What do you notice about how Jesus prays—his posture, his honesty, and his surrender? What repeated words or phrases in verse 36 reveal the intensity of Jesus' decision? How would you describe the contrast between what Jesus wanted and what He chose?   Application: Where in your life do you feel “pressed” between your will and God's will? What helps you move toward obedience when God's will feels difficult or unclear? How can you begin to practice a posture of “not my will, but Yours” this week? What would it look like to "always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord" in your daily life?   Prayer: “Father, not my will, but Yours be done. In the places where I feel pressure, give me clarity and courage. Help me obey—not just in the big moments, but in the daily ones. I want to walk in Your will, in Your way, always. Amen.”

Who was your first friend? Dave mentioned how many Christians live the inverse: “To live is gain and to die is Christ.” Have you ever felt that way? Why do you think it's tempting to flip the verse? Read Philippians 1:20–24. How do you see Paul wrestling between his desire for heaven and his calling on earth? How have you seen God working through your church or your life to spread the gospel? How can you reframe your week with the mindset that “To live is Christ”? What might change in your priorities?

What is a “that's so unfair” story you have from childhood?  When you think of the term justice what comes to mind? How would you define it?  How do you see Jesus living out a posture of justice? What is his approach?  What does it mean that all people were “created in the image of God?” How do we know when we're being tempted to see someone as less than?  Matthew 14:13-14 Why do you think Scripture includes the detail that Jesus was moved with compassion? Why are justice and compassion linked together for Jesus?  Where in your world are you being invited to adopt Jesus' posture of justice? 

How would you describe the pace of your life right now?  Read Mark 1:21-32 What is Mark showing us about the demands of Jesus' ministry? Do you have a tendency to think Jesus' life was less busy or complicated than ours today? What happens when that belief is challenged? Are you in a practice of “getting away to pray.” If yes, what does that experience do for you? Do you find that time gives you clarity around your purpose? If not, what prevents you from doing so?  In what areas of your life do you need to “turn down the noise?” Read 1 Kings 19:11-12. What does this passage tell us about God's voice?  Do you find any tension in the story when considering how God might speak to you? Has this been true in your life?

Icebreaker: - What's the most memorable interruption you've experienced lately—funny, frustrating, or meaningful? - Were you ever surprised by something good coming out of an interruption? S – Scripture Read Mark 6:30–34 and Mark 5:21–34 aloud together. O – Observation - Where do you see evidence of compassion or attentiveness in these passages? - Almost half of Jesus' miracles were interruptions—why do you think that is?  -How is availability a part of Jesus' posture and rhythm of life? - How did Jesus see “the one” in the crowd? What does that teach us about focus and presence? A – Application  - Who in your life might be an “interruption” that's really an invitation?  -What gets in the way of your availability to others or to God? - How could you practice starting your day with “Here I am, Lord”—and what might that look like in practice? P – Prayer - Invite each person to pray one sentence: “God, help me be available to…” - Pray for the courage to see needs instead of just interruptions.

Jesus starts this section by saying we cannot serve both God and money (v. 24). - Why do you think He begins a conversation about worry and provision with that strong statement? - What does it reveal about our hearts? Jesus points to birds and flowers as examples of God's provision. - Why might He have used these natural images to teach about trust and value? In verse 33, Jesus gives an alternative to worry: "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness." - Based on the sermon and the text, what does it practically look like to seek the Kingdom first? Jenn asked, "What do you need to trust God to provide for today?" - How would you answer that personally? Be specific. - What tends to make trusting God hard in that area? Reflect on this line from the message: "Provision follows purpose." - Do you find that hopeful or challenging? Why? - Where have you seen this to be true (or not) in your own life? Pray together. Silent Reflection, then Group Prayer Invite a minute of quiet for everyone to identify where they most need to trust God's provision. Then pray aloud, with a few men volunteering to pray over those areas.

What's one thing you usually say when someone asks how you're doing? Read John 5:5–9 together. What does this passage reveal about Jesus' character and authority? Is there an area in your life where Jesus is inviting you to “get up” but you're still sitting by the pool? Which of these areas—Sick, Anxious, Lonely, Addicted, Distracted—resonates most with you right now? Read Luke 5:17–26 together. What's one step you can take this week to trust God more deeply—or to help carry someone else toward healing?  

Share about a time when you insisted on doing something “your way.” What happened? What do you remember about the outcome? Read Mark 4:35–41, John 14:12, and John 20:21–23 - In Mark 4, what does Jesus' calming of the storm reveal about the scope of His authority? In John 20:21-23, Jesus says he is sending us with the same authority He was given by His Heavenly Father.  - What strikes you about the fact that Jesus delegates His authority to you? - How do these passages shift your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus? The sermon highlighted a common mindset: “I want God's blessing in my life, just not His authority over how I live it.” - What area of your life are you tempted to keep under your own control? The umbrella illustration showed that blessing comes when we choose to stand under God's authority. - What does standing under His authority look like practically in your life right now? - Pray for a willingness to surrender the areas of your life where you're “near the umbrella” but not under it. - Ask God to help you trust that His authority brings freedom, not restriction. - Invite God to empower you by His Spirit to carry His presence and peace into the places He's sending you this week.

What did you want to be when you grew up? How might that have represented what you were looking for out of life?  How do you respond to the question: Is Jesus a good teacher? Where have you heard this phrase before and do you think it is a valid question?  Would you say that you are more likely to trust God in the extraordinary, than the ordinary? What everyday things do you struggle with trusting God in?  How might following Jesus' teachings lead us to purpose?  At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' most famous teaching section, he finishes with a story from Matthew 7:24-27. How might this story clarify or add meaning to what Jesus has taught before? Does it reveal anything about our purpose through it? 

Icebreaker Share about a time when you got lost (literally or figuratively). How did you respond? Did you try to find your way on your own, or did someone help? 2. Scripture Engagement Read Luke 5:1–11 and Philippians 3:7–9 In Luke 5, what progression do you see in Simon Peter's relationship with Jesus (Teacher → Master → Lord)? Why do you think Peter responded so strongly in verse 8 (“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”)? How does Paul's statement in Philippians 3 reflect a similar transformation in purpose and identity? 3. Reflection & Application The sermon started with a story about a woman searching for herself. In what ways do you find yourself “searching for yourself” in this season of life? “Your purpose is NOT something lost, purposely hidden, a single event, or ever final.” - Which of these false ideas have you believed about your purpose? “My work matters to God. My whole life is used to serve God. God brings meaning to every moment.” — which one resonates with you the most? — which one are you most challenged by? 4. Prayer Focus Pray for clarity of purpose in this current season. Ask God to help you trust His character, adopt His posture, and embrace His design for your life.

Where in your life have you experienced disappointment recently? Describe a time when something that initially felt like a setback turned out to be a gift? S - Scripture  Read aloud: John 20:11–18 Optional: Read Psalm 13; Psalm 34:18 and Isaiah 43:1 as well.   O - Observation What do you notice about Mary's posture and emotions in this story? What stands out to you in how Jesus approaches her? Why do you think she didn't recognize Jesus right away? Jesus calls her by name. What significance does that hold — for Mary, and for you personally?   A – Application In what ways do you identify with Mary's disappointment or grief in this season of your life? Where do you need to be reminded that Jesus is near, even if you can't see Him clearly? How have you seen God show up quietly — maybe in ways you didn't first recognize? How might God be “doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) in your life right now? What does it look like for you to live as someone who has encountered the risen Jesus — even in seasons of discouragement?   P – Prayer Invite group members to silently reflect on this question: “Jesus, where do I need resurrection in my life right now?” Then: Pray for one another — especially for places of disappointment or grief.

Be honest, do you think you could land a plane? What is your definition of faith? (After sharing, compare it to Hebrews 11:1) Read Matthew 14:22-33, another story about doubt. How does this story compare to Thomas' story of doubt? Are there any themes about doubt you notice? How do you view doubt and faith? Are they opposites, compatible, or somewhere in between? What are some doubts you struggle with or have struggled with? If it was in the past, how did that doubt resolve? Is there a difference between healthy doubt or unhealthy doubt? How might we tell the difference? What is your reaction to this quote from Fuller: Doubt isn't toxic to faith, silence is.” How can we help people who are going through times of doubt?

Describe a time when you won something. Describe a time when a valley came to an end for you. This week Jeremey listed  ways God uses suffering in our lives (e.g., revealing our need for Him, shaping our character). Which of these purposes has felt most true in your story? Why? Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. This passage focuses on mourning with hope. TWhile this refers to mourning death we can also include mourning many other losses. How does this kind of hope change the way you respond to suffering or loss compared to those without it? How can we as followers of Jesus remain grounded in this kind of Hope even when the world around us does not? Jeremey spoke about the differences between human hope and God's hope, where do you find yourself most tempted to rely on human strength or control in life's valleys? What helps you shift toward trusting God's promises? 2 Peter 3:13 and Revelation 21:1-4 Each of these speak of a renewed creation in the future. How can “living in the future now” influence the way we handle present struggles and help others around you? What are practical ways to keep an eternal perspective in your daily life?

Icebreaker: "Can you think of a time in your life when things felt disorienting—when you weren't sure what was next or how to move forward? What was that experience like for you?" Explore it: What do you REALLY WANT from God when life feels disorienting? What does Psalm 13 teach us about expressing our pain and doubts to God? How does Lamentations 3 show the contrast between our shifting emotions and God's unchanging character? Apply it: Think of a time when you felt spiritually "disoriented." How did you respond, and how might these passages encourage you to trust God in those moments? How can you practice anchoring to God's character rather than your feelings in daily life?  

For discussion questions, click the button above.

For discussion questions, click the button above

- Have you ever had or thrown a surprise party?  - In your opinion, what is the difference between the spiritual discipline of celebration and celebration in general?  - What things get in the way of you being able to celebrate others?  - Read Luke 7:44-46. What leads Simon and the woman to behave the way that they do? What does Jesus want to teach Simon?  - What do you think prevents Simon from being able to see the woman like Jesus does? Where can this show up in your own life? - What is one way you can celebrate more this week?

- Do you prefer a real or artificial Christmas tree, and why? What's your favorite Christmas tradition that brings you joy every year? - Think of the most joyful person you know. What stands out about them? - Can you share a time in your life when you felt deeply fulfilled or full of joy? What made that moment so meaningful? - Isaiah talked about how joy is fulfilled through God's greatest demonstration of love: salvation. How has understanding the gospel (the good news) brought you joy, even in challenging times? - Simeon shared the good news of God's fulfilled promise with others. How can you share joy in your own life so that others can see God's work in you? What part of your story could encourage someone else?

- Describe a time when someone else's joy made you joyful. - Read Luke 2:1-20. At what point in the story does joy break in? - What made the characters joyful? What reactions to this joy are listed in the text? - How do we see different reactions to Jesus coming today?

- What is your favorite Christmas song/movie? - What is your response to this John Ortberg quote: “God is the most joyful being in the universe.” Do you experience God or church as joyful? Why or why not? - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,(Galatians 5:22). How do you see this fruit grow in your life or in others? How does joy play a role?  - Have you considered the concept that God finds joy in you? How does that change your picture or experience of God?

- Together, read Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:2-7. How do these passages show God's promise being fulfilled through Jesus? What's something in your life you're waiting on God to accomplish? - In what ways have you experienced the difference between joy and happiness? How does your faith help you experience joy even when circumstances are difficult? - How do you interpret the imagery of "joy overtaking sorrow" in Isaiah 35:10? How have you seen this kind of transformation in your life and/or the lives of others? - Read Jesus' words in John 15:9-11 and John 16:22-24. How do they challenge or encourage your understanding of joy as a gift from God? - Romans 15:13 speaks of joy and peace through trust in God. What's one practical way you and/or your group can reflect and share this joy during this Advent season?

- What is the best gift you've ever received? - What is the first thing you remember spending “a lot” of money on? (Whatever “a lot” meant to you at the time!) - What impacted you from the message? - Read Mark 10:17–27. Why do you think Jesus highlighted the Rich Young Man's wealth as a barrier to following him? Do your finances affect your faith? Explain. - How can generosity shift our trust from money to God? Do you have an experience with being generous that changed your trust in God? - Much of the western world is considered to be materialistic or possessionfocused. Do you fall into those categories? What sort of relationship do you have with your possessions? - Read Philippians 4:10–13. What perspective allows Paul to write these words? How is contentment found, according to Scripture? Where do we look for it instead? - How can you practice whole life stewardship (giving of your time, talents and treasure)? Give some examples from your own life.

- How would you describe your pace of life right now - fast, slow, or right where you'd like it to be? What appeals to you about living slowly?  - We're told that Sabbath is about stopping. What keeps you from stopping? How does stopping honor God?  - Describe what rest feels like. What sorts of practices in your life bring about true rest? How does Genesis 2:3 create a model of rest for us?  - Does joy play a role in your faith? Describe what that is like. If not, what makes it challenging for you to experience joy in your faith? - Read Exodus 20:8-11. What might it mean for Sabbath to be a “holy” day? Why does God care so much about the Sabbath day? - Can you see yourself practicing Sabbath? If so, what is your plan? If not, what is standing in your way?

- What is the biggest (literal) mess you remember making or having to deal with? - Did you get in trouble much as a kid? Briefly share one of your stories. - What stood out to you from this week's readings or message? - Do you think the church does a good job of making sure people belong before they believe? How can we create an environment like that? - How would you describe sin and the impact that it has on your life? Read John 10:10. How do you think our sin holds us back from experiencing life to the full? - Have you had any experience with confession? What has that been like? - Read 1 John 1:9. Why do you think Scripture tells us to confess if our sins are already forgiven? Why do we resist doing this? - Share a story about forgiving someone or someone forgiving you and the impact it made on you. - How might having an understanding of our own sin change how we love and relate to others?

- What is one thing you remember wanting really badly as a kid? - Share an early memory of a prayer you learned or an experience with prayer. If your family prayed together, how did they pray? - What did you learn about prayer this week? Is there something you discovered this week that you'd like to put into practice in your prayer life? - How have you prayed in the past? What have you liked or not liked about it? - Which of the prayer practices did you enjoy the most this week? Which was most challenging? - Examine the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). Describe it in your own words. Which part of the prayer hit you in a fresh way this week? - How often do you incorporate silence into your prayers? How do you think we can actually listen and hear God? - Do you struggle with coming to God with your true feelings? Why or why not?

- What is one of your favorite scripture verses? - What book did you love as a kid? - What stood out to you from the message? - What has your experience of reading Scripture been like? - Some people think of Scripture as confusing, outdated, or irrelevant. Have such preconceptions occurred to or impacted you?  - This week's reading includes a quote from Tim Mackie: "The idea is that every day for the rest of your life you slowly, quietly read the Bible out loud to yourself and then go talk about it with your friends, pondering the puzzles, making connections, and discovering what it all means. And as you let the Bible interpret itself, something remarkable happens. The Bible starts to read you. Because ultimately the writers of the Bible want you to adopt this story as your story. The ultimate goal of reading Scripture is not to form God to our preferences or become Bible scholars, but to be more formed into the person of Jesus." How do you respond to this quote? How does it affect your view of Scripture and the purpose of reading it? Has Scripture changed you in some way?  - Close in prayer. Ask for prayer requests and check in on last week's requests. Close by praying Scripture (Ephesians 3:14–21 is one option).

- If you could describe your journey as a disciple of Jesus in one word, what would it be and why? - What's one thing that you've learned about yourself from listening to others - What stood out to you this week from the message? - How does John 14:26 describe the role of the Holy Spirit in our discipleship? How does this help you understand your own journey as a disciple of Jesus? - In what ways can we actively participate in our own discipleship process, according to Matthew 11:28-30? What does taking Jesus' yoke upon us look like? - How can remembering God's character in hard times (as seen in Psalm 23) help us work through our own stories of suffering or difficulty? - Discuss the three levels of listening (to the Holy Spirit, to the person, and to ourselves). Which do you find the most challenging, and why? - How can practicing the Four C's (Calm, Curious, Compassion, Creative) improve your ability to receive and respond to others' stories? - How does 1 Peter 3:15 guide us in sharing our story? What does this look like in practice? Close in prayer.

- What is a memorable road trip you've taken, and what made it special? - Why do you think we often remember the journey more than the destination in life? Read Luke 24:28-35  - What do you think it means for our hearts to "burn" within us? Can you share a time when you felt that connection with Jesus? - Read Mark 8:27: - What big questions do you think Jesus asks us today? How do you respond to those questions? - What does it mean to you to be a disciple or an apprentice of Jesus? How does that shape your daily life? - How can we practice the idea of learning through action in our faith? Can you share an example? - What are some practical ways we can embrace our journey with Jesus instead of waiting to "arrive"? - What do you hope to discover or experience as we pay attention to Jesus on the way together?

- Share a brief story about a time of waiting, wishing or wanting when you were a kid, and what you learned. Read Acts 3:1-10 as a group. - How does Peter's response to the beggar's request challenge our understanding of what it means to give and receive from God? Read Acts 4:10-12 as a group. - How does recognizing Jesus as the only path to salvation impact your view of people with other faiths or beliefs? - How do we sometimes approach salvation with a mindset of "playing our cards right" to receive rest and enjoyment in the end? How does that align or differ from the biblical view of salvation? Read John 10:9. - Jesus describes Himself as the gate. What do you think it means to enter through Jesus as "the gate"? - How does the image of a gate help you better understand salvation, security, and access to God?

- When was the last time you received “Good News?” How did it make you feel? - How does the concept of Jesus proclaiming the "Gospel of the Kingdom" (Matthew 4:23, Mark 1:14-15) differ from seeing the Gospel purely as a personal salvation experience? - In what ways does this broader view of the Gospel impact how we live our daily lives? - Luke 19:9-10 and Acts 4:12 highlight different aspects of salvation. How do these passages contribute to a fuller understanding of what salvation entails? - How does recognizing that Jesus is "the way" (John 14:6) rather than just pointing the way affect your personal faith journey? - In what practical ways can we become "messengers of heaven" here and now, as the video suggests? - Reflecting on the idea that "Jesus is Lord" and "Jesus is Savior," how does this dual role shape your view of your relationship with Him and with others?

- When you think of power what comes to mind?  - Consider how you see Jesus use his power in Scripture. What is his posture towards power?  Read 1 Corinthians 1:18 - What does this verse mean? Why do you think the cross looks “foolish” to the world?  - What is “right power”? How can you model it in your life?  - After this series, has your view of politics or this election season shifted at all?

- Can you share a time when you felt pressure to prioritize popular opinion over your faith during a political discussion? Read Matthew 4:5-7 - What tactic(s) did the enemy use to tempt Jesus? How have you seen these tactics play out in political conversations? - What are the "voices" that shape your perspective in political matters? What does it look like to discern and prioritize Christ's teachings over these influences in our political conversations? - How can this faith community help you stay focused on Christ and resist the pull of self-interest and division in political conversations? Share an idea with your group. Read Philippians 2:1-8. - From this text, what stands out about Jesus' way? What's one thing you want to try this week to grow more in Jesus' way?

Read Matthew 4:1-4 -In what ways could Satan's temptation of Jesus to “be relevant” and fix an earthly need in the wrong way be expressed in our own perspective on politics?  Read Matthew 7:1-5 -What are some of the ways you have judged others? -How have you tried to remove the speck from the eye of someone who disagreed with you politically? What are some of the political planks in your own eye? For Kids: What are some examples of a time you have tried to do the right thing (solve a problem) in the wrong way?

Read Jesus' prayer for unity among believers in John 17:20-23. How can we pursue this unity in our current political climate? Share an example of when you've been able to listen to someone with a different political view (or, when you've not listened as well as you wanted). What did you learn? Read Ephesian 6:11-13. Discuss the truth that "the real enemy is not flesh and blood." How does this change the way we approach political disagreements? What would it look like to encourage one another to avoid the temptation of putting political allegiances before our allegiance to Christ? Reflect on Sam's statement that "oneness does not mean sameness." Do you agree or disagree, and why? What does true unity in diversity look like?

-Share about a favorite summer activity. -What comes to mind for you when you think about service? Read 1 Corinthians 4-7. -Talk about the 2 key words in this passage different and same. -What do you think Paul is trying to communicate? -How have you seen someone's unique gifts/personality be a blessing? In worship, we discussed 2 questions to help bring clarity to our sense of ministry. -What breaks your heart? -What's in your hands? Take time as a group or individually reflecting on these 2 questions at your current age and stage of life.

What brought you to Shepherd? List what sorts of things get in the way of serving God and others? Read Mark 10:35–45. In this passage, what are the disciples of Jesus failing to understand about His Kingdom and its values? What is the Christian disciple's central motivation for serving and ministry? Can you think of any benefits that come through serving?

-Who is someone in your life who has been a minister to you? Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 -Describe a time when you have felt unqualified as a follower of Jesus? What does this passage have to say about our qualifications for a life of service? Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 -Through whom does God make his appeal to the world? How have you received this ministry of reconciliation? How can you live it out more fully?  

- When have I felt most safe and secure?  - How has God used others in your life to help you understand your own story in light of his grace? - Who in your life are you called to be a secure base and safe haven for? How might God want to do in you to that end? Read Luke 15 - From the perspective of the circle of security. How is the Father acting as a secure base and a safe haven for each son? - Which son do you identify with and how might God be inviting you to consider his work in your story?

-Do you tend to be someone who suppresses your emotions or is swept away by them?  Read Lamentations 3:17-24. -What sticks out to you about this passage? How can it reflect our lives and walk with God? Does this reflect the way in which you communicate with God?  -What are you learning in this series? What is resonating, what hesitations or questions do you have? -Discuss the reflection questions from this week:  -How do I respond in moments of anger, fear, and sadness?  -How comfortable am I with processing what is behind those emotions?  -How does God meet you in those moments? Are there any stories from my past that may be affecting my view of God in those emotions?

-Who is someone you have traveled on a long journey with? What was it like to “walk“ with them? Read 1 John 2:1-9 -In light of Jesus Command to Love what significance force verse 6 have in how we live moment by moment?  -In what ways has your “walk with God” increased your capacity to “live” (walk) as Jesus did -Baptism and communion were given to us as “outward signs of God's invisible Grace” (Augustine of Hippo) How have they helped you walk with God in your life as a follower of Jesus? -Describe a time when Baptism or Communion was particularly meaningful for you.

-What aspects of last week's teaching are most challenging for you? Gratitude, lament or asking? -What stories do you have of answered prayer? Or unanswered prayer? Read John 10:2-5 -In this passage Jesus has just healed the eyes of a blind man and uncovered the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders. He says that she sheep know their shepherd's voice. How have you dicerned God's voice from other voices in your life? -In what ways have you tried to listen for his voice? -Of the ways listed in the sermon, how do you primarily hear from God?  

Share a gift you asked for growing up. Did you receive it or not? How did it feel when you did or didn't receive it? Read Luke 11:5-9. Talk through this parable of Jesus.  Make observations about the characters and details of the story. What is the main point of the parable?  Read Luke 11:9-13. What are we invited to do in this passage?  What does it look like to put this into practice in our lives? The Phrase “How much more” is key to understanding this passage.  What do you think the parable by Jesus is meant to communicate about the character and nature of God?  Do you think our beliefs about God shape our prayers to God? If so, how? If not, why? How might these passages inform our view of God?  How do we understand this passage in light of things we ask for from God, but don't receive?  This week, the invitation is to bring your whole selves to God. In addition to incorporating the Lord's Prayer into your day, take a few minutes to bring God all your concerns, fears, hopes, and dreams to Him

-What emotion does the word “prayer” stir in your heart? What challenges do you face in prayer? Read Matthew 6:5-13  and Luke 11:1-11 -What do you notice about Jesus' internal picture of God's Character?  -What are some of the key elements of how to pray according to these passages? -What invitation do you sense from God to go deeper in prayer?

Which of these groups of infamous friends has the strongest friendship? Why? Batman and Robin? (DC Comics) Buzz Light Year and Woody? (Toy Story) Scooby-Doo and Shaggy?  Share about a time that someone was particularly encouraging to you. How did it impact you?  Read Acts 9:26-27. What role did Barnabas play when Saul (turned Paul) tried to join the disciples in Jerusalem? Why do you think Barnabas decided to support Saul despite the fears of the other disciples?  How might we fight our tendency to want to support and agree with our friends in moments that they may need us to share a harder truth for their benefit?  What is the line between “just saying it like it is” and speaking truth in love?  How might benefit from an encouraging word or time with you in the near future? Reach out and make it happen!

-Describe a time in your life when you really needed a friend. -Read Proverbs 17:17, 27:6, 27:9-10 - Who in your life has been this kind of friend to you and how? -Talk about a time you have been able to be a good friend to someone in a challenging season. -Read John 15:9-17 - What aspects of Jesus command to love are most challenging to incorporate into our friendships?  

-Think about one of your close friends. How did you meet and become friends? What leads you to consider them a close friend now?  -Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4. What do you know about the Jonathan and David friendship? What do you think is the significance of their commitment to one another? How does it affect their friendship?  -How do you respond to the C.S. Lewis quote: “To be loved is to be vulnerable.” Do you agree with this comment? How has vulnerability played a role in your relationships?  -Read John 15:14-16. What does it mean to have friendship with God? How can friendship with God have an influence on our other relationships? -Do you have friends that spur you on in faith? Can you share about a time when a friend did that for you? If you don't, what might keep you from a relationship like that?   

-Share a favorite or least favorite trip with your family growing up. -Read Mark 3:31-35. In a strong familial society, how do you think the disciples would have felt about Jesus words and actions here? -In what ways do we and do we not treat our church community as “family?” What are aspects of a family we want to emulate and aspects we want to avoid? -Read Galatians 3:26. What do you think it may have felt like for the members of the early church who did not have Jewish heritage to be welcomed into God's family. What does it mean for us to be “heirs of Christ?” Live it out: Think of someone you know in our community that you could welcome in like family. Discuss who that might be and consider how you might reach out: a phone call, coffee, or meal together.

Share a story of a time you welcomed a stranger or had a memorable dinner guest.  How have you understood hospitality? Is it something you've connected to your faith?  Read Luke 10:25-42. What do each of these stories teach us about hospitality?  What makes it challenging to welcome someone to “our table”? How can we practice hospitality?  Why do you think hospitality is such a major theme in Scripture?

–Describe your favorite community growing up? What made it positive for you? –What elements keep communities together? What elements fragment communities? –Read Genesis 2:18. Why do you think Christian community can (at least at times) feel optional rather than essential? What's at risk with this thinking? –Read John 16:11; John 16:20-21. What is the difference between a community based on unity verse affinity? Live it out - Ponder who you might be keeping at arms length because of an annoyance, personality difference, worldview, or superficial reason. How might you internally let that go and find a way to be kind to them in the coming weeks?