In times of chaos, remember that Jesus is King. Trust King Jesus, even when he doesn’t lead the way you want him to. Expect King Jesus to not only get you through crisis, but to grow you through crisis. Share the abundant love of King Jesus through your attitude and actions. Questions for group discussion

In every situation keep asking these questions: How can I love God in this? How can I love others in this? Go beyond a “what is required” mindset Pursue an “abundance of love” mindset View the communal and individual sacrifices being made as acts of love and mercy toward the vulnerable in our midst. Project

Mark 9:14-29 You can bring your doubts to God. Featured Blog Post: 7 Ways to Deal with Doubt Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What was/is your favorite activity to do with your parents(s)? 2. What are some examples of doubts that originate from the intellect, emotions, or society? In your own life

One day, we will get to see Jesus in all his glory. Until then, we must enjoy the previews that we get as we wait. Mark 9:1-13 1. What’s an upcoming movie, book, or show that you are excited about? 2. What do you think Jesus was trying to accomplish by giving his inner circle

Disciples of Jesus are called to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. Mark 8:34-9:1 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What is the most romantic thing you’ve done for someone else? 2. What are some examples of choices that Christians can make to deny themselves in emulation of Jesus? 3.

From Mark 6:45-56 When we recognize that Jesus is truly God, our eyes are opened to a new kind of amazement. Amazed by his words Amazed by his forgiveness Amazed by his love Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: When we recognize that Jesus is with us, we can walk into the unknown with

From Mark 6:14-29 It is a good and dangerous thing to live and speak the truth of God. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you were Salome, Herod’s stepdaughter, what would you have asked him for instead of John’s head? 2. What stood out to you as you read this passage? 3.

One of the amazing things about Jesus is that he chooses to use us to partner in his mission. From Mark 6:6-14 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. Do you enjoy group projects or prefer to work alone? Why? 2. What potential reasons can you come up with for why Jesus chose to

From Mark 6:1-6 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection:   1. When is that last time you have had an experience you would describe as amazing? 2. How does the biblical concept of amazement differ from that common usage of the word today? 3. What types of factors contribute toward making someone or something

In times of desperate situations, run to Jesus. From Mark 5:21-43 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s the best black Friday/ cyber Monday deal you’ve ever gotten? 2. What does your interaction with God tend to look like when you encounter a desperate life situation? 3. What expectations do you have of

In a world that offers an unending supply of fears, the only fear that should control us is the fear of God. Mark 4:35-41 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Would you agree to be a fear factor contestant? What types of challenges would scare you away? 2. How scary do you find

We look at the parables of Jesus this week, from Mark 4. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What are your favorite uses of mustard? 2. Do you find that you learn best through stories and parables or through direct instruction? 3. What is the nature of the truth that Jesus discloses? 4.

It’s important to see Jesus not as who we want Him to be, but as who He actually is. Mark 3:7-35 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What is a hobby you bought into for a short time, but quickly gave up? 2. How is it both true and misleading to present Jesus

Expect Jesus to make your old forms of life and worship incompatible with your new life in Him. From Mark 2:18 – 3:6 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Are you a person who strives to stay up to date with the latest technology? Why or why not? 2. What’s one area of

Jesus is willing and able to bring healing and wholeness to your life. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s the largest crowd you’ve ever been a part of? Do you like crowds? 2. Lepers were societal outcasts of Jesus’ day, who are their modern day equivalents? 3. What do you think Jesus

From Mark 1 Jesus is ultimately in charge of all things at all times. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you had the opportunity to be president would you take it? Why or why not? 2. What are some of the things that motivate us to want to be the ultimate authority

Jesus invites us to recognize Him as the True King and partner with Him in bringing about His Kingdom. Mark 1:15-20 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s your favorite genre of literature? Why? a. Or 2. How do you feel about fishing? 3. Do you find the idea of having a king

Jesus has come, not just to wash away sins, but to transform your life. Jesus has come with the power of the Holy Spirit and love of God the Father. Jesus has come with strength greater than Satan. Jesus has come to invite you into His kingdom. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1.

Gen. 1:26-28 , 3:17-19 Ecclesiastes 3:9-13 Work is a gift from God for His glory and our good. Work is a sustained exercise of strength and skill that overcomes obstacles to produce or accomplish something – David Miller Work is part of God’s original and eternal design for humanity. Work provides purpose. Work provides an

This week we start our series on the book of Ruth, in Ruth 1 God is loyal to his people. Loyalty is most powerfully displayed in hard times. Loyalty requires exclusive commitment. Loyalty to God also means a loyalty to his people. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What are some brands that

As we head into VBS week at Hope, we look at the fruits of the spirit and the “Power up” they can provide in our lives.

James 4

How do I pursue goals in life in a way that honors God? James 4 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. How would you define what it means to be ambitious in a positive sense? 2. How ambitious are you? (rate yourself 1 to 10) 3. What are some ambitions that you have

How can we distinguish true wisdom from foolishness? From James 3:12-18 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you are in a team trivia competition, which categories are your specialties? 2. What characteristics do you normally look for in a wise person? 3. How would you explain what a healthy humility looks like?

From James 2:14-26: How can we distinguish real faith from fake faith? A living faith not only wants good things for people it does good things for people. Faith is most powerfully demonstrated to others when it leads to a transformed life. Faith is not just understanding theological truths. It comes to life when those

From James 2:1-13 How do I treat the poor / those who don’t meat society’s standards of success? Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Who was the favorite kid in your family? On what basis do you make your argument? Would everyone agree? 2. When in life have you been treated as less

How do I respond when I encounter injustice? From James 1 Questions for group discussion and personal reflection: 1. At your current age, what does it look like when you throw a fit? 2. What’s good and bad about living in the current age of outrage? 3. Why do you think instant outrage often gets

Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What are the 3 most used apps on your phone? 2. What might it have been like for James to grow up with Jesus as an older brother? 3. What kinds of trials do you find yourself in right now? 4. Do you find it to be

God has given us leaders to follow as we pursue Jesus in the midst of a broken world Hebrews 13:7-25 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Who are you imitating in your work life? What about them draws you to want to imitate them? 2. Do you default to an attitude of trust

God grows us closer to him by talking about the hard things in life. From Hebrews 13:1-6 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you have siblings, what are your relationships with them like? If you are an only child, did you like it? Why or why not? 2. How do you know

Hebrews 12:18-29 Jesus transforms our encounters with God from experiences of fear to experiences of joy. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Did you ever have to visit the principal’s office? What words would you use to characterize that experience? 2. What is helpful and unhelpful with seeing God’s heart and responsibilities as

We will endure struggles best if strengthen our relationships with God and with other people. From Hebrews 12:12 – 17 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you are going to do a physical workout what do you naturally include? Naturally avoid? 2. Which are you more naturally drawn to: strengthening relationships with

God’s disciplines his children to move them toward wholeness. Hebrews 12. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. At what point do you consider spring to have arrived? 2. As you look back on life share about a time you are now grateful that someone stepped in and gave you some correction? 3. Do

Faith in Jesus is a marathon race. The best way to run it is by focusing on Jesus and following Him one step at a time. From Hebrews 12 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. When you go hiking are you a blaze your own trail or a stay on the marked path

From Hebrews 11:30-40 Faith endures toward triumph and through tragedy. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Appetizer or Dessert? 2. God’s promises to us are different than the ones He made to Israel. What are some of the promises He made to them that don’t apply to us? 3. In what ways can

Endure in your faith by remembering the faith lived out by others. From Hebrews 11 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What kind of books are you most likely to read for enjoyment? 2. Which Bible figure stands out to you as someone with an inspiring faith? What about them do you find

Endure in your faith, even when you face opposition. From Hebrews 10:26-39 Enduring Struggle Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s a silly fad or trend that you participated in because, “everybody was doing it”? 2. What importance does social acceptance play in your life? Rate it 1- 10 and explain why 3.

From Hebrews 10 Endurance is aided by persistent action and persistent community. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. Have you ever had a gym membership? Did/do you use it? What makes it better than working out at home? 2. How does viewing corporate singing as prayer impact the way you engage in it?

From Hebrews 10 We need to be reminded of: 1. Those truths we have not fully integrated into our lives 2. Those truths that form the foundation of our joy Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What movie or show have you watched most frequently during the last 5 years? 2. What motivation

From Hebrews 9 The blood of Jesus makes us clean The blood of Jesus secures us for an eternal inheritance The blood of Jesus takes away our sin Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What is your typical reaction when you encounter blood? 2. What about the OT sacrificial system makes sense to

From Hebrews 8 Jesus brings us, by faith, into a new covenant that will endure. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Have you ever had a cast? How did you injure yourself? 2. How is the OT law like a cast? 3. When was the last time you read through the OT law

The coming of Jesus brings us hope for our past. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Do you prefer to give your family or Christmas list or let them surprise you? 2. How might you define the concept of Hope the way we use the word today? 3. How is “confident expectation” a

Jesus is a better Melchizedek providing a better hope by which we draw near to God. From Hebrews 7:11-28 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. If you had to spend the next 20 years in a single season, which would you select? 2. What are some goals or purposes that people have for

From Hebrews 7:1-10 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. With what intensity do you decorate for Christmas? What’s your favorite home decoration and why? 2. Before today, what would you have told someone who asked you about Melchizedek? 3. Why do you think God tended to keep the roles of priest and king

From Hebrews 5:11-6:12 Jesus calls us to a better discipleship that follows him with everything we have. 1. In what spheres of life have you taken the approach of doing just enough to get by? How do you decide when this is a helpful attitude and when it’s not? 2. How would you rate the

From Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10 We have unprecedented access to God the Father through Jesus, the better priest. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s the most exclusive place you’ve ever had access to? How did you get it? 2. Is direct access to God the Father something that you take for granted

By faith in Jesus, we can enter into a rest that is better than any we have ever experienced. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. How tired are you right now? What are the major contributors to your weariness? 2. What comes to mind when you think of a state of rest? What

There is no place better to place our trust, than Jesus. Hebrews 3:7-19 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What musical artist are you into right now? 2. When you meet someone new, do you default to trust or mistrust? why? Was it the same when you met God? 3. How would you

Jesus welcomes us into a better family, and its blessings. From Hebrews 2:10-18 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Warm Up: What were birthday parties like for you growing up? 2. What are some of your favorite shared experiences with your family? 3. What are some of the ways that the church embodies

Actively pay attention to your salvation. Hebrews 2:1-9 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If someone was going to design a marketing campaign to actually get your attention, what kinds of things would they need to do? 2. What does it look like practically to “pay the most careful attention” to your salvation?

From Hebrews 1 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s something that you own which you should probably throw out, but you hold onto anyway? Why do you keep it? 2. Do you tend to think of angels more in terms of beauty or power? Why? What other words would you use to

From Jonah 4   If we recognize the depth of God’s mercy that has come upon us it will create within us a desire to see his mercy come to all. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Share one of your pet peeves. What irritates you more than it should? 2. Jonah was

Even when disaster is caused by our own disobedience, we can still call out to God. From Jonah 2 Questions for personal reflection or group discussion: 1. Jonah wanted to get as far away from Israel as possible. What’s the farthest away you’ve been from Minnesota? 2. What are some of the things that hold

God desires us to live authentic lives before Him and others. From Hosea 11:12 – 14:9 Questions for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection 1. Who or what comes to mind when you think about authenticity? 2. Do you agree or disagree that authenticity should be valued over excellence? Why or why not? 3. What are

From Hosea 6:7 – 11:1 God wants our complete and consistent devotion Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What would your close friends say that you are fully devoted to? 2. We know that a modern day spouse would never be satisfied with partial devotion, why is it easier to think that God

God desires to be known by us. He wants a deep relationship with us.

From Hosea 1 God’s grace is big enough to forgive you no matter how unfaithful you have been. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. How did your parents come up with your name? What is the meaning behind it? If you have kids, where did their names come from? 2. Read 1:2-3, what

God’s character leads to justice, but His heart yearns for restoration From: Amos 9 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Which famous figure would you most associate with your Dad and why? 2. Was your father more or a disciplinarian or a playmate? How might this impact the way you view God as

God calls us to a faith that is childlike, but not childish. Childlike faith is: Trusting Dependent Teachable Amazed A mature faith is: Discerns Good from Evil Prioritizes Others Pursues God Shares Jesus Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s a silly way that someone close to you might say you still act

Baptism is a public proclamation that you are in a committed relationship with Jesus. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Why do you think it’s becoming so difficult for people to make even small commitments (e.g. weekend plans)? How can hesitant commitment impact the way we follow Jesus? 2. What effect would it

From Amos 1-2 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What has been your experience Up North? Do you have a family cabin? What are the advantages/disadvantages compared to the metro? 2. How familiar are you with the Old Testament prophets? What role did the prophets play in Israel’s history? If you are bold

The Resurrection of Jesus changes our lives for both the present and the future. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you could take on the body of any animal which would you pick and why? 2. What makes our current bodies be unfit for the new heavens and new

Reflecting on the life to come, gives us strength and purpose in this present life. 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Break down the quote from Justice Holmes. How does it point us to truth? How could it lead us astray? 2. How does thinking about the next life help

What you believe about the resurrection of Jesus drastically impacts the way you look at and live life. 1 Corinthians 15:12-34 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What stands out to you about the definition of a worldview from James Sire? Do you find it to be a good one? 2. When was

The resurrection is real. Share it with facts, and share it by telling your story. 1 Corinthians 15 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What was your favorite April fools joke from this year? Did anything get you? Anything you wish was true? 2. How do you think the story of Jesus resurrection

When we gather together to worship we should glorify God, but also edify(uplift) one another. From 1 Corinthians 14 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Have you ever been to a church service in another language? What was that experience like for you? 2. What’s your preferred Bible translation and why? 3. What

Seek to serve God and others by using your spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What do people most frequently ask your help with? 2. What is an area of life that you often have to rely on other people? 3. When Christians declare Jesus to be Lord,

The Church is called to be a people that transcends social divisions. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 1. Warm Up: When you were in high school what “group” did you fit into? 2. Corinth was a city divided by wealth and poverty, what kind of division is supported and encouraged by society today? 3. How can the church

Seek to help others focus on God.   Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Share about a time when you have been embarrassed by being associated with a family member? 2. Be sure to read through the passage together, which parts do you find confusing? Would you feel comfortable explaining this passage to

Use your freedom to follow Jesus. 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. How do you think your life would change if you actually won the lottery? How would you use your new found freedom? 2. How would you explain the freedom that Jesus gives to someone outside the faith? 3.

Ask “How can I serve” instead of “what do I deserve”. From 1 Corinthians 9:1-18: Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s the worst job interview you’ve been a part of? What made it so bad? 2. What are some of the ways we use the word “entitled” currently? Does it have a

From 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What is your favorite type of meat? Feel free to include preferred seasonings/ sauces as well. 2. What do we mean today when we label something a right? 3. What are the different motivations for “Can I?” vs. “Should I?” decision making? 4.

From 1 Corinthians 7:17-40: Seeking to follow God where you are is more important than seeking to change your circumstances. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What were you taught about marriage as you grew up? Was singleness presented as a God honoring option to you? 2. What are some ways that you

From 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Marriage becomes less messy when we practice it according to God’s design. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. To what degree were the positive aspects of sex talked about in your church or your home as you grew up? 2. Are there any aspects of sex that you would

The joy of Jesus is exclusively available to everyone! Luke 2:1-21 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Are you an apple person or an android person? What motivates you to be in one camp or another? 2. Which do you find to be a higher value in your own life standing out and

Great JOY is found in experiencing the good news of Jesus. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What are some of the things that bring you joy during the Christmas season? 2. What was your understanding of joy coming into this message? How would you have explained the concept to another? 3. What

God’s people are called to live and measure themselves by a different standard. This week we look at 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Questions for Discussion or Personal Reflection: 1. What’s your favorite thing associated with Canada? 2. What are some of the motivations that are behind taking someone to court? 3. Paul seems pretty adamant that

Thankfulness not only properly praises God, but also protects us from the sins of discontentment. Psalm 106 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Why do you think food plays such a powerful role in celebrations of remembrance? Did you try anything new at the potluck? 2. How would you rate your memory right

From 1 Corinthians 5 Because we love God, His Church, and each other we must address and not ignore the sin among us. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Matthew 7:1 is now the most quoted verse of scripture in the US, what do you think this indicates about our culture? 2. When

Learn from the example of others who are faithfully following Jesus. Be an example to others who desire to follow Jesus more fully. 1 Corinthians 1:14-21   Questions for discussion or personal reflection: 1. What was/is your attitude toward Calculus/math? 2. Share a few examples of the spiritual habits that you have learned by watching

We should seek to build up the Church, because it is the temple of God. From 1 Corinthians 3:10-13 Build with care Build on the foundation of Jesus Build with the future in mind Build with humility Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you were on a construction crew, what job would

Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s a story of your childish behavior that your parents might share in an effort to embarrass you? 2. Review the list of things Christians grow out of, which of these behaviors do you currently find most challenging to curb in your own life? 3. What lies

God’s glory shines bright as he welcomes all people into his family and we reflect his glory when we do the same. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. See how many languages your group can say hello/welcome in. 2. What are your initial thoughts and reactions upon learning that the African Bible Fellowship

From 1 Corinthians 1:18 – 2:5 The cross of Jesus subverts all other sources of pride and identity in our lives. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If someone were to pop in and visit your residence right now would they find more beauty or more mess? 2. What response would you get

God sees both the beauty and the mess in our lives and in our churches. This week we kick of a series looking at the beautiful mess that is the Church, as Paul writes to the church in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Share about a time in

God would love to be your emergency contact, but only if He gets to be your Lord as well. From 1 Samuel 27-28 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you had access to the full slate of superheroes who would you put down as your emergency contact? 2. In 28:6, Saul inquires

In 1 Samuel 24, we see a valuable lesson on waiting for God’s blessing, and God’s justice.

Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. When have you recently admired a possession someone else had? What was it? What did you like about it? 2. In Ex. 20:4-5, God declares himself to be a jealous God, do you think this is a good thing? Why or why not? 3. What are some

1 Samuel 17 David points us forward to Jesus as he serves as Israel’s champion. His victory is shared with the entire nation. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. David’s dad sent cheese to his brothers commander to get in his good graces, what homemade good would you have sent? 2. If you

God uses ordinary people who love Him, and others, to do extraordinary things. From 1 Samuel 16 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. If you had to replace your current boss with a celebrity, who would you pick and why? 2. What are some of the traits you appreciate in good leaders? 3.

Complete obedience is more important than sacrifice, or anything else. This week, we are looking at 1 Samuel 15. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. What’s something that is/has bothered you because it was only done partially? 2. Read 1 Samuel 15:3, what is your gut reaction to a passage like this one?

This week we looked at 1 Samuel 8. God’s people are not called to be like everyone else. They are called to be like no one else. Or rather, they are called to be like Christ. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Share a story of when you were peer pressured into doing

God speaks to those who will listen. This week we look at those who did not listen, and one who did, from 1 Samuel 2&3. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. Share about a time when you should have listened to your parents, but chose not to? 2. What’s the difference between hearing

We are continuing our look at 1 Samuel. This week we look at Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2.  

We are beginning our look at 1 Samuel today. A life given over to the LORD is better than any prosperity, stability, or safety the outside world can offer. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Favorite rainy day activities? 2. What are some words in the text that describe Hannah’s situation? 3. Where

God was Bold in his reconciliation with us and we must take that model and apply it to our own broken relationships. This week we look at the book of Philemon Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. With baptism Sunday coming up, have you been baptized? If so, when did that happen? What

In John 21:15-25, Jesus asks Peter the same question, 3 different times. We have been restored for a purpose. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What are some praise worthy things about the millennial generation? 2. What are some of the things that you find most meaningful in life? 3. How would you

In John 21:1-14, Jesus demonstrates his acceptance and provision to those who followed him. Questions for discussion or personal reflection: 1. How do you feel about fishing? What role has it played in your life? 2. Fishing comes up multiple times in the ministry of Jesus. What are some of the other instances besides this

We are celebrating the Resurrection on this Easter Sunday, as we look to John 20. Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection: 1. Warm Up: Did you watch the giraffe being born either live or on video? Why do you think our country got so into it? Bonus: What’s your favorite zoo animal? 2. Which of

Jesus is still in control Jesus is still protecting his children Jesus is still obeying the Father on mission This gives us hope and the strength to keep the faith and live lives of love. Questions for discussion or personal reflection 1. If you were trying to hide from the authorities where would your friends

A properly unified church displays the love of God and pursues a relationship with God as it lives out the mission of God. This week we look at John 17:20-26 Christian unity is characterized by love Christian unity is achieved through deepening our relationships with God Christian unity is pursued for the sake of mission

Jesus lived a life that was set apart for mission and he calls his disciples to do the same. This week we get a glimpse into the heart of Jesus as we listen in to his prayer in John 17:1-19. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Do you own a set of china?

John 16:16-33 Expect joy and grief as you journey on mission with Jesus. Questions for discussion or personal reflection: 1. Share about an experience where you went all in on something, but it didn’t turn out the way you expected. How did you deal with it? 2. What do you think the disciples were thinking

Expect to see the Holy Spirit at work both inside and outside the people of God. John 16:4 – 17:15 The Holy Spirit helps the world see that their lives are broken and missing the target. The Holy Spirit helps the world see the true nature of Justice and what a flourishing society would really

From John 15:18 – 16:4. Hatred from “the world” should be expected for those truly following Jesus. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Since it’s Oscar season, what’s the movie you have enjoyed the most this year? 2. Do you find yourself to be a people pleaser? How can this be a good

This week we look at John 15:1-17. Note: The First few minutes of the message didn’t make the recording. They mostly just introduced the main point above. Our apologies for the issue. Thanks for your grace. Questions for discussion or personal reflection 1. What are your favorite things to do that are uniquely Minnesotan? Or

Have you been loving Jesus the way he receives love? This week, we looked at what it means to love through obedience, in John 14:15-31. Questions for Discussion or Personal Reflection 1. Which of the love languages best describes how you receive love? (words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, physical touch) 2.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion: As always feel free to tweak, skip, or add questions to focus on areas you think most relevant to your group. 1. What is your favorite place to share a meal with friends? 2. Do you think it’s getting harder or easier to have deep relationships with advance of technology? Why? 3.

Jesus transformed the power of the cross so that it multiplied life. John 12:20-50 Questions for discussion or personal reflection: 1. What are some of the prominent symbols of death that we use today? 2. What’s an event in your life that you knew was coming, but still through you for a loop when it

Jesus has power over death. This week, we look at God’s power at work in John 11. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What were you doing at midnight as the New Year began? 2. Who would you label as the most powerful human currently living on earth? Why? 3. Where in the

We are called to restore PEACE in our relationships with one another. Relevant Passages: Matt. 5:9; Heb. 12:12; 2 Cor. 13:11; Prov. 19:11; Matt. 18:15 – 16; Rom. 12:17 – 18 Promises of Forgiveness: I will not dwell on this incident I will not bring this incident up and use it against you I will

Jesus is the prince of peace. Peace is not about living a life that is comfortable, but about living the life God designed us to live. Questions for Discussion or Personal Reflection: 1. How did your parents decide on your name? What nicknames have you had throughout your life? 2. What are some different ways

This week, we are looking at Colossians 4:2-6. Look for open doors to have conversations with God and People especially during the Christmas Season. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s the longest road trip you’ve been on? Where? With who? 2. What are the benefits/drawbacks of text message relationships compared with ones

The Christian home is a home that is remodeled in the character of Christ. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. If you could remodel one element of your physical home what would it be? 2. What were the household dynamics like in your family of origin? 3. Do you view the command for

A beautiful church dresses and dwells in the character of Jesus. We are continuing our look at the Body of Christ from Colossians, by digging into Colossians 3:12-17. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: Which type of candy are/would you be most likely to swipe from a kids stash? What is the difference between

Setting our hearts and minds on Jesus enables us to use his gifts of sex and words for their intended purposes of giving life. Those in Christ must put to death their other uses through the resurrection power of Jesus. Colossians 3:1-11 Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: (Note: it may be helpful to

Our rules for live ought not be determined by the land of our birth, but by the kingdom of our new birth. Questions for discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s a rule that your parents have that you have transferred over to your own household? 2. Of the 3 ancient types of rules: legalistic, mystical,

This week’s message looks at Colossians 2:6-15. Here are some questions for discussion or individual reflection: 1. What the comfiest seat/place in your house? 2. What do we miss out on when we limit Christianity to a one time decision that people make? 3. Do you feel like you understand the basics of the worldviews

God come in the flesh in the person of Jesus is the answer to the greatest mystery of all time. He makes a path for the reconciliation of humanity with their creator. From Colossians 1 Here are some questions for your personal reflection or group discussion: 1. Which do you tend to value more: the

In Colossians 1:15-23, we get a picture of Christ’s supremacy over many areas of our lives. Christ is supreme in: Revelation Creation Sustaining The Church Restoration Reconciliation Here are some questions for your personal reflection, or group discussion 1. What features would you include in your supreme car? 2. How would you view the teachings

We are looking at the Church this week as we dive into Colossians 1. Here are some questions for group discussion or personal reflection 1. Have you ever been in a car crash? What happened? How did you fix your vehicle? 2. How are we doing with… (I like to use a 1 to 10

Bring Glory to God by Making Disciples It was exciting to share with the whole family the Disciplemaking Pathway that we have been developing for the last 9 months. We hope it provides a clear path ahead as we grow as disciplemakers. We will keep coming back to these again and again as we work

Love is essential to the Body of Christ. This week, we dig into 1 Corinthians 13. It’s a passage you may have hanging up in your house, but it is an essential truth the Church needs to grasp. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. Favorite romance movie? 2. How have you seen love

“With great privilege, comes great responsibility” This week, we are digging into Luke 19:11-27 Questions for reflection or group discussion: 1. Who is your favorite superhero? Why? 2. How do you handle the responsibility of managing resources for someone else differently than managing your own? 3. How does seeing our resources as a gift change

A body that flourishes is unified, equipped, and mature. Ephesians 4:1-16 Questions for Discussion or Personal Reflection: 1. Warm Up: If you could win the gold in any summer Olympic event what would it be? 2. What are some barriers to unity that we might find in our church? 3. What are the things that

As we continue our summer series on the Psalms, we dug into Psalm 145 and looked at what it means to have a praise that is consistent, honest, and contagious. Questions for Discussion or Personal Reflection: 1. Go around the group and do you best to identify each person’s “thing.” In other words, what do

1. How do you feel about sad songs and movies? 2. Why do you think so many of the Psalms express sadness or lament? 3. What are the differences between human vengeance and divine vengeance? 4. What do you see as the purpose of lamenting evil within the church? 5. What are some of the

C. S. Lewis called Psalm 19 “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world.” God reveals himself in His creation, and in His word. Questions for personal reflection or group discussion 1. Where in creation have you experienced God most powerfully? 2. What are some of the things

This week we continue our summer Psalm series with a look at Psalm 2

Human beings are more valuable than any other creation of God. This week, our Children’s ministry led us in worship, and we looked at Psalm 8. Questions for group discussion or personal reflection: 1. What’s the most frightened you’ve been in a situation with animals? 2. Do you think the zoo made the right decision

Following the way of God leads us toward a life of flourishing. This week, we look at Psalm 1 Questions for personal reflection or group discussion: 1. What’s a song that is currently stuck in your head or you heart? 2. What role does music play in your life? Is it a big part of

This week, look at John 10 and the “Good Shepherd”

The father-child bond is about more than DNA, it is about relationship. This week, we dig into John 8:31-59 As we look at the relationship we have with the Heavenly Father, we can examine it with some questions: Who do you obey? (v 31) Who do you look to for rescue? (v 33) Who do

This week, we look at the exclusive claims Jesus made about himself, and how we can respond. John 8:12-30 Questions for discussion: 1. What is the most exclusive event you have attended? 2. Share about a time when you wanted to be a part of something and were excluded. 3. In what ways do you take

Jesus was the ultimate good guy. Many are telling us the opposite and want us to accept their testimony, but those who are seeking God and willing to give him a fair hearing will eventually see this truth. John 7 Discussion Questions 1. Share your favorite fictional good guy and bad guy. 2. What are

In John 6, many followers walk away from Jesus after a particularly difficult message. Here are some questions for your discussion time or personal reflection: Share a time when you committed to something but gave up when it became hard. What is something that has offended you recently? What aspects of the Christian faith are

This week’s discussion questions: 1. Have you ever been caught in a storm? What was it like? 2. Share one of your phobias past or present. (Irrational fear of something) 3. How can fear be protective? List off some protective fears that you are glad you have? 4. What does it mean to fear the

In John 6:1-15, Jesus speaks to a hungry crowd. One young boy offered his “kids meal” to help feed the group. Jesus demonstrated his power, and provided some lessons for us. Discussion Questions: What was your favorite place to eat as a kid? When have you seen God provide in a hard situation? What can

This week, we wrap up our series on the cross with an Easter message of resurrection. In your discussion or personal reflection, consider these questions: What’s a product or trend that you were sad to see come to it’s end? What have you been taught heaven is going to be like? What makes you excited for

Romans 3:21-26 Questions for Discussion When have you felt the weight of debt in your life? How does debt control us? How can I tell who/what you are a slave to? Do you think absolute freedom is possible? How can being a slave of God be a good thing? How does the voluntary nature of

Discussion Questions 1. What’s your instinct when you encounter a complex word or concept? Dig? Run? Skip Over? Ask? 2. Come up with simple definitions for: a. Justification: b. Guilt: c. Righteousness: 3. What do you typically do when you are feeling guilty? 4. How does holding onto guilt damage our lives? 5. Why can’t

This week, we look at the words of Jesus regarding the testimony about Him, in John 5:31-47. Here are some questions for your individual reflection or group discussion this week: 1. Have you ever had to be a witness for something? what? why were you chosen? 2. Based on what the story reveals do you

In John 5, Jesus heals a paralytic man… on the Sabbath. This broke some cultural rules regarding the Sabbath, but it also revealed some important things about Jesus: Jesus is the Father’s Apprentice: He does what the Father Does (verse 19) The Father shows Him all He does (verse 20) He gives LIFE (Verse 21

Jesus returns home after traveling to Jerusalem and back through Samaria. You would think it would be a relief to be back home with his friends and family and yet Jesus doesn’t find what he was hoping to see. Discussion: 1. Where in life do you feel most respected? 2. Why might someone be less

Jesus has an encounter with a woman from Samaria. A person he wouldn’t even be expected to talk to and yet when he did not only a life, but a community is changed. In John 4:1 – 42, Jesus transcends barriers. Questions for your discussion this week: 1. Warm Up: What is your most refreshing

Our series on the book of John looks at John 3:22 – 36 this week. Questions for your discussion 1. Have you ever had a rival? Anyone that you consider a rival currently? 2. In what areas do you find yourself most often doing comparisons with others? 3. Why do you think we have a

This week we get to draw our attention to the most memorized verse in the Bible. John 3:16 has grabbed the attention of so many because of the way it packs the truth of God’s love into just a few words. Even in its familiarity it still provides great depth to explore. Here are some

This week we dig into John 3: 1-13 1. How is becoming a Christian similar to being born? 2. How would you describe a “born-again” Christian? 3. Is there such a thing as a non “born-again” Christian? 4. Why do you think it’s hard to understand the way Christians live, when you aren’t one? 5.

This week, we look at the calling of Jesus’ first disciples from John 1:35-51. Questions/Reflections: What have you experienced lately that you would recommend others try out? Who first recommended Jesus to you? How did they do it? How do you plan on experiencing God through the Bible this year? Do you have a God time

John the Baptist first introduced Jesus publicly as “The Lamb of God”

Discussion Questions What are some of the truths of Jesus that you find most valuable? Share about a time when sometime has shared a truth with you that you didn’t want to hear, but that you needed to hear. What are some truths of Jesus that you find hard to share with others? How do

This week we begin a series on the book of John. Discussion Questions: 1. Warm Up: Share an interesting fact about your family tree. 2. When you think about Jesus do you usually focus more on his humanity or his divinity? Why do you think you tend that direction? 3. Traditional teaching on Jesus declares

Discussion/Reflection Questions What does it mean to be content? Is it different than being satisfied? Can I be content and still desire a different circumstance? Paul says that he has learned to be content in all circumstances. Does this describe you? In what circumstances or areas of life do you find it challenging to be

This week, we continue our look into Philippians with Philippians 3:12 – 4:1 Some questions for discussion: What is a goal that you have set and then worked hard to accomplish? What does it mean to live up to what we have already attained? What is already ours by virtue of knowing Jesus? What do

We’re continuing our look at Philippians, by diving into Philippians 3:1-11 Questions for Reflection/Discussion: What is a goal that you have set and then worked hard to accomplish? What does it mean to live up to what we have already attained? What is already ours by virtue of knowing Jesus? What do we still need to

“A Humility That Reflects the Gospel” Pride and Christianity do not go well together. This week, e take a look at Philippians 2:1-18. In this week’s text, Paul points out a way the Christian can specifically model Christ to the world. A Gospel Focused Church …… …looks to the interests of others. …reflects the humility of Jesus …lives out its salvation on mission Questions for Reflection/Discussion: What’s the most successful team you’ve ever been on? What made that team so great? Why is it important that a team or a church be unified? What should unify us as a church? How can selfishness destroy a team? or a family? Or a church? What would it look like to value others above yourself in a church? In what ways does Jesus model this attitude? How have you seen God working in you lately?

Circumstances Evaluated by the Gospel Philippians 1:12 – 30 3 Questions to use in evaluation: Did it serve to advance the gospel? Was Jesus exalted by it? Did I live a life worthy of the gospel in the midst of it? Discussion Questions: How is life going right now? What criteria do you normally use

Hope’s new Senior Pastor Clay Edens begins a look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We start with a look at Philippians 1:1-11  

This week, ailment Senior Pastor candidate Clay Edens teaches about the role of the Church in a broken world. Matthew 5 is where we look at the mission of the Church. In this passage, Jesus talks through what it means to be “Salt” and “Light” in this world.