September 24, 2023 | The Seven—Week 3
- What similarities do you recognize between the Church of Pergamum and today’s culture? Positive or negative.
- We heard Pastor Keith talk about repentance. How would you explain repentance to someone who doesn’t know Jesus?
- What types of things do you consider “manna” in your own life?
- Are there some idols in your life that have you blurring the line between following Jesus or following that which has become the idol?
September 17, 2023 | The Seven—Week 2
- What is something you learned about the church at Smyrna that challenged you?
- How have you seen God’s presence in your life as you’ve gone through a struggle, either in the midst of the struggle or looking back on the struggle? What did you learn about God by going through that situation?
- What does accountability look like for you? As we suffer as followers of Jesus, who do you have in your life that keeps you on track, pursuing the things of God, when things are tough? If you don’t have someone like that in your life, who can you reach out to
- Rephrase Luke 9:23-24 in your own words. What do these verses mean to you?
September 10, 2023 | The Seven—Week 1
- Take the next six days to read one chapter each day in the book of Ephesians. As you do this, intentionally lean in to see what God has for you.
- In what ways can you relate to what the church in Ephesus was facing, or how they responded?
- Read Matthew 22:37-40. What should our response to this commandment be?
- When you hear Pastor Shawn talking about the Church being irrelevant because we hold the line better than we love people, how does that impact you?
August 27, 2023 | Core Values—Week 3
- In what ways do you feel God calling you to be generous with time, talent, or treasure?
- What is keeping you from fully trusting God when He asks you to be generous?
- Do you believe that serving in the church is important? Why or why not? Take some time to see what Scripture has to say about serving the body of Christ. Does this change your thoughts about serving?
- What is your motivation for being generous or serving?
August 20, 2023 | Core Values—Week 2
- What's a dream you have that you need to put action steps to in order to set that dream in motion? What is holding you back?
- Do you view the core value of Gathering as important for your spiritual growth? Why or why not?
- Read through the following passages and put them in your own words: Hebrews 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
- Are there steps you need to take or conversations you need to have to help you move towards a more transformational relationship with Jesus? Discuss this with someone and create a plan to make it happen.
August 6, 2023 | Broken—Week 3
- Read through Psalm 143 again to refresh your memory on our text from this week.
- Look at Romans 12:2 again. Speak this verse in your own words.
- What are some ways you get in step with the Spirit as you walk through brokenness?
- As you read through Psalm 23, what line is most impactful to you and why?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
July 30, 2023 | Broken—Week 2
- In seasons of brokenness, do you focus on the circumstance of your brokenness, or on the opportunity for transformation through your brokenness?
- When you look at Psalm 143:8 and the phrase “Cause me to hear…”, what does that mean to you?
- Often in our brokenness, the people around us will create distance from us, but God continues to pursue us even in the midst of our brokenness. Reflect on this and write down or share what this means to you.
- Who are some people in your life that can help you through your brokenness? Or, who do you know that is in a season of brokenness that God may be leading you to walk their journey with them? Either way, we are not meant to go through this alone.
- According to Psalm 143:8, how would you explain the difference between hearing and listening?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
July 23, 2023 | Broken—Week 1
- Do you believe that God is working in and through you despite the brokenness in your life?
- As you read through Psalm 143, what things stand out to you? Are there key words or phrases that raise questions or bring clarity to your understanding of this passage?
- Can you describe a but/not moment from your own life…looking at a time where something may have happened to you, but recognizing that were it not for Jesus in your life, it may have been worse.
- Is it difficult for you to allow others to recognize the “cracks” in your brokenness? If so, why? How can God help you embrace the cracks in your life so that you can allow him to bring forth something beautiful?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
July 9, 2023 | Let's Be Honest
- If those around me were living their lives the way I live mine, would they be living like Jesus?
- If my friends walked with me non-stop for the next week, would they ask me to teach them how to pray?
- What’s more important: my will or God’s will?
- Is the Word of God precious and sweet to me?
July 2, 2023 | Peace
- What is a major change in your life that you have had to navigate? Was the change positive or negative?
- Is there a word, symbol or ritual that God has given you in your life that has helped you experience His peace and freedom?
- Pastor Shawn talked about transformation being our inner response to the changes we are experiencing. Have you experienced Christ’s transformation in your life? If so, describe that experience. If not, is there someone you can talk to about this?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
June 25, 2023 | Redeemed
- What do you find surprising about the plagues from Exodus that Pastor Keith addressed? Did something stand out to you that you hadn’t seen or heard before?
- Read Psalm 113-118. What stands out to you from these passages?
- When you think about the fact that you are redeemed, what does that mean to you? Are there things in your life that are keeping you from claiming the freedom you can have through redemption?
- As you remember what God has done for you in your life, consider sharing this with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Is this something that comes easy to you? Why or why not?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
June 18, 2023 | The Way, The Truth, The Life—Week 3
- In your own words, what does it mean to live a good life?
- When you think about the gift of life in terms of darkness and light, does this help your understanding of what it means to live your life in Christ? Why or why not?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being unbelief and 10 being wholehearted belief, rate your belief when it comes to the idea that following Christ daily leads to a better, richer and more meaningful life. Talk about this with your group or journal your thoughts.
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
June 11, 2023 | The Way, The Truth, The Life—Week 2
- What characteristics do you tend to look for in a person when searching for someone who can speak truth into your life?
- When you honestly evaluate your own life, are there things that you have created as truth over God? What steps can you take to begin to undo these “created truths”?
- After reading 2 Timothy 4:3-4, is it easy to identify aspects of our culture today that reflect these verses? What about in your own life?
- What are some things you are currently doing, or that you might need to incorporate into your life to keep you prepared in season and out of season (referring to 2 Timothy 4:2)?
- What will you do with the one who claims to be the truth?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
June 4, 2023 | The Way, The Truth, The Life—Week 1
- Are you the type of person who likes to be in control, or are you more likely to just “go with the flow”, seek a new path, and are always up for a new adventure?
- John 14:1-4 should be some verses that bring you comfort. If not, why do you think that is?
- In John 14:5, we read that Thomas had questions? Do you find yourself in a similar situation? What questions do you have about Jesus being THE WAY?
- In your own words, how would you explain to someone the meaning of John 14:6-7?
- Pastor Shawn spoke about some other religions that don’t necessarily line up with Christian beliefs. Besides some of the reasoning he gave, what other statements by other religions are confusing to you?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
May 28, 2023 | Attaboy!
- Considering your current circumstances, would you say that it is easy or hard to walk out your faith? Explain to the group or journal why you feel this way.
- When you hear the phrase from Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith,” what does this mean to you?
- Do the verses in James (2:14, 17, & 26) better help you understand the importance of a faith/works balance?
- Explain in your own words what it means to take up your cross and follow Jesus.
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. What action steps can you take this week to begin/continue the transformation process in your life? Who will hold you accountable?
May 21, 2023 | Guardrails—Week 5
- Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation to Pastor Shawn and his new car story? What did God teach you during that season of life?
- Who in your life has influenced your understanding of stewardship regarding finances? Does what you have learned line up with God’s plan for your finances?
- When we’re mastered by money, we live for ourselves (consumption), we save, and then we give. When we master our money we give first, then save, and then live. Which lifestyle do you relate to more?
- Transformation doesn’t happen unless we put into action the things that God has taught us. Over the past several weeks, we’ve discussed some guardrails that we need in our lives. What action steps do you need to take in order to put some of these guardrails in place? Who will hold you accountable to these actions?
- What else challenged you, comforted you, or convicted you from this series, “Guardrails"?
May 14, 2023 | Guardrails—Week 4
- Describe what guarding your heart means to you in your own words.
- How does this story of a shift from the old covenant to the new covenant change your thinking about Jesus and His teachings?
- Of the four emotions that Pastor Shawn talked about, (Guilt, Anger, Greed, & Jealousy) which of them do you need God’s help with the most?
- Strive this week to commit Proverbs 4:23 to memory.
- What else challenged you, comforted you, or convicted you from today’s message?
May 7, 2023 | Baptism
- In Matthew 18, Jesus states that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. A big part of baptism is declaring that you have surrendered full authority of your life to Jesus. Talk about that moment in your life. If you’ve not made that decision yet, discuss what it might be that is holding you back.
- Jesus talks about going and making disciples. If you’ve been discipled as a follower of Jesus, who then, are you discipling? If you haven’t been discipled and would like to be, or to learn more about what that means, please contact Pastor Chris at chrisg@valponaz.org for more information.
- After hearing the teaching and seeing 11 people get baptized, talk about why you think it’s important to celebrate baptism as a body.
- What else challenged you, comforted you, or convicted you from today’s message?
April 30, 2023 | Guardrails—Week 3
- Read 1 Corinthians 6:18. This verse differentiates sexual sin from all other sins. What does this mean to you?
- What guardrails have you put in place for your marriage to protect against infidelity and other sexual sin? If you hope to be married someday, what are some guardrails that you would put in place?
- Is considering your body a temple of the Holy Spirit a paradigm shift for you? If so, how does this affect your thoughts about sexual sin?
- Put into your own words what it means to honor God with your body.
- Read John 10:10. Restate this verse in your own words. What does it mean to you?
- What else challenged you, comforted you, or convicted you from today’s message?
April 23, 2023 | Guardrails—Week 2
- Who was that person when you were younger that always seemed to get you into trouble? Are you still in contact with them today?
- How do you understand the difference between being judgmental and exercising good judgment? How would you explain it?
- Think about some of the relationships you have in your life. If you do an honest evaluation, can you recognize some things that might need to change in any of these relationships?
- Pinpoint some situations in your own life where you might be tempted to compromise in a way that you know could lead down the wrong path. Who do you have in your life that you can ask to hold you accountable in these areas?
- What else challenged you, comforted you, or convicted you from today’s message?
April 16, 2023 | Guardrails—Week 1
- What are some common guardrails that we typically establish in our lives?
- Talk about a time in your life when guardrails would have been helpful.
- Read Ephesians 5:15-20. When Paul talks about making the most of your opportunities, what does that mean to you?
- What struggles do you face in trying to understand the Lord’s will for your life? Is there someone you can talk to about this that can keep you accountable in these areas?
- What guardrails do you need to consider putting in place in your life in order to help you discern the will of God?
- What else challenged you, comforted you, or convicted you from today’s message?
April 9, 2023 | Easter Sunday: The Beauty of Jesus
- How has Jesus modeled His beauty in your life recently?
- Read Isaiah 53:2-3. Jesus possessed no qualities of royalty, yet people were drawn to Him because His beauty permeated from Him. What qualities do you possess that draw people to you? Do these qualities reflect Jesus? What do you need to work on?
- We all have a price that we have made Him pay for us. Is this a hard reality for you to face? Why?
- Pastor Shawn talked about the scars we have from life. Are there any stories of scars you can share that you have gained as you've lived life? What have those scars taught you?
- In 1 John 1:9-13 we see contrasting responses to the coming of Jesus. In verses 10-11, the response is negative in the sense that the world did not recognize Him and did not receive Him. In verse 12, we see a positive response in that those who did receive Him and believed in Him would become children of God. Briefly share with the group about the time you did receive and believe.
- Read John 3:16. God sent His Son because He chooses you. Are there times in your life where you struggle with the fact that you are chosen by God? Why or why not?
- Share one thing that God is teaching you based on this message.
