Love Your Enemies: Matthew 5:43-48 // June 15, 2014

1. Who are the people that you are rooting and / or raging against?

2. Why is seeking to be neutral (neither hating nor loving) those people not a valid option?

3. We are encouraged by this passage to love those we hate by praying.  What are the things that we can pray for those who are our enemies and for ourselves?

4. What are some other Scriptures that are examples of praying for and blessing enemies?

5. How will remembering God's love for enemies, his love for us, affect the way we love each other?

Matthew 8:23-27: Why Are You Afraid? (June 8, 2014)

1) Matthew describes the boat as undergoing "great turbulence" [the word he uses for 'storm']. When have you experienced the turbulence of life? 

2) In Mark's account (Mark 4:38) and in Psalm 10:1, the Bible accuses God of being indifferent to our hardship.  When have you felt these same sentiments?  How does it make you feel that these words are expressed?

3) Why is trusting in Jesus as a stranger helpful to our Christian walk? 

4) From this passage, how do we see Jesus as our companion?

5) Are there situations right now that are calling for courageous faith?  What are some practical steps you need to take to discover that courage? 

What Do You Want? Matthew 20:29-34

1. The reason that the blind men were approaching Jesus seems obvious, so why did Jesus ask his question?

2. The blind men were asking for freedom from what plagued them, what plagues you that you need freedom from?  Try to be specific.

3. What signal is Jesus sending by healing the men right before he entered Jerusalem?

4. What are we to do in response to this?  How does interrogating our desires help us "get to the bottom" of our behaviors?  And how does that help us?  

"Why Are You Anxious?" Matthew 6:25-34

1. What are things that world encourages us to value that cause us anxiety?

2. When we underestimate our value, what are we subtly asking about God?

3. What does Jesus tell us will give us freedom from anxiety?

4. What are some practical ways that you can be pursuing Christ's kingdom?

Jesus' Questions: What Does it Profit a Man? Matthew 16

1.  According to the sermon, how does the culture understand the question about forfeiting our soul?  What does Jesus mean when he speaks about "forfeiting our soul?"  How does this expand our normal, daily perspective on our lives?

2.  How is Jesus as both Judge and Savior help us to live today in light of the Judgment Day?  How does it correct us? encourage us?  Spur us on to good deeds?  

3.  Why is it important for Christians -- who have assurance of eternal life with Jesus -- to ask this question of themselves? 

4.  Jesus say to follow him we must take our cross (v. 24), what does He mean?  How do we practically live this way? 

5.  Who is one, non-Christian friend or family member you know who might respond to this question?  (Bear in mind, it is a confrontational question!  We must always ask these questions in love for others, not to win an argument or to feel superior to others.)  Is there another way to phrase it that might be helpful in sharing the gospel with that person? 

Easter with Thomas: April 20, 2014 -- John 20:24-31

1. Where are the dark places that you need or have seen Jesus meet you?  Or asked differently where do you see yourself feeling skepticism or anxiety or both?

2. What did Ryan say is the thing that we need to address our skepticism & anxiety?  How does this occur?

3. How do we see Jesus showing grace and kindness to Thomas?  Why is this a reflection of Christ's grace?

4. Where are the places in our lives where we need to surrender to Jesus and declare the is "God and my Lord"?  

Philippians 4:14-23: Paul's Investment Advice (4/13/14)

1. In verse 14, Paul thanked the Philippians for encouraging him.  What are practical ways that you have been encouraged by someone else? Who do you have an opportunity to encourage?  How?  

2. What works do you feel a partnership with?  Why do you feel that?  

3. In verse 18, God promises to supply 'ever need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.'  How can this principle be abused? 

4.  What are specific ways we supply ourselves rather than drawing on God's supply?  For our sense of acceptance or significance?  How do we draw on God's supply for our needs?

5. In verse 21 and 22, Paul reminds us how sweet Christian fellowship is.  How do we avoid taking our Christian relationships for granted? 

6. What is your greatest obstacle to living more generously (selfishness? busyness? fear?)? How does the generosity of God remove that obstacle?