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? 

Philippians 4:8-9: Food for Thought (March 16, 2014)

1. Ryan said that many of us have a tendency to focus on "right thinking" or "right acting" - which do you find yourself more prone to?

2. Paul's use of "whatever" opens the door to the world, where do you see beauty, truth, honor, etc. around you?  What contributes to our difficulty to see these things?  

3. What are the things that you've been called to do, but you've been reluctant to?

4. Ryan said knowing and doing is about love, what do your thoughts and actions say about who and / or what you love?

Philippians 4:4-7 (March 9, 2014): Spoiler Alert

1. What are the things that prevent us from having joy?

2. What did Ryan say is the difference between denial and defiance?  Why are these distinctions important?

3. What are the common things and where are the common places that you can find joy?

4. Do you find yourself to be more of a rule stickler or a rule bender? Where are places that you can grow in being reasonable in your life?

February 23, 2014: Philippians 4:1-3: Called Out for Good

1.  What is the difference between the biblical concepts of forgiveness versus reconciliation?  Can you have one without the other?  

2. What makes it difficult for us to love those whom we disagree?

3.  What were some of the diagnostic questions that Ryan encouraged us to consider before we bring an offense to someone?  Why are these particular questions helpful?

4.  How does the gospel free us to pursue reconciliation in our relationships?  Specifically, how does the promise that our names are written in the "Book of Life" (v. 3) empower us to reconcile with others?  See also Revelation 3:5 and Luke 10:20.

5.  Ryan suggested that sometimes it is more unloving to not confront someone rather than to confront them.  Why is this the case? Read Proverbs 27:5-6 for further reflection on this theme. 

6.  Spend some time praying for one another, that God might assist you in pursuing reconciliation out of love, with humility, and in response to Jesus reconciling us to God.  

February 16, 2014: Philippians 3:17-21: Why the Church Needs You and You Need the Church

{Leader's Note: You may want to have the group read Donald Miller's blog post referenced in the sermon.  Find it here: http://storylineblog.com/2014/02/03/i-dont-worship-god-by-singing-i-connect-with-him-elsewhere/}

1. Prior to the sermon, what would you have said was the reason you come to church?

2. Who are the people who have modeled / imitated the Christian life for you (v. 17)?  What are things you've learned from them?

3.  Can you think of a non-believing friend or family member whom you may have dismissed in your heart?  What would it look like to move  towards this person instead of withdrawing?  How do we begin to weep for our unbelieving friends? 

4.  Where do you feel like you find your main source of community?  If it isn't at church, why do you think that is?  If it is at church, what makes it that way for you?

Feb 9: Philippians 3:11-16 The Race of Your Life

1.  Is the metaphor of the Christian life as a race helpful for you?  Why or why not?

2. What are the things in your life that divert your focus from the Lord?  What is appealing about these things?  

3. Do you find yourself running blind (without a clear motivation for your Christian life)?  Or running scared (trying to 'keep up appearances' out of fear of what people will think)?  Or are you running free? 

4. What should motivate us to run the Christian life?  Why?