Drop the Stones: Only God Can Judge Me

John 8:2–11

Where will you lead your group? Pick and choose from these suggestions to create the right discussion for your group.


Discussion Questions:

- Do you ever feel a sense of satisfaction when people "get what they deserve" or "get what they have coming to them?"

- Is it good when bad things happen to bad people? How do you define "bad people?" Do you or have you ever fit that description or definition?

Read v. 2

Wide ranges of people were attracted to Jesus; however, people that were notoriously far from God seemed to be the ones most attracted to Jesus.
- What do Christians do in our culture today that makes people far from God want to avoid church and religious people? What are we doing different from Jesus?

Read v. 4

"This person has been caught in the act of ________." Every person on earth can fill in that blank with multiple words. Take a moment to think of a few words that could go in that blank for your life.
- Does personalizing that verse change your perspective of the woman, of Jesus, or of the religious people?

Read vs. 3-5

- Name some examples in our culture where people have held a public hearing for someone's private sin.
- Name an example of how you've responded that way about someone in your life or sphere of influence.
- What does it say about a person that is desperately seeking the condemnation of others when they make a mistake? Is it even possible for a Christian to act like that after all that we have been forgiven of in our lives?

Read v. 7

- What is your reaction to Jesus' response?
- Do you ever find yourself making your sins seem more palatable to God than the sins of others?

Read v. 10

Anytime people use religion to draw a line around people to keep them out, Jesus is always on the other side of the line.
- What are ways that churches/Christians draw lines today that push people away from church and away from Jesus?
- What would the response have been if the men actually cared about the woman's soul and spiritual freedom instead of being driven by their desire for her judgement?

Read v. 11

- What's the difference in Jesus not condemning her and Jesus not thinking it was a sin or that the sin was not a big deal?
- What's the danger in Christians thinking "Neither do I condemn you" to mean that we should not worry about what others are doing right/wrong, and just worry about ourselves?
- What's the danger in Christians wanting someone to "Go and sin no more" and then we will not condemn you?
- In this story, how are you like the adulterous woman? How are you like the religious man? How have you ever responded like Jesus?



Next Steps:

End with a challenge to make it real. Commit to a next step as a group and bring the discussion to life this week.

Think about your answer to the question, What is your sin? (You don't have to share specifics with the group if you don't want to.) What stands in the way of you deciding to leave that sin behind? What can this group do to help you make and follow-through on that decision?

Are you holding a stone to throw at a certain person or group? Drop the stone this week and partner with Jesus to lovingly help people leave their sin behind.

How will you learn from Jesus and help someone who has fallen?


Pray as a Group:

Ask the Holy Spirit to point out dark areas in your life where you need to trade condemnation for Jesus' mercy and light. Pray together as a group and invite Jesus to free you.

Easter 2019

Matthew 9:9-13

Icebreaker:

Jesus said in verse 13 that He came to call sinners. Who is a sinner? What would you say if you were explaining who a sinner is to someone?


Scripture Discussion:

What groups would Jesus be likely to seek out today? Do you seek out the same kinds of groups? Why or why not?

Why would Jesus seek the most hated person in Jewish society to join His mission?

Can you think of a profession today, that if someone from that profession came to our church, they would be shunned? Why would they, or why would they not, be accepted?

Why would the Pharisees be puzzled about Jesus' excellent teaching, yet crazy behavior of hanging out with sinners? Can you think of some modern-day "crazy behaviors" that would be radical, but Scriptural, and still not accepted in most churches?

What is it about Jesus' words, Follow me, that cause some to respond with passion, and others to run away in anger?

Matthew gave up a lucrative job to follow Jesus. Would you leave a "six-figure" job if that's what Jesus called you to do? Why, or why not? What would be your motivation to stay at your "good job?"

Matthew actually got up and followed! What is the cause and motivation for you to get up and follow Christ?

Matthew saw what he was going to gain! What did you see when you came to Christ?

Why do you suppose that most people only see what they will leave behind?

How can you seek out people whom the church would call sinners, or unworthy to approach (remember we're all sinners), so you and our church could build a relationship with them?


Next Steps:

What is in the way of your responding to the Follow me call? How can you deal with it now?

What people do you know are waiting for an invitation, but we like the Pharisees think would not at all be interested in spiritual things so you haven't invited them to follow Christ or even come to church?


Pray:

Prayers to Love Big

1. Confess to the Lord if you are prejudiced against any individuals or groups, and for you to become more like Him in thought, word and deed.

2. Pray for Jesus to help you love people without exception; especially the weak and the vulnerable, the sick and the sinner.

Final Four: Palm Sunday

Read Matthew 21:1-11

What did you learn about yourself or other people from this passage?

If someone asked you the purpose of your life, could you tell them? What are some verses in Scripture that tell you what your purpose in life really is?

Seeing God's plan unfold for your life can often start with doing the smaller things and being faithful with the smaller opportunities first. What small next steps do you think God is calling you to take?

How do you feel about God allowing you to be a part of someone else's life change? Is that exciting, scary, a lot of pressure?

What fear of the future is keeping you from taking a small step of obedience today? (Fear of rejection if you invite friends to church, fear of losing friends or relationships if you talk to friends about Jesus, fear of not having enough if you live generously now, etc.)

Jesus told the disciples to untie the donkey and bring it to him so that it could fulfill its purpose. Is tying you down and keeping you from being the man/woman that God has called you to be?

God's plan for your life is bigger than just you. If you took your next step in your relationship with Jesus, what impact would it have on those around you? What other life change could happen as a result of your faithfulness today?


Next Steps:

Your next step may be helping someone else take their next step. Invite an un-churched friend to our Easter service this Sunday. Your invitation could be a part of God's plan to change that person's life!


Pray:

Pray for each other for strength to follow through on commitments you have made or are making as a result of this discussion.


Happenings:

Good Friday Night of Worship
Friday, April 19th
7:00 PM
South Fork Campus
Family Service (Childcare for children up to Pre-K)

We will gather for a time of worship as we remember, reflect, and rejoice about the remarkable work Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Join us for this special evening as we begin Easter weekend.

Final Four: Communion

Luke 22:14, John 13, Mark 14:22-25

Icebreaker:

What's your favorite thing about communion?


Scripture Discussion:

Luke 22:14 - One of the reasons we do communion is to hit the pause button to put our focus on such a powerful moment. Why is taking a pause "to remember" so important to you?

John 13:1-5 - Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and was about to return to God, yet he's still serving others until the very end of his life. What does this mean to you?

Jesus washed his disciples' feet, which is an act of humility. How do humility and service go hand in hand?

John 13:21, 26 - Jesus even washed the feet of his enemies. Who is the hardest (type of) person for you to serve, and why?

We've all betrayed Jesus at some time (or many times) in our lives. Knowing that Jesus still served and died for you, how does that help you serve others whom you don't like?

Read Matthew 5:44 - What would you define as an enemy? How can you practically love your enemy?


Next Steps:

John 13:22-25, Matthew 26:22 - Each of the disciples were concerned they were the one who was going to betray Jesus. Take a look at your own life...

• What sin do you need to confess?
• What sin may happen in the near future if you don't change course?

Pray:

Take time to search your own heart and life, and to take time to hit pause and remember what Jesus has done for you.

Pray for opportunities to be humble and serve others in love the way that Jesus has done for you.


Happenings:

Good Friday Night of Worship
Friday, April 19th
7:00 PM
South Fork Campus
Family Service (Childcare for children up to Pre-K)

We will gather for a time of worship as we remember, reflect, and rejoice about the remarkable work Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Join us for this special evening as we begin Easter weekend.

Final Four: Cinderella Goes to the Big Dance

Luke 9:28-36

Icebreaker:

What would be your Final Four in the life of Jesus? What do you think are the 4 most significant events in his life/ministry, and why?


Scripture Discussion:

Many non-Christians believe in the person of Jesus described before the Transfiguration (prophet, teacher, miracle worker, good person, leader of religious movement). Why was it so important for Jesus' true identity to be revealed to these 3 men?

If someone asked you to describe Jesus, what words would you use in addition to the phrases above?

Have you ever had a "mountaintop experience" in your walk with Jesus? What was that like? What did you learn?

"No significant movement of God will ever happen in your life apart from prayer."

• What are you desperate to see happen in and around you?
• Now, how much are you praying about that burden to see results produced?

Could you share a time when prayer was the steering wheel of your life and faith as opposed to a spare tire that is used just in case of emergencies?

"Present experiences are designed to prepare us for future events."

• What is God doing in your life right now, and how do you see that preparing you for what the future may hold?

What was the last valley you were in, and have you seen God use that to teach you things and help you lead into the purpose and plan He has for you moving forward?

Knowing that we aren't listening for audible voices, share with the group the ways that you hear from God and understand when He speaks to you.


Next Steps:

What things do you need to change to make prayer more of a priority?

God Himself gave one verbal command in the New Testament: "Listen to Jesus." What are 3 things you need to do this week to get better at that and make room for the voice of Jesus in your life?


Pray:

Ask the group about the current state of their spiritual journey right now - mountain top of valley? Spend some time praying for those in the valley and identifying ways you can help encourage them and walk alongside them.


Happenings:

Good Friday Night of Worship
Friday, April 19th
7:00 PM
South Fork Campus
Family Service (Childcare for children up to Pre-K)

We will gather for a time of worship as we remember, reflect, and rejoice about the remarkable work Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Join us for this special evening as we begin Easter weekend.

Jailbreak: The Unspoken Code

Galatians 6:1-18

Icebreaker:

As a kid, were you ever caught "red-handed" doing something wrong? Have you ever caught somebody red-handed? What did you say or do?


Scripture Discussion:

1 - Out of the 4 ways Paul calls us to love, which one seems to be the hardest in your life?
• when someone fails
• with generosity
• in timing
• in bragging and suffering

2 - Have you ever attempted to restore someone that broke your trust or did something wrong to you? How did it go?

3 - Do you think Galatians 6:1-6 applies to non-Christians? Why or why not?

4 - Read Galatians 6:2-5. How can we determine what burden should be carried by a person, and what burden may appropriately require assistance in?

5 - How important is it for us to be patient and gentle in restoring someone? (Gal 6:1-2) Does that really matter, or is it just about the final result?

6 - What kind of crop are you expecting or sowing and reaping conflict with grace?

7 - In your opinion does the law of sowing and reaping conflict with grace? (Gal 6:7-9, Pro 3:12)

8 - What steps could you take to sow to the Spirit more?

9 - In what ways do you find worldly matters still pressuring you?

10 - When and why were you last weary of "doing good?" How can you become more established so your passion for spiritual matters remains high?

11 - Read Gal 6:10. Why do you think Paul said we should do good especially to those who belong to the family of believers? How can the church do that without becoming exclusive?

12 - Give some examples of how your rGroup has helped each other carry burdens. Take time to thank people personally for specific ways they have helped.


Closing Challenge:

Is there someone that comes to mind that this passage is prompting you to restore?


Pray:

Pray for each member of the group, that we would be more cooperative in the heart-shaping changes Jesus wants to make in us.

Ask the Spirit of Jesus to guide you in truth and to change you as needed.


Happenings:

Good Friday Night of Worship
Friday, April 19th
7:00 PM
South Fork Campus
Family Service (Childcare for children up to Pre-K)

We will gather for a time of worship as we remember, reflect, and rejoice about the remarkable work Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Join us for this special evening as we begin Easter weekend.

Read Through Galatians
During this 8-week study of the book of Galatians, we are challenging ourselves to read along in Galatians during the week as we go. Turns out there are 6 chapters in Galatians, so we'd love for you to join us by reading one chapter of Galatians each day Monday–Friday each week during the 8-week study.

If you do, then at the end you'll have read through the book 8 times, heard 8 sermons on it, and had 8 opportunities to discuss it in rGroups if your rGroup follows our sermon series. We hope you'll lean into this challenge and encourage your group to do so as well and that God will speak to you powerfully along the way!

Jailbreak: The Key to Freedom

Galatians 5:13-26

Icebreaker:

Have you ever thought to yourself, "that person must be a Christian" even though you didn't know that person? What was it about them that made you think that?


Scripture Discussion:

v. 13 - What key concept describes the believer?
(The believer is described as "free.")

v. 14 - What command summarizes God's law, and how does this help us in using our freedom?
(Freedom in Christ is good news! It calls us to "serve one another in love" We use our freedom to follow God's way of love rather than to indulge in sinful nature.)

v. 15 - In today's culture, what might it mean to bite and devour each other?

v. 16 - What does Paul mean by "living in.." and "keeping step with the Spirit"? How can you do that in your daily life?

v. 18 - If we are no longer "under the law," why do we still struggle to live in line with God's law?

v. 19-21 - What quality is lacking in the person who indulges in the sinful nature?
(The lack of love for God and others.)

v. 21 Paul warns, "Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." What is the kingdom of God?
(Help group members see that the kingdom of God is found wherever God is honored and served as the highest authority. In this kingdom God's desires and commands have precedence over any other rules or desires. Again, love is the main characteristic of the kingdom of God, because love is the essence of God's nature (see 1 John 4:7-21).

v. 22-26 - What qualities describe the fruits of the Spirit? Is this a "to do" list or a "to be" list? Explain?

What do these qualities reveal about God's character?
(The list of qualities known as the "fruit of the Spirit" is a description of the very character of God. The fruit of the Spirit is the character of God being built in the believer.)

If there is such a clear distinction between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit, why do we find ourselves wavering between the two? How can they be so opposite, but yet they are sometimes both prevalent in our lives?

In what way do all of these qualities of the Spirit hang together?
(If people have trouble seeing that all these things are qualities of the same fruit, ask a few questions like these:
- Is it possible for an unkind person to be filled with joy?
- Can a person who lacks self-control have peace?)

Which types of spiritual fruit come naturally to you, and which don't?

What does Paul mean when he says we are to "crucify the sinful nature" in verse 24?
(See also Romans 6:12-13)


Next Steps:

Think on how Jesus is causing the fruit of the Spirit to grow in you. Is there any area in which your life is less fruitful than it should be? What is one way you can nurture the growth of that fruit in you?

Write down 3 ways you will grow in love with God this week.

Write down 3 ways you will show love towards others this week.


Pray:

Pray for each member of the group, that we would be more cooperative in the heart-shaping changes Jesus wants to make in us.

Ask the Spirit of Jesus to guide you in truth and to change you as needed.


Happenings:

Good Friday Night of Worship
Friday, April 19th
7:00 PM
South Fork Campus
Family Service (Childcare for children up to Pre-K)

We will gather for a time of worship as we remember, reflect, and rejoice about the remarkable work Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Join us for this special evening as we begin Easter weekend.

Read Through Galatians
During this 8-week study of the book of Galatians, we are challenging ourselves to read along in Galatians during the week as we go. Turns out there are 6 chapters in Galatians, so we'd love for you to join us by reading one chapter of Galatians each day Monday–Friday each week during the 8-week study.

If you do, then at the end you'll have read through the book 8 times, heard 8 sermons on it, and had 8 opportunities to discuss it in rGroups if your rGroup follows our sermon series. We hope you'll lean into this challenge and encourage your group to do so as well and that God will speak to you powerfully along the way!