Tag Archive for: groups ministry

Back to the Movies: Jurassic Park – Discussion Guide

Connect

Main Idea: When people seek autonomy from God to define what’s best, it results in a world of tragedy and death.

Introduction: This week, Pastor Chris takes us to the world of Jurassic Park; a place where John Hammond and his team of scientists have taken life into their own hands…and everything goes terribly wrong. Like John Hammond, we try to control our lives and the world around us; often never stopping to ask ourselves if we should do the things we do. Without Christ at the center and guiding us, we should expect frustration and confusion.

Discussion Starter: In your world, what do you wish you understood more?

Grow

Primary Scriptures: Genesis 11:1-9, Matthew 6:25-26

Discussion Questions:

  1. This weekend, Pastor Chris asked, “Have you ever found yourself so preoccupied with whether you could do something, you never stopped to ask if you should?” When has taking matters into your own hands made things worse?
  2. Read Matthew 6:25-26 Are you easily content? What are the obstacles to you being restful, at peace, and content?
  3. No one knows you, this world, and the universe better than the Creator. Knowing that God knows you better than you know yourself, how do you seek Him and His Will for your life?
  4. Key themes of Jurassic Park are the power of creation and the illusion of control. In his book, “Counterfeit Gods,” Tim Keller proposes that power and control are idols; which he defines as “anything more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning in life, or identity.” More broadly, anything we place in that ultimate spot that only God can occupy. Where do you place the pursuit of power and need for control in your life?
  5. What is one concrete step you can take to pursue God instead of that idol? For example, if you place a high value on your time and have your calendar full, could you empty some of those time blocks to make room for quiet time or a Bible study with a friend?

Protect

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section. 

What is God asking you to do? What would happen if you were obedient to do it?

In Jurassic Park, the scientists seeing dinosaurs in person was drastically different than studying the fossil remains. Our God and His Word are alive, not dead, old, and dusty. Read 1 Peter 1:23 When you read God’s Word, how can you read and experience it as alive? What is the most recent Scripture that God used to meet you where you were at? Make a plan to check in this week and keep each other accountable for reading God’s word.

Fresh Wind Week 5 – Discussion Guide

 

Getting Started

Main Idea: Search for God’s fresh breath of life, the Ruach, to fill your sails.

Introduction: Fighting the flesh is a battle that everyone has; even Paul describes his personal frustrations with this war in Romans 7. This weekend, Pastor Chris discusses the crosswinds that steer us: the Ruach (the breath of God) and the forces of the flesh. Which one we let fill our sails determines our trajectory. We are challenged to consider which is more of a driving force in our lives and decision-making. Sometimes it is easy to do what the flesh considers appropriate because it is almost natural. We must be intentional with our thoughts and actions so we don’t allow the wrong wind to guide our ship.

Discussion Starter: Think about your day-to-day life. Are you more influenced by what your friends, family, and/or the culture around you do? Or are you more focused on each action being a resemblance of Jesus?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Ephesians 3:16-20, Ephesians 5:18-20, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:12-16, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Ephesians 3:16-20 What can we learn from Paul’s prayer about being filled with the spirit? This is different from being filled with the Spirit when you first accept the Lord as your savior. This is strengthening the spirit on the inside.
  2. Read Ephesians 5:18-20 From these verses, what actions go along with being filled by the Holy Spirit?
  3. In 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 What comparison is made between those who are guided by the wind of the flesh vs those who are guided by the Spirit?
  4. 1 Corinthians 3:12-16 is deep. What do we know about ourselves as Christians by reading these verses?
  5. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, what do we learn about God and what actions we can take to help us on our journey?

Discovery Bible Method: For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Corinthians 3:12-16 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Discuss strategies that ensure you are intentionally being driven by the Spirit and not the flesh.


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: As students head back to school, this is a constant battlefield for them to face. The peer pressure of following the “cool crowd” or their friends instead of the Spirit is especially difficult at this age.  Take time to pray for our students every day this week.

Engaging in Our Community and the World: This battle between the flesh and Spirit is present everywhere. Many professionals in America are asked to minimize their spiritual beliefs at work. Additionally, there are places all over the world where you can be physically harmed or killed for not following the ideals of that culture. Take time to pray for strength and protection for all who face this extra layer of challenge in the daily battle.


Expand God’s Kingdom

Strategically look for individuals who are going against the stream in your daily world. These people could identify as Christians or not. Encourage them. Pray that God gives you the words, wisdom, and courage to have a conversation about how Jesus did not bow to the pressures of the world.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

Fresh Wind – Week 2 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: We need the eternal and everlasting fresh wind of God blowing through our lives.

Introduction: The fresh wind of God will fill you with power and purpose.

Discussion Starter: Do you believe God can make a way for you to glide on open seas and into a time of refreshing?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Psalm 85:6, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 3:19, Acts 4:31, Psalm 90:17

Discussion Questions:

  1. Pastor Chris reminds us that we will know the fresh wind is blowing by seeing souls rescued, families restored, purposes rekindled, and the Kingdom expanding. What evidence do you have of these things happening in your life?
  2. Read Psalms 85:6 – Discuss the meaning of revival with your group.
  3. What area in your life do you feel stuck or like you are floating alone? Discuss with one another, pray together, and make a plan to receive God’s fresh wind.

Discovery Bible Method: For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 2 Chronicles 7:14. and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Read Psalm 85:6 and 2 Chronicles 7:14. After reading, spend time in prayer for one another. Discuss with one another where you are struggling to feel the fresh wind of God in your life.


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: At FP, we are people who stand on the promises of God. His will for us should be filled with His power as we walk in purpose to which He calls us. Where are you being called to serve that aligns with your purpose? Is there an area at FP where you feel you are being led to serve?

Engaging in Our Community and the World: As believers, we have been set free. If we are being honest, we all have areas where we need to feel the fresh wind of God. We all have areas where we need more wind in our sails. How are these areas in our lives being shown to non-believers around us? How are we showing our John and Peter-like faith to the world around us? 


Expand God’s Kingdom

Read Psalm 85:6 and 2 Chronicles 7:14. Think back to the Discussion Starter. Do you believe God can give you fresh wind to glide on open seas? Do you believe that God can bring a refreshing into your life? If yes, how can you use the fresh wind of God to expand His Kingdom?


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

Fresh Wind – Week 1 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: Revival means to live again. Pastor Chris, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14, proposed that there are, at least, 4 things needed for revival: humbling ourselves, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from our evil ways.

Introduction: “Ruach” is the breath of God and serves as the resurrection power filling our sails.

Discussion Starter: When is the last time you got lost or headed in the wrong direction?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Psalm 85:6, Genesis 6-8, 2 Chronicles 7:14

Discussion Questions:

  1. Would your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors consider you humble? Search the Bible for examples and discuss what God intends when He calls us to be humble.
  2. In our culture, prayer is generally viewed as a very private thing. However, throughout the Word, we see that we are called to pray together regularly (examples Acts 2:42, James 5:16, and Luke 9:28). Before moving on, pray together. Discuss your needs or the needs of others in your life. Have one person designated to start and another to close. Everyone offer something, don’t be ashamed or bashful.
  3. One way of thinking about seeking God’s face is simply seeking His presence. How often do you allow yourself to practice solitude and silence, seeking God’s presence? For those that have done that, describe it for the rest of the group. For those who have not done that, commit to a day and time to do that this week and report back to your group how it went.
  4. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 What is something that you need to “turn from?” How can the people in your group help you?

Discovery Bible Method: For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 2 Chronicles 7:14. and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Discuss the 4 revival elements that Pastor spoke about from 2 Chronicles 7:14; humbling ourselves, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from our evil ways. How can your group hold each other accountable and encouraging in these elements?


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: A great way to seek God’s face is to serve His people. Read John 21:15-17 Notice that Jesus never asks Peter if he loves people. Where is somewhere that you can serve at Faith Promise to show your love for God?

Engaging in Our Community and the World: Just like at Faith Promise, serving our community and the world relies more on our love for Jesus than it does for people. Where is somewhere that you can serve to show your love for Jesus?


Expand God’s Kingdom

Get with one other person this week and discuss how you can build each other up in the 4 revival elements that Pastor spoke about from 2 Chronicles 7:14; humbling ourselves, prayer, seeking God’s face, and turning from our evil ways.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

Family-ish Week 6 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea:  If we want to see God as our father, it helps to see God through our fathers.

Introduction:  Most of us desire a happy home, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a “holy” home. Think about the way your father (or father figure) or the lack of a father has influenced your faith. A common faith dimmer is seeing others living in hypocrisy, and when we see others practicing something other than what they preach, we lose interest in their message. The reason so many children don’t know their heavenly Father is because their natural father never set the example.

Discussion Starter:  What influences did you have growing up in your household? Were you spiritually fed? Or were you unknowingly led further from Christ due to ignorance or hypocrisy?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Romans 8:16-17, Psalm 112:2, Psalm 90:17, Joshua 24:14-15

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Romans 8:16-17. Paul tells us that we will suffer for Christ’s sake. Part of this suffering includes the trials that will come when representing our heavenly Father in our homes. Are God’s plan for us and His influence more important than the voice of the world? Take a moment to discuss the influences you grew up around, and what impact they now have on your life as an adult. Do you see why it’s so important for us to represent Jesus in a manner worthy of which we’ve been called? Especially in our homes?
  2. Ultimately, it is our decision who and what we serve. Those things are what our friends and families will see in our lives. Read Joshua 24:14-15. Would you rather spread your love for Jesus and the freedom He has to offer? Or your love for the things of this world?
  3. Most of us have, at some point, fallen victim to the thought that we “have to” go to church rather than we “get to!” If we make going to church sound like a chore, can we really expect others to want to join us in that “chore”? Take a moment and discuss how you can influence others to be a part of an amazing family that cares for them and WILL represent Jesus. Just remember that at the end of the day, our actions will be noticed by others. If we represent Jesus, the herd will eventually be found by the shepherd.

Discovery Bible Method: For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read either Romans 8:16-17 or Joshua 24:14-15. and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Discuss ways we can represent Jesus in our homes and in our workplaces. Specifically, think about the different tools we have available to us in this modern era that could help us learn to do so.


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: Think about something your group can do together, outside of this study, to bond. Maybe an evening around a campfire or go have a group dinner together! Remember that iron sharpens iron, and we are here to build each other up!

Engaging in Our Community and the World: Think of an activity that you could do in your community similar to the one above, but one that allows you to represent Jesus in your community. Take a moment and think about ten people in your life that need an encounter with God. Write their names down and pray for them earnestly and God can use you.


Expand God’s Kingdom

There are many missionaries that Faith Promise sponsors. If you aren’t able to go yourself, it’s a longstanding tradition for believers to send out missionaries. Talk to the staff, and see if there’s a missionary you resonate with, and consider sponsoring them. Email [email protected] for more information.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

Family-ish Week 3 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: Making room for God in your life and your home should help others belong.

Introduction: God has called His people to care for those who don’t have someone to care for them. When we make room for God in our lives, He will help us make proactive choices and help others belong.

Discussion Starter: Have you ever had something happen to your car, house, or body that could have been prevented? And if it had been prevented, your intervention after the fact would have not have been necessary?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Jeremiah 5:1, James 1:26-27, Matthew 25:31-46

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read James 1:26-27 In James’ time, and ours, widows and orphans were often marginalized. Discuss why it’s so important to care for those on the fringes of support and society.
  2. Read Matthew 25:31-46 How would it change your interactions with people if you treated them as if they were Jesus?
  3. For those who accept Jesus as their Savior, Ephesians 1:3-8 shows us that when that happened we were adopted into God’s family. Discuss what it means to belong to God’s family in that way.
  4. What is one area in your life where you need to strive toward prevention, where if you don’t, a drastic intervention will be necessary later?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read James 1:27 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

How can your group use your shared interest to make room for prevention that will keep marginalized children from unhealthy things AND help them grow into the potential God has for them?


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: How can you and your group serve Kids and Students at your campus to help them prevent hurt and heartache in adulthood?

Engaging in Our Community and the World: Find out what local, regional, or global foster family organizations exist that your group can help support and make a plan to do something.


Expand God’s Kingdom

Is there someone at your campus who is currently a foster parent? If so, reach out to them and see how you can pour into them to help them grow closer to God, so they can serve others.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

Family-ish Week 1 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: No one can bring peace home like God.

Introduction: The expression of God’s love starts in you, then your home, then others. Only God can bring peace and love to your relationships.

Discussion Starter: How busy is your family’s calendar?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Psalm 90:17, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 3:14-15

Discussion Questions:

  1. How often do you discuss spiritual matters in your home and with your family? Do you have regular, intentional devotions or Bible studies with your family?

  2. What are some obstacles to having regular, intentional time with your family to discuss, pray, and live out the principles of God’s Kingdom?
  3. God does not (and ultimately will not) play second fiddle to anyone or anything. What is something you should give up as a family to “make room” for God?
  4. Read Matthew 12:46-50 Some of us did not grow up with a biological family or don’t have one now. What does Jesus mean in this Scripture? Does it bring your comfort or make you uncomfortable?
  5. Ephesians 5 makes clear that the purpose of sexuality, marriage, and by extension, family and other relationships are meant to be an example or reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. How are your relationships defined in comparison to this standard?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Ephesians 4:30 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

This weekend Pastor Chris referenced Ephesians 3:14-21, where he pointed out that even the concept of family is derived from and finds its roots and definition in God and His Word. God is not surprised about what our world seeks to define as a family. God’s definitions of family have always been and will always be “under attack” by this world because our enemy is always seeking to confuse and tear down our Father’s Kingdom. If anything, it should be expected that a world and people separated from God would also improperly define family and relationships. Christian homes, relationships, and even relationships we have with non-Christians should be marked by love and the Spirit of God. Discuss how you express God’s love to your spouse, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: Does everyone in your family who attends Faith Promise and is able to, serve somewhere at FP? How can your service at FP be an example and opportunity for discussion in your family?

Engaging in Our Community and the World: Discuss family-oriented service opportunities in your community or around the world that would be a great way to bring you together while engaging those around you. Examples: litter pick-up at a park, Compassion International child sponsorships where you write letters to your sponsor child, or visiting grandparents and finding out how you can serve their elderly friends.


Expand God’s Kingdom

Read Psalm 78:1-4 What kind of legacy are you leaving for the next generation of believers? Tell the stories of what God has done in your life and those around you to someone this week.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

All the Feels Week 4 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: Emotions want to control and Satan uses this door for access. However, through God, we have the choice for an abundant life.

Introduction: We can all go from the mountain tops of victory to the valleys of the shadow of death and depression in an instant. God is with you in both places.

Discussion Starter: Share one of your highs and lows so far this year.


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: John 10:10, 1 Kings 18, 1 Kings 19:4-21, Psalm 126

Discussion Questions:

  1. Just as with Elijah, most Christians encounter peaks and valleys in their faith. Discuss a time when you were in either or both places. How did God meet you there? Did you have to go through the victory or failure alone?
  2. This week, Pastor said, “Living tired is paramount to giving emotions free rein.” How well rested are you, generally? Have you noticed that you tend to make bad, short-sighted decisions when you’re tired?
  3. Read Psalm 126 Discuss how you have seen God restore you or someone you know through seasons of joy and sadness.

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Kings 18:36 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

How has an embrace of biblical community and godly relationships helped you celebrate victories and persevere in suffering?


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: We don’t see Elijah depressed again after God provided Elisha for Elijah to mentor and pass on his legacy. What area or person at Faith Promise can you pour into?

Engaging in Our Community and the World: Are there any local or global organizations that support those who are suffering that you’ve thought about helping? If so, coordinate as a group to find out how you can help. If not, look for one as a group and decide what you can do.


Expand God’s Kingdom

Is there someone in your life who is currently experiencing a mountaintop or valley season? Seek God’s voice in how you should reach out to them and walk alongside them in celebration or lamentation.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

All the Feels Week 1 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: Through complete submission and surrender to God, we can refuse to let all the feels have all the power.

Introduction: Emotional immaturity is a sign of spiritual immaturity. Emotions make us feel all over the place, but we can avoid handing over control to our emotions by living in step with the Holy Spirit.

Discussion Starter: Have you ever witnessed a child lose control of their emotions and it was almost funny because of how silly it seemed?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Galatians 5:1, 13-15, 18, 19-26, Ephesians 5:18, Philippians 4:8

Discussion Questions:

  1. In Church of the Highland’s “Freedom” study, Chris Hodges says, “Feelings follow, choices lead.” In general, are you following your feelings or are you leading with your choices?
  2. Read Galatians 5:19-21. While many of these “acts of the flesh” may not be an issue for you, which ones are a struggle?
  3. On the flip side of that, Galatians 5:22-23 shows us the “fruit of the Spirit.” Discuss which fruits you struggle with and which ones are solid. Share with one another wisdom and guidance to improve in struggling areas.
  4. Read 2 Corinthians 10:5 This verse provides a two-step process for submitting to all the feels. First, when an unredeemed thought and emotion creeps in, take it captive. Then, once it is captive, we can make it obedient to Christ. Discuss a scenario where you were emotional in the last week and how you could have lived this out.

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Philippians 4:8 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Embrace Groups typically start and stick together around a shared interest. It stands to reason, that everyone in the group has an emotional attachment to what brought your group together. How do you let God redeem those emotions and be glorified through your common interests?


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: What area of service at FP are you emotionally drawn to (Worship, Greeting, Kids, etc.)? If you are not already serving in that area, allow your emotions regarding that service to be redeemed by submitting it to God.

Engaging in Our Community and the World: The same goes for engaging in our community and world. Where are you emotionally drawn in our community and world? Allow you emotions to be matured by redeeming them in the service of God’s Kingdom.


Expand God’s Kingdom

If you are currently leading someone in their spiritual growth, read Philippians 4:8 together, then read God’s Word, pray, and meditate on what it means to think about what is: true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. If you don’t have someone that you aren’t currently pouring into, find someone and go over Philippians 4:8.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.

Lamplighters Week 3 – Discussion Guide

Getting Started

Main Idea: “Winners of souls must first be weepers of souls.” —Charles Spurgeon

Introduction: Lamplighters should be burdened for those far from God. Do you remember the moment you were saved? It’s easy to forget sometimes how miraculous that moment was for each of us. As Christ-followers, we were all dead in sin and we are now alive. Lamplighters share that joy, freedom, and peace as we tell others of Him.

Discussion Starter: When is the last time you shed tears for your family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and teammates who are far from God?


Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: John 11:32-35, John 11:38-44, Matthew 5:14-16, Psalm 126:1-6, Acts 20:31

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read John 11:38-44. Jesus thanks His Father for hearing Him, not for Himself, but for the benefit of other people so that they may believe the Father sent Him. As a Christ-follower, what do you believe Jesus can do?
  2. Staying with John 11:38-44. What possible blind spots do you have that are preventing you from believing Jesus can do a great work in others like He did in you?
  3. Read Matthew 5:14-16. As lamplighters, we are the light of the world. Scripture says that a city on a hill cannot be hidden. What areas in your life do you need God to help you shine brighter?
  4. Are you burdened and sharing the Real Love (the Gospel) with the people in your life?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read John 11:32-44 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.


Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Acts 20:31. When was the last time you shed tears for your family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and teammates who are far from God? We all remember the day that Jesus saved us. We all felt the real joy and freedom of kneeling to Jesus. Our work as Christ-followers was just beginning on that day. We are called to tell others of Him, to be seed planters and lamplighters. Discuss ways you can begin to be a city on a hill for those far from God in your life.


Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise:  This week, ask God to show you one person that He wants you to walk with as you both prepare to share the real love of Jesus with those who are lost in your life.

Engaging in Our Community and the World: Are you struggling with keeping the passion burning to share the Real Love of Jesus with those who still need it? It can be easy to get stuck in the mundane routines of daily life and forget that we are called to more. How can you engage with those around you and begin sharing your story with them?


Expand God’s Kingdom

Read Matthew 5:14-16. Think about this: Do people still notice something different about you? And when they do, are you passionate about sharing who made the difference? Do you have a burning passion to tell them of Him? Pray, asking God to help you to live life in such a way that people will notice you are different. Ask God to give you the courage and boldness to share with others about who made the difference.


Leader’s Notes

ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.

– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.

– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.

– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.