Our Faithful and Merciful King

By Richard Smith

4-20-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Have you made any adjustments in the last week to create margin in your life for living on mission for the sake of the thousands in our city who currently are not following Christ?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Hebrews 2:17-18 and discuss how the dual nature of Christ being “merciful and faithful” impacts your view of Him and your relationship with God.

 

  1. Read Mark 16 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Reflect on the analogy of God’s mercy being like a waterfall – how might this image change how you approach honest confession and repentance?

 

  1. How does the story of Jesus commissioning the disciples despite their unbelief challenge our assumptions about who God can use?

 

  1. How does the resurrection of Jesus provide hope and assurance in the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. What areas of your life currently need “resurrection power” and how should you respond with the hope from Sunday’s Word?

 

  1. In light of Richard’s analogy of the pit and the unique response of Christ to our suffering and sin, who might you know that is experiencing life in the pit today? How can you—in mercy and compassion—enter their pit this week?

 

 

 

 

 

God is Merciful

By Phud Chambers

4-13-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. How is your heart growing in compassion for people who are far from God in light of this study of Jonah?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Jonah 4 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does Jonah’s attitude in this passage challenge our understanding of God’s mercy and compassion?

 

  1. Discuss the significance of the two contrasting uses of the word “exceedingly” in chapter 4. How do you see yourself in this aspect of Jonah’s character?

 

  1. What does God try to teach Jonah—and also us—through the plant, the worm, and the wind?

 

  1. Given that Jonah wrote this book of the Bible, discuss how do you think things ended up for him?

 

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. Can you think of any relationships in your life where you are waiting for God to judge someone rather than praying, hoping, and witnessing for repentance? What should change about your approach?

 

  1. Evaluate your current schedule, habits and rhythms in light of the Charles Spurgeon quote Phud shared: “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” Does anything need to be changed?

 

 

 

Reaching Ninevah with a Missionary Heart

4-6-25

By Phud Chambers

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. At this stage in our study of Jonah, are you resonating more with Jonah 1:3 (where Jonah ran away from mission) or Jonah 3:3 (where Jonah arose and went where he was called) in your habits, actions, and prayers?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Jonah 3 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does Jonah’s reluctant obedience compare to our own responses when God calls us to difficult tasks? What can we learn from his journey about second chances and God’s persistence?

 

  1. How might our evangelism efforts change if we truly believed that a simple, direct message could lead to widespread repentance, as seen in Nineveh?

 

  1. How does the king’s response to Jonah’s message demonstrate true repentance? What can we learn from his actions?

 

  1. How does Jonah 3 point us to Jesus? Discuss the comparisons made in the sermon between Jonah and Jesus.

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. In light of Jonah’s experience, how can we balance the need for skill in evangelism with trust in God’s power to save? What role does our preparation play versus God’s sovereignty?

 

  1. The sermon emphasizes the importance of developing compassion for the lost. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a heart for those who don’t know Christ?

 

Jonah’s Psalm – A Prayer of Repentance

By Phud Chambers

3-30-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. As “Who’s Your One?” comes to a close, has anything changed about your one’s relationship with you or with Christ? How can you continue to show concern for your one’s soul and live on mission beyond this month?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Jonah 2 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. The sermon mentions that God is often more interested in doing things in us than through us. How have you experienced this in your own life?

 

  1. How might viewing repentance as the ‘vomit of the soul’ change our approach to confession and seeking forgiveness?

 

  1. Phud mentioned John Calvin’s comment that our hearts are “perpetual idol factories.” What are some common idols in our culture today, and how can we identify them in our own lives?

 

  1. How does Jesus’ reference to ‘the sign of Jonah’ (Matthew 12:40) deepen our understanding of Christ’s death and resurrection?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. Jonah’s prayer outlines at least five aspects of repentance. Which aspect do you find most challenging in your own life, and why?

 

  1. Have you ever considered that—like Jonah—a lack of passion to live on mission might be an area of your life that needs repentance? How should you respond?

Running from God’s Will or Becoming Fishers of Men?

By Phud Chambers

3-23-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how God is working in your prayers for your ONE? Don’t get tired of sharing these stories and prayer requests!

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Jonah 1 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. What is the significance for the sailors of Jonah’s sleeping during the storm? Is there any connection to today’s Christians who have a casual attitude toward telling a non-Christian relative about the love of God in Christ?

 

  1. What does God’s calling of Jonah to Ninevah and treatment of Jonah’s disobedience reveal about God’s character and heart for the nations?

 

  1. What do you think of Jonah’s “I fear the LORD, the God of Heaven” declaration in verse 9, in light of his current behavior? How do you see yourself in this aspect of Jonah’s character?

 

  1. Contrast the many points of differences between Jonah and Jesus and discuss why Jesus is far greater. Consider having a group member stop and say a prayer of gratitude for the qualities of Jesus your group pointed out.

 

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. Evaluate your own willingness/resistance to practically join in the mission God is calling every Christian into. What is one tangible step of obedience you can take?

 

YHWH as Shepherd and Host

By Phud Chambers

3-16-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how God is working in your prayers for your ONE?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Psalm 23 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How do the metaphors of shepherd and host shape you view of God’s relationship with his people?

 

  1. Discuss Phud’s observation that “the valley of the shadow of death” is still “the path of righteousness” for those who are in Christ.

 

  1. Verse 3 introduces the idea that God does ALL things primarily for His own glory. How is this reality a good thing for us as His people?

 

  1. Read John 10:11 as a group. How does Jesus fulfill the role of Shepherd in the life of the believer?

 

 

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. Phud listed 8 characteristics of God’s provision as shepherd and host (i.e. intimate and personal, totally sufficient, etc.) in the sermon. Recap as many as your group can remember and acknowledge which truth is most challenging for you to practically embrace.

 

  1. As you consider the ONE you have been praying for, what encouragement from the Good Shepherd can you offer them this week? Remember, they don’t get to experience the 8 benefits you just finished discussing. Let’s invite them into the pasture!

 

 

Pray Like Epaphras

By Richard Smith

3-9-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how God worked in your prayers for your ONE?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Colossians 4:12 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does the concept of being a ‘slave of Christ’ differ from negative connotations of slavery, and what implications does this have for our understanding of Christian discipleship?

 

  1. What does it mean to ‘stand firm in all the will of God,’ and why is this such a crucial aspect of Christian maturity? How can we discern and align ourselves with God’s will in our daily lives?

 

  1. In what ways does Epaphras’ example of ‘wrestling in prayer’ challenge our own prayer lives? How might we cultivate a similar intensity and dedication in our intercession for others?

 

  1. How does the image of lowering a paralyzed man through the roof to Jesus illustrate the power and importance of intercessory prayer? In what ways can we ‘carry’ others to Christ through our prayers?

 

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. What are some practical ways we can combat Satan’s attempts to derail us from God’s will, as mentioned in the sermon? How can prayer play a role in this spiritual warfare?

 

  1. Who is someone in your life that needs intercessory prayer for endurance and encouragement in the midst of a battle they are facing? Will you commit to praying for them daily this week?

 

 

There’s Room at the Table

By Caleb Crittendon

3-2-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how God worked in your prayers this past week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Luke 14:16-24 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. Why was the master justified in his anger at the guests who made excuses?

 

  1. What does this parable teach us about God’s generosity and willingness to invite us into His kingdom?

 

 

  1. What steps can we take to ensure we are not too preoccupied with worldly things to accept God’s invitation?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. How would you rate your brokenness and boldness as an evangelist? Spend some time praying for God’s grace in this area.

 

  1. Who is YOUR One? Spend some time as a group sharing who your Ones are and praying fervently with one another for their salvation and your boldness.

 

 

Prayer for Open Doors and Open Mouths

By Richard Smith

2-23-25

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how last week’s WORD and discussion strengthened your praying this week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Colossians 4:3-4 as a group and discuss your initial observations of the text and reflections of the sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How can we reconcile the idea of the gospel as a ‘mystery’ with its seemingly straightforward message?

 

  1. How might our understanding of prayer change if we viewed it as ‘boring holes’ into spiritual rock, as described by O. Hallensby?

 

  1. Pastor Richard mentioned that “prayer becomes meaningful when you understand the purpose of prayer is to engage in the impossible.” How does this perspective change the way you think about prayer?

 

  1. Paul asks for prayer to proclaim the gospel clearly, despite being a gifted communicator. What does this teach us about humility and dependence on God in our own ministries?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. What specific ‘open doors’ might God be calling us to pray for in our own lives, communities, or on a global scale?

 

  1. Examine your own participation in praying with and for the ministries of our church to have open doors and open mouths. What is one way you can get more involved?

 

 

Praying with a Watchful and Grateful Heart

By Richard Smith

2-16-2025

*NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of how they made an effort to receive lost people as Christ did in the last week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Colossians 4:2 as a group and highlight the 3 points Richard presented for how we are to pray.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. Richard mentioned that our first impulse is often to work harder rather than to pray. Why do you think this is and how can we shift our mindset to prioritize prayer?

 

  1. How might a Christian practically be “devoted” to prayer in daily life? Consider examples from Scripture to support your response.

 

  1. Reflect on Peter’s failure and success at being watchful in prayer (Matt. 26:36-41 and 1 Peter 5:7-9).

 

  1. How does understanding the concept of ‘unnumbered foes’ change our perspective on spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer?

 

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. How can we cultivate a habit of persistent prayer in our daily lives, even when we don’t see immediate results?

 

  1. In what ways can we support and encourage one another in maintaining a strong prayer life within our group?