WK 1  //  WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN REALLY
April 11 & 12, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What’s something you’ve bought or started using that ended up being way more helpful or important than you expected?
• When you’re trying to learn something new, do you prefer figuring it out yourself or having someone teach you? Why?
• Be honest… What's one area of life where you tend to rely on yourself instead of asking for help?

These questions get us thinking about trust, learning, and dependence; because following Jesus and understanding His Word touches all three in a real and personal way.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ HEBREWS 4:12. 

• What stands out to you about the description of God’s Word being “living and active”?
• How is this different from viewing the Bible as just an ordinary book?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:16–17. 

• According to this passage, what are the purposes of Scripture in our lives?
• Which of those purposes do you most need right now?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 5:3. 

• What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”?
• Why is humility so foundational to following Jesus?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ LUKE 18:13–14.

• What differences do you see between the Pharisee and the tax collector?
• Why does Jesus say the humble man went home justified?

These passages show us that God’s Word is alive and transformative, but it’s received best through humility. When we recognize our need for God, we position ourselves to truly hear Him, grow, and be changed.


APPLICATION

• What is one practical step you can take this week to engage more intentionally with the Bible (reading, using a study Bible, etc.)?
• Where in your life do you need to stop “trying harder” and instead depend more fully on God?
• What would it look like this week to live with a “poor in spirit” mindset in a real, everyday situation?

PRAYER

Thank God for giving us His Word and for the way it speaks into our lives. Ask Him to give each person a deeper hunger for Scripture and a heart that is humble and dependent on Him. 

HAPPY EASTER!!
April 4 & 5, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• How did your family celebrate Easter when you were growing up?
• What is your favorite Easter memory?  

Easter is an extraordinary time of year for those of us who follow Jesus.  We remember not only the many meaningful experiences God has blessed us with during this holiday over the years but more importantly, the reason for this holiday.  Jesus didn’t just die for our sins.  He rose from the grave conquering Satan, sin, and death for all time.  


STUDY  [tap on scripture to read]

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  1 CORINTHIANS 15:12-14 

• Why does it matter if Jesus rose from the dead?  
• Share a time that you or someone you know struggled with a difficult biblical truth.

Easy-to-digest truths make for hardhearted, stiff-necked Christians.  But difficult truths make for very softhearted, teachable, and growing Christians.  The resurrection was something that even Jesus’ disciples had a hard time believing at first.  However, this truth is something that almost every one of them ended up giving their life to validate.  


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  1 CORINTHIANS 15:15-20 

• What have you learned and experienced that leads you to believe that the resurrection of Jesus really happened?  
• How does that resurrection make a difference in your daily life?

We are not a people to be pitied!  Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried.  But that wasn’t the end of the story.  He rose from the grave to defeat all sin, all death, and our diabolical adversary for all time!  Walking in this truth sets the tone for our daily lives because we know and trust the one who not even death itself could defeat.


APPLICATION

• What is one specific thing you can do this week to help you grow in your knowledge and understanding of Scripture?
• Who is one person that God has been encouraging you to tell about Jesus?  How is that going?

PRAYER
Pray that God would strengthen your faith, meet you in your doubt, and lead you toward growth and a more abundant life.

WK 12  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
March 28 & 29, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What are some things people commonly chase in life hoping they’ll bring peace?
• Can you think of a time when something you expected to bring peace actually didn’t?
• When you hear the word “peace,” what does it personally mean to you?

Peace is something everyone wants, yet it often feels just out of reach. As we step into this discussion, let’s explore why that is—and what Jesus says truly brings lasting peace.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ LUKE 19:28–44. 

• Why do you think the crowd praised Jesus on Palm Sunday but turned on Him days later?
• What does this passage reveal about what the people expected Jesus to do versus what He actually came to do?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PHILIPPIANS 4:6–7. 

• What specific actions does Paul say lead to experiencing God’s peace?
• How have you seen anxiety decrease when you bring things to God in prayer?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 14:27.

• How is the peace Jesus gives different from the peace the world offers?
• What does it look like to live with a heart that is not troubled or afraid?

The people in Jesus’ day missed what would truly bring them peace because they were focused on their expectations. These passages show us that real peace is found in surrender, trust, and a life centered on Jesus.


APPLICATION

• What is one “easy” or “quick” thing you tend to turn to instead of trusting God for peace?
• Is there an area in your life where you need to grow in affection (love for God) or obedience (following God)?
• What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally choose Jesus as your source of peace?

PRAYER

Spend time thanking Jesus for being the true source of peace. Ask God to reveal anything that is competing for your worship and surrender it to Him. Pray for strength to walk in both affection and obedience this week, and for His peace to guard your hearts and minds in every situation.

WK 11  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
March 21 & 22, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is something you learned in life that required you to “jump in” before you fully understood it?
• Have you ever missed out on something because you hesitated or stayed on the sidelines?
• When you hear the word “disciple,” what comes to mind?
  
  

Following Jesus is more than just knowing about Him—it’s stepping into a whole new way of life. Tonight we’ll explore what it means to fully “jump in” and not miss the life God has for us.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 1:17–19. 

• What are the four things Paul prays believers would know in this passage?
• Why do you think knowing God personally is foundational to everything else in the Christian life?
• How does understanding God’s power change the way we live?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 2:10. 

• What does it mean that we are God’s handiwork?
• What does this verse say about purpose and calling in our lives?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 7:21–23. 

• What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him?
• Why is obedience an important part of being a disciple?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 5:6–9. 

• Why do you think Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?”
• What can we learn about taking responsibility for our own spiritual growth?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 28:18–20.

• What is the mission Jesus gives to His followers?
• How does becoming a disciple connect to making disciples?

God invites us into more than belief—He calls us into action, growth, and purpose. A full and abundant life in Christ comes when we move beyond the sidelines and step into discipleship with faith and obedience.


APPLICATION

• What is one area of your life where you need to “jump in” and trust God more?
• Which step of discipleship (worship, prayer/Bible reading, small group, serving, generosity) do you need to grow in most right now?
• What is one practical action you can take this week to live out your faith more intentionally?

PRAYER

Ask God to help you move from simply believing to fully following Him. Pray for courage to take steps of faith, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Ask God to grow your faith and help you live out your calling as a disciple who impacts others.

WK 10  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
March 14 & 15, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is something in life that you once thought was a restriction but later realized was actually a gift?
• When life becomes very busy or stressful, what do you typically do to try to recharge?
• Growing up, what did a “day of rest” or a Sunday look like in your family?
• Why do you think it can be difficult for people today to truly rest?
  
  

God desires good things for His people. Many of His commands are not burdens but gifts meant to protect us and help us live the abundant life Jesus promised.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EXODUS 20:8–11. 

• What does this command reveal about God’s design for work and rest?
• Why do you think God included everyone in the household in this command to rest?
• What does it mean to “keep the Sabbath holy”?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MARK 2:27. 

• What does Jesus mean when He says the Sabbath was made for people?
• How does this change the way we should think about a day of rest?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ HEBREWS 4:9–10. 

• What kind of rest is being described in this passage?
• How might resting from work help us remember our dependence on God?
  
  

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 11:28–30.

• What does Jesus promise to people who feel weary and burdened?
• How does the image of the yoke help us understand how Jesus helps carry our burdens?
  
  

The Sabbath is not meant to be a burden but a gift from God. By intentionally stepping away from constant work and pressure, we make space for rest, renewal, and deeper connection with God and our families.


APPLICATION

• What tends to keep you from practicing regular rest in your life?
• What would a meaningful Sabbath look like for you or your family?
• What distractions or habits might you need to limit in order to experience real rest?
• What is one step you could take this week to begin building a rhythm of Sabbath rest?

PRAYER

Pray for wisdom to recognize God’s gift of rest and to receive it with gratitude. Ask God to help you release stress, burdens, and the pressure to constantly stay busy. Pray that your family would develop rhythms of rest that strengthen faith and bless future generations.

WK 9  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
March 7 & 8, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


**SMALL GROUP LEADERS**
Marriage can be a difficult topic for the single, divorced, and widowed people in your group.  With as much tact and sensitivity as possible, gently encourage these individuals to engage in this discussion from the perspectives of how they hope it will be in their future, or how they will encourage other married people who seek their counsel.


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is something in life that required more work than you expected when you first started?
• When you think about healthy marriages you have seen, what stands out about them?
• How has divorce or broken relationships impacted families or people you know?
• What picture of marriage did you grow up with?

Marriage and family have enormous influence on the direction of generations. Tonight we will explore what Scripture teaches about honoring marriage and how our daily choices shape the strength of our relationships and families.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MALACHI 2:16. 

• What emotions or reactions do people sometimes have when they hear this verse?
• Why do you think God expresses such strong language about divorce?
• How might understanding the pain and damage caused by divorce help us understand why God cares so deeply about marriage?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ HEBREWS 13:4. 

• What does it mean to “honor marriage”?
• Why do you think this instruction is included in a passage about loving others and living faithfully as Christians?
• How does our culture sometimes elevate romance or feelings while neglecting the deeper commitment of marriage?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 5:21–25. 

• What does it mean to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ?
• How does the love of Christ become the model for a healthy marriage?
• What does sacrificial love look like in everyday married life?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 19:6.

• What does this verse reveal about how God views the union of marriage?
• Why is marriage described as more than just a legal or emotional relationship?

Scripture consistently presents marriage as sacred, valuable, and worth protecting. When couples honor God and one another, their relationship becomes a reflection of Christ’s love and a powerful influence on the generations that follow.


APPLICATION

• If you are married, what is one area where you could honor your spouse more intentionally?
• If you are single, what qualities should you be developing now to become a healthy future spouse?
• How can communication improve in your closest relationships?
• What is one practical way you can encourage your spouse or a close family member this week?
• How can you strengthen the spiritual foundation of your home?

PRAYER

Pray that God would strengthen marriages and relationships within the group. Ask God to help each person honor marriage and relationships in ways that reflect Christ’s love. Pray that God would heal broken relationships and use healthy marriages to bless future generations.

WK 8  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
February 28 & March 1, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is something you once believed had nothing to do with God but later realized actually did?
• When you think about habits passed down in families, what positive ones come to mind?
• What unhealthy patterns have you seen passed from one generation to the next?

Today we are talking about something that may not always feel spiritual but absolutely is. Scripture makes it clear that our physical, mental, and spiritual health matter deeply to God and have generational impact.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19–20. 

• What does it mean that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
• How does knowing you were bought at a price change the way you view your health?
• What does honoring God with your body look like practically?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:1-2. 

• What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice?
• How is caring for your health an act of worship?
• Why is this countercultural?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 22:6.

• How do lifestyle habits train children long before words do?
• What messages are we sending through our daily choices?
• How might prioritizing health become a gift to future generations?

God cares about every part of our lives, including our health. When we take responsibility for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, we are not only honoring Him, we are shaping the trajectory of the generations behind us.


APPLICATION

• On a scale of one to ten, how are you doing physically right now?
• On a scale of one to ten, how are you doing mentally and emotionally?
• What is one health habit you know you need to address?
• What is one practical step you could take this week to move forward?
• Is there a conversation you need to have with your family about breaking an unhealthy cycle?
• What support might you need in order to make lasting change?

PRAYER

Pray for courage to take responsibility for your health. Ask God for strength to break unhealthy generational patterns. Pray that your life would become a model of wholeness that blesses the generations that follow.

WK 7  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
February 21 & 22, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide


**SMALL GROUP LEADERS**
Marriage can be a difficult topic for the single, divorced, and widowed people in your group.  With as much tact and sensitivity as possible, gently encourage these individuals to engage in this discussion from the perspectives of how they hope it will be in their future, or how they will encourage other married people who seek their counsel. 


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is one example you have seen of a marriage that deeply impacted a family for generations?
• Do you think most healthy marriages happen naturally or intentionally?
• When you hear the word covenant, what comes to mind?

Tonight we are looking at how God uses marriage to change generations. Scripture presents marriage not as a contract, but as a covenant that shapes legacy, identity, and spiritual direction.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ GENESIS 2:24. 

• What does it mean to leave and hold fast?
• What does becoming one flesh communicate about unity?
• How does this verse establish the foundation of Christian marriage?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 5:31–32. 

• Why does Paul call marriage a profound mystery?
• How does marriage reflect Christ and the Church?
• What does sacrificial love look like in practical terms?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-15. 

• What does being equally yoked mean?
• Why is spiritual alignment so important in marriage?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 5:16. 

• What role does prayer play in healing relationships?
• How might praying together regularly change a marriage?

Healthy marriages do not happen accidentally. They are built where God is working, prayer is active, and both people are willing to grow. Christian marriage is a covenant before God, and when rooted in Christ, it becomes a generational blessing rather than a generational burden.


APPLICATION

• On a scale of one to ten, how much intentional effort are you putting into your marriage right now?
• If you are married, what is one area where you need to grow spiritually for the sake of your spouse?
• If you are not married, what qualities should be non-negotiable in a future spouse?
• What practical step could you take this week to strengthen your marriage or the marriage of someone in your life?
• Is there a habit you used early in your relationship that you need to return to?
• What would it look like for your marriage to become a blessing to the next generation?

PRAYER

Pray for marriages in your church and community to be rooted in Christ. Ask God to strengthen commitment, deepen love, and restore what feels broken. Pray for future generations to inherit healthy, Christ-centered marriages.

WK 6  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
February 14 & 15, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• Can you think of a moment in your life that clearly changed your direction?
• Have you ever made a decision that later had a bigger impact than you expected?
• When you hear the phrase watershed moment, what does it mean to you?

Today we are talking about moments and decisions that redirect not only our lives, but the generations that follow. Scripture shows that what we choose today can either continue a pattern or create a new path.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EXODUS 34:6–7. 

• What do you notice about how God describes Himself in these verses?
• What stands out to you about the consequences described?
• How do these verses help explain generational patterns?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ DEUTERONOMY 11:18–21. 

• What instructions are given about passing faith to the next generation?
• What practical habits are described in this passage?
• How does obedience affect both present and future generations?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ LUKE 19:1–10. 

• How was Zacchaeus defined before meeting Jesus?
• What changed immediately after his encounter with Jesus?
• What does the word today communicate in this story?

These passages show both the weight of generational consequences and the power of personal transformation. One decision can continue a destructive pattern, or it can become a watershed moment that changes a legacy.


APPLICATION

• Where do you see patterns in your family history that may need to change?
• What area of your life feels like it needs a watershed moment right now?
• What practical step could you take this week to intentionally meet with Jesus?
• Is there a decision you have been delaying that needs to become a today decision?
• What would it look like for your legacy to shift starting now?

PRAYER

Thank God that He is compassionate, gracious, and willing to meet us today. Pray for courage to respond when Jesus calls. Ask God to redirect harmful patterns and establish a new legacy of faith beginning now.

WK 5  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
February 7 & 8, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is one thing people often assume church is all about?
• What is your favorite part of watching a big event like the Super Bowl with other people?
• Where have you seen people come together in a way that felt meaningful and life giving?

As we talk tonight, we are shifting from viewing church as an event to understanding it as a mission. The message challenges us to move from watching to participating and from consuming to contributing.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ACTS 2:42–47 

• What words or phrases stand out to you in this description of the early church?
• What do you notice about how belief, community, and action were connected?
• Why do you think God chose this model to launch the church?

This picture shows that church was never meant to be passive or spectator driven. It was built around shared life, shared mission, and shared responsibility.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 18:10 

• Why do you think Jesus places such strong value on children and the next generation?
• How does this verse shape the way we think about ministry priorities?
• What does it look like to build up rather than overlook younger generations?

Jesus makes it clear that reaching and nurturing the next generation is not optional. It is central to the heart of God and the mission of the church.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ HEBREWS 8:10–12 

• What stands out to you about how this passage describes the new covenant?
• How does this change the way people relate to God compared to rules or performance?
• Why is grace essential to understanding what the Church is meant to be?

The Church is not built on law keeping but on transformed hearts shaped by grace.


APPLICATION

• Which of the three church priorities: reaching the next generation, reaching the unchurched, or making disciples challenges you the most right now?
• Where might God be inviting you to move from watching to participating?
• Who has God placed in your life that you could intentionally invest in spiritually?
• What fears or hesitations sometimes keep you from fully engaging in the mission of the church?
• How could your small group be a place where disciples are both formed and sent?

When the church lives out its calling, it becomes more than a weekly gathering. It becomes a doorway to transformation for individuals, families, and future generations.


PRAYER

Thank God for the ways He has worked in and through the church. Ask God to help you see people the way He sees them. Pray for courage to get in the game and live out the mission together.

WK 4  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
January 31 & February 1, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• When you have a big decision to make, what do you usually rely on first instinct, advice, or prayer?
• What is one area of life where you wish you had made a wiser decision earlier?
• Who is someone you would describe as wise and what makes them stand out?

As we talk tonight, we are not just discussing information but direction. Scripture teaches that wisdom is not automatic, inherited, or accidental. It must be pursued, and it shapes the course of our lives and the generations that follow.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 4:7–9 

• Why do you think Scripture places such a high value on wisdom?
• What stands out to you about the cost associated with gaining wisdom?
• How does this challenge the way we usually prioritize our time and energy?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 9:10 

• What does it mean to fear the Lord in a healthy and life giving way?
• How does humility play a role in becoming wise?
• Why do you think wisdom begins with recognizing that God is in charge and we are not?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 3:5–6 

• What does it look like to trust God instead of leaning on your own understanding?
• Where do you find it hardest to surrender control?
• How does acknowledging God in all your ways change the direction of your life?

Trusting God with direction is often where wisdom moves from theory to practice. As followers of Jesus, we are pursuing a life where we don't just hear God's word and ponder it, but instead, a life that shows we are trusting God by doing what His Word says.


APPLICATION

• Which area of your life currently needs more intentional wisdom?
• What habits or voices most influence your decisions right now?
• What would it look like to seek God’s wisdom before making your next major choice?
• Where might imbalance be creating stress or unrest in your life?
• Who could you invite to speak wisdom and accountability into your decisions?

Wisdom is not just about avoiding mistakes. It is about building a life that stands when pressure comes.  We know that this life will provide us plenty of pressure and stress... and God knows this too!  This is why He offers us and even calls us to a life guided by His wisdom and direction.


PRAYER

Ask God to help you value wisdom above comfort or convenience. Pray for clarity in areas where you feel uncertain or out of balance. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and establish a strong foundation.

WK 3  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
January 24 & 25, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is a small everyday inconvenience that tends to irritate you more than it should?
• Are you more likely to express frustration right away or hold it in?
• Growing up, how was anger usually handled in your home?

Most of us have learned how to handle anger without ever being taught how to heal it. We react, suppress, justify, or redirect it, often without realizing what is actually driving it. Scripture reminds us that anger itself is not the enemy, but unresolved anger can quietly take root in our hearts and affect far more than we intend.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ PROVERBS 14:29 

• How does patience change the way anger shows up in our lives?
• Why is quick tempered anger often connected to misunderstanding?
• What helps someone slow down before reacting?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 2 KINGS 5:11-14 

• Why do you think unmet expectations triggered Naaman’s anger?
• How did his pride affect his response to God’s instruction?
• What changed when he humbled himself and listened?

Anger often feels like the main issue, but Scripture shows us it is usually a signal pointing to something deeper. Hurt, fear, and frustration shape how we react long before we realize it. When those deeper wounds are ignored, anger does not disappear. It waits. God invites us not just to manage anger, but to heal what is underneath it.


APPLICATION

• Which description of anger feels most familiar to you right now?
• When you get angry, what emotion tends to be underneath it?
• What expectation, fear, or past hurt might be influencing your reactions?
• What would it look like to work through anger instead of acting it out?
• Who could you invite into your life to help you grow in this area?

God does not expose our patterns to shame us, but to free us. Healing the heart is not a one time moment, but a daily surrender. When we allow God to reshape what lives beneath our reactions, we begin to respond differently under pressure. This kind of change does not stop with us. It impacts marriages, friendships, and future generations.


PRAYER

Ask God to reveal what is beneath your anger. Pray for humility to address wounds honestly. Invite the Holy Spirit to heal your heart and renew your responses.

WK 2  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
January 17 & 18, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is one everyday situation that tends to test your patience quickly?
• Are you more likely to speak up right away or hold things in when something bothers you?
• Growing up, how comfortable was your home with addressing problems directly?

Most of us did not choose how we learned to handle conflict. We absorbed it. Family dynamics, stress, and survival instincts shaped our reactions long before we ever evaluated them. God cares deeply about how we handle conflict because unresolved tension does not stay contained. It spills into relationships, faith, and future generations.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 5:23–24. 

• What does this passage say about the urgency of reconciliation?
• Why do you think God places reconciliation ahead of religious activity?
• What does making the first move require emotionally and spiritually?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 4:26–27. 

• Why is timing so important when dealing with conflict?
• What risks come from delaying difficult conversations?
• How does unresolved anger create space for unhealthy patterns?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 1:19 

• Which part of this verse is hardest to practice during conflict?
• How does listening change the tone and outcome of a conversation?
• What would it look like to slow down before responding this week?

Healthy conflict does not happen accidentally. It requires intention, humility, and preparation. Scripture does not call us to win arguments but to protect relationships. When we face conflict with God’s help, we interrupt cycles that have existed for years and sometimes generations.


APPLICATION

• Who in your life benefits most when you avoid conflict?
• What fear tends to surface when you consider making the first move?
• Is there a conversation you have delayed that needs to be scheduled intentionally?
• Which step discussed in the sermon feels most challenging right now?
• How could a sincere apology or confession change the direction of a relationship?

Apologies done well are powerful. They restore trust, lower defenses, and create safety. God uses humility not only to heal present relationships but also to rewrite the future. When we choose reconciliation, we model something different for those watching our lives closely.


PRAYER

Ask God for courage to address conflict with wisdom and love. Pray for humility to own your part without defensiveness. Invite God to heal past wounds and reshape patterns for future generations.

WK 1  //  REVERSE THE CURSE
January 10 & 11, 2026
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• When you hear the word conflict, what is the first emotion that comes to mind?
• Growing up, would you say conflict in your home was loud, quiet, avoided, or unresolved?
• Do you tend to address conflict quickly, or do you usually need time before engaging?

Most of us learned how to handle conflict long before we ever chose how we wanted to handle it. Family patterns, experiences, and emotional reactions shaped us early, often without explanation. Scripture acknowledges these realities and speaks directly into the cycles that can quietly follow us into adulthood.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 4:1 

• According to this verse, where does conflict often begin?
• How does this verse challenge the idea that conflict is only caused by other people?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:17–18. 

• What responsibility does this passage place on each individual in a conflict?
• What does living at peace “as far as it depends on you” look like in everyday relationships?

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 4:31–32

• What emotions or behaviors are we told to remove?
• What replaces them, and how does forgiveness change the direction of conflict?

The Bible does not pretend that conflict is rare or avoidable. It assumes conflict will happen and offers a way forward that leads to healing instead of damage. When conflict remains unresolved, it often becomes part of the legacy we pass on. God invites us to interrupt those cycles.


APPLICATION

• Which category from the sermon do you see most clearly in your family history: behaviors, beliefs, or emotional responses?
• When conflict arises, which reaction feels most natural to you: confronting, withdrawing, avoiding, or leaving?
• What fear tends to surface when you think about addressing conflict directly?
• What is one relationship where healthier conflict resolution could change the future?
• How might choosing peace today influence the legacy you are building?

Healthy conflict resolution is rarely comfortable, but it is deeply transformative. God often uses uncomfortable moments to bring freedom, maturity, and restoration. When we face conflict with humility and courage, we open the door for generational change.


PRAYER

Pray for clarity to recognize unhealthy patterns.
Ask God for courage to face conflict with wisdom and love.
Invite the Holy Spirit to bring healing where cycles have existed for years or generations.

January 10 & 11
Parent & Child Discussion
Bible Story: Jesus Calls Matthew // Matthew 9:9–13
Big Idea: Jesus heals us from our sins so we can follow Him.
Parent Tip: Jesus invited Matthew to follow Him even though he was a sinner. Help your child understand that no one is perfect, and we all need Jesus’ forgiveness. This week, talk about how Jesus helps us make better choices and invites us to follow Him every day — even when we mess up. Remind your child that God’s love isn’t based on being “good enough,” but on His grace.

January 17 & 18
Parent & Child Discussion
Bible Story: The Unforgiving Servant // Matthew 18:21–35
Big Idea: Jesus forgives us, so we should forgive others.
Parent Tip: Jesus teaches us that forgiveness should have no limit. When conflicts or hurt feelings arise at home or school, encourage your child to talk about how forgiveness can be hard — but important. Practice forgiveness together by praying and choosing kindness, just as Jesus forgives us when we do wrong.

January 24 & 25
Parent & Child Discussion
Bible Story: Jesus and the Woman Caught in Sin // John 8:1–11
Big Idea: Jesus shows us grace, so we shouldn’t judge others.
Parent Tip: Jesus treated others with compassion instead of judgment. This week, help your child notice moments when it’s tempting to judge others for their mistakes. Encourage them to respond with kindness, empathy, and grace — remembering that we all need forgiveness and that Jesus calls us to love others the way He loves us.

January 10 & 11
Parent & Child Discussion
Bible Story: Jesus in the Temple // Luke 2:41–52
Big Idea: Jesus is the special Son of God.
Parent Tip: Even as a child, Jesus showed that He was God’s Son and cared deeply about doing His Father’s work. Talk with your child about what it means to learn about God and grow in faith. This week, encourage your child to ask questions about God and the Bible, and remind them that Jesus understands us and helps us grow as we follow Him.

January 17 & 18
Parent & Child Discussion
Bible Story: The Good Samaritan // Luke 10:25–37
Big Idea: Jesus wants me to love everyone.
Parent Tip: Jesus taught that loving others means showing kindness to everyone — even people who are different from us or hard to love. Help your child look for simple ways to show love this week, like including someone who feels left out, sharing, or offering help. Remind them that loving others is one way we show Jesus’ love to the world.

January 24 & 25
Parent & Child Discussion
Bible Story: Jesus Calls Matthew // Matthew 9:9–13
Big Idea: Jesus wants me to love everyone.
Parent Tip: Jesus showed love by welcoming Matthew, even though others judged him. Talk with your child about how Jesus loves and values every person. This week, encourage your child to be kind and welcoming, especially to those who might feel overlooked or different. Help them understand that Jesus calls us to love others the way He loves us.

FIRST THINGS FIRST  //  Pastor Matt Berry
January 3 & 4, 2026
Small Group Study

SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• Share about something in your life that felt really satisfying at first but did not last very long.
• Why do you think temporary things can feel so powerful in the moment?
• What are some common things people tend to chase when they want quick fulfillment?

As the new year begins, most of us want growth and change. The challenge is that real change does not come from adding more things to our lives. It comes from putting the right thing at the center. Jesus invites us to consider what truly lasts and what is worth building our lives around.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19–21 

• What does Jesus mean by treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven?
• How can the things we value most reveal what has our hearts?
• In what ways do people unintentionally build their lives around temporary things?

Jesus does not deny that earthly things matter. Instead, He invites us to aim our lives toward what lasts beyond the moment. From there, He moves from what we treasure to what we worry about.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:33 

• What does it look like in real life to seek God’s kingdom first?
• Why do you think trusting God with your needs can feel difficult?
• How does this verse challenge the way people usually order their priorities?

Seeking God first is not about ignoring responsibilities. It is about placing God at the center so everything else finds its proper place. This leads to a deeper kind of transformation that goes beyond behavior.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:1–2

• What stands out to you about the idea of offering your life as worship?
• How does renewing your mind change the way you live?
• Why is it easier to conform to the world than to be transformed?

Transformation happens when God moves from being an add-on to becoming the foundation. When that shift happens, it changes not only what we do but why we do it.


APPLICATION

• What area of your life is hardest for you to fully put under God’s leadership?
• If someone looked at your schedule or priorities, what would they say is at the center?
• What is one practical step you can take this week to seek God first?
• How can this group help you stay intentional and honest about your priorities this year?

PRAYER

Spend time praying that God would help each person place Him at the center of their life. Pray for trust where there is worry, courage where there is fear, and openness to real transformation. Ask God to help your group seek His kingdom first in the year ahead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
December 27 & 28, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

Tap here to view the sermon notes. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• Let’s talk New Year’s Resolutions (or goals for 2026)... Who’s got ‘em and what are they?
• What is a past New Year’s Resolution (or year-long goal) that you actually accomplished?

Even if you’re not a New Year’s Resolution kind of person for one reason or another, setting goals to challenge yourself to improve in various walks of life is an extremely healthy practice.  Let’s take this very unique week, where our calendar jumps to a brand new number never seen on a human calendar before, to discuss how God may be challenging us to establish goals in our lives to embrace the more abundant life he desires for us.  


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  Isaiah 43:16-21

• What things are you asking God that they be left in 2025 when you advance to 2026?
• At the end of 2026, what is one new thing you hope to be able to celebrate God doing in you, around you, or accomplishing through you?

God is in the business of making things new.  This begins with each of us.  We all have hurts, habits, and hangups that need to be put behind us… permanently.  God is the only one powerful enough to accomplish this completely and permanently.  


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Ephesians 4:22-24 

• What is “true righteousness and holiness”?
• What part of your personal character looks least like Jesus and what is one thing you can do in 2026 to become a new person in that area?

The external aspects of life are much easier to focus on than elements of personal growth and character.  However, as Jesus points out in Scripture, cleaning the inside of the cup is far more important and necessary than making the outside look pristine.  Let’s commit to 2026 being the year that we embrace righteousness and holiness to a whole new level in pursuit of making our Heavenly Father proud!


APPLICATION

• By the end of January, what new habit are you hoping to form as you strive for the better life God desires for you?
• Who are you trusting to hold you accountable for pursuing God’s righteousness and holiness this year?

PRAYER

Pray that God would challenge you in new ways in 2026 as you seek to become more of what he created you to be.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
December 20 & 21, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

Tap here to view the sermon notes.

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What is your favorite Christmas movie that you have to watch every year or it just won’t feel like Christmas?  
• Other than biblical or religious Christmas stories, what popular Christmas story or movie do you think has the best moral value or teaching?

Christmas stories are fun and nostalgic for many of us.  Many of us enjoy them on the stage, screen, and in literature every year at this time.  The most famous Christmas stories are of course found in the pages of Scripture.  Today we are taking a look at the Christmas story as told by Luke.  


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  Luke 2:1-7

• What do you know about Mary & Joseph from Scripture and sermons you’ve heard?
• What characteristics of Mary & Joseph do you hope to adopt in greater measure as part of your character?

There was something special about the two people chosen to parent God’s one and only son, Jesus.  How special must they have been to be chosen among all humans past, present, and future?  May we live in such a way that God deems us capable (with his help) of doing the great things he has for us!


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  Luke 2:8-20

• Why do you think God chose to send this message to shepherds?
• If something like this were to happen in today’s world, what group or kind of people do you think God would send the message to first and why?

The Savior, Jesus, has been born!  He came to seek and save the lost.  He came to defeat Satan, sin, and death!   And all of that starts with you!  This Christmas, may you not just hear the message of the coming of the Savior, Jesus… but may it change you from the inside out and compel you to spread the good news!


APPLICATION

• How is your life going to be different this Christmas because the Savior has come into the world?
• Who in your life in need of a savior do you plan to talk to about Jesus this Christmas season?

PRAYER

Pray that God would remind you of the impact Jesus has had on your world and help you to communicate that in the world around you with words and deeds.

Wk 2  //  CHRISTMAS
December 13 & 14, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• Share one Christmas tradition from your childhood. How did it shape the way you think about Christmas today?
• Talk about a moment when you realized God was trying to shift your thinking in a certain area.
• How do you usually feel heading into the Christmas season: excited, stressed, peaceful, overwhelmed?

Christmas brings noise, tradition, and expectations. The message reminded us that God wants to renew our minds, reshape our habits, and use this season to form something deeper in us. As you move into Scripture, slow down and consider where God may be inviting real transformation.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:1

• What does it mean to offer your body as a living sacrifice?
• Why does Paul frame this as true worship?
• How does this challenge our normal view of what worship looks like?
• What does sacrificial love look like in the context of Christmas traditions?

This verse moves worship from a moment to a lifestyle. The message reminded us that Christmas is not about performing traditions but offering ourselves to God in a fresh way. This is where transformation begins.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 12:2 

• What does it look like to be shaped by the patterns of the world?
• Why is the renewal of the mind essential for knowing God’s will?
• Where have you experienced God changing the way you think?
• How might this influence how we give, serve, and spend time together this season?

Transformation is slow, steady, and intentional. The sermon’s imagery of metamorphosis helps us picture a process where God changes our thinking and eventually our behavior. This is the kind of change that impacts marriage, parenting, generosity, and the way we approach Christmas.


GROUP ACTIVITY
Choose whichever activity best fits your group.

BEGINNER: Identifying Christmas Messages

• Give everyone a piece of paper and ask them to write down one message their family has unintentionally communicated about Christmas. Collect them anonymously and read them out loud.
• Discuss any themes you notice.
• Talk about how a renewed mind might reshape those messages.

INTERMEDIATE: Rewrite the Tradition

• As a group, list common Christmas traditions.
• Then rewrite each one with a Christ centered version.
• Discuss which of these revised traditions feels most doable for your homes.

ADVANCED: Create a Legacy Practice

• Split into groups of two or three.
• Share one tradition or habit you want to begin that helps family members experience God.
• Help each other brainstorm how to start it, communicate it, and keep it going through the years.

APPLICATION

• Where do you sense God inviting you to rethink Christmas this year?
• What is one habit or tradition you can adjust that would bring more peace and more focus on Christ?
• Which of the three challenges from the sermon speaks most to you:
  • Rethink Christmas financially
  • Rethink Christmas activity and involvement
  • Rethink Christmas legacy through intentional letters
• What is one new tradition you’re considering based on the message?
  • Financial Christmas tradition that puts God first
  • Worship Christmas tradition that puts God first
  • Legacy Christmas tradition like letters to illustrate how God is changing the way you love

PRAYER

Pray that God would renew your mind and transform the way you approach Christmas. Ask for wisdom to create traditions that honor Christ and bless your family. Lift up any financial, emotional, or relational stress that tends to surface during this season. Invite God to help you love others with the same sacrificial love Jesus has shown to you.

Wk 1  //  CHRISTMAS
December 6 & 7, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• Share a Christmas tradition your family had growing up and why it mattered to you.
• Describe a time when you realized you needed help or rescue in an area of life.
• What emotions come up when you hear the phrase good news

Christmas can easily become noise, decorations, and routine. The message reminded us that the heart of Christmas is not simply celebration but salvation. Before we can fully appreciate the gift of Jesus, we first recognize our need for Him. As your group moves into Scripture together, take a moment to prepare your heart for what God may say through His word.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 3:23
 

• What does this verse reveal about the condition of every person?
• How would you define the idea of missing the mark?
• Why is it important to understand sin before talking about salvation?

The message explained that sin touches every part of life. Relationships, motives, choices, and desires all feel the effects. When we recognize the brokenness honestly, we begin to see why Christmas matters so deeply. Jesus was not sent into a world that needed a little improvement but into a world that needed rescue.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 5:8
 

• How does this verse expand your understanding of God’s love?
• Why is the phrase while we were still sinners so significant?
• What does this reveal about God’s initiative toward us?

God’s love is not shown after we get ourselves together. It is shown while we are unable to fix our condition. Christmas is God stepping toward us first. Let this truth frame the rest of the conversation as you consider the gift God offers to every person.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 10:9
 

• What does it mean to confess and believe in this passage?
• How would you explain salvation to someone who has never been in church?
• Why do you think God makes salvation simple enough for anyone to receive?

This final step of the “Romans Road” invites a response. Salvation is not about achieving something but surrendering to someone. Christmas announces God’s gift, and each person chooses whether to receive it. Scripture makes clear that anyone who calls on Jesus can be saved.


APPLICATION

• Where do you most clearly see your need for a Savior right now?
• Who in your life needs to hear about the hope of Jesus this Christmas?
• What step can you take this week to move toward sharing the message of salvation?

Christmas is not only a celebration of Jesus arrival but also an invitation to respond. God met us in our brokenness and offered life. As you consider the message this week, pay attention to the people around you who may need this hope.


PRAYER

Thank God for sending Jesus to rescue us. Pray for softened hearts to receive the gift of salvation. Ask God to use this group to share hope with others during the Christmas season.

THANKSGIVING
November 29 & 30, 2024
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

Tap here to view the sermon notes.

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• What were you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?  
• What Black Friday deals did you watch closely?

This week, we are going to pause our normal message-based discussion to reflect on Thanksgiving and prepare for the Christmas season.  This time of year, many of us have a tendency to swing to extremes.  We can go from being extremely grateful for the blessings we have to extremely stressed and discontent as we search for the best deals and spend money we probably shouldn’t spend.  An abundance of joy seems to exist alongside rampant depression, stress, and grief.  Keeping our attention on God, His provision, His guidance and His plan for our lives can be difficult during the holidays, but it is absolutely necessary as we pursue His better way of doing life.  


STUDY 

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:19-24
 

• Top 5 list… if your heart is where your treasure is, what are the top 5 things you value most in this life?  
• What do you pay attention to (or fixate on) that takes the attention that rightfully belongs on Jesus?

There are good things and there are God things.  It is very easy to blur the line between the two.  Family, career, possessions, goals, etc., etc… all of these can be good things, but none of them are meant to be ultimate things.  God knows that in order for us to have the abundant life He calls us to, our focus has to be on Him.  Other things are precious gifts to enjoy in this life, but He is the only one deserving of our ultimate attention and worship.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ MATTHEW 6:25-34
 

• Share a time when God provided for you in an unexpected or miraculous way.
• What causes you the most stress and/or worry?
• What can you realistically add to or subtract from your life that would allow you to better “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”?

Stress and worry are unfortunate inevitabilities in this life.  They come on without warning and steal our attention away from that which is most important.  The solution to stress & worry is exactly what we are in greatest danger of ignoring because of our stress & worry… JESUS!  He is the only one who can effectively steer us through the scary parts of life.  He promises that He will never leave or forsake us.  He loves us and promises to be our strength and provision in time of need.  If God is for us, who can be against us?


APPLICATION

• Who are you allowing to hold you accountable for your stress/worry/depression/etc.?
• How can you better point people toward Jesus this holiday season?

PRAYER

Pray that God will dominate your attention… good things, bad things, all things… would pale in comparison to how amazing Jesus is!

Wk 5  //  ANSWERS
November 22 & 23, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• Share about a time when you saw someone step in and help another person in a way that made a real difference.
• Tell about a skill you know that could help someone in an emergency.
• What is one practical way someone once helped you that you have never forgotten?

As followers of Jesus, we often think of ministry only in spiritual terms. Yet Jesus taught and demonstrated that ministry includes meeting physical needs, responding to emergencies, and being willing to step in when someone else is in trouble. Today we explore the idea that God may use very ordinary skills and everyday availability to save lives and to open doors for people to experience His love.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ HEBREWS 11:6

• What part of this verse stands out to you the most?
• Why do you think faith and action always go together?
• How have you seen God reward someone who earnestly sought Him?

Ministry begins with believing that God truly works through His people. When we understand that He has chosen us and empowered us, we begin to see needs around us differently.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 15:12–16

• Why is it important to remember that Jesus appointed us to bear lasting fruit?
• How does this passage shape the way we see the people around us?
• Where do you sense God asking you to be more available for others?

Love always expresses itself in action. Sometimes that action looks like spiritual conversations. Other times it looks like stepping in during a moment of crisis.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ ROMANS 10:14–15

• What does this passage reveal about our responsibility toward others?
• Who brought the message of hope to you when you needed it most?
• Why is availability just as important as ability?

This passage shifts us from being passive believers to active participants. God places us in unique moments so that His compassion can reach people through us.


APPLICATION

• What is one practical skill you would benefit from learning or refreshing, such as CPR or the Heimlich maneuver?
• Is there someone in your life who needs your availability or compassion right now?
• How can this group encourage one another to be the hands and feet of Jesus in daily life?

The call of this message is not only to believe that God uses His people but to take steps that prepare us to respond when moments of need arise. Small acts of love can open the door for someone to encounter God in a life changing way.


PRAYER

Pray that God would open our eyes to the people around us who need hope, help, comfort, or direction. Pray for courage to step into moments where we can save lives physically or spiritually. Pray that each person in this group would be willing to say, Here I am. Send me.

Wk 4  //  ANSWERS
November 15 & 16, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• When have you experienced a season that didn’t go as you expected, even though you were doing your best to follow God?
• How do you tend to respond when things get hard? Do you pull away, or press in?
• What helps you stay grounded when you feel spiritually or emotionally tired?

Elijah’s life had moments of triumph and moments of deep struggle. He stood before kings, hid in ravines, saw miracles, and wrestled with despair. Through every high and low, God was present and faithful. Let’s trace his journey together and consider what God might be asking us today: “Where are you?”



UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 KINGS 17:1.
 

• What do you notice about Elijah’s courage in this verse?
• How does this moment show that his confidence was rooted in God’s authority, not his own?
• What might it look like for you to “stand up to the king” in your own life; to speak truth even when it’s hard?

Elijah begins his story by standing before power and declaring truth. That kind of courage doesn’t come from talent or status; it comes from knowing your God is alive. Before God ever calls us to take a stand publicly, He calls us to trust Him privately.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 KINGS 17:2–6.
 

• What do you think Elijah felt as he hid in the ravine, relying on ravens for food?
• When has God provided for you in unexpected or uncomfortable ways?
• Why do you think God often allows seasons of isolation or waiting before the next assignment?

Sometimes obedience leads to wilderness. Elijah’s ravens remind us that God’s provision doesn’t always look how we expect, but it’s always enough. The same God who fed Elijah by dirty birds still provides for His people through surprising means today.



HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 KINGS 19:9–12.
 

• What does Elijah’s exhaustion and despair teach us about the emotional cost of faithfulness?
• Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself in a whisper rather than through wind, fire, or earthquake?
• How can you make space to hear God’s “gentle whisper” in your week?

Even after miracles, Elijah struggled with fear and fatigue. God didn’t scold him; He met him. The whisper wasn’t a rebuke; it was an invitation. God’s presence is often quiet enough to miss but close enough to change everything.



HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 KINGS 19:15.
 

• What does it mean for God to tell Elijah, “Go back the way you came”?
• How does obedience become a form of healing when we’ve been discouraged or burned out?
• Where might God be calling you to take your “next right step” this week?

God’s question (“What are you doing here?”) isn’t condemnation; it’s calibration. He’s helping Elijah (and us) remember that purpose and calling don’t end in the cave. Sometimes the way forward begins by retracing our steps back to the basics of faith: prayer, worship, repentance, and trust.



APPLICATION

• Which part of Elijah’s story do you relate to most right now: standing up, hiding out, crying out, or listening in?
• What “next right step” might God be calling you to take this week?
• How can this group support one another in seasons of discouragement or confusion?

No matter where you are, God’s question remains the same: “Where are you?” Not because He’s lost you, but because He’s inviting you closer. Faith grows in the in-between: between the miracle and the mountain, the whisper and the storm.



PRAYER

Thank God for being present in both the victories and the valleys. Pray for courage to obey in small steps, even when the next season isn’t clear. Ask God to meet each person in your group with His gentle whisper this week.

Wk 3  //  ANSWERS
November 8 & 9, 2025
Small Group Study


SERMON RECAP

Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.

TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES. 

• What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
• Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
• Was there anything that challenged you?

INTRODUCTION

• When have you faced a situation that felt bigger than what you could see or explain?
• Why do you think many people either ignore or exaggerate the idea of spiritual warfare?
• What are some ways you’ve seen God’s protection in your life?

Spiritual warfare can sound mysterious or intimidating, but Scripture makes it clear: there’s an unseen battle happening around us. The good news is that we don’t fight for victory… we fight from victory. God has already equipped us with His truth, His Spirit, and His power to stand firm.


UNDERSTANDING

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 6:10-13. 

• Why does Paul remind believers to “be strong in the Lord” rather than in themselves?
• What do you think it means to “stand your ground” spiritually?
• Which piece of the armor of God stands out to you most right now, and why?

The armor of God isn’t a metaphor for strength. It’s a call to dependence. We can’t fight spiritual battles with human effort. The moment we recognize our need for God’s power is the moment we start standing in victory.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JOHN 8:44.

• How does Satan use deception to twist truth and influence people?
• What lies does the enemy use most effectively in our culture today?
• How does knowing the truth of God’s Word expose the enemy’s schemes?

The enemy’s greatest weapon is deception. From the beginning, he has tried to twist God’s words, planting seeds of doubt in the hearts of believers. But truth breaks through every lie. The more we know Scripture, the harder it becomes for the enemy to deceive us.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 PETER 5:8-9.  

• What does it mean to “be alert and of sober mind” in your faith?
• How have you seen the enemy try to use fear, temptation, or discouragement to weaken believers?
• What helps you “resist him, standing firm in the faith”?

Peter reminds us that the enemy is real and active, but not unstoppable. Our alertness and resistance are acts of worship. Every time we choose faith over fear, truth over lies, unity over division, we are declaring that Jesus reigns over every dark power.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ JAMES 4:7. 

• What does it mean to “submit to God” before resisting the devil?
• Why do you think submission comes before victory?
• What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully “in the Spirit” rather than in your own strength?

Submission isn’t weakness. It’s alignment. When we yield to God’s authority, the devil loses his. Every time we pray, worship, forgive, and obey, we draw closer to the One who has already won the battle.


APPLICATION

• Which of the enemy’s tactics (deception, temptation, division, distraction, or discouragement) seems to challenge you the most?
• How can God’s truth and Spirit help you resist that attack?
• What does it look like for your home or family to “stand firm” together in faith this week?

Victory doesn’t come from shouting louder or fighting harder. It comes from staying rooted in Christ. The enemy will always attack, but as long as we’re in God’s Word, in His Spirit, and standing together in faith, no weapon formed against us will stand.


PRAYER

Pray for awareness of the enemy’s tactics and confidence in the victory Christ has already secured. Ask God to strengthen your faith, guard your home, and unite your church. Thank Him that through Jesus, we stand firm, protected, and free.