
ENV - Langara
482 episodes — Page 7 of 10

Ep 1This is Normal: Submitting Willingly
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Romans 13:1-7 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 13:2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 13:3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 13:4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 13:5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Summary: Submission to (unjust) government is a matter of conscience because it is a reflection of our submission to God's authority. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Paul and the reason for this letter what threatens unity in the Church? How does submission to the government promote unity? 2. Where does our authority come from? What have we been given authority for? How does submission to the government reinforce that authority? 3. Why is integrity important and how does it add potency to our witness? How does submission to the government build integrity into the gospel we preach? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1This Is Normal: Living like Jesus
READ. Romans 12:9-21 Summary: Jesus is the best thing Christians can give to others. Discussion Questions: 1. As a follower of Jesus, the greatest of God’s commands that we follow, is to love Him and others. Read Paul’s list of what a Christian looks like in Romans 12:9-2. What sticks out and why? Could this list be lived out without the presence of Jesus in our lives? Why or why not? 2. Have someone read verse 14 to the group. We might not think of having enemies or persecution very much nowadays. But who are the people you have conflict with? How can you practically begin to love them? 3. What does it mean to practice hospitality? How can this group practice hospitality? Who are people we could invite in, and how could we make them feel welcome and loved? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Family Convo: "How important is connection with God?" with Tara Morgan
Family Convo: "How important is connection with God?" with Tara Morgan by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1This is Normal: Living Faithfully (Ro.12:3-8)
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Romans 12:3-8 Summary: We freely give what we receive within the limits of faith. Discussion Questions: 1. According to this passage, why did God make us all so unique? 2. What are the signs that we are doing more or less than what God asks of us? 3. Where or how is God inviting you to express normal faith? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Summer Seminar - Session 3: Marriage
Summer Seminar - Session 3: Marriage by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Family Convo: "Where do we turn when we are afraid?" with Marge Wy Tiu
Family Convo: "Where do we turn when we are afraid?" with Marge Wy Tiu by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1This is Normal: Living Sacrificially (Ro.12:1-2)
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Sermon Summary: Receiving mercy transforms the way you think. Main Passage: Romans 12:1-2 Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think holiness is pleasing to God? Why is Jesus's sacrifice important in this regard? 2. What does it mean to live sacrificially in view of God's mercy? 3. Has receiving God's mercy transform the way you think & live? In what ways? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Family Convo: "What does suffering help reveal?" with Mitch Diwar
Family Convo: "What does suffering help reveal?" with Mitch Diwar by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Esther: Faithful Justice
- DGroup - REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: God displays his faithfulness through His justice and mercy which are fulfilled through Jesus. Main Passage: Esther 8-10 Discussion Questions: Where are the moments where you find it hard to see God at work in your life? God’s loving justice requires that evil be eliminated. What about God’s justice is personally hard for you to accept, and how is it also good news? God’s faithfulness and justice invite us into repentance to receive His mercy. How do you sense God’s Spirit inviting you to respond to Him? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Family Convo: "What does surrender produce in us?" with Eric Vaags
Family Convo: "What does surrender produce in us?" with Eric Vaags by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Esther: 100% God, 100% Man
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: Living in faith is our participation in the saving work of Jesus. Main Passage: Esther 5-7 Discussion Questions: Can you see any parallels in the Esther story between the way God deals with Haman and the way he deals with our sin? Do you see sin as an "enemy" in your life? How do typically address that battle? What kind of promises in scripture do you hang onto in moments that require great faith? How does it "save" you? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Summer Seminar - Session 2: Singleness/Dating
Notes: https://mcusercontent.com/84d5ab8a2282ce448ce7041fb/files/ba1afd68-58e4-4c2b-8345-2ef3c2aa1ff5/2_Relational_Health_Handouts.pdf

Ep 1Family Convo: "How do we see God in hard times?" with Maan Cruz
Family Convo: "How do we see God in hard times?" with Maan Cruz by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Esther: Proactive Faith
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: God's hidden glory is displayed through our faith in Him. Main Passage: Esther 4:16 Discussion Questions: 1. What does "identifying" with Christ look like publicly in your life? 2. Have you experienced a time when being faith-filled and trusting Jesus was counter-cultural? 3. Read Esther 4:16 - Why do you think Esther acts despite the uncertainty? What does obedience in uncertainty teach us about our relationship with God? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Esther: Recognizing Racism
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: We repent from racism by looking deeper. Discussion Questions: 1. 2 Corinthians 5:16 says, don’t judge people from a “worldly” viewpoint. How does Galatians 3:28 describe those “worldly” classifications? 2. What does verses 26-27 say is an alternative to those classifications – how should we view ourselves and others? Why is this better? 3. What is God's invitation to you today? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Family Convo: "Is being humbled worth it?" with Oliver Geortzen
Family Convo: "Is being humbled worth it?" with Oliver Geortzen by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Esther: God's Hidden Glory
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: God’s hidden glory is actively ruling our world. Discussion Questions: 1. How is God described in 1 Timothy 6:15-16? Why do people struggle with believing that? 2. How does 2 Corinthians 5:7 tell us to walk? How will believing in God's hidden sovereignty shape how we approach life? 3. Is there a place where you feel blinded by what your eyes see? How does faith in God's sovereignty change what you see? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Summer Seminar - Session 1: Spiritual Family
Notes & Discussion Questions: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19hojbyi2zfFCJgh_5--QW_ZWRj9KkowB

Ep 1Family Convo: "How do we be responsive to God?" with Xiao Xu
Family Convo: "How do we be responsive to God?" with Xiao Xu by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Thessalonians
READ. Main Verse: 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 Summary: Jesus's return redeems present suffering. 1. When is a time you truly suffered at the hands of others? What did that produce in you? 2. What do you think Paul boasts about the persecutions and endurance of the church in Thessalonica? 3. How does the idea of entrusting ultimate justice to Jesus sit with you? Where is an area you could trust his justice in? What would change if you did? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Family Convo: "How do we respond to injustice?" with Pastor Greg
Family Convo: "How do we respond to injustice?" with Pastor Greg by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Family Convo: "What does fruitfulness mean?" with Nate Lim
Family Convo: "What does fruitfulness mean?" with Nate Lim by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Titus
READ. Main Verse: Titus 2:11-15 Summary: Introducing Jesus to culture needs clear, loving authority. Discussion Questions: 1. Why is personal integrity essential to making disciples? Are there any potential pitfalls to this? 2. Do you ever lovingly rebuke people? How does that typically go? How do you know if you should? 3. Read Titus 3:4-8. Are you confident that the Holy Spirit changes people so much that it visibly effects the way they live? What would it look like to trust the Holy Spirit even more in this area? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Philippians
READ. Summary: Humility reflects Christ to world around us. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Phil 2:3-4 - What do you think of this definition of humility? What would change in your life if you carried yourself in this way? 2. Read Phil 2:5-8 - What does it mean to imitate Christ's humility? 3. Read Phil 3:7-11 - What are you tempted to elevate beyond the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Galatians
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: A love relationship with God is based on trust versus rules. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Galatians 2:16 how is our relationship with God made right? Explain in your own words how that is true. 2. In Galatians 5:22-23, what does trust in God and His Spirit look like? Why does trust produce those qualities? 3. Why is it tempting to have a relationship with God (or others) based on rules? According to Galatians 5:19-21, toward what kind of behavior does that lead us? Given that evidence, where are you struggling to trust God? What does faith look like there? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Corinthians
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ Sermon Summary: God's wisdom is known through the Spirit. Main Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:18-22 Discussion Questions: 1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-22. Do you have examples of the "worlds wisdom" not panning out in your life? Why didn't it work? 2. Why do you think God OK with the gospel being seen as foolish by the world? 3. Read 1 Corinthians 2:12-14. What does it mean to "have the Spirit?" Why is that necessary for understanding God's wisdom? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Romans
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: All personal problems are solved by gospel solutions. Discussion Questions: Read Romans 8:3-4 1. Why can’t we keep the law? When you have tension with others, in what kind of laws or rules do you put your trust? For Paul, where does he tell us to place our trust? 2. How do our human relationships reveal the condition of our relationship with God? 3. Where do you feel distant from someone? What does that reveal about your relationship with God? How then, would you define “success” in that human relationship? RESPOND. “Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Letters From Paul: Introduction
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Main Passage; John 5:39-40 Sermon Summary: Truth is a person that requires an invitation and introduction. Discussion Questions: 1. Read John 5:39-40. What do you think Jesus is trying communicate here? 2. Read Colossians 3:9-10. What does it mean to have a new self? What is this new self? 3. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8. Why is discipleship a deeply personal thing? Do you think the full depth of the gospel that can only be translated personally from heart to heart? What are the implications of that in your life? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]
Ep 1Easter Service
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: The antidote to sin is an ongoing transfusion of Jesus' life. Discussion Questions: 1. What is the condition of humanity, and what is our solution? Romans 3:23; 6:23 2. Why can we be more afraid of COVID-19 than sin? What does Matthew 10:28 encourage us to do? 3. What is our responsibility during this pandemic? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]
Ep 1Insight For Strange Days - Jesus
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: To receive mercy practice repentance and mercy. Discussion Questions: 1. Palm Sunday is the time when we remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem as both our King and our Savior. Contrast the two responses to Jesus entering Jerusalem, in Matthew 21:9 and 21:15. Why is it hard to receive God's mercy and leadership? 2. What two things soften our heart to receive God's mercy? Romans 3:23 and Matthew 5:7. Why is this so? 3. How can we prepare our hearts for Easter? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]
Ep 1Insights for Strange Days - Mercy
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 2 Samuel 24 Summary: Judgment produces repentance and faith if we are humble. Discussion Questions: 1. Read 2 Samuel 24. What did David do wrong, that deserved God's judgment? How are we similar to David? 2. How did David respond to God's three options? What did David believe about God? What do we think of how God judges us? 3. How did God respond to David’s prayers and sacrifice? What does seeking mercy for the land look like at this time? See also, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]
Ep 1Insights for Strange Days - Gideon
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Psalm 91:9-10 Sermon Summary: Our peaceful presence, authentic worship and faith-filled activity speak to who is in control of the world. Discussion Questions: 1. Has the instability in society these days effected your relationship with God at all? If so, how? 2. What does "worship" look like for you in the absence of Sunday Services? What role does worship play in your reactiveness to the world around you? 3. What kinds of faith-filled activity do you feel called to by God? How is this call loving for you and your neighbor? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Covenant of Marriage
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: God's covenant for marriage is for a husband and wife to unite in reflecting and expanding God's love and authority. Discussion Questions: 1. What did God first expect of married couples? Genesis 1:28. How does this shape what “suitable helper” means in Genesis 2:20? What might such a marriage look like? See Romans 16:23 or Hebrews 13:2 2. What might be unappealing about this covenant? What kind of contract might people prefer instead? Why? 3. Why would pledging to have a marriage that blesses others (including our spouse!) bless us personally? In order to commit to that covenant, what do we need from Jesus? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Church as a Covenant Community
Coming soon.

Ep 1God's Covenant with Creation
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: God invites us to engage with creation in a mutual pledge of self-sacrifice and gratitude. Discussion Questions: 1. What does Psalm 8:6-8 say about our relationship with creation? If we are responsible to love and serve creation, how does Genesis 9:3 seem to contradict this? 2. How do people typically feel about being sacrificed for? According to Romans 5:8, how does the Bible view self-sacrifice? If the problem with our treatment of creation is not that we need it to sacrifice itself for us, what is it? 1 Timothy 4:4 3. How does the idea of gratitude help us avoid the extremes of ravaging creation and of denying creation the honor of self-sacrifice? How does gratitude help us avoid these extremes with Jesus? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Covenant Relationships
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Genesis 15:1-18 Summary: God fulfills His promises to humanity through a faith-based covenant relationship. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Genesis 15:1-18. What things did God promise Abram? What does God promise all His children? 2. When Abraham kept doubting, what did God do? How is this a foreshadowing of what Christ did for us (Romans 5:8)? For a 5-minute video on this, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuycEl-4Gnk 3. What does it look like to practice covenant-trust in daily life? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Inviting Grace
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: We have a standing invitation to approach God through Jesus. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Hebrews 4:12–13. What does your devotional life look like? Have you experienced anything described in this passage? 2. Are there reasons why you don't accept God's invitation into relationship in everyday life? 3. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. How does this passage describe accepting God's invitation? How is this accomplished? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Enriching Grace
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: Grace is a Person we respond to in each life area. Discussion Questions: 1. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. What does grace enable us to do? How does trusting in grace create a cycle of generosity? What stops that cycle? 2. Given that grace is a Person and not a resource, how does that change how we receive grace? 3. What would it look like to trust in God's empowering presence in the area of your finances? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Sufficient Grace
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: If we embrace weakness, pain increases our trust in grace. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Romans 8:38-39, what can separate us from a love relationship with God? 2. How does God respond to Paul’s struggles in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Given Romans 8:38-39, what is the power of grace sufficient to do? 3. Why is weakness/humility the prerequisite to resting in God's grace? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Sanctifying Grace
JANUARY 26TH REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Main Passage: Titus 2:11-14 Summary: Santification is God purifying for himself a people to call his very own. Discussion Questions: How does grace "teach" us to say no to ungodliness? According to this passage, God's motivation for our santification is for us to be his very own. Do you find this a compelling reason to live righteously? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Justifying Grace
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Main Passage: Titus 3:3-7 Summary: Redemption is more powerful than forgetting. Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think Paul is bringing up sins of the past in an effort to highlight our justification? 2. According to this passage, why is important that our savior "appeared" as a person within historical events? How does this shape your idea of grace? 3. What do you think is God's primary intention in justifying us by his grace? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Saving Grace
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: We are a victim of our sin nature until grace sets us free. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Romans 5:18, what is every person a victim of? How do you feel about being a victim to things that you can’t control? 2. According to Romans 5:21, grace (God's empowering presence) shows His power in our lives through us living righteously. How might people feel about grace removing their excuses to sin? 3. What is God highlighting in your life right now: that you are victim, or that grace has freed you from being victim? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1ENV Vision Sunday 2020
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: Our hearts change by the affections we practically plug into. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Proverbs 4:20-23. What are we to keep in our hearts? What are we to do to our hearts? What is the result? 2. Our hearts change by the affections we practically plug into (see Matthew 6:21). What are the concrete implications of this? 3. What is God inviting you to do with your affections in 2020? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Advent - Love
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: Pride and insult blind us to seeing our need for Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. Discussion Questions: 1. From Luke 2:8-20 describe the hearts of the shepherds. How might the events of Matthew 2:16 impact them? 2. What are common reasons why people mistrust Jesus? Why did King Herod mistrust Jesus? How are we like Herod? See Revelation 3:17. 3. This Christmas, how can we receive Jesus as Savior and Lord? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Advent - Peace
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ: Isaiah 9:6-7 / John 14:27 / John 16:33 / Rev 5:11-14 Sermon Summary: Peace is a person we identify with. Questions: 1. How do you find peace? How do you define peace? Why does it seem to illusive? 2. Why is it important that Jesus is King of Peace? How is His peace He different than what the world peace? 3. Why must we identify with peace? What does longing for God's peace look like? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Advent - Joy
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ: John 3:25-30 Sermon Summary: Our joy is found in God’s narrative. Questions: 1)Where do you feel pressure to have joy this season? Why is it easier to find our joy in comparing with others rather than trusting God? 2) In the passage the people who once followed John are now leaving him and following Jesus instead. However, instead of suffering his loss, John states that he must decrease and Jesus must increase. How does this go against the narrative we usually subscribe to in order to find joy? 3) John found his purpose by pointing to the story God is writing rather than one he could write. What difficulties do you find in trusting God’s story other than your own? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Advent - Hope
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ: Isaiah 8:19-22 and Isaiah 9:1-2 Sermon Summary: Our Hope is not in what will happen but in who we trust. Questions: 1) Are there any areas in your life that seem hopeless? 2) What is your usual response when you are faced with difficulties and areas of hopelessness in your life? 3) What areas of your life does Jesus need to be “born into”, and what does that look like? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Pop Solutions - Ladders vs. Baptism
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Matthew 18:19-20; Galatians 3:27 Summary: Christians focus on clothing versus climbing. Discussion Questions: 1. What does it mean to be baptized into the Trinity?* Where are we positioned in relation to God? 2. How does Galatians 3:27 describe baptism? Contrast a life of “clothing” or connecting, versus a life of climbing or achieving. How does that shape how we approach being confused, defeated or cold-hearted? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.] *In Matthew 28:19, “the preposition ‘into’ strongly suggests a coming-into-relationship-with or a coming-under-the-Lordship-of.” (Carson, D. A. (1984). Matthew)

Ep 1Pop Solutions - Kindness vs. Love
REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Text: John 13:34-35 Sermon Summary: Jesus is a trustworthy source to define what love looks like. Discussion Questions: 1. What do think the difference is between the love described in the main text and simply being “kind”? 2. Do you find it challenging to trust that Jesus’ example of proactive love is the best way to conduct your own relationships? Why or why not? 3. Read 1 John 4:18. How does the love Jesus has for us remove the fear of being vulnerably loving? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Ep 1Pop Solutions - Personal Growth vs. Following Jesus
READ. Summary: Jesus is a better focus of our faith, hope and love. Discussion Questions: Faith, hope and love are what really matters in life (1Co.13:13). Explore the difference in how we approach these things, depending on whether we are pursuing personal growth or following Jesus (Refer to Titus 3:5 for clarity on faith, Luke 12:33 to shed light on hope, and Luke 12:24 to understand where our love is to be directed). RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]