ENV - Langara

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Main Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Sermon Summary: Your position without God is just a position, but your position with God has a purpose. Discussion Questions: 1. How would you use the words position and purpose to describe your life? 2. Paul uses the word reconciled to describe both our potential relationship with God and purpose He gives us. Why does God use His power to reconcile with those who have sinned against Him? What does Mark 1:40-42 show us about about Jesus' leadership? 3. We are closer to God when we serve then when we are expecting to be served. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world?" Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Main Verse: John 21:15-17 Sermon Summary: Organizations pursue a purpose but the Church pursues a person. Discussion Questions: 1. How is the Church different than an organization or charity? 2. Is the tension that's held in family necessary for discipleship? If so, why? 3. How does Jesus response to Peter in John 21 loving? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: A better image comes through reflecting a better identity. Discussion Questions: 1. How does Luke 20:46-47 describe the teachers of the law? Why might being a law-based person lead to an image-based life? 2. Who does Romans 8:15 say we are? How does that identity set us free from trying to maintain an external, law-based image? 3. What does it practically look like to move from improving our law-based image to resting in our God-given identity? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ: John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Sermon Summary: "Peace" is about the absence of anxiety, "Shalom" is about relationship. Discussion Questions: 1. If we define peace as the "absence of conflict," why is that unhelpful in our understanding of the gospel? 2. Defining Shalom as relational connectedness, why is this a better form of peace? 3. How could you pursue Shalom more 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.] (edited)

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: It takes faith to have a past. Discussion Questions: 1. What does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 say about our past? 2. How do we put the past behind us? Matthew 16:24; Galatians 2:20 Describe what “denying” and “crucifying” practically means. Why is that an act of faith? 3. Are there areas of the past that “feel” present? How do we switch our faith from our feelings to God's Spirit? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Philippians 2:1-11 Summary: Relationship is perfectly designed to fall apart when it’s used to our advantage. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Phil 2:1-2 - Why do you think Paul correlates being a Christian with being unified with other believers? 2. Read Phil 2:3-4 - Why is humility essential to unity & building the Church? 3. Read Phil 2:5-8 - How did Jesus model humility? What would following his example look like 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.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 2 Timothy 1:7 – today we are looking at the Spirit’s gift of love. Summary: We receive love as we give love in faith. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Romans 5:5, what does the Holy Spirit pour into us? Using Matthew 6:14 as an example, what restricts the amount of love that God can pour into us? (See also Galatians 6:7-8) 2. What does Hebrews 11:6c say faith is? How does faith impact how we give love? When we get tired of loving others, what does that say about our faith in who God is? 3. What does it look like to love God and others “in faith”? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 2 Timothy 1:5-7 Summary: The Spirit redeems power by being a loving source. Discussion Questions: 1. How do you feel that the Spirit exercises power through the Church (flawed people)? Is the messiness worth it? 2. Read Ephesians 2:1–2. Where else does power come from if not the Spirit? 3. 2 Timothy 1:8–9. Why is it loving for God to exercise his power through us? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 2 Timothy 1:5-7 Summary: Timidity quenches our faith; Spirit-filled courage ignites it. Discussion Questions: 1. What is Timothy commended for in 1:5? In 1:6, what would help Timothy grow his faith? In 1:7, what does God's Spirit does not give us? 2. How are faith and timidity opposites? How then, do we grow our faith? 3. Where do you feel timid? What would faith in God's Spirit look like there? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Ephesians 5:21-25; 6:1-9 Summary: To reverse the cycle of dominance and oppression we give and receive love. Discussion Questions: 1. Paul gives three examples of people submitting: wives to husbands, slaves to masters, and children to parents. Describe the attitude of those leading and those submitting. 2. How does EVERYONE relate to Christ? Why is that critical? How do we reverse the classic cycle of dominance and oppression? 3. Where does this apply in your life? What will you need to believe about God to walk in this new way? What will this new way practically 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.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Ephesians 4:20-32 Summary: What we wear reveals what we think our life purpose is. Discussion Questions: 1. What are Christians to “put off” and “put on”? 2. What are those new “clothes” meant to reveal (4:24)? 3. If we choose to wear our old “clothes” what does that say about what we think our life purpose is? 4. What has God given you to wear at home, work…? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Main Passage: Ephesians 4:1-3 (w/ comments on Ephesians 3:6,16). Discussion Questions: -Did anyone feel like God was getting their attention with something that was said or happened on Sunday? -When you consider why people come together and unite, what are examples of the foundation of their unity? What is their unity built upon? -It seems Christians keep dividing. Speaking from your personal experience, why do you think it is difficult for us to remember and live like Jesus' work is the foundation of our unity? In regards to maintaining the unity of the Spirit, Paul mentions humility, patience, and bearing with one another in love. Brett commented on how the idol of power can attack humility, the idol of control can attack patience, and the idol of comfort can attack bearing with one another. If you had to choose, which idol is most dangerous in your life? Why? -What excites you when you think about where increased unity could lead us as a kingdom family? Summary Statement: Living as a Family of One Points to the Saving Son.

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Passage Address: Ephesians 2:8-9 Discussion Questions: 1. In his letter Paul is making a case that the narrative of God provides for our life is better than any other narrative we could be a part of. Why does Paul begin chapter 2 with the word ‘dead’ . What do you think of that? 2. Paul uses the archer’s term ‘to miss the mark’ to describe sin. How has sin stopped you from hitting the target in life? 3. God’s grace takes the place of our guilt, renews the longings of our hearts and restores the broken relationship sin causes. How does God’s grace give us the significance and security we are looking for in our lives? 4. Paul is writing to two kinds of people, those who have experienced God’s grace but keep adding to it because they don’t trust it fully, and those who don’t understand grace because they don’t feel worthy because of the wrong things they have done. Which one do you relate to more? 5. How can you live under God’s grace this week? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

Discussion questions forthcoming...

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Samuel 24:1-20 Discussion Questions: 1. How did David respond to Saul’s unjust attack? 2. According to verse 6, what was David’s motive for acting this way? 3. Where have you been unjustly treated? How does David’s example help you know what to do? (See Matthew 5:38-42 for further insight) Summary: Active goodness is the only way to overcome evil. RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Samuel 20:12-16, 22:14-16 & 20-23. Summary Statement: During fearful times refuge is found in covenant relationships (1 Sam 22:23). Discussion Questions: It is easy to believe that the quality of our Life is based on the quality of our faith. Similarly we imagine that better planning and strategies will help us avert disaster. However, as the chosen King of Israel, David's life was fraught with uncertainty and threats. What we discover is that his refuge is not found in better plans but in right (covenant) relationships. 1. How would you describe David's qualities? How do you explain his circumstances based on those qualities? (19:4-5) 2. Be it Goliath or King Saul what was David's primary motivation when faced with difficult circumstances? (20:41) 3. David found temporary relief as he ran from town to town. But ultimately his refuge was secured, why? (22:14-15) 4. When faced with fearful times do you believe that honoring God, living vulnerably with His family, and extending that to others will become the refuge you desire? Ponder today's verse and then reflect on your circumstances (22:23); “Stay with me, do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me." Is there anything you need to repent of or have faith for that is interfering with this kind of life? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Passage Address: 1 Samuel 19:1-10 Summary Statement: We have a selfish instinct to kill our liberators. Discussion Questions: 1. Why is Saul so committed to killing David despite the benefit that David’s brought to the kingdom? 2. Read Acts 2:36 - What does Saul have in common with the people of Israel in Jesus' time when Peter preaches in Acts 2? 3. Where in your life does Jesus story of liberation confront your desires to self-rule? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Samuel 17 Discussion Questions: 1. 1 Samuel 16:7 says that God values our hearts more than our image. To know what kind of heart God values, contrast David’s heart (17:26,32, 37,45), Goliath’s heart (17:10, 42), and Eliab’s heart (17:24,28). 2. Why did David only use a sling? See 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. 3. Where are you to fight for God's honor? Summary: To fight for God's honor, we engage in battles only He can win, with our weapon being the knowledge of God. RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Samuel 16 Summary: Sadness, fear, and assumptions can distract us from anointing Jesus as our King. Discussion Questions: 1. In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel struggled to anoint David as the new and better King for Israel. Verses 1, 2 and 7 each describe a struggle; what are they? 2. What does 1 Peter 3:15a tell us to do? How do we let sadness, fear or assumptions complicate that command? 3. Why must we anoint/revere/set apart Jesus as our Lord as our first response, not our future goal? Where do you need Jesus to be Lord? Confess that in prayer now. RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 Summary Statement: Obedience is better than sacrifice. Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think this passage says that obedience is better than sacrifice? What's the difference? 2. Do you ever see obedience as an attempt to appease God? How is that affecting your ability to obey Him? 3. Where are you called to be obedient to God's word in your life right now? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: Rely on God's Word, not external “evidence.” Discussion Questions: 1. Describe Israel’s first king, according to 1 Samuel 9:2; 10:1,6. What does Samuel then say about Saul in 1 Samuel 13:13-14? 2. What looks good at the beginning can turn out to be bad. Upon what then, should we build our confidence? Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 119:42; 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 3. What things, other than God's truth, are you tempted to build your confidence upon? What does it look like to rely upon God's truth? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. I Samuel 8 Summary: When we want a king like everyone else, we push away God’s heart Discussion Questions: 1. Are the concerns stated by the elders about the future leadership of Israel legitimate (8:1-3)? How might the elders have dealt better with their concerns? 2. Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20 with I Samuel 8 in mind. What is wrong about Israel’s demand for a king? What contrasts do you see between these two passages? 3. What do you think is meant by these statements: “a king…like all the nations” (v. 5), “that we also may be like all the nations,” and “that our king may…go out before us and with our battles” (v. 20)? Why is this the same as rejecting God (v. 7)? 4. How should we understand God’s granting Israel’s desire for a king? (Romans 1:24, 26, 28 before you answer.) RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Samuel 7:3–4 (ESV): 3 And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods among you and direct your heart to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the people of Israel put away the foreign gods, and they served the Lord only. Summary: Returning to God requires repentance. Discussion Questions: 1. Do you ever look at your own heart in the face of external crisis? 2. What does treating God as a "means" to a personal end look like in your life? 3. Do you desire God's nearness over what he can do for you? Why or why not? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: God uses life’s injustices to prepare us for His judgment. Discussion Questions: 1. In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, list the seven “reversals” that describe God's justice. How does Solomon’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 6:23 explain justice? 2. What is the warning that James 2:12-13 and Jeremiah 17:10 give us? How does God use injustice to purify our hearts so that when God judges us, we will receive mercy and reward instead of punishment? 3. Are you preparing for God's judgment? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Summary: When God is first in our hearts, our lives are blessed. Discussion Questions: 1. 1 Samuel 1 and 2 describe a tale of two families: Eli versus Elkanah and Hannah. Both families practiced good values, but what does 1 Samuel 2:29 say that Eli did wrong? How did their decisions affect their families? 1 Samuel 3:11-13,19-20 2. It is a possible to be a relatively good person and still be cursed by God. What does Matthew 23:23 says about our priorities? 3. Where is God asking you to honor him? What will that look like? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Colossians 3:12-17 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Summary: Christian community offers what no one else can because it has Jesus at the centre. Discussion Questions: 1. What do you think of when you hear the word community? How is currently expressed in your life? 2. Read this quote by James Smith and ask yourself, why is this is important in regards to Christian community? " Communities become others-centred when they are steeped in the narrative of the kingdom of God, a place where grace is spoken and lived for as long as is needed…Our leader came and served and then died for the good of others. I suppose that would be a pretty good mission statement for a church, but one I am not likely to see: “We exist to serve others and then die, just like our Founder.” 3. Paul says in verse 14, And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Why is God’s love necessary in a community? 3. In living out community, individuals can find both security and significance because people want to be accepted for who they are, but they don’t want to stay that way. We are always looking for freedom and worth. How does 4. The Christian drama is an ongoing drama performed by a people who live in a wide variety of times and places and we should pay attention with all the critical tools at our disposal to the crucial difference between TELLING A STORY DIFFERENTLY and TELLING A DIFFERENT STORY. Have you had an opportunity to tell the ‘different story’ of Jesus in your community? How did it go? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Mark 13:6-33 “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. …8There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines… You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues… 12put to death. 13Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved… 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Summary: To give us a new and better identity, God dismantles our old beliefs, hopes, and communities. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Mark 13, what things must happen before God's Kingdom comes to earth in its fulness? How do these things dismantle the past in order for a new and better Kingdom to be built? 2. To purify your devotion to Him, what does God need to dismantle in your life? 3. According to Mark 13:10, what will happen before Jesus returns? Why does our participation in this mission reveal a heart that longs for him and His kingdom? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. 1 Corinthians 1:20-23 Sticky Statement: We know God through Jesus' death and resurrection. Discussion Questions: 1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:20-23, how can we tell if our wisdom is from the world or from God? 2. What are some worldly beliefs that have made it hard for you to know God? 3. According to 1 Corinthians 2:2, how do we “know” God? Why is this so? What is God inviting you to believe about Him? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Mark 10:35-45 Main Point: Kingdom authority is found in ultimate servanthood. Discussion Questions: 1. What are James and John asking for? Can you relate in any way? How so? 2. What does baptism represent in this passage? Why does Jesus say that it's required for leadership in his Kingdom? 3. Read Verse 45 - Why does Jesus deserve to be King? RESPOND: How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ: Mark 10:17-31 Sticky Statement: In this life and the next, is Jesus enough? Discussion Questions: 1. The rich young ruler had a question for Jesus that he couldn’t figure out on his own. Are there any questions that you would like to ask Jesus? How did He answer? 2. Jesus had a courageous conversation about eternity with the rich young ruler during which Jesus pointed out a bigger issue, that the man still lacked something and always would lack, in spite of all of the man’s achievements. Have you ever had to ask a question like this to a friend or someone you cared about? What was that like and why was it necessary? 3. At the end of the section Jesus promises rewards in this life and the next to those who follow Him. What is an example you have seen of someone following Jesus? RESPOND: How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” READ. Mark 9:42-50 Sticky Statement: Jesus calls us to cut off self-centeredness and walk in grace. Discussion Questions: 1. According to Mark 9:43-48, what three things cause us to stumble in how we care for others? Describe what they represent. 2. God will ultimately purify the world from sin by sending the wicked to hell (2 Peter 3:7-13). Salt is an alternate form of purification that enables us to avoid hell. What does Colossians 4:6 tell us to do? How can that purify the three things that cause us to stumble? 3. Where does grace come from? 1 Corinthians 1:3. How then, do we “salt” where we go, what we do, and what we see? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? [Record responses and prayer requests.]

REVIEW. What did you take away from last time (Refer to last week’s notes)? How did that go? READ. Main Bible Verse - Mark 7:1-20 Main Point: Traditions are attempts to maintain our own personal agendas instead of obeying God's commands and receiving his plans for us. Discussion Questions: 1. What are some personal agendas for your own life that may clash with Gods? What about them makes them clash? 2. Read Mark 7:8. What traditions, patterns or behaviours have you put in place to advance or maintain those personal agendas? 3. What are God's plans and purposes for your life? What do they have to do with trusting him and obeying his commands? RESPOND. “How can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another and the world? Record responses and prayer requests. Pray for each person.

Main Bible Verse: Mark 3:20-35 Sticky Statement: Living the gospel enables us to receive the gospel. Discussion Questions: 1. Commentators say that Jesus' family felt that Jesus was threatening their family’s reputation, and the religious leaders felt that Jesus was threatening their security and significance. What did their fears cause them to do? 3:21,22,31 2. What was Jesus' defense? 3:26 3. What is the danger of listening to our fears? 3:28 4. What quiets our fears and enables us to draw near to Jesus? 3:34

Main Bible Verses: Matthew 22:29, James 1:14, Matthew 8:26 Sticky Statement: To embrace truth, repentance, and faith, we crucify alienating thoughts, desires, and fears. Discussion Questions: 1. What undermines truth? Matthew 22:29 2. What undermines repentance? James 1:14 3. What undermines faith? Matthew 8:26 4. Think of an area of struggle in your life. At this point, is it a truth, repentance or faith problem? What would your next step forward look like? Pray toward that end.

Sticky Statement: "Freely giving is the initiation of all relationship." Main Verses: Matthew 10:5-8, Ephesians 2:1-10 DGroup Questions: 1. Why is the Kingdom of God built on the idea of freely giving without pay? 2. Why is scripture so committed to salvation being a free gift? What does this reality provide that a "transaction" can't? 3. C.S Lewis is quoted as saying "Love is never wasted, for its value does not depend on reciprocity." Where is God calling you to give freely? What would need to believe about God to allow you to do that?

Sorry I forget to send this out: Main Bible Verse: Acts 2:38 Sticky Statement: Faith makes surrender safe. Discussion Questions: a. According to Acts 2:38, what two things do we receive from God? Why are these gifts so essential? What is life like when we don’t receive these gifts? b. What undermines our ability to receive God's gifts? Psalm 81:11 c. To receive from God, what do we need? Galatians 3:14; Luke 11:9-10. Why is this so? Where is God inviting you to receive from Him?

Main Bible Verse: Matthew 6:33 Sticky Statement: The change that changes everything is a heart that trusts in God. Discussion Questions: a. According to Galatians 5:6b, what is the only thing that counts? b. What does Mark 4:40 say is the opposite of faith? c. Read Psalm 37:8b; what do our fears or anxiety lead us into? Why is sin a sign of anxiety? d. Think of an area of stress. What does Matthew 6:33 say is the answer? Pray about that now.

Sticky Statement: "God wants you regardless of your performance." Main Verse: Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it important that we are wanted / chosen before we were even born? What does that say about God's criteria for connection? 2. What lies / past experiences make it difficult to believe that you're "wanted" by God? 3. What does Jesus work on the cross say about his desire for a relationship? What implications does that have in your life?

Main Bible Verse: 1 John 1:8-9 Sticky Statement: Confession expresses sorrow and surrender. Discussion Questions: a. According to 1 John 1:8-9, what does God ask us to do? What kinds of things make it difficult for us to do that? b. According to each of the verses below, what helps us to be honest about, and want to turn from, our sinful attitudes and actions? Haggai 1:5-6 Isaiah 59:1-2 Psalm 51:4 c. What kinds of things do sorrow and submission cause us to do? 2 Corinthians 7:11. d. If confessing sorrow and submission leads to heartfelt repentance, then maybe a lack of repentance is a lack of sorrow and submission. How does this change the way that approach how change happens in our lives? Pray for this kind of heart in your life.

Main Bible Verse: Luke 17:1-10 Sticky Statement: Faith is doing what you’re told. Discussion Questions: 1. What expectations did Jesus have of his disciples in verses 1-4. 2. How did the disciples respond Jesus' expectations in verse 5? Given their response, how might the disciples have felt about Jesus' requests? 3. In verse 6, what is the first thing that Jesus corrects about their thinking? How is the parable in verses 7-10 an example of that? 4. According to verses 7-10, what is Jesus' expectation of us in 2019? Why is that good news?

Prayer and Fasting 2019 - Jacob Penner by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

"Promises" - Mike Gowans by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Main Bible Verse: Luke 15:24 Sticky Statement: Godly sorrow that leads to repentance is always found in the embrace of a father that calls us sons & daughters Discussion Questions: - Why is it necessary for the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts before we repent? - What is the difference between Godly and worldly sorrow? - What is the difference between controlling/avoiding and vulnerability/trust? - How does God use sorrow for sin as an invitation into relationship

Main Bible Verse: Galatians 5:13-18 Sticky Statement: Stage 2 of change is to shift our desires from self-centeredness to love. Discussion Questions: 1. Read Galatians 5:13-18. For what does God want us to use our freedom? 2. What desires undermine that? 3. How are we set free from unloving desires? What does that look like (see also 5:24-25)? 4. Pray in that regard.

Main Bible Verse: John 15:5 Sticky Statement: Abiding is giving and receiving love like Jesus did. Discussion Questions: 1. Do you feel as though you are abiding with Jesus in your life? What does/could that look like? 2. Describe any fears & tensions you feel when you see abiding described in John 15 with seemingly “other-focused” criteria. 3. Based on John 15, are there things God calling you to do or places he’s asking you to trust Him that would deepen your walk with him?

Main Bible Verse: John 5:39-40 Sticky Statement: We are changed by intimately knowing who God truly is. Discussion Questions: 1. Read John 5:39-40. How could people’s reading of the Bible not lead them to know the Author? 2. What must first change in the process of change? 2 Corinthians 10:5 3. In a specific life area, what beliefs make it difficult for you to trust and follow Christ? How do you “demolish that argument”? Pray in that regard.

"Why We Sing" - William Murrell by Every Nation Metro Vancouver

Main Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:20-21. Sticky Statement: God's truth sets us free from alienating beliefs. Discussion Questions: 1. In our society, what is people’s main source of “truth”? According to 1 Corinthians 1:20-21, why is that wisdom foolish? 2. According to Isaiah 55:9; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB), what are the benefits of God's truth? Are you willing to challenge your assumptions? 3. What is your Bible reading like? What would improve that? According to Psalm 139:23-24, what is a healthy attitude toward Bible reading? What is God's promise to us? John 8:31-32

Main Bible Verse: John 3:19 — This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Sticky Statement: “We must be aware of the lies driving our feelings, behaviours & circumstances so that we can replace it with Truth.” Discussion Questions: 1. What are personal barriers or fears of transparency with God and others? (John 3:17) 2. Do you think it’s possible to trace relational breakdown back to acting on the enemies lies? (John 8:31-32) 3. Is it tempting to find non-relational goals that are attainable without forsaking lies?

This sermon is part of our series titled "Relational Formation: The Ressurection Path to Change." We're exploring Christ's model for the true and lasting heart transformation rather than mere behavior modification. WEEK 3 - THE PROCESS OF CHANGE Main Bible Verse: Galatians 2:20 Sticky Statement: To change toward love, we shift our trust from self to God. Discussion Questions: 1. Contrast trusting in self versus trusting in God: Jeremiah 17:5-8, Proverbs 4:18-19. 2. How do we shift our trust from self to God? Galatians 2:20. What is the result? Romans 6:4 3. Think of areas in your life where you feel condemned, unloving, or powerless. Contrast approaching those areas through the Self-improvement Path and the Resurrection Path.