Small Group Resources

06/27/2010
06/20/2010
06/13/2010
06/06/2010
05/30/2010
05/23/2010
05/16/2010
05/09/2010
05/02/2010
04/25/2010
04/18/2010
04/11/2010
04/04/2010
03/28/2010
03/21/2010
03/14/2010
03/07/2010
02/28/2010
02/21/2010
02/14/2010
02/07/2010
01/31/2010
01/24/2010
01/17/2010
01/10/2010
01/03/2010

06/20/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Putting God First

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Mark 1:14-39 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1) Option 1: Are you a morning or a night person?
Option 2: Where do you go when you need some peace and quiet?

2) Why was it dangerous for Jesus and the disciples to put God first? (see v. 14)

3) What did Jesus come to proclaim? (see v. 14-15)

The Good News from our message was: Put God ________ and God will take care of the ________. (see Matt 6:33)

4) How did Simon Peter put God first? How did putting God first impact his family? (see v. 16-18, 29-30)

5) How did James and John put God first? What did they leave behind? What did they gain? (see v. 19-20)

6) What did Jesus make a priority every week on the Sabbath? Why do you think this was a priority for him? (see v. 21)

7) There was a possessed man in the synagogue. What kinds of things can posses us?

8) The possessed man feared Jesus would destroy him. What was Jesus’ desire for his life? (see v. 21-25, 32-34)

9) Jesus met with God the Father first thing every day. Why would this have been challenging? How did this time impact Jesus (see v. 35-39)

10) Write out some ideas for how you can put God first in your

Decisions
Day
Family
Finances
Calendar
Career
Heart

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

06/13/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Growing in Grace

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Romans 12 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1) Have you ever grown anything? If so what did you grow and what were the results?

2) A healthy tree, like a healthy church grows in every direction: D________, U________, T____________, and O________

3) We grow down roots through worship.

a) Read Romans 12:1. How does Paul describe true worship? What does that look like in real life?

b) Read Romans 12:12. What kind of people does regular, sacrificial worship produce?

4) We grow up through discipleship – the process of becoming more and more like the person God created us to be. Read Romans 12:2. How dos Paul describe discipleship? What does that look like in real life?

5) We grow together through fellowship.

a) Read Romans 12:3-5. Why do we need one another?

b) Read Romans 12:9-19. How does Paul describe fellowship? What does that look like in real life?

6) We grow out through outreach. Read Romans 12:6-8, 21. How does Paul describe outreach? What does that look like in real life?

7) How would you like to see Cross of Glory grow in each of these areas?

8) What personal goals can you set for growth in each of these areas?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

06/06/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Hoping

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Romans 4:16-25 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1) Pastor mentioned some tall people. Who is the tallest person you have ever met? Did they put their height to use in any way?

2) What about Abraham’s situation seemed hopeless?

3) Read Genesis 17:15-17. What was Abraham focusing on? How would you rate the strength of his hope?

4) What strengthened Abraham’s faith and gave him hope? (see Rom 4:20-21)

5) What does God have the power to do? (see Rom 4:17)

6) How might we summarize God’s promises? (see Rev 21:5)

7) Optional: This week we also talked about David’s story in 1 Samuel 17:17-50. What was hopeless about his situation? What strengthened David’s faith and hope?

8) In what ways do you need God’s power to give life to the dead? In what ways do you need God to make everything new?

9) How might you be part of God’s plan to give life to the dead and make everything new?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

05/23/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Second Chances

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1) Amanda talked about kindergarten. Do you have any memories from when you were in kindergarten? If so, please share.

2) Why did second chances seem impossible for Naomi and Ruth?

3) Why did Naomi have hope for second chances?

4) Why did Ruth have hope for second chances?

5) How did God give Ruth and Naomi a second chance? (See Ruth 4:9-10, 13-17)

6) Boaz was a part of helping God give second chances to Ruth and Naomi. How were Ruth and Boaz part of helping God give second chances to everyone? (hint: Think about their descendants. See Ruth 4:17)

7) What kind of second chance do you need from God?

8) How can you help God give second chances to others?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

05/16/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Life-Saving Relationships

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Acts 16:16-40 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1) Pastor compared our faith journey to a road trip. Have you ever been on a road trip? If you haven’t, where would you like to take a road trip to?

2) After being stripped, beaten, thrown in prison, and placed in stocks for no good reason, how is it that Paul and Silas can be singing in the chains?

3) What might the prisoners think of their singing at midnight?

4) What happens while Paul and Silas are praying and singing to God?

5) Have you seen similar kinds of things happen (chains being loosed, prison doors being opened) when people turn to God in the midst of their pain and suffering

6) Why would the jailer want to take his life? (see Acts 12:1-19)

7) How does God save in this story? In what ways does God save…

a) The prisoners

b) The jailer

c) The jailer’s family

d) Paul & Silas

e) The believers

8) Optional: Read Psalm 68 and discuss ways that “Our God Saves!”

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

05/09/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Passing It On

Opening Prayer

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-11; 2:1-2 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1) How far can you trace back your family tree?

2) Who was a part of Timothy’s faith family tree? Who was not?

3) How did the people in Timothy’s faith family tree help him know what God has done for us? What Good News did they pass on? (see 2 Tim 1:8-12)

4) How did the people in Timothy’s faith family tree help him know God? (see also Acts 16:1-5)

5) Take a moment and draw your faith family tree. It could include moms, grammas, ministers, or karate teachers. Who are the people who have helped you know God and know what God has done?

6) Wh at instruction does Paul give Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2?

7) By who’s power are we passing on the Good News? (see 2 Tim 1:7-8)

8) What are some ways we can pass on the Good News?

9) Take a moment to finish your faith family tree. Do you have anyone below you? Who could you pass the baton to?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

05/02/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Helping Those in Need

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Job 29:11-17 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, the pastor mentioned fishing villages. Have you ever been fishing? Share a fishing story from your own experience or one that you’ve heard.
In this Scripture, who are the people in need and how does Job help those in need?
Job is an incredible example of what it looks like to live the adventure of helping those in need. Check out the following Scriptures and share other observations about who is need and how Job helps.
1. Job 4:3-4
2. Job 31:16-22
Eliphaz, Job’s friend, makes some neat comments about how God responds to those in need. Share observations about who is in need and how God helps.
1. Job 4:3-4, 12-17
2. Job 5:8-16
If you were Job’s friend, what might you add to this description of how God helps those in need?
Job was a man of faith (see Job 1:1), and from his faith flowed this concern and care for those in need. How has (does) your faith inspire(d) you to be concerned about and care for those in need?
What are some of the needs that Food for the Poor sees and how are they addressing those needs?
What are some of the needs you see? How is Cross of Glory addressing those needs? How can we?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

04/25/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Caring for Creation

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Genesis 1:27; 2:8-22 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, Pastor mentioned being a goalkeeper. What is your favorite sport to play and/or watch? If you could have the ability to play any sport, what would it be?
In whose image were humans created?
The word “keep” helps us understand what it means to be created in God’s image. God is our Keeper! Read the following verses and discuss how they describe God’s role as our keeper:
1. Numbers 6:24-26 (p. 94)
2. Matthew 6:26-30 (p. 663)
3. Colossians 1:15-20 (p. 807)
God, our Keeper, created humans in God’s image and put them on earth to do what (see v. 15, 18-22)?
Given what we know about God’s role as our Keeper, what is our role as keepers of the earth?
Read the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:8-10). How does this story illustrate the devastation people can cause by acting as selfkeepers rather than earth keepers?
In what ways have you seen the devastation caused from people acting as selfkeepers rather than earthkeeper – in your family, in your state, in your country, in the earth?
What are some ways people can be earthkeepers?
We are earthkeepers. That’s why we are here? That’s our purpose. This is our God-given calling and responsibility. Sign up for the Earthkeepers Challenge on our website: www.crossofglory.com/earthkeeper

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

04/18/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Stepping Out in Faith

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, Pastor mentioned Paul losing his sight. In your opinion, what would be the worst sense to lose?
God called Ananias to step out in faith and visit with Paul.
1. Considering what Paul had come to do in Damascus, why might Ananias wonder about God’s timing?
2. Considering the fact that Ananias was no one of great importance in the Church (not on of the Twelve or Seven; not even mentioned in the story up until now), why might Ananias doubt God’s method of using his voice and hands?
How do you think Ananias felt about stepping out in faith? How would you have felt?
How would you feel if you were Saul during the three days that he sat in his room in Damascus?
Knowing what we know about the events in 9:1-9, how were God’s timing and methods impeccable?
What Good News did Paul discover?
What Good News did Ananias discover?
How did Ananias’ step of faith inspire Saul to step out in faith? In what ways did he step out in faith? Who did Saul become?
How might God be calling you to step out in faith: a) believing in God; b) coming to the Table or Font; c) reaching out to your community of faith for help; d) getting involved in a ministry or Small Group; e) walking through an open door; f) doing the next right thing; f) sharing your money and time and abilities; g) other?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

04/11/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Repentance

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Acts 2:36-47 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, Pastor mentioned being directionally challenged.
1. Describe a time you lost your sense of direction or got lost.
2. Describe a time you had to use a compass or a GPS.
What MAJOR wrong turn do the people of Israel make?
The word repent comes from the Greek word metanoia, which carries with it the idea of turning – to turn, to adjust course, to change direction in our thinking and living, to return to true north. How does this meaning influence your understanding of repentance?
Both Peter and Jesus said “Repent and Believe,” as opposed to “Believe and Repent.” What’s significant about that? (See Mark 1:15 for Jesus’ first sermon)
Optional: Repentance/turning was a big part of Peter’s life.
1. How did Peter turn to Jesus as a fisherman? (See Matthew 4:18-22)
2. How did Peter lose his sense of direction and get off course? (See Matthew 16:15-26 and Matthew 26:69-75)
3. What Good News did Peter discover when he repented and turned back to God/Jesus? (See John 21:15-17)
What was the Good News about repentance that Peter shared with the crowds? What was God offering them?
The disciples had tools that helped them turn away from things that lead them astray and turn towards God. What tools were a part of their God Positioning System?
Repentance involves turning away and turning toward. What might you need to turn away from? What tools are part of your God Positioning system?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

04/04/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Breaking Open Tombs

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, Pastor mentioned the Tombstone Pizza Commercials. Describe a memorable commercial you’ve seen.
How do the following people react to the news of the Resurrection:
1. The guards?
2. The women?
3. The chief priests?
4. The disciples?
How would you argue against the ideas:
1. That the disciples stole the body?
2. That Jesus was only unconscious on the cross and revived in the cool tomb?
3. That the resurrection was a tale that caught on?
Why would the chief priests and others prefer to believe a falsified story?
Upon seeing the resurrected Jesus, how do the disciples respond (v. 17)?
1. In light of 4:10, what’s the significance that they worshiped Jesus?
2. What is significant about doubt being mingled with worship? What do they doubt?
To whom does Jesus give his command – believers, doubters, or both?
What is the central command that Jesus gives his disciples? How are they to carry this out?
How would you explain the importance of God breaking open tombs and giving new life to a non-believer?

Discussion of BASIC Questions

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

03/28/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Praising God

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Job 1 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, Pastor mentioned the iRobot Roomba. What’s the neatest invention you’ve seen? What’s the neatest invention you have in your house?
What does God think of Job?
Who is Satan (the adversary) really putting to the test – Job or God? Why?
Why is it important for God to allow God’s creatures (from angels to animals) the freedom to act however they will? How does this help us understand why bad things happen in the world?
What is God not willing to do?
How do Job’s circumstances change? How does he respond? What do you think of this response?
Job mentions “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.”
1. Is this statement completely correct?
2. Who gave?
3. Who took away?
Although Job’s circumstances changed, did God’s stance toward him change? Why?
What is God’s stance toward us? What is God’s desire for us? (see 1:10)

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

03/21/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Trusting God

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Numbers 20:1-13 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

When you’re in a difficult situation that feels like a repeat, only different, what do you do?
Have you ever had a moment of deja vu? Describe.
Read Exodus 17:1-7, which recounts a nearly identical scene 40 years earlier. Compare what God told Moses to do then with what he tells them to do here. How do the two outcomes compare?
How would you explain Moses’ failure here following his earlier success: (a) If striking the rock worked once, it should work twice; (b) Moses didn’t believe words alone would suffice; (c) After 40 years, his pent up anger spilled out, as well as the water; (d) Moses “choked” in the clutch; (e) One glitch is enough to get into trouble with God; (f) other?
How does God respond? What does this tell us about God?
What’s something you’re really good at? How might this success cause you to trust in yourself instead of God?
What about Moses’ hard lesson, or your own “Meribah,” reminds you that you need God in your 40^th year as well as your first, and every day in between.

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

03/14/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Having a Relationship with God

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, Pastor mentioned comedian Tim Allen. Who’s your favorite comedian and why?
In the sermon, Pastor mentioned eating Red Bean ice cream. What’s something out of the ordinary that you have eaten?
God gave the priests a blessing to say to the people. God closes with these words, “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Why would God want to put God’s name on the people?
Have you ever thought of yourself as a child of God? Why or why not?
What do the various parts of the blessing reveal about the relationship God wants to have with us?
This blessing was given at the end of a religious ritual. What does this reveal about the purpose of all our religious rituals?
How can our religious rituals sometimes hinder our relationship with God?
How can our religious rituals help us develop a relationship with God?
Optional: What do you notice in these Scriptures about how people used religious rituals to develop a relationship with God?
1. Jesus on the mountainside (Matthew 14:22-23)
2. The Festivals (Leviticus 23:1-3, 4-8, 9-14, 15-22, 23-25, 26-32, 33, 43)

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

03/07/10

Theme: The Adventure of The Kingdom of Heaven

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In Dan’s sermon he referred to “Let’s Make a Deal” with God about losing weight in exchange for reading the Bible. Have you ever been tempted to make a deal with God? What was it? Examples: Losing weight, going on a dream vacation, home improvement, etc.?
In this parable (The Mustard Seed & The Yeast), what happens with the small mustard seed?
In this parable (The Mustard Seed & The Yeast), what happens with the yeast?
Jesus is using the mustard seed and the yeast to describe the kingdom of heaven. What do these analogies reveal about the kingdom of heaven?
Why do you believe Jesus spoke in parables rather than coming right out and saying the message he was trying to convey?
How have you seen small things make a big impact in God’s kingdom?
What small (or big) things can you do this week to help build God’s kingdom on earth?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

02/28/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Freely Giving

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Exodus 35:20-36:7 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

1. Pastor talked about a friend treating him to lunch. When you go out with a friend to a restaurant how do you handle the bill? Do you get separate checks? Do you pay? Do you let your friend pay? Do you fight about it? Why?

2. Exodus 35 & 36 tells one of the most remarkable stories of freely giving in the Bible.

a. Read Exodus 35:20-36:7 and pay attention to the gifts God had freely given them. What do you notice?

b. Read Exodus 35:20-36:7 one more time. This time notice the response of the people. How did they freely give?

3. Why were the people of Israel so amped up about giving?

a. What was so special about the tabernacle (also referred to as the tent of meeting or sanctuary)?

i. God’s desire for the temple (see Exodus 25:8)

ii. Rings & poles (see Exodus 25:10-16)

iii. Fire continuously burning on the altar (see Leviticus 6:1-7, 12)

b. What was so special about them? (see Exodus 35:30-36:1; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

4. Optional: Jesus sends out his followers with these words “Freely you have received, freely give.” What had they freely received? Choose different people to look up verses below.

a. Peter? (see Matthew 8:14-15)

b. Matthew? (see Matthew 9:9-12)

c. All the disciples? (see Matthew 10:1, 8 )

5. Inventory of our gifts: What love do I have? How can I freely give it? What forgiveness do I have? How can I freely give it? What money and possessions do I have? How can I freely give them? What skills do I have? How can I freely give them?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

1. Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?

2. Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?

3. Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?

4. Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?

5. Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

02/21/10

Theme: The Adventure of Being Obedient

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-10 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

What is the significance of Jesus being tempted during his time of fasting?
Can you share a time when you faced temptation, and how did you overcome it?
God gave us laws to help guide us through life situations/temptations. What help does he give us to combat this?
What are some ways that make it hard for us to obey the rules God has established?
Being a responsible parent/partner means setting boundaries, establishing guidelines of behavior. How can we help our children/families overcome today’s temptations?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

02/14/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Wearing & Sharing God’s Love

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Proverbs 3:3-10 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, pastor mentioned a favorite love song of his. What are some of your favorite or meaningful love songs?
The author of Proverbs invites us to wear God’s love. He tells us to bind God’s chesed, God’s unfailing love, around our neck like a necklace.
1. What might this imagery suggest about God’s love?
2. What are some ways we might be able to wear God’s love?
How does the Proverb suggest we can share God’s love? (see v. 5-10)
We find other ideas about how to share God’s love in Hebrews 13:1-5; 15-18. What are some?
What promise from God grounds and directs the love we share with others? (Heb 13:5)
What are some ways we might be able to share God’s love?
Optional: We read some other stories of people wearing & sharing God’s love. What further insights do theses stories provide for how we can wear and share God’s unfailing love?
1. Exodus 13:1-9
2. Exodus 15:1-2, 11-13, 20-21
3. Exodus 16:31-35

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

02/07/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Asking for Help (and Accepting it Gracefully)

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-18 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In Nicole’s sermon she asked us if we like to ask for help. Tell of a time you should have asked for help and the humorous consequences that may have led to. What stops you from asking for help?
Why did Jesus have to be made like his brothers? (v. 17)
Why is it significant for us that Jesus suffered and was tempted? (v. 18)
Why should we approach God with “confidence” for help solving our problems and what should we expect in return? (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Optional: We read a number of other stories from the Bible this past week that demonstrated people asking for help. Discuss how the characters of the stories asked for help and whether they demonstrated grace in accepting help. How could they have done better?
1. Joseph reassures his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21)
2. The Birth of Moses (Exodus 2:1-19)
3. Moses and God speak (Exodus 3:11-4:17)
How does Psalm 40 offer us peace and hope in our times of need? (v. 1-4) How does using the Psalms help to guide our prayers and teach us to better accept God’s help gracefully in our lives?
What problems have you been holding back from God and why? What could you do to become a more graceful recipient of God’s help? Do you need help to figure out what your roadblocks are?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

01/31/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Overcoming Temptation

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Luke 22:39-46 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, pastor mentioned the list “You Know You’re an Illinoisan When…” Work together for a few moments to create a list entitled, “You Know You’re From Cross of Glory When…”
Step One in The Adventure of Overcoming Temptation is to Identify Temptations. What are the temptations in this reading? What makes them temptations?
Optional: Several other characters in this week’s readings faced temptations. What are the temptations? What makes them temptations?
1. Joseph: Genesis 39:6-15
2. Pilate: Luke 23:13-23
Step Two in The Adventure of Overcoming Temptation is to Access God’s Power. In our story from Luke, how does Jesus access God’s power to overcome temptation? How does he invite his disciples to access God’s power?
Optional: What other suggestions do we find in our readings for how to access God’s power and put a CAP on our temptation?
1. Psalm 29:4-11
2. Psalm 32:1-11
Identify the temptations in your life. How are you being pressured from outside or inside forces to behave in ways that are hurtful and destructive?
How will you access God’s power to overcome temptation this week? What do you need to confess so you can experience the power of God’s forgiveness? Who can you ask to be your accountability partner(s) so you can experience the power of God’s support? When do you need to pray so you can experience the power of God’s strength?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

01/24/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Seeking God’s Face

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Psalm 27:4-14 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In the sermon, pastor mentioned a particular member of the Addams family. Who’s your favorite member of the Addams family and why?
In this psalm, what “one thing” does the author seek? (see verses 4 & 8 )
How would you describe the difference between seeking God’s face and seeking God’s hand?
Optional: Several other psalms from this week talk about seeking God’s face. What do these psalms tell us about who God is?
1. Psalm 22:24-26
2. Psalm 25:3-9
3. Psalm 27:5, 10, 13
Optional: Our readings from this week had several examples of people seeking God’s face. Describe their God encounter. What did they discover about God? How did it affect them?
1. Jacob: Genesis 32:30-33:12
2. Zacchaeus: Luke 19:1-10
The psalmist’s advice for how to seek God’s face is: wait for the Lord. What does actively waiting for the Lord look like in Psalm 27? (see verses 4, 6, and 11)
How will you seek God’s face this week?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

01/17/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Living Generously

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Psalm 19:1-6 / Luke 16:19-31 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

When was the last time you stopped to look at nature? What were you looking at?
Who speaks in Psalm 19:1-6, and what do they say?
How do we experience God’s generosity in the created world?
What do you think are God’s motives for giving so generously to us?
Based on the story of Lazarus and the Rich man (Luke 16:19-31)
1. What kind of things can get in the way of living generously?
2. Who suffers when we are not generous? Why?
At the end of the story of Lazarus and the Rich man, there is mention of rising from the dead. How do Jesus’ death and resurrection reveal God’s generosity?
What is our motive for giving? And how might we live generously this week?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

01/10/2010

Theme: The Adventure of Loving God and Neighbor

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

Take 30 seconds and come up with your own list of things that go together, like peanut butter and jelly. Share your list with the group.
What two things go together from this reading? (v. 27)
What two Scriptures does the expert bring together in his rendering of the law? (see study notes 10:27)
Jerusalem was the place where people _____________________?
Jericho was the place where people _____________________?
If you had been traveling down the road to Jericho and saw the hurt man, what would you have done?
What may be some reasons the priest and Levite didn’t stop to help the hurt man? (see Leviticus 21:1-3; Numbers 19:11-22)
What reaction would the Jewish listeners have had to Jesus casting the Samaritan as the hero of the story? (see Luke 9:51-55) What does this character choice reveal about the power God has to change hearts?
Optional: We read several other stories about how loving God and loving others go together. What do these stories reveal about the connection between loving God and loving others in our daily lives?
1. Jesus’ Report to John the Baptist (Luke 7:20-23)
2. Jesus Sends out the Twelve (Luke 9:1-2)
3. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (Luke 9:10-17)
How might you be a Good Samaritan this week to someone in need?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

01-03-10

Theme: The Adventure of Opening our Lives to God’s Word

Opening Prayer

Scripture: Psalm 1 (TNIV)

Study Questions:

In his sermon, Pastor PJ mentioned the movie Yes Man. What’s a movie you saw this year that you liked? Why did you like it?
This psalm is painting two contrasting pictures. How does the psalmist describe those who listen or follow the wicked, sinners, and mockers – people whose words cause pain and trouble? (v. 1, 4)
How does the psalmist describe those who listen to God and meditate on God’s Word? (v. 2-3)
The study notes on the back of the page explain some of the imagery used in this psalm. How do these notes enhance the meaning of the picture?
The psalm starts out by saying, “Blessed are” those who listen to God and meditate on God’s Word. What kind of blessing is God offering us?
Optional: We read several other stories this week about people opening their lives to God’s Word. How do these stories enhance the picture of God’s blessing?
1. Jesus calls Levi and eats with sinners (Luke 5:27-32)
2. The Wise and Foolish builders (Luke 6:46-49)
3. The Call of Abram (Genesis 12:1-4)
4. Jesus Restores a Demon-possessed Man (Luke 8:26-39)
This week, how will you come to God, hear God’s Word, and put it into practice?

Discussion of BASIC Questions & Closing Prayer

Believing – What happened this week that challenged or strengthened your belief in God?
Assembling – How did you assemble with God’s people this week, and how was that meaningful?
Studying – What insight or inspiration did you have while studying God’s Word this week?
Inviting – Who is someone you could invite to Cross of Glory? Why?
Caring – What needs did you encounter this week that we could care for?

Closing Prayer

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