Here's a small group guide based on the sermon from 9/14,

Small Group Guide: Faith That Heals

Key Scripture: Mark 5:25-34

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Discussion Questions:

1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

2. "Miracles require faith." How have you seen faith play a role in your own life experiences?

3. Discuss the woman's persistence in reaching Jesus despite her circumstances. What obstacles do you face in pursuing Jesus?

4. How does our self-talk and the company we keep impact our faith? Share examples from your own life.

5. The sermon mentioned that many in the crowd were close to Jesus but didn't experience miracles. Why do you think that was the case?

6. Reflect on Mark's testimony. How have you seen God work in difficult career or life decisions?

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Key Takeaways:

1. Faith is essential for miracles and allows us to believe in a God who does the impossible.

2. We must press past pain, disappointment, and obstacles (including ourselves) to reach Jesus.

3. Our view of ourselves and Jesus greatly impacts our faith and ability to receive from Him.

4. Sometimes, standing firm in faith requires difficult decisions, but God is faithful.

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Practical Applications:

1. Daily Affirmation: Write down and speak aloud faith-affirming statements about God's power and love for you.

2. Faith Journal: Start a journal documenting moments where you've seen God work in your life, big or small.

3. Surrounding Yourself: Evaluate your close relationships. Are they encouraging your faith? If not, consider how to include more faith-building influences in your life.

4. Persistent Prayer: Choose one area in your life where you need a breakthrough. Commit to praying about it daily for the next month, believing that Jesus is the answer.

5. Faith in Action: Identify one situation where you need to step out in faith this week. Share with the group and commit to taking that step.

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Closing Prayer: Thank God for His faithfulness and ask for increased faith to trust Him in all circumstances.

Opening Question:
- What does the phrase "Jesus loves you" mean to you personally? Has its significance changed for you over time?

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Key Takeaways:
1. God has always loved us, even from the beginning of creation.
2. Nothing can separate us from God's love.
3. God is love - it's not just what He does, it's who He is.

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Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions different reasons why people might come to church. What brought you here today, and how does that relate to God's love for you?

2. Read John 3:16 together. How does this verse demonstrate God's love? What does it mean for our lives?

3. The sermon discusses God's pursuit of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:9. How does this example of God's love in the face of disobedience impact your view of His character?

4. Reflect on Romans 8:38-39. What are some things in your life that you feel might separate you from God's love? How does this passage address those concerns?

5. The parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7) illustrates God's personal love. How does it feel to know that God would pursue you individually?

6. The sermon mentions John's transformation from "Son of Thunder" to "the one Jesus loved." Can you share an example of how God's love has changed you or someone you know?

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Practical Applications:

1. This week, try to start each day by reminding yourself of God's unconditional love for you. How might this practice affect your daily life and interactions?

2. Choose one person in your life who might need to be reminded of God's love. Find a way to demonstrate or communicate God's love to them this week.

3. Reflect on how understanding God's love more deeply might change your approach to difficult relationships or situations in your life.

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Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His unchanging, unending love. Ask for His help in fully embracing and living in the reality of His love, and for opportunities to share that love with others.

Opening Question:
Share about a time when you felt alone or abandoned. How did that experience affect you?

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Key Takeaways:

1. Storms will come to everyone, regardless of their faith.
2. Jesus is always with us, even in the midst of our storms.
3. Jesus has authority over all circumstances in our lives.

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Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that "Even the most introverted people do not like to feel alone." Do you agree? How do you personally cope with feelings of loneliness?

2. The disciples followed Jesus' instructions to cross the lake, yet still encountered a storm. Have you ever experienced difficulties despite following God's guidance? How did you respond?

3. When the storm hit, the disciples asked Jesus, "Don't you care?" Have you ever felt like God doesn't care about your struggles? How can we maintain faith during such moments?

4. Jesus calmed the storm with just His words. What does this reveal about His nature and power? How can this truth impact our approach to life's challenges?

5. The pastor said, "Sometimes God will take you into the storm. Not to discipline you. But to disciple you!" What are your thoughts on this statement? Can you share an experience where a "storm" in your life led to spiritual growth?

6. How does the promise that Jesus is "with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) affect your daily life and decision-making?

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Practical Applications:

1. Take a few minutes to write down any "storms" you're currently facing. Next to each one, write "Jesus is here" as a reminder of His presence in every situation.

2. This week, intentionally pause several times each day to acknowledge Jesus' presence with you, especially in challenging moments.

3. Reach out to someone you know who might be going through a tough time. Remind them they're not alone and offer support.

Key Takeaways:
1. God's peace is different from worldly peace - it's lasting and perfect.
2. True peace comes from fixing our thoughts on God and trusting Him completely.
3. We need God's peace to fulfill our calling and navigate life's challenges.
4. The Holy Spirit helps us remember Jesus' teachings, including His promise of peace.

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Discussion Questions:
1. How does the world typically define peace? How is God's peace different?

2. The sermon mentions Isaiah 26:3. Read this verse together. What does it mean to keep our minds "stayed on" God?

3. Share a time when you experienced God's peace in a difficult situation. How was it different from worldly coping mechanisms?

4. The sermon states, "True and perfect peace isn't found in the absence of problems, perfect peace is found in the presence of God." How does this statement challenge or encourage you?

5. Read Philippians 4:6-7. How can we practically apply these verses to our daily lives?

6. What are some common things that rob us of peace? How can we combat these with God's truth?

7. How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) help us in maintaining God's peace?

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Practical Applications (Optional)
If one of these stands out, pick that one:

1. This week, start each day by writing down one of God's promises or attributes. Reflect on how this truth can bring peace to your current circumstances.

2. Media Fast: Choose one day this week to abstain from news and social media. Use that time to pray, read Scripture, or engage in peaceful activities.

3. Anxiety to Prayer: When you feel anxious this week, practice immediately turning that worry into a prayer, as instructed in Philippians 4:6-7.

4.  Place sticky notes with peace-related Bible verses in places you'll see throughout your day (e.g., mirror, car dashboard, desk).

Small Group Guide: Overcoming Anxiety with Faith

Key Takeaways:
1. Anxiety divides our hearts between trusting God and trying to control everything ourselves.
2. Creation (birds, lilies) demonstrates God's faithful provision.
3. Worry accomplishes nothing and can actually shorten our lives.
4. Focusing on God's kingdom helps redirect our attention from anxiety.
5. We need to "wear out our Bibles" and take every thought captive to combat anxiety.

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Discussion Questions:

1. The pastor mentioned that anxiety can be a form of subtle idolatry. How have you experienced this in your own life?

2. Reflect on Jesus' examples of birds and lilies. How does remembering what Jesus said about these elements of nature help remind us of God's care?

3. The sermon highlighted that 91% of our worries never come true. How does this statistic impact your perspective on anxiety?

4. Discuss a time when focusing on God's kingdom helped you overcome worry or anxiety.

5. How do you currently practice "taking every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5)? What challenges do you face in doing this?

6. The pastor used the analogy of his insulin pump to illustrate our need to stay connected to God's Word. What helps you stay "plugged in" to Scripture?

7. How might Philippians 4:6-7 be practically applied in your daily life to combat anxiety?

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Practical Applications:


1. Bible Study: Choose a passage about God's care (e.g., Psalm 23, Matthew 6:25-34) and study it in depth.

2.  Journal: For one week, write down anxious thoughts and practice replacing them with biblical truths.

3. Prayer: Find an accountability partner to share prayer requests related to anxiety.

5. Memorization: Commit to memorizing Philippians 4:6-7 or another relevant verse about trust and anxiety.

Key Takeaways:
1. Know who you are in Christ
2. Know who you serve
3. Know why you serve

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Discussion Questions:

1. Paul addresses several characters in his letter. Which character do you relate to most and why? (Philemon, Apphia, Archippus, or the church members)

2. In Philemon 1:6, Paul talks about the sharing of faith. What are some of the most effective ways you share your faith with others? What keeps you from sharing your faith with others?

3. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)? How has this transformation impacted your life?

4. Paul describes himself as a "prisoner for Christ." In what ways are you willing to sacrifice for your faith?

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of pleasing God over pleasing others. Can you share a time when you had to choose between pleasing God and pleasing others? What was the outcome?

6. How do you currently serve in the church? If you're not serving, what's holding you back?

7. The pastor mentions the possibility of moving to two services. How can we approach potential changes in our church with a mission-focused mindset rather than personal preferences?

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Practical Applications:

1. Spend time this week reflecting on your identity in Christ. Write down three ways this identity should impact your daily life.

2. Evaluate your current involvement in the church. Pray about how God might be calling you to serve or increase your involvement.

3. Choose one area of your life (work, family, friendships) and consider how you can better honor God in that area this week.

4. If you're not currently serving in the church, schedule a meeting with the pastor or a ministry leader to discuss potential areas where you can get involved.

5. Practice sharing your faith with someone this week, remembering that we are called to advance the gospel in both big and small ways.

Small Group Guide: Postcards – Philemon 1:8-16
From the sermon on 10/26

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 Sermon Overview
Paul's letter to Philemon addresses the difficult situation of a runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become a Christian and now must return to his master. Through this personal appeal, Paul teaches us about appealing to others in love, showing Christ's love in all circumstances, and trusting God's plan even when we can't see the details.

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 Key Takeaways

1. Appeal to others in love, not rudeness– Even in difficult conversations and corrections, we should speak with gentleness and love.

2. Show the love of Christ in every circumstance – Our situations shouldn't dictate our actions; our faith should.

3. God has a plan – We may not see all the details, but God is always working, and our past doesn't define our future in Christ.

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Discussion Questions

1. Paul chose to appeal to Philemon out of love rather than command him. Why do you think this approach was more effective? When have you seen the difference between commanding and appealing in your own relationships?

2. Paul recognized that Onesimus had changed. Why is it sometimes difficult to recognize genuine change in people, especially those who have hurt us?

3. The sermon mentioned that Onesimus spent years in a Christian home but didn't come to faith until after he ran away. What does this teach us about:
   - God's timing?
   - Our responsibility to share the gospel?
   - Patience with loved ones who haven't accepted Christ?

4. Reflect on Galatians 5:22-23 (fruits of the Spirit). How does speaking in love align with these fruits? Which fruit do you find most challenging when dealing with difficult people or situations?


5. Peter's teaching in 1 Peter 2:18-20 is challenging. How do we balance standing up against injustice while still reflecting Christ's character in difficult circumstances?

6. The sermon asked: "Do you work for a difficult boss? Do kids at school mock you? Do you deal with someone who seems to hate you?" How can we practically show Christ's love in these specific situations without compromising our witness?

7. Paul wanted Philemon to act out of genuine transformation, not obligation (v. 14). What's the difference between:
   - Doing the right thing because we "have to"?
   - Doing the right thing because Christ has changed us?

8. Read Colossians 3:17. What does it look like practically to do "everything in the name of the Lord Jesus" in your daily life this week?

9. Paul suggests that perhaps Onesimus left so he could return transformed. Can you share a time when God used a difficult situation in your life for ultimate good, even though you couldn't see it at the time?

10. The sermon states we don't always get to know the details of God's plan. How does this truth challenge you? How does it comfort you?

11. Review these passages about God's will:
    - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (give thanks in all circumstances)
    - 1 Peter 2:15 (do good works)
    - Romans 12:2 (be transformed to discern God's will)
   
    Which of these is easiest for you? Which is most challenging?

12. "We're not defined by our past" is a powerful promise. How does this truth apply to:
    - Your own life?
    - How you view others who have made mistakes?