February 28, 2021

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week? 
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week? 
• Do you have any practical needs? 

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes Primary Passages: Acts 2:46-47, Acts 5:1-11 

• Read Acts 2:46-47. What were the people in this passage doing? Why were they doing this? 
• Who are the “strangers” you can invite in? Who are the people you are building with? 
• Read Luke 19:1-10. How can you personally practice hospitality (inviting people closer in) and invite your “strangers” in? (This may require getting outside of your comfort zone. Stepping into the uncomfortable and being broken together. Get creative and be safe!) 

○ Phil talked about setting a goal of a once a month game night, crafts, hors d'oeuvres or etc. of mixed company of both believers and unbelievers. How can you be intentional about accomplishing something like this? 

• How can we as a lifegroup join together to practice this hospitality with the people we all are building with in our own lives? 
• Read Acts 5:1-11. What Ananias and his wife, missing? (deep connection and security with God 

○ God doesn’t expect us to be perfect but He does expect us to have integrity.What is integrity? 

○ Having integrity means not living in the secrecy of our sin. Sin can bring shame and guilt but it doesn’t have to! We can experience the freedom of love and grace in the context of a gospel centered community.

• Read Psalm 51:6-8. Remind each other of the beauty of the gospel and then open up some time for confession and repentance so that we can all walk in integrity. 

○ If possible break bread together and remember the sacrifice that was given so we could be seen as white as snow. 

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? ● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.) 

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.