January 24, 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? 

2. Jesus Centered

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 3:1-20 

• As you read this passage, how was God's power displayed and distributed? 
• What can we learn from Peter and John's interaction with the beggar in verses 4-6? Have you been rushing in busyness or distractions to stop and take the time to notice the people around you who might need to hear the gospel? 
• What reactions to the beggar's healing do you see in verse 8 and in verses 9-11? What can we learn and apply from the beggar's response to his encounter with God through the apostle Peter? 
• Josh gave us two intertwined concepts as it relates to the Church's mission; 1) Kingdom Demonstration through our acts of service, good deeds and miracles 2) Gospel Proclamation by a) Exalting the name of Christ, b) Confronting the individual's sin and c) Offering God's provisional Grace to the repentant. 
• How can we as a lifegroup specifically generally be better in Kingdom Demonstration while proclaiming the gospel?

3. Engaging the Heart

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. 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.