January 31, 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 2:12-41 

• Prayer: Lord, we are here because we want to be changed and transformed deeply by you. Please use our conversation to move us to be more like you. Let your life and love be deeply rooted in us so that we can love you and love others. 
• We live in a lawsuit happy culture and we are conditioned to not admit blame. Why is it so hard to admit when we are wrong? Why do we resist taking responsibility for our failings? 
• The Apostle Peter and King David are almost as famous for their failings as they are for their triumphs. What does that tell you about God's view of our failures? 
• In Vs. 37, it says "When they heard this they were cut to the heart" or they experienced Deep Spiritual Formation. Deep Spiritual Formation can be described as the process of self examination opened to the Holy Spirit for revelation of deep sin and pain that would block further growth as a Christian, but then you repent and confess your sin to God and the body of Christ; then release it as forgiven, surrender to the Holy Spirit, and take responsibility for the consequences. 

○ Why is continual Deep Spiritual Formation so important to our daily lives?

○ Can you share a time that you realized you were living in sin and you let DSF do its work in you? What were you like before and after your DSF? (take this opportunity to possibly split into groups of two to share this) 

• Why is being in a covenant committed local body of Christ so important to our DSF? How can we stay connected during a time we are supposed to isolate? 
• How can you share your DSF with non-believing neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family especially while in quarantine? 

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. 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.