Current Series
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vital signs: thriving spiritually in communityThe Apostle Paul had a passion for the churches of the New Testament. In this study of his letters to these churches, we discover more about what it means to strengthen our faith in the context of our faith community to become a thriving, vibrant body of Christ. |
Date |
Topic |
| Sep 5 | Romans |
| Sept 19 | 2 Corinthians |
| Sep 26 | Galatians |
| Oct 3 | Ephesians |
| Oct 10 | Philippians |
| Oct 17 | Veritas Weekend |
Questions for personal and group study will be available in each Sunday's program.
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june 13-19
Day 1: Skim Matthew 1:1-16 and Read Matthew 2:1-12
King Herod was born Idumean, not Jewish. Knowing this, how might the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-16) help explain why Herod felt threatened by the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:3)?
Day 2: Read Matthew 3:13-17
1. Why was John the Baptist baptizing people?2. Why was Jesus baptized?
Day 3: Read Matthew 4:1-11
1. Jesus countered his temptations with scripture. What temptations are you facing?2. What scriptures might you memorize that could help you with these temptations? If you can’t think of any, ask a friend.
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 3:1-12
1. Looking through this entire section of scripture, what can you learn about the meaning of baptism? 2. Why is John the Baptist so angry with the Pharisees and Sadducees?
3. John the Baptist identified his role as preparing the way for the Lord. In what ways do we continue to do the work of John the Baptist?
june 20-26
Day 1: Read Matthew 4:1-11
1. Can you find any common theme in the temptations of Jesus?
2. If Jesus were to have given in to those particular temptations, in what ways would he compromise his character?
3. Jesus is tempted when he is hungry, alone, in a difficult environment, and coming off a great spiritual experience. When are you most vulnerable to temptation?
4. Jesus fights off the temptations by quoting scripture. What are your greatest temptations?
5. What scriptures might you memorize that will help you fight off these temptations? If you don’t know, ask a friend or look them up online.
Day 2: Read Matthew 4:12-25
1. How does this section reveal the concerns of the Kingdom? Hints: Whose needs are being met?
2. What types of people are called into service?
3. How is the Kingdom advancing?
Day 3: Read Matthew 5:1-16
1. Much of Jesus’ audience was unaccustomed to viewing themselves as blessed and significant. Many of us can feel the same way.How does this section offer an encouraging surprise about the way the Kingdom of God works?
2. In what way can you be “the light of the world” and “the salt of the Earth?”
Small Group Study Questions
Read Psalm 2; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Matthew 3:17
Note: Psalm 2 was regarded as an “enthronement song” to be sung at the coronation of a new King. The reading from Isaiah is the climax of a series of poems about a “suffering servant” who was to come. Both scriptures are referenced by the voice from heaven in Matthew 3:17. 1. When the people heard the voice reference Psalm 2 in relation to Jesus, what sorts of expectations do you think it brought to mind?
2. When the people heard the voice reference the songs of Isaiah, what did that bring to mind?
3. How does the fusing together of these two old testament scriptures indicate the direction Jesus’ life would take?
4. How do you think that impacts what it means to be a Christian?
june 27- july3
Day 1: Read Matthew 5:13-16
1. What did Jesus mean when He called His followers salt and light?
2. How can you be salt and light to the people God has placed in your life?
3. My Prayer to God in light of this passage is . . .
Day 2: Read Matthew 5:27-37
1. In what ways does Jesus clarify the meaning of the law and its implications in the following areas:
• Adultery (vv. 27-30)
• Divorce (vv. 31-32)
• Oaths (vv. 33-37)
2. Why are our thoughts, words, actions, and decisions so important? In which of these do you especially need God’s help and wisdom?
3. My prayer to God in light of this passage is . . .
Day 3: Read Matthew 5:38-48
1. What personal rights seem to be violated by vv. 39-42?
2. Where do we draw the line between standing up for our rights and being a doormat that is taken advantage of?
3. How did Jesus say we ought to treat our enemies (v. 44)?
4. What would have to happen in your heart in order for you to be able to pray for an enemy?
5. My prayer to God in light of this passage is . . .
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 5:17-24
1. What significance do you find in Jesus’ use of the words “fulfill” and “accomplished” in regard to the law? (vv. 17 & 18) 2. What do you know of the “Pharisees and Teachers of the law” in Jesus’ day?
3. What does Jesus mean by “surpassing the righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers” in v. 20?
4. In vv. 21-22, what is Jesus doing in regards to the law? (i.e. is he changing it? Is he making it more strict? Is he interpreting it? What?)
5. The altar is the place in the temple where people would come and offer sacrifices to God as a way of repenting and seeking forgiveness from God for their sins. Given that background, what is so surprising about v. 24?
6. Why do you think Jesus is advocating for reconciling with other people before coming before God (vv. 21-22)?
7. It is interesting in v. 23 that it says “if you remember that your brother has something against you” rather than “you have something against your brother.” What significance do you find in that?
8. Have you ever taken the initiative in reconciling with someone? How did it go?
9. When seeking someone out to reconcile, what are some things that might help it go well?
july 4-10
Day 1: Read Matthew 5:25-34
1. What do you find yourself worrying about?
2. What would it look like in your life to entrust God with those worries?
3. What would it look like in your life to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?”
4. In light of this scripture my prayer to God today is…
Day 2: Read Matthew 7:15-23
1. In verse 21, how does a person’s actions either confirm or deny their words?
2. In what ways are your actions confirming or denying your words?
3. In light of this scripture my prayer to God today is…
Day 3: Read Matthew 7:24-27
1. The analogy of the two builders is used by Jesus to differentiate between two kinds of responses to Jesus. What are those two responses? What do each of those look like in your own life?2. If you were to take a good hard look at the decisions you make on a daily basis, on what foundation are you building?
3. In light of this scripture my prayer to God today is…
Small Group Study Questions
Fun intro question: If you were suddenly anointed King or Queen of America, what would be the first change you would make?Read Matthew 6:9-13
1. Why does Jesus teach us to pray for God’s kingdom to come?
2. How does the rest of verse 10 add to our understanding of this request for the kingdom to come?
3. Have you ever felt strongly about the outcome of an election, hoping for some kind of change in a law or government? How might that experience shed light on the way we are taught to yearn for the advance of God’s reign and will in the world?
4. If God reigned more and more in the hearts of the people in our community, what changes might we see in the way our society functions?
july 11-17
Day 1: Read Matthew 8:1-20
This is the chapter immediately following the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus speaks often of the Kingdom.
1. What do His actions in chapter 8 demonstrate about the Kingdom of God?
2. What do Jesus’ actions demonstrate about Himself?
3. What does Jesus answer in verse 20 say about the cost of following Jesus?
4. In light of this scripture, my prayer to God today is…
Day 2: Read Matthew 10:7-8
1. What connection is there between the news the disciples were supposed to preach and the actions they were supposed to take?
2. How might this play out in your own life as a disciple?
3. In light of this scripture, my prayer to God today is….
Day 3: Read Matthew 11:1-6
1. Why do you think John the Baptist asked this question?2. How does Jesus’ response address John’s question?
3. How does Jesus’ response inform our own understanding of the advance of God’s kingdom? Of the gospel of the Kingdom?
4. In light of this scripture, my prayer to God today is…
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 12:22-301. What is the significance of the crowds saying he is the Son of David? (hint: see the prophecy in 2 Samuel 7:11-13)
2. What are the Pharisees implying by making the statement that Jesus casts out demons by Satan’s power? What do you suppose motivated the Pharisees’ in saying this? (Note: Beelzebub means “Lord of the Flies” and refers to the ruler of the demons, or “Satan”)
3. Why would a divided kingdom fall/fail to accomplish its purpose?
4. What is Jesus’ argument in v. 27? How does Jesus’ argument refute what the Pharisees are saying?
5. Jesus uses a surprising analogy in verse 29. In the analogy, who does the strong man represent? The robber? The possessions? Why is this analogy surprising?
6. How does this analogy explain the role of Jesus’ miracles in His ministry?
july 18-24
Day 1: Read Matthew 13:31-35
1. How are these two parables similar to the parable of the sower? How are they different?
2. How might these two kingdom parables encourage Jesus’ disciples?
3. What are some seemingly small things in your life that can nurture spiritual growth today?
Day 2: Read Mark 4:26-29
1. What aspects of the Kingdom of God does this parable highlight?
2. How does this parable fit with and extend the “seed parables” in Matthew 13?
3. What areas of your life need to be transformed by the mystery and power of the Kingdom?
Day 3: Read Matthew 7:24-27
1. How are the two builders in this parable similar? How are they different?
2. How can you “storm-proof” your life? What changes are needed?
3. Like the parable of the sower, this story makes it clear that hearing alone isn’t enough. What things hinder you from putting Jesus’ words into practice? Pray for God’s help in these areas.
4. In light of this scripture, my prayer to God today is…
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 1. Which soil are you most like today? Why?
2. The “crop” in this parable is never explained (v. 8/23). What does the crop look like in the life of a “good soil” person?
3. What are some practical ways that we can help each other be more receptive to the seed of the Kingdom message so that it can break open, grow, and produce fruit in our lives?
july 25-31
Day 1: Wheat and Weeds
1. Have you ever had an experience with weeds in your garden? Read Matt. 13:24-30
2. What does the Man and the enemy have in common?
3. Why do you think the enemy sowed weeds in the field?
4. How do you feel you are similar to and different than the servants?
5. What does this passage tell us about the church?
6. What does this passage tell you about God’s character?
7. How does this parable shape your view of the Kingdom?
Day 2: Parables of the Kingdom
1. What is the most valuable physical possession you own? Read Matt. 13:31-35; 44-52
2. Why do you think Jesus uses parables to explain the Kingdom?
3. What is similar about the parables?
4. What is different about the parables?
5. What does this passage tell you about God’s character?
6. How does this parable shape your view of the Kingdom?
7. What is one thing about your life or character that should change in light of these parables?
Day 3: Jesus’ First Miracle (in John)
1. If you are going to announce the Kingdom of God, what is the first thing you would do? Read John 2:1-11 2. What is the first miracle Jesus does to announce the Kingdom of God?
3. What does this miracle tell us about God’s Kingdom?
4. Do you relate more with Mary or Jesus? Why?
5. What is your wine level (zest for life)? Full? Half-full? Empty? Stale water?
Small Group Study Questions
Jesus’ Proclamation of the Kingdom
1. What do you remember about your hometown?2. If you had to define the Kingdom of God in one sentence, how would you define it? Read Luke 4:14-29
3. According to Jesus, what are the characteristics of the Kingdom?
4. How do the people respond to Jesus’ teaching?
5. What are the source(s) of Jesus’ power and authority?
6. Rate yourself, on a scale of 1-10, how well do you live out Jesus’ description of the Kingdom (vv 18-19).
7. How do you think the people felt about Jesus’ statement in vv 24-27?
august 1-7
Day 1: Read Matthew 18:1-6
1. What do you think motivated the disciples questioning verse 1? Have you ever been in a situation in which you had a similar motive?2. In verses 2-4, Jesus calls over a little child to help him make a point to the disciples. What was the point? How did the child help make the point?
3. In verses 5 and 6, Jesus casts his lot in with the child. How does this give dignity to the child? How does it give dignity to you?
4. How do these verses guide the way we approach God? The way we approach people?
Day 2: Read Matthew 18:10-13
1. How does Jesus impart dignity in verse 10?2. In what ways are you a sheep that has wandered off?
3. What would it look like for the Good Shepherd to find you and bring you back?
4. In light of this, my prayer to God today is…
Day 3: Read Matthew 18:21-35
1. What kinds of things do you hold grudges about?2. How does knowing that you have been forgiven by God for so much, allow you to forgive other people for what they’ve done to you?
3. Who might you reconcile with this week?
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 19:13-15
In verse 13, how do the actions of the disciples demonstrate their attitude towards the children? How does Jesus’ response correct that attitude? What does that tell us about the Kingdom of God?
Read Matthew 19: 16-24
1. Compare and Contrast the way the children approached Jesus and the way this young man approaches him.
2. What are all the things that this man wants to hold onto in the Kingdom? How do those things prevent him from coming like a child? How do those things change the relationship with Jesus?
3. What does all of this show us about the kind of relationship God seeks with us?
august 8-14
Day 1: Read Matthew 13:44-16
1. What is the treasure? What is the significance of it being hidden?
2. Explain the joy described. How does it motivate the selling of everything?
3. What do these parables tell us about how the Kingdom functions in our life?
4. Put the following actions of the man in v. 44 in their proper order of how they occur in the verse: buying, selling, finding, rejoicing. What is the significance of this order when it comes to our spiritual life?
Day 2: Read Matthew 13:47-52
1. How does the knowledge of a future judgment day motivate actions in this current day?
2. In what way can God’s judgment be understood as part of God’s love? 3. In light of verses 47-49, what are the “new treasures” and “old treasures” in v. 52? (hint: the verse speaks of teachers of the law (Old Testament) who has now been instructed in the kingdom of heaven (as taught by Jesus in the scriptures we’ve read this summer).
Day 3: Read Matthew 22:34-40
1. How do these two commands sum up the whole law?
2. How might these two commands function as a moral compass for you in the coming week?
3. Which one of these do you find most difficult?
4. In light of this scripture, my prayer to God today is…
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 22:15-22
1. The Pharisees’ priority was purity, or being uncontaminated by the world or compromise with it. The Herodians had different priorities. They were loyal to King Herod (hence the name) and thus were cooperative with the Romans (led by Caesar). In light of this, why did the Pharisees invite the Herodians along with them to question Jesus? How did the presence of both groups form the trap for Jesus? 2. When have you felt in a trap like this? When have you faced a situation with seemingly split loyalties or responsibilities that seemed to be incompatible? Have you ever experienced a bind between your loyalty to God and your responsibility to something else? How did you handle it?
3. How does Jesus foil the trap in verse 21? How does this guide the way we Christians interact with the government?
4. Read Genesis 1:27. If the coin bore the image of Caesar and thus belonged to Caesar, what does it mean that humanity bears God’s image? What is Jesus saying we should give to God?
august 15-21
Day 1: Read Matthew 24:36-51
1. In what ways is the Flood like the second coming of Christ?
2. What does it mean, practically, to be ready for Jesus’ return if we do not know when he will come?
3. In view of Christ’s second coming, what does the story of the faithful and wise servant teach you about readiness? Stewadship? Judgment? Responsibility for serving and witnessing to others?
4. What steps can you take today to be a better steward of what God has entrusted for you?
Day 2: Read Matthew 25:1-13
1. How does this parable relate to Matt. 24?
2. In what ways were the ten girls alike? Different? What unexpected event takes place (vv.4-6)?
3. Why is readiness so important in regard to the second coming?
4. Who are you most like in this story? Why?
Day 3: Read Matthew 25:14-30
1. In this parable, who does the master represent? The journey? The talents? The servants?2. What happens to the two servants who doubled their investment? To the one servant who hides his talent? On what basis were they rewarded?
3. If the Master returned today, what would he say about how well you have been using what he gave you?
4. What will you do this week with the talents God has given you to prepare for his coming?
Small Group Study Questions
Read Matthew 25:31-46
1. How do you respond to a person asking for money at a shopping center or freeway on-ramp? 2. How would you counter the idea that this passage teaches salvation by good works?
3. What are the needs Jesus mentions in vs. 35-36?
4. What are the needs of people around you?
5. How would your behavior change if you treated each person in your life as if he or she were Jesus?
6. What is one practical thing you can do this week to meet someone’s need?
7. In what ways can group members help you?
august 22-28
Day 1: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
1. When you were going-up, what places, cities, or areas of town were you told to avoid?
Read John 4:1-26
2. Since “nice” girls don’t come to draw water at this time of the day, how do you think the woman felt about herself?
3. Why do you think Jesus risked his reputation to talk to this woman?
4. How is the Samaritan woman’s interaction with Jesus similar to Nicodemus’ interaction with Jesus?
5. How is the Samaritan woman’s interaction with Jesus different from Nicodemus’ interaction with Jesus?
6. What do you think Jesus means by “worship in spirit and truth?”
Day 2: Jesus and the woman caught in the act of adultery
1. Describe a time when you were caught doing something wrong.
Read John 8:1-11
2. How do you think the woman feels when she’s caught in the act of adultery?
3. How do you think the religious leaders caught the woman in the act?
4. The religious leaders use the woman for their own gain. Have you ever seen someone used by another for their own gain? Have you ever used someone for your own gain?
5. Jesus tells the woman to leave her life of sin (v 11). Do you think she left her life of sin? Have you left your life of sin?
Day 3: John's Introduction to Jesus
1. If someone was going to write a biography about your life, what is the most important thing you would want conveyed? What one story would you want told?
Read John 1:1-18
2. This passage is John’s thesis statement about Jesus. What key words stand out to you?
3. What is John’s role according to this passage? What do you think your role is?
4. Why do you think the world did not recognize Jesus?
5. Why do you think John started his Gospel this way?
Small Group Study Questions
1. What were you first told about where babies come from? How old were you when you learned the real story?
Read John 3:1-21
2. How does Nicodemus approach Jesus? Why does he come at night? Why does he begin with complements?
3. If you were going to approach Jesus with questions, what would you ask him?
4. What do you think it means to be born again?
5. How is becoming a Christian similar to the childbirth process? How is becoming a Christian different from the childbirth process?
6. What does it mean to walk in the light?
august 29 - september 4
Day 1: Read Col. 1:12-14
1. What should we be thankful for?
2. How does the Father qualify you to share in the inheritance?
3. Is it by our works that we earn this inheritance? How are we rescued from darkness?
Day 2: Read Phil. 2:6-8
1. How did Jesus empty Himself and become a man?2. If we are the children of God how can we take on the image of Jesus, being a servant?
3. In Isaiah 53:5-6 what was God’s plan to rescue us?
4. How was that plan fulfilled? How can we show God’s rescue plan for those who don’t know Him?
Day 3: Read Acts 2:1-4; Eph. 1:19-23
1. How is the Holy Spirit given to those who know Jesus Christ as Lord?2. Explain the difference between Luke 4:4-5 and Eph. 1:19-23.
3. How does Jesus’ resurrection change the way things were from the Old Testament into the New Testament? What role does the Holy Spirit play?
Small Group Study Questions
1. To be rescued there must be a need, how did that need of rescuing happen? (Genesis 2-3)2. As sin entered through man’s disobedience when do you start to see God make the blueprints for the redemption of mankind?
3. When Satan does realize his defeat, what are the significant changes that happen?
4. What does it mean to repent?
5. How does repentance benefit ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us? What happens to our circumstances when we repent?
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