Week 1 – POLITICS
1. What was your takeaway from the sermon?
2. Have you ever believed or encountered one of the 6 “Misperceptions of Churches and Politics”? Listed in notes above.
3. What are some examples of how we can live “kingdom down” in regards to politics?
4. Using Ephesians 2:8-16, how does Jesus make it possible for Christians to live a third way?
5. Instead of moving left, right, or down, what is one way that you can live your life “looking up” this week?
6. Is there anyone in your life that you need to share the Gospel with or invite to church? Be sure to lift these people up in prayer as a Life Group.
PRAYER: Encouraged: break up into groups of men and women separately, and take some time to pray for one another.
Week 2 – INTOLERANCE
1. What was your takeaway from the sermon?
2. How does a Christian show compassion as Jesus did, without tolerating what God doesn’t tolerate? How does the approach differ between a Christian, a non-christian, and a new Christian?
3. How should a Christian approach a culture that doesn’t tolerate us?
4. Read Exodus 34:6-7 and 2 Peter 3:9. In your own words, what is the difference between tolerance and patience? Tolerance and repentance?
5. What keeps you from talking about Jesus with those around you?
6. Is there anyone in your life that you need to share the Gospel with or invite to church? Be sure to lift these people up in prayer as a Life Group.
PRAYER: Encouraged: break up into groups of men and women separately, and take some time to pray for one another.
Week 3 – HYPOCRISY
1. What was your takeaway from the sermon?
2. Jesus works if you work with Jesus. Where do you think you would be without Jesus?
3. In your own words, how would explain the difference between a hypocrite and a sinner making progress to a non-believer?
4. How does it build your confidence as a Christian knowing that Jesus’ way works?
5. Can you think of a time that you felt like a hypocrite? Do you think that is true now? Why or why not?
6. How are you doing at practicing your faith? For example, prayer, Bible reading, church attendance and involvement, evangelism…
PRAYER: Encouraged: break up into groups of men and women separately, and take some time to pray for one another.
Week 4 – EQUALITY
1. What was your #1 takeaway from the sermon?
2. Did anything shock or surprise you from the sermon?
3. How did this sermon encourage you, meaning how did it “put courage in you”?
4. Is there anyone in your life that needs to hear this message on equality, and how would you explain it to them?
PRAYER: Encouraged: break up into groups of men and women separately, and take some time to pray for one another.
Week 5 – AUTHORITY
1. What was your #1 takeaway from the sermon?
2. How did this sermon reinforce your view of the Bible?
3. Have you ever encountered one of the common misconceptions about the Bible, either in your own life or people you know? How would you address that misconception now?
4. What are some ways and methods to get God’s Word into you?
*** Reading, Listening, YouVersion, Sermons, Group Bible Study, Meditate, Memorize, Journaling, Praying Scripture…
5. Do you have a Bible reading plan?
If yes, please share with the Life Group.
If no, what is your next step to putting a plan together and how can the Life Group help?
*** Here are some basic thoughts on putting together a Bible Reading Plan. The main objective is to get God’s Word into you.
- Retention: It is not how much you read, it is how much you retain. Small amounts might be better, especially if you are just getting started.
- Consistency: Put together a plan with a high likelihood of consistency. Time in God’s Word should be a priority, but don’t plan on so much it is hard to be consistent. Learn the discipline first, and let it grow over time.
- Learning Style: People learn differently. Some have great reading comprehension. Some are more auditory and do better listening. Some need to journal. Or a combination of things.
- Prayer: Make sure prayer is part of your Bible Reading plan. God wrote the book, so He is the best person to talk to about it, and it builds your relationship with Him.
- Get a good study Bible: We recommend the ESV Study Bible. It has great notes if you get stuck, or if something is hard to understand.
PRAYER: Encouraged: break up into groups of men and women separately, and take some time to pray for one another.
Week 6 – EXCLUSIVITY
No questions this week, talk about what you learned from the sermon and the series and celebrate all God has done!