NEXT Groups: Group MEMBERS Questions

Showing posts with label Group MEMBERS Questions. Show all posts

Friday, October 28, 2016

Final Week of 2016 Questions!!!

FALL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY NIGHT // STUDENTS
7:00PM @ Suncoast Crossings Starbucks
16330 FL-54, Odessa, FL 33556
Ray & Amanda Emling

TUESDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 19612 Wyndham Lakes Dr Odessa, FL 33556
Brian Moon

THURSDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 1600 Villa Capri Cir #206 Odessa, FL 33556 (GATE CODE #1994)
Bobby Gulan

PLEASE ANSWER BEFORE GROUP

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

Once again, just to review, an idol is what?

Why is power / control so addictive?

How have you seen power corrupt people?

Do you think it is wrong or sinful to pursue promotion, leadership or power in some area of your life? Why or why not? Can you come up with any Biblical references to support your position?

What was your quiz score? Did it surprise you?

Brian said we all fear powerlessness deep down. How does that fear of being powerless play out in our lives and actions?

Brian also said, “Our decision to pursue power exposes our fear that God is not enough.” Explain this in your own words, and how you have seen this in your life?

Read Genesis 32:24-30. How does this scene mark a shift in Jacob’s life?

What is the only option to replace the unhealthy pursuit of power in our hearts, read Matthew 26:36-42 for help?

What could have Jesus done? What did He do?

What do you need to surrender and cease striving for?

NEXT STEPS

Study the Bible: Read and journal: Psalm 46:10.

Take Care of Each Other: Prayer requests...

Embrace Serving: How can I continue to serve my group now that the semester is over?

Practice Generosity: How can I continue to practice generosity?

The Quiz from Sunday (1 - 10):

Do you get upset when people don’t do things the way you want them to be done?

Do you have a hard time following the rules other people establish?

When things go wrong, do you tend to shift the blame to others?

I feel the need to win every argument.

I sometimes “play games” or manipulate others to get my way.

I lose my temper when things, situations, or conversations don’t go my way.

______ TOTAL

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Week Seven Questions

FALL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY NIGHT // STUDENTS
7:00PM @ Suncoast Crossings Starbucks
16330 FL-54, Odessa, FL 33556
Ray & Amanda Emling

TUESDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 19612 Wyndham Lakes Dr Odessa, FL 33556
Brian Moon

THURSDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 1600 Villa Capri Cir #206 Odessa, FL 33556 (GATE CODE #1994)
Bobby Gulan

PLEASE ANSWER BEFORE GROUP

Just to review, what is our definition of an idol?

We said on Sunday that money is not the root issue, that usually there is an underlying, unmet need so we use money as a substitute. What could some of these root issues be, AND how would someone use money to try and meet that need?

Do you think you are greedy? Explain your answer… What was your quiz score? Did your answer change after taking the quiz?

Read Luke 12:13-14. What do you notice about Jesus warning?

What did we say greed was, it is not just the love of money, but it is also…? Do you agree or disagree with that definition? Why?

How much anxiety do you feel over money? What does that tell you about your heart?

We talked about 3 Money Myths: 1) More money will give me more security. 2) More money will make me happier. 3) More money will make me more generous. Which one of those do you struggle with the most?

What was the solution to turn the tide of greed in our lives and not live out these money myths?

Read Matthew 6:19-21 & 24. What do these verses tell us to do & why?

The biggest thing we said generosity does is it reminds us it is all God’s anyway. That we don’t own anything, we steward. How would making this shift in our thinking help us be more generous?

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. What is the motivation for Christian generosity based on this passage?

What is your motivation for giving if you are honest?

What is one thing you can do this week to apply tonight’s study?

NEXT STEPS

Study the Bible: Read and journal: Luke 12:13-14, Matthew 6:19-21 & 24, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.

Take Care of Each Other: Prayer requests...

Embrace Serving: What am I doing for our Halloweenie Handout?

Practice Generosity: Who/what are we pooling our resources for?

The Quiz from Sunday (1 - 10):

The statement “there is no money in the bank” creates more anxiety in me than the statement “there is no God.”

Does your fear of not having enough often hinder your desire to be generous.

You have money in the bank but no peace in your heart.

I often struggle with doing the right thing because I know it’s going to cost me financially.

I find myself often saying, “If I only had this much” then I would be satisfied.

I spend more time thinking about what I do not have than I spend thanking God for what I do have.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Week Six Questions

FALL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY NIGHT // STUDENTS
7:00PM @ Suncoast Crossings Starbucks
16330 FL-54, Odessa, FL 33556
Ray & Amanda Emling

TUESDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 19612 Wyndham Lakes Dr Odessa, FL 33556
Brian Moon

THURSDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 1600 Villa Capri Cir #206 Odessa, FL 33556 (GATE CODE #1994)
Bobby Gulan

PLEASE ANSWER BEFORE GROUP

What is the most outrageous claim you have heard or seen from a health or beauty product? (See if you can find the ad on YouTube for everyone!)

Just to review, what is our definition of an idol?

Do you think women or men struggle more with seeking to gain approval, acceptance, and identity from their appearance? Explain your answer.

How does being addicted to appearance affect men and women differently? How does it affect them the same?

What was your score from our quiz? Did it surprise you?

How does appearance addiction affect your life, mood, self-esteem, view of others, confidence and so on…?

We talked about one really big cause for this in most of our lives, what was it, and how does it cause us to make an idol out of appearance?

Debate the validity or impact of this statement: A lie believed as though it were truth, carries the power of truth in our lives.

How does that play a role in appearance addiction?

We said appearance lies to us in three big ways: 1. Improving my outward appearance will heal my inner brokenness. 2. How I look is who I am. 3. Being beautiful will get me what I want. Which one of those lies have you ever believed, or if you are honest, currently believe?

What were the consequences of believing those lies?

How does Colossians 2:8-10 help us turn the tide of being addicted to appearance?

What is one thing you could do practically this week to replace your outward appearance’s place in your heart?

NEXT STEPS

Study the Bible:
Read, journal & memorize John 10:10, Proverbs 31:30, and Colossians 2:8-10.

Take Care of Each Other:
Prayer requests

Embrace Serving:
What am I doing for our Halloweenie Handout?

Practice Generosity:
Who/what are we pooling our resources for?

The Quiz from Sunday (1 - 10):

Do you have a hard time concentrating if you don’t feel you look your best?

Are you easily annoyed or judgmental of those who look like you will never look?

I am often anxious or self-conscious about what I wear, how I look, or what people think of my appearance.

I tend to be more concerned about how I look on the outside than who I’m becoming on the inside.

I tend to make snap judgments about people when I first see them.

I often allow my appearance to dictate my mood.

TOTAL:

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Week Five Questions

The Quiz from Sunday (1 - 10):

I have a need to be approved by others to feel good about myself.

I want to be known as a workaholic.

I want my kids to behave so others will think I am a good parent.

I believe that if I make mistakes, I myself am a failure.

When I’m criticized I tend to take it personally.

I criticize others in order to feel better about myself.

I compare myself a lot to other people.

I tend to covet a lot more than I celebrate.

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Week Four Questions

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Week Three Questions

FALL SCHEDULE

SUNDAY NIGHT // STUDENTS
7:00PM @ Suncoast Crossings Starbucks
16330 FL-54, Odessa, FL 33556
Ray & Amanda Emling

TUESDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 19612 Wyndham Lakes Dr Odessa, FL 33556
Brian Moon

THURSDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 1600 Villa Capri Cir #206 Odessa, FL 33556 (GATE CODE #1994)
Bobby Gulan

PLEASE READ BEFORE GROUP

Now that it’s officially fall, what is your favorite thing about this season? (Bonus points for anything other than Pumpkin Spiced _______)

How was Jesus approach to God different from the religion of His day?

Read Matthew 6:1-18. What three spiritual practices does Jesus talk about?

Were any of these habits modeled for you growing up? What difference could you see in that persons life because of these spiritual practices?

What other spiritual practices can you think of?

What are some ways you could begin, or strengthen, one of these spiritual practice this week?

What has been a defining moment in your life? As you think back on this incident, what role did God play in your thoughts? Did you pray? Did you pray differently? Were you angry?

Would you say this event strengthened or weakened your confidence in God? Why?

Read James 1:2-4. James says that trials test our faith, or confidence in God, the goal of these tests is “perseverance.” The implication is that trials can create persevering faith in God. But why trials?

If God uses defining moments to build our faith in Him, what should our response be next time life takes us by surprise? What would help us?

Have you ever been asked individually or in a group setting to serve in a church or ministry? What was your initial response to those kinds of requests?

Read Matthew 14:13-21. The disciples used the size of the crowd and their lack of food as excuses to not do what Jesus asked. What excuses have you used?

As you consider the disciples’ excuses, what were they forgetting to factor into the equation?

The disciples did what they knew how to do. They passed out the broken pieces of bread and fish. And God blessed their efforts and allowed them to accomplish far more than they could have in their own strength. What is the lesson for us?

What opportunities do you sense God opening for you to practice serving others?

NEXT STEPS

Study the Bible: Read and journal this week on Matthew 6:1-18, James 1:2-4 and Matthew 14:13-21.

Take Care of Each Other: Prayer requests...?

Embrace Serving: Halloweenie Handout???

Practice Generosity: Who/what are we pooling our resources for?

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Week Two Questions

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Week One Questions

FALL SCHEDULE

TONIGHT // STUDENTS
7:00PM @ Suncoast Crossings Starbucks
16330 FL-54, Odessa, FL 33556
Ray & Amanda Emling

TUESDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 19612 Wyndham Lakes Dr Odessa, FL 33556
Brian Moon

THURSDAY NIGHT // ADULTS
7:00PM @ 1600 Villa Capri Cir #206 Odessa, FL 33556 (GATE CODE #1994)
Bobby Gulan

This groups is all about taking a next STEP

Study the Bible Together. Each week we’ll come together, share some snacks or maybe a meal, and then circle up to talk about Sunday’s message. Bring a Bible! Each week we’ll be challenged to take a next step on our journey with Jesus because we believe, “Changed People Change.”

Take Care of Each Other. We all need someone to lean on. We were not designed by God to be lone rangers. Our group will be there for each other in good times and bad… Even after we stop meeting this semester because we believe, “Those Who Get Grace Give Grace.”

Embrace Serving Together. This semester we’ll get the chance to serve each other and serve the community because we believe, “Saved People Serve People.”

Practice Generosity Together. We will also get the opportunity to be generous with our finances together. This semester we will pick a cause (personal, local or global) and combine our money to make a difference because we believe “Blessed People Bless People.”

[PLEASE READ BEFORE GROUP]

Come up with two truths about yourself and one lie. Have the group guess which is the lie.

Share with us 3 key people from your life, 3 key events from your life, and 3 key places. Why are those special?

What brought you to the Suncoast?

What’s kept you coming back to the Suncoast?

What’s the scariest thing about groups? What apprehensions have you had or have?

What are you looking to get out of being in a group?

What’s one next step you are pretty sure God wants you to take this semester?

HOMEWORK

Attend or watch “Amplify” part 1 on Sunday.
Bring someone with you next week.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK SEVEN) 4.12 - 4.14

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

The Suncoast has seen a lot of changes in the first 10 years. We’ve changed lingo, logos, lineups, locations... So, what changes have you seen in your life over the last decade? How have they shaped you?

Talk about your first time at the Suncoast, what do you remember, what seemed different, what kept you coming back?

Have you ever looked at church through the eyes of someone who has never gone to church? If so, talk about that transformation in your perspective or, talk about what it might be like for someone who doesn’t attend church.

Share about a time you felt like God was preparing you for something, and you didn’t realize it until later. What helped you “connect the dots?”

If you said yes to what God wants to do in and through your life, what might it cost you? What is currently holding you back?

God has gone to some pretty incredible lengths to prove He loves this church. What lengths should we go to in order to show His love to our friends, our neighbors, and the community?

Hebrews 12:12-13 in the Living Bible reads, “So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that THOSE WHO FOLLOW YOU, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves but BECOME STRONG.” There are not many things you are doing right now that will matter a decade from now. What could you do that would last?

HOMEWORK
Invest your life this week into one person, and make the invite for our new marriage series on Sunday.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK SIX) 4.5 - 4.7

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

Be thinking of the people in your group, come up with a simple encouragement to share with each person. Now, go around the room and share :-)

Read Matthew 11:1-6. What do you think John was feeling in these verses? What was his gap?

Describe a time when you felt a similar gap between what you expected and what you experienced. Did your faith waiver, or did it get stronger? What contributed either way?

Now, read Matthew 11:6-11. What did we say was unexpected about Jesus affirmation of John? Why do you think Jesus did this?

What was significant about Jesus message back to John in Matt 11:4-5?

What was the first thing we said God is whispering behind your back? Do you really believe that? How might your life change if you embraced that statement?

What was the second encouraging message you’ve never heard? Why do most people struggle to believe that?

Finally, we said the most important thing God is saying behind your back is, “It’s less about you than you think it is!” Why is this the key to understanding everything else we have talked about?

What action will you take based on this message and study?

HOMEWORK

Read and journal this week on Matthew 11:1-11.
Write an encouraging letter to yourself, based on tonight, and then put it in an envelope marked “It’s not about me.” Stick it in your Bible or somewhere you will see it from time to time.
Bring someone, bring someone back for THIS Sunday, it is our 10th Birthday!!!

Friday, March 25, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK FIVE) 3.29 - 3.31

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

Talk about a time when you thought, “Why am I here?”

Why do you think we ask the same question about life in general?

What are some things you have done to try and find the reason for your existence? Did they work?

Read Genesis 1:26-31. What are our four basic created purposes from these verses? What do these things tell us about God, and about ourselves?

We said sin clouds our ability to do our created purposes. How does sin do this in your life?

Why can’t the pain, problems and frustrations we all experience be chalked up to simple human mistakes?

Read John 1:1-5. What do we learn about God’s plan in these verses? Why is this important?

Read John 3:16 & 17. Why was this necessary? What does it tell us about the nature of God?

Read John 10:9-10. Put it all together now, what is John trying to tell us?

Which one of your created purposes do you need to live more fully in? What could you do about it this week?

HOMEWORK

Memorize John 10:10.
Read and journal this week on John 1, John 3 & John 10.
Bring someone, bring someone back for THIS Sunday, it is the Most Encouraging Message (You’ve Never Heard)!

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK FOUR) 3.225 - 3.24

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

What has been your biggest take away from this series?

Talk about a time when you were a member of a team or group with a shared goal. How did that experience help you grow personally?

Read Matthew 16:13-18. What do you think Jesus followers thought when He said these words? Why?

What do you associate with the word “church”?

How does the description of the original purpose of the church, from Sunday, differ from or affirm your past experiences?

What caused the early church to stall out? What lesson do we learn for today’s church?

What are some things people think make them unworthy or disqualified from being fully engaged in the mission of the church? In light of Paul’s story, how might God use those parts of their stories to draw others to Him?

What are some things you can do to better understand how to use your strengths, weaknesses, and experiences to help draw others toward Jesus?

What is your next step to engage more fully in the mission of the church? Putting your faith in Christ? Baptism? Serving on a team? Giving? Inviting a friend? How can this group support you as you take this next step?

HOMEWORK

Memorize Matthew 28:19.
Watch any of the messages in the series you missed.
Pray for three people and invite them to Easter!!!

Friday, March 11, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK THREE) 3.15 - 3.17

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

How have you seen or experienced faith being confused, misused or abused?

In the message, we said, “The ability to believe is the most powerful force at mankind’s disposal.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

We also said, “We constantly look for evidence to support what we believe to be true.” Share some ways you are guilty of this.

Finally, in trying to understand what faith / belief really is, we said, “Belief is easy to maintain within a community of shared belief.” YOU ARE DOING IT RIGHT NOW! So, did you find parts of Sunday’s message disturbing? If so, which parts and why?

How was the Jesus movement different from every other religious movement?

What changed Jesus remaining few followers minds? How is that different than religious belief?

Why should we believe with any confidence that God hears our prayers, that there is a heaven, and that God will help us in troubled times?

Read Acts 17:31b - 32. What are some ways you can tell people about this proof the Apostle Paul is talking about? Who are some of the “others who want to hear more” in your life?

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK TWO) 3.8 - 3.10

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

STUDENTS FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
6:00PM @ Church
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

This Saturday night we spring forward for daylight savings time. Are you team standard time, or team daylight savings time? Explain why you are right!

Talk about a time when someone let you off the hook or forgave a debt. How did it make you feel?

What do you believe God wants from you?

Do you see yourself as a person who needs God’s grace? Why or why not?

What did we say the definition of grace was? Now, read Ephesians 2:1-9. Where do you see this in these verses?

In the message, we said, “God doesn’t negotiate because He doesn’t want something from you. He wants something for you.” Respond to that statement. If you believed this was true, how would it change the way you view God and your relationship with Him?

Most people respond to the idea of unconditional grace with, “But what about...?” What’s your “But what about...?”

What is one thing you can do this week to shift from a bargaining posture to a posture of gratitude for what God has done for you? What can this group do to help each other do this?

The good news is we don’t have to bargain with God. God made the first move. God so loved the world he gave his one and only Son. When you receive that gift by faith, the bargaining ends and the relationship begins. Obedience to God, then is a voluntary response of gratitude for what He’s given you.

HOMEWORK

Memorize John 3:16 if you have never done so.
Watch any of the messages in the series you missed.
Pray for three people and invite them to Easter!!!

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Group Questions (WEEK ONE) 3.1 - 3.5

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

STUDENTS FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

6:00PM @ Church

(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

This group will help you take a next STEP:

Study the Bible Together.

Bring a Bible & your notes from Sunday!

“Changed People Change”

Take Care of Each Other.

We all need someone to lean on!

“Those Who Get Grace Give Grace”

Embrace Serving Together.

Go and BE the church!

“Saved People Serve People”

Practice Generosity Together.

We will make a difference!

“Blessed People Bless People”

Invite someone new to our group this week. We want to double the size of our group because “Found People Find People.”

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

What is one key person, one key place, and one key event from your life?
How and when did your faith journey get started?
Talk about a story, person, or experience that has influenced the way you look at God.
Do you resist the idea that you are a sinner? Is there something offensive about it? If so, why? If not, why not?
Read Luke 15:11–32. What's most surprising to you about this story? How does it challenge the way you view God?
Which of the following reflects your view? Why? 1. God accepts me based upon my birth. 2. God accepts me based upon my behavior. 3. God accepts me based upon my belief. 4. God accepts me based upon some combination.
Read Genesis 15:6. In what area of your life is God calling you to trust him like Abraham did What is one thing you can do this week to trust him?
Read John 1:12. Growing up, did you feel like religion was based on the family model, the club model, or the neighborhood association model?
During Sunday’s message we said, “You do not have to forgive yourself. Your self has already been forgiven.” If that’s true, how would it change your view of faith? How might it change the way you live?

Friday, November 6, 2015

Group Questions (FINAL Week) - Nov 10 & Nov 12

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

Go around and quickly tell everyone about your job. Now, pick someone else's job you would like to try for a day and share why.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? If you didn’t fulfill that dream, share about the moment when you realized that you wouldn’t achieve that goal.

What are a few of the gaps (big or small) that you see between where you wanted to be in your career and where you are?

What is the best career advice you have ever received? Did you apply it? If so, how did it help? If not, why not?

Read Luke 16:10. We said that this is the greatest career advice that you will ever receive. That’s a pretty bold statement based on everything the group just shared. So, do you agree or disagree? Explain, why or why not?

What do you ultimately have control over in your working life? What distracts you from staying focused on those things?

We said God cares more about your character than your career. The more difficult the work situation, the faster and deeper your character grows. How have you seen this in your career (or otherwise)?

How do you think God may be using your current work situation to grow your character?

“Be faithful in the small things, because God is paying attention.” What is at least one way you can apply this principle this week? What will be the most difficult thing about applying this principle this week?

Friday, October 30, 2015

Group Questions (WEEK 8) - Nov 3 & Nov 5

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

What song best describes your mood when it is quitting time at the end of the week? What is your weekend jam?

What was your first job? What one memory (good or bad) sticks out to you about that first job?

What is one thing you love about your current job? What is one thing that frustrates you?

What / who do you think has shaped your view of work the most?

What does the following statement from Sunday mean: I will never find purpose in my work until I understand the purpose of my work?

Brian mentioned four main reasons we go to work: to pay the bills, to find our identities, to be successful, and to find purpose/significance. Which of these most closely captures your primary reason for going to work? Why?

Why do those four reasons we go to work fall short of being the purpose for the working life?

Read Colossians 3:23. What do you think it means to work “as working for the Lord”? Share about a time when you felt like you were doing this.

How does Colossians 3:23 change our perspective on work?

What makes it difficult to truly work for God? What are some of the distractions and circumstances that keep us from honoring God with our work?

What is one thing you can do this week at work to more fully work for God?

—————————————————

Far from being a punishment or a curse, work is actually a blessing, first given to us by God in the garden of Eden. And because work is a blessing, there is no such thing as a job without purpose. The purpose of the working life is to show God working in my life.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Group Questions (WEEK 7) - Oct 27 & Oct 29

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

BRING A CAN OF KIDS PLAY-DOH!!!

Read Acts 7:18-34. Why do you think the author of Acts says Moses “was no ordinary child?” Do you agree or disagree with Erwin McManus’ premise that there are no ordinary children?

List some unique and creative abilities that God has given you. Share your top three with the group. Why do you think God created you with those?

How have you seen your imagination be both a blessing and a curse?

If you don’t feel like you’re living an extraordinary life, what do you think is holding you back?

Talk about some extraordinary goals you have and what you can do to move toward them.

Share a time when you felt let down by God. Why did you feel that way and what did you learn from your experience?

How would you describe the story of your life that God has crafted thus far?

What steps do you need to take to fully tap into the creative soul that God has instilled within you?

Friday, October 16, 2015

Group Questions (WEEK 6) - Oct 20 & Oct 22

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

Take out your phone, and share the story behind one of your favorite pictures. Bonus points if it is a funny picture!

After finishing the Freeway series, doing the homework from last week’s group, and maybe diving into the Freeway workbook, what did you learn about yourself? What are some changes you have made?

What do you think the biggest obstacle will be to keeping your new found freedom?

On Sunday, we said that freedom is maximized as we share it with others. In other words, you were rescued to be a rescuer. What pushback or reservations do you have in letting God use your beautifully broken story?

Read John 4:1-42. Make a list of all the key moments in these verses. What do we learn about Jesus, ourselves, and God’s plan for the rest of our life in this story?

What are some things you could do to intentionally place yourself in environments where God could use your story?

What are the people in your life “thirsty” for? How are they trying to quench their thirst with earthly water? What can you do to help them find “living water?”

Do you believe God can use your ENTIRE story to help someone else find freedom? What part of your story is the hardest to share?

Who do you know that your greatest failure or pain might help, share their name ___________. Will you do it?

HOMEWORK

Memorize Galatians 5:1.
Take some time this week and go back through your entire Freeway workbook (or message notes). Circle or highlight the things that are key to your freedom. Make an index card with these keys to remind yourself moving forward.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Group Questions (WEEK 5) - Oct 13 & Oct 15

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

TUESDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ Church Lobby
(13266 Byrd Dr Odessa, FL 33556)

THURSDAY NIGHT
7:00PM @ the Taylor’s in Concord Station
(18019 Glastonbury Ln. LOL, FL 34638)

QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
(READ BEFORE YOU ARRIVE)

Have you ever been given a nickname or pet name from someone? Explain it? Do you like it or hate it?

After the first five parts of this series, doing the homework from last week’s group, and maybe diving into the Freeway workbook, what are you learning about yourself? What are some changes you want to make?

Read Genesis 29:14b - 28. Many people would make this out to be a great love story, but in reality it is the story of a man driven by fear, insecurity and a sense of false identity. How have those things led you to compromise in your life?

Do you think you are a people pleaser? If so, how has that carried over into your faith or view of God?

Do you struggle with self-acceptance? If so, how has that carried over into your faith or view of God?

Do you think accepting yourself is a prerequisite to being able to receive love from God and others? Explain.

What is the difference between pleasing God and trusting God as our primary goal? How do you struggle back and forth between those two?

Why do so many people choose the path of pleasing God over the path of trusting God? What can we do to keep on the trusting path more?

How might you see yourself, and God, differently if you lived from a place of acceptance, instead of living for acceptance?

HOMEWORK

Memorize Psalm 18:19.
God likes to hand out new names. Simon to Peter. Saul to Paul. Jacob to Israel. In Revelation 2, God talks about a white stone with a new name on it. It’s a name just for you. What is your best guess at God’s special nickname for you? Use a Sharpie and write this name on a rock and put it somewhere you will see it!
This week watch your thoughts. When they become negative or destructive, consider where those thoughts are coming from. Replace them with thoughts of love and acceptance from your Heavenly Father who loves you because you are His!