11/23/25 - Indestructible Joy
John 16:16-24
Jesus said the disciples would experience sorrow âfor a little whileâ (John 16:16). When you go through something hard, what helps you keep a long-term perspective instead of getting stuck in the moment?
Pastor Clay mentioned that our joy often fades when we drift from abiding in Christ. What kinds of practices are necessary for us to continually abide in Christ? Which of these do you struggle to do consistently?
Jesus says, âno one will take your joy from youâ (John 16:22). What tends to steal your joy most easily? What helps you recover it?
Pastor Clay emphasized that our security rests not in our ability to hold onto Jesus, but in His commitment to hold onto us. How does that shift your understanding of joy, even in times when you donât feel it?
Jesus said the disciples would experience sorrow âfor a little whileâ (John 16:16). When you go through something hard, what helps you keep a long-term perspective instead of getting stuck in the moment?
Pastor Clay mentioned that our joy often fades when we drift from abiding in Christ. What kinds of practices are necessary for us to continually abide in Christ? Which of these do you struggle to do consistently?
Jesus says, âno one will take your joy from youâ (John 16:22). What tends to steal your joy most easily? What helps you recover it?
Pastor Clay emphasized that our security rests not in our ability to hold onto Jesus, but in His commitment to hold onto us. How does that shift your understanding of joy, even in times when you donât feel it?
11/16/25 - The Convicting Work of the Holy Spirit
John 16:7-15
The Spirit convicts of righteousness, exposing the ways we try to justify ourselves. What are some subtle signs that we are building an identity on our own ârĂ©sumĂ©â or achievements rather than on Christâs righteousness? Consider Philippians 3:3-9
Pastor Chris challenged us to think about how the Spirit works through us to reach others. Who in your life might God be prompting you to pray for or engage with this week?
Pastor Chris challenged us to think about how the Spirit works through us to reach others. Who in your life might God be prompting you to pray for or engage with this week?
Pastor Chris emphasized that conviction is ultimately a gracious actâGod revealing truth so we can turn to Him. How can we create environments in our groups, families, or friendships where Spirit-led conviction is welcomed rather than resisted?
The message ended with Luke 11, reminding us that the Father is eager to give the Holy Spirit. What would it look like for you, very practically, to depend more intentionally on the Spirit this weekâespecially in conversations with non-believers?
The message ended with Luke 11, reminding us that the Father is eager to give the Holy Spirit. What would it look like for you, very practically, to depend more intentionally on the Spirit this weekâespecially in conversations with non-believers?
11/9/25 - Not of the World
John 15:18-27
Jesus said, âIf the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.â When have you been opposed because of your faith? How did you respond?
Nathan said we shouldnât be surprised by opposition but should expect it. Is this true of you? How can we better prepare ourselves for this inevitable reality?
Jesus said, âIf the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.â When have you been opposed because of your faith? How did you respond?
Nathan said we shouldnât be surprised by opposition but should expect it. Is this true of you? How can we better prepare ourselves for this inevitable reality?
Compromise often comes from wanting to be liked. Do you desire to be loved by the world more than pleasing God? What are some subtle ways Christians might soften truth or hide faith to gain approval today?
Whatâs one area of your life this week where you could more openly identify yourself with Jesus, even if it risks rejection?
Whatâs one area of your life this week where you could more openly identify yourself with Jesus, even if it risks rejection?
11/2/25 - Back to the Basics
John 15:12-17
When was a time you found it helpful to review the basic fundamentals of practicing a skill you know? What was the benefit?
Pastor Chris shared four basics of discipleship from these verses:
When was a time you found it helpful to review the basic fundamentals of practicing a skill you know? What was the benefit?
Pastor Chris shared four basics of discipleship from these verses:
- Love - Jesus' love is our standard and our resource (v. 12)
- Obedience - Friends of Jesus obey him (v. 14)
- Mission - go and bear gospel fruit (v. 16a)
- Prayer - our instrument to accomplish the mission (v. 16b)
Which of these do you tend to focus on most as you follow Jesus? Why?
Which of these needs more of your attention and practice? How can we help each other with this?
Pastor Chris ended sharing examples of God's grace to us, his disciples. How does God's grace motivate and enable you to practice the basics of discipleship?
Which of these needs more of your attention and practice? How can we help each other with this?
Pastor Chris ended sharing examples of God's grace to us, his disciples. How does God's grace motivate and enable you to practice the basics of discipleship?