Week of March 18th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23   

This Sunday: He Pursues Me  

Primary Text: Psalm 23 

• Take time to remember the past messages in this series: My Shepherd, He Leads Me, He Guides Me Through, The Table, He Restores Me and so on. What is one way God has stirred your heart and caused you to action over the last 7 weeks? Have as many people share as willing. Take only one (or two) minutes per person and use a timer. Give a few minutes for people be consider their answer. This method can help people to summarize their thoughts and give the most impactful share to the group and avoid it turning into a 5-7 minute story that can cause the time to slip away.  

• Read the Psalm 23 in its entirety. Consider a different method, a time of silence before, or extended group prayer to bring attention and openness to hearing God speak during the reading of this familiar Psalm.  

• Consider a stressful period in your past. Did you think it was ever going to end? How did it affect your perspective during the situation?  

• Recall the reference to leaving a trail of goodness? If we have received God's love and forgiveness, we display love and forgiveness. Where have you seen any of these examples in the lives of your family or others around you? A pleasant surprise, kindness, honor, generosity, compassion, diligence, humility. Go around and share some examples. 

• Encourage the group to attend the Passion Experience on Friday from 4-8pm. Maybe even go through as a group and discuss shortly afterwards how God stirred you. Child care is provided for children (birth – Kindergarten) from 5-7pm. Families with children over Kindergarten are encouraged to go through with their children. Printed guides are available for children.  

Week of March 11th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23 

This Sunday: The Table  

Primary Text: Psalm 23:5

• Read Psalm 23:5. What do you know of David and the enemies he faced?
• What are the enemies our teens and twenties face today?
• Consider other age groups. What are some enemies facing those in their 30-40s? How about the pre-retirees and those in retirement?
• What are the enemies in your life that keep you from resting in the Shepherd’s care?
• List the attributes of God that Doug shared on Sunday. (The list: shepherd, provider, healer, leader, protector, providence – His unseen hand)  
• What attributes of God would help you as you face your current enemies?
• Who is someone in your life you can talk through your current struggles and you can support in their struggles?
• What spiritual practices in your life bring you to “The Table”?

Week of March 4th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23 

This Sunday: He Restores Me

Primary Text: Psalm 23:3

• Where or how does God restore your soul?
• When was the last time you visited this place or joined in this activity to meet God and be restored?
• We are not meant to go through this life on our own. What decision or situation is prominent in your life right now? Can you trust the shepherd with it?
• From the answers to the previous question, pray as a group for one another. 
• Who in your life needs their soul restored? Take some time as a group to pray for those currently struggling with circumstances for their souls to be renewed.
• What else has God been teaching you this week? Each person take 1-2 minutes to share.
• What are you doing with it?
• How can others in the group help you with it? 

Week of February 25th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23  

This Sunday: He Guides Me Through

Primary Text: Psalm 23:4

• As a group, share a main point from the Sunday message.
• Consider the messages in this Psalm series. Is there a phrase that has helped or is helping you? Share with the group. Here are a few: My Shepherd; even though I have wants, I will not be in want; in the midst of fear, friction, flies, famine, I overcome by being in the presence of the shepherd.
• Read Psalm 23:1-4. What shift happens in verse 4? What verb does David use?
• Consider an obstacle, a valley, a challenge in your life. What is one way you are walking through it? Go around the room and briefly share.
• Sometimes in the darkest valleys, it is difficult to see light. Again in the midst of a valley in your life, where can you find hope?
• What do you think Jesus is teaching you through this valley?
• Consider a friend or family member who is in a valley. As a group, pray he/she may be refreshed with hope by the shepherd.
• Is there a step you commit to take as you follow Jesus this week?

Week of February 18th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23  

This Sunday:  He Leads Me         

Primary Text: Psalm 23:2

• As a group, share a main point from the Sunday message.
• Describe your place of green pastures or quiet waters. Where is a place, or an environment, you often hear from God? Briefly share how God meets you in this place.
• How can you support your group members, your friends or your family to go to their place of rest?
• Cory shared four realities that keep us from experiencing the green pastures and quiet waters. Can you name them? (Fear, Friction, Flies, Famine) Which one has kept you from Him recently or currently?
• Read Day 4 of the daily devotional together. Go around the room and answer the two questions posed? Half the group answer the first question. The other half answer the second one. Click here to see the devotional. www.lscckc.org/devotional 
• Share with the group a thought or step you commit to take as you follow Jesus this week.

Week of February 11th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23  

This Sunday:  My Shepherd          

Primary Text: Psalm 23, II Cor 11:23-27; Phil 4:11-13  

• Share a point or personal application from the Sunday message.
• What keeps people (choose the demographic – teens, empty nesters, retirees, young families, suburbanites, church-goers) from trusting in the Shepherd?
• Describe the situations in life when trusting in Jesus is difficult.
• Share with the group a time when you trusted Jesus. What were you going through? Did He teach you something through it?
• Read II Corinthians 11:23-27 and Philippians 4:11-13. How does reading the passage in II Corinthians affect your understanding of the verses Paul writes in Philippians?
• In the devotional this week, we are invited to fast. Have you fasted? What did you learn through that spiritual practice? 
• In groups of 2-4, when in your life, truth be told, that you felt like the Lord was not enough?
• How did God show Himself to you during that time?
• Is there a current circumstance you are not trusting in Jesus? Explain.

Week of February 4th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Psalm 23  

This Sunday:  The Lord is My Shepherd          

Primary Text: Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:11, 46:3-4

• As a group, share the main points of the Sunday message.
• How has God been good to you? Was there an experience or situation where you truly believed He was “my” shepherd to you?
• Take a few minutes to quiet reflection. Lead the group to slow down, step out of the pressures and stresses of the world and quiet their souls. Read aloud Psalm 23 two times. Follow with five minutes of silence encouraging the members to meditate on a word or phrase. Ask the group to describe the experience. Let the Spirit lead you as you facilitate. 
• Read Isaiah 46:4. God made you. You are of great value to Him. If the group has been together for some time, go around person to person, and have the other group members share godly qualities they see in him/her. Or have the group share 1-2 ways God has made him/herself that reflect Him.
• Sheep have keen sense of vision and hearing. They learn the voice of their shepherd. Consider a Christ-follower who listens well to Jesus. How did they become such good listeners? How do you think that impacts their daily life, their relationships, their outlook?  
• Is Jesus speaking about a direction He may want you to go or take a step towards some school, job, ministry opportunity, etc. Share with the group even if there is uncertainty about it.

Week of January 28th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Living Different

This Sunday:  Integrity – How to Walk Securely         

Primary Text: Proverbs 10:9

• Leader, provide a brief summary of Sunday's message to set up the conversation. 
• How would you define integrity?
• Share a story where you’ve seen someone display integrity.
• Read Proverbs 10:9. What principles or values influence a person with integrity?
• What behaviors or habits reinforce a person with integrity?
• What role does accountability play in integrity?
• In same sex groups of 2-4 people, answer the following:
  • Who are people who provide accountability in your life right now?
  • In confidence share an area of life where you struggle to live with integrity. Where do you have or how can you find some support to help you in this area?
  • How are you a support or provide accountability to others?
  • How can you provide support to one another in the next week? 

Week of January 21st - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Living Different

This Sunday:  Gratitude – If You Think It, Say It        

Primary Text: Luke 17:11-19, Ephesians 4:29

• As a group, share the main points of the Sunday message.
• Who in your life have you learned about gratitude?
• Read Luke 17:11-19. What stands out to you from this story?
• Read Ephesians 4:29. What inside a heart produces unwholesome words out of one’s lips?
• What inside someone produces wholesome talk, encouraging words?
• Throughout your life, what encouraging words have received from someone? Who said it, and what did they say?  
• Read Psalm 139:1-14. Explain how our inner life impacts our outer life?
• Consider today or yesterday. What did your words, actions and behaviors reveal about what is going on inside of you? Take a few minutes to quietly reflect or journal.
• Does anyone have some insight that they would like to share as a group?
• What is a next step of gratitude God is leading you to take?
• Consider this exercise. Put five coins in your left pocket. When you think it and say it, pull a coin out and put in your right pocket as a reminder to be intentional to share gratitude towards God or another.

Week of January 14th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Living Different

This Sunday:  The Secret to Happiness       

Primary Text: Acts 20:35, I Timothy 6:17-19

• Answer one of these questions: What is attractive or admirable about a generous person?  Or describe some qualities of a generous person.
• Grab a journal, LSCC binder or just a piece of paper. Answer these questions individually by writing down your answers. (Leader, ask these questions separately and allow time for group members to write their answers down.)
  • Think about the last generous act you did. Who benefitted?
  • Specifically what were your generous actions?
  • When did this take place?
  • Reflect on the sacrifice. What is significant or minimal for you? Explain in a few sentences.
  • What barriers that tempted you from not being generous?
  • What impact did it have on you? On the recipient?
  • How did it reflect Jesus' heart or attitude? 
• Did anyone discover something about God or themselves through this individual exercise? Take 3-4 minutes to share your learning. Allow all who want to share.
• Is generosity a pattern in your life or an exception?
• Read I Timothy 6:17-19. Put in your own words how one can “lay up treasures for themselves”?
• Who is rich? Discuss as a group.
• We are to put our hope in God rather than our money. Then Paul commands us to do good, to be generous, and willing to share. Take time as a group to pray about being generous in the coming days.
• After prayer, give 2-3 minutes for group members to write down some specific ways in which they can be generous in the next two days. Not obligations to be generous but possibilities of how God might want to use them.

Week of January 7th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Living Different

This Sunday:  Mirror, Mirror     

Primary Text: James 1:22-25, Matthew 7:24-27

• Read James 1:22-25. How do people deceive themselves? In you speak of others, do it in general terms as not to belittle those you know.
• What do you think James is referring to as the mirror?
• Consider your strategy to “do” what the perfect law says. What habits or behaviors help you to follow through?
• It is easy to deceive ourselves. Share with the group ways that you deceive yourself? Here’s a list if you get stuck…food, exercise, alcohol, shopping, finances, work, parenting.
• To go from understanding wisdom to applying wisdom in our lives is a process, and it requires tools. The Bible is an obvious tool. How do you take in the Bible? (paperback, electronically, listening) Is there a place you read where you can “listen” best?
• Besides the Bible, what tools (or people) are most helpful for you in taking action? Journal, paper calendar, phone reminders, Post-It notes, 3x5 cards, small group, spouse, friend, other….
• Read Matthew 7:24-27. Considering your plan on “listening and doing” with God’s word. What have you put in your foundation that has helped you the most?
• Where is your foundation shaky?
• What is one step you can take to strengthen your foundation? Who can you share it with and follow up with?
• Who has God put in your life to help/encourage/challenge to strengthen their foundation?

Week of December 31st - Family & Friend Discussion Questions

These questions accompany the LSCC daily devotional. Discuss one or more of these questions around the dinner table or living room with family or friends. The theme for each of these questions is on reflecting over the past year and how you’ve seen God work in it.  

• Briefly describe the biggest accomplishment or most enjoyable life event over the past year. Why did you choose it? How did God play a role in it? Did you learn something about God through it?
• What was the biggest trial or struggle in your life in 2017? Why did you choose it? How did God play a role in it? Did you learn something about God through it?
• What spiritual practices were most helpful to you in 2017? Consider individual activities like reading the Bible, meditating or memorizing, fasting, prayer, journaling. How about group activities like small group, serving with others, attending church services or other activities that you did with other people.   
• What were the 1-2 biggest lessons you learned about God or your relationship with God in 2017?
• Name one person who had a significant positive impact on your faith this year. How did they affect you?
• If you could pass on one quality or lesson God taught you this year what would it be? Consider what will impact the people in your life. 

Week of December 24th - Family & Friend Discussion Questions

We finished the series, And He Shall Be Called, reflecting on Jesus as a Prince of Peace. These questions accompany the LSCC daily devotional. Discuss one or more of these questions around the dinner table or living room with family or friends.

• Read Isaiah 9:6. Over the past four weeks, we’ve heard four names to describe God. What one truth or message that impacted you from this series? How is it changing a behavior or attitude in your life?
• Read Philippians 4:6-7. Talk about peace described in these verses. When have you experienced this kind of peace?
• Are you a peaceful person? When has it been difficult for you to have peace?
• Read John 14:23-27. These are Jesus’ words shortly before His death. How does Jesus say that we will receive this peace?
• From this passage in John, what would then keep us from having peace with God? Have you ever experienced the peace of God? Talk about each of your experiences of peace in your life. 

December 24 and 31 Questions

During Christmas and New Years weeks, we will not be offering small group discussion questions. Rather, we will be providing questions for families to discuss how we have seen God working in our lives. 

Week of December 17th - Small Group Questions

CURRENT SERIES: AND HE SHALL BE CALLED   

THIS SUNDAY: EVERLASTING FATHER

PRIMARY TEXT: Isaiah 9:1-7; 44:2-5; 46:4, 49:15-16, Psalms 27:10

• Reminisce about your childhood. Do you have a favorite memory of your father or a favorite shared activity? Share with the group.
• List out positive fatherly qualities. How about negative qualities that you associate with fatherhood.
• As Amy shared on Sunday about our earthly father and our Everlasting Father, how do you think the relationship with your earthly father affects your view of God?
• Split up in small groups (3-4) of men and women. Share personally how your view of your earthly father has shaped your view of your Everlasting Father.
• Is talking about your earthly father stir emotions in you? What emotions?
• Read Isaiah 44:2-5 and Isaiah 46:4. Respond to the statement. It’s not God’s job to be like us. Thus, the failings of our earthly father should not be reflected on our Everlasting Father.
• As a result of the last conversation, what is one quality or attribute you will choose to believe about God that you haven’t in the past?
• Is there a next step do you want to take from this conversation? Share with the group as they can offer you support and encouragement.

Week of December 10th - Small Group Questions

CURRENT SERIES: AND HE SHALL BE CALLED    

THIS SUNDAY: WONDERFUL COUNSELOR  

PRIMARY TEXT: ISAIAH 9:1-7; PROVERBS 15:22; HEBREWS 2:17, 4:12-15

• Consider counsel you’ve received from another person. What is the best piece of advice you’ve received? Be brief to allow others to share.  
• How about the worst piece of advice?  Again, keep it brief.
• The theme for this message comes from Isaiah 9:6. And He Shall Be Called…Wonderful Counselor. Read Hebrews 4:12-15. Describe how God’s Word counsels people.
• How has Scripture counseled you in the past month?
• Why can Jesus provide us such wonderful counsel (Heb 4:15)?
• In your life, who gave you counsel from their own past, frustration, sin or pain? How did it help you?
• Since Jesus’ empathizes with us (Heb 4:15-16), explain why that can give us such confidence to share our needs with Him?
• True wisdom comes when we need it. What happens when we give counsel to someone who isn’t ready for it? Why do we give it anyways? What have you learned from those situations?
• How can you tell the difference between your own wisdom and the wisdom of God? Think of a specific example and share with the group.
• Share with the group a specific need for counsel, an unsolved problem. Offer these needs to the Wonderful Counselor. In the days ahead, read, listen and watch for Jesus to give you the answer.  

Week of December 3rd - Small Group Questions

Current Series: And He shall Be Called   

This Sunday:  Mighty God   

Primary Text: Isaiah 9:1-7; Psalm 89:6-8, 9-14; Psalm 93; Psalm 95:1-7

• On a cloud-covered night or in a windowless room, darkness can be thick. Have you recently walked in middle of complete darkness? Describe how you felt or the thoughts that went through your head as you stumbled towards your destination.
• Have you experienced a physical injury walking in the darkness? Share your story.
• Read Isaiah 9:1-5. Describe the darkness the nation of Israel was experiencing. Look back to Isaiah 1.  
• What relational, emotional, work-related or health related darkness or trial have you been through or are currently in? In one sentence, share with the group.
• Read Isaiah 9:6-7. What words describe this child to be born?
• As we considered Jesus as a ‘Mighty God’ where do you see Jesus as a mighty God in Scripture?
• Where have you seen it in your own life?
• Take time to quietly consider how our Mighty God has been or is working in your own darkness. Again in 1-2 minutes, share with the group God’s might in your own trial.
• Praise the Mighty God. Thank Him for His work. Boldly pray, having assurance of the character of our God, for burdens or situations in your life.

Week of November 26th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: The Gift of Thankfulness   

This Sunday:  Travis Bourbon  

Primary Text: I Thess. 5:18, Mark 10:17-22, John 4:1-42 

• What part of the Thanksgiving meal are you most thankful for? Explain.  
•  Go around the room. Share one conversation, situation or problem that you are facing this week.  
• Read I Thessalonians 5:16-18. Why are Christ-followers given these commands?  
• Have everyone write down 5-10 reasons why they could be thankful for their answer to the first question. Personally examine the reasons and share with the group one reason why you are thankful for this situation.  
• Read Mark 10:17-22. This man seemed to have done everything. He may have even accumulated many blessings in life. However, sometimes the biggest blessings can come subtraction. What would you do if God called you to give away the thing you most valued to pursue Him? What, at times, do you hold too tightly?  
• Read John 4:1-42. Where did this Samaritan woman seek to find her fulfillment when Jesus offers her living water?  
• Did she end up taking Jesus' offer up for living water? How can you tell?  
• Are you receiving Jesus' offer for living water? In groups of 2-3 share how you are accepting Jesus' living water in your life now.  
• Close in these groups, praising and thanking Jesus.  
• What is one next step you will commit to take this week?  

Week of November 19th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Broken People – Faithful God: Journey Through Judges

This Sunday: Gideon – Spirit of Worship

Primary Text: Judges 6 & 7

• Direct the group through this individual exercise. In a journal or on a single piece of paper, describe a current stressful or trying circumstance. In 2-3 minutes privately list your attitudes, emotions, and actions in the midst of this situation.
• Read Judges 7:1-15. In reference to Gideon, Cory has described how Gideon stepped forward in faith “doing it afraid”. Where did you see Gideon stepping forth while afraid?
• In Judges 7:13-15, Gideon hears a dream. In light of the situation and what God was leading Gideon towards, how would you describe Gideon’s faith at this time?
• Read Judges 7:15-16. What were Gideon’s two responses after hearing this dream?
• Individual Exercise: Going back to your own recent life situation, consider how God sees this situation. How might He want you to think, act and feel. What Scriptures does God bring to your mind? Write down how you think God wants you to view this situation. 
• Individual Exercise: Take some time to privately worship God for what He has revealed to you, confess any pride or other sin, and pray by faith for His leading.  
• Briefly share one learning from this exercise with the group. 
• We all experience trials. Who in your life is experiencing a trial? Just share the name of the person and a one sentence summary of the circumstance.
• Consider how can you encourage them in their faith to see beyond the circumstance. Be prayerful and cautious allowing the Spirit to lead you.   
• What is one next step you will commit to take this week?

Week of November 12th - Small Group Questions

Current Series: Broken People – Faithful God: Journey Through Judges

This Sunday: Gideon – Spirit of the Lord

Primary Text: Judges 6 & 7

• When have you faced an obstacle or setback that felt impossible or overwhelming?
• Gideon felt overwhelmed but God told him to ‘Go in the strength you have and save
• Israel’. Gideon had no strength in himself. In your own words, what did God mean?
• Judges 6:34 says ‘the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon’. The ESV says ‘The Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon’. He had the strength of God’s Spirit available.  So do we. Why do we often look to and rely on our strength instead of God’s Spirit?
• The Hebrew word for ‘clothed’ is labash = ‘the everyday act of putting on a garment.’ Being clothed with the Spirit enables us to function and to act in ways which are outside of our normal human patterns and capacity. What is something you are facing where you need to be clothed with His Spirit? Why do you think you feel that need?   
• Read Colossians 3:12-14. Paul exhorts us to ‘clothe’ ourselves with different virtues.
• Pick one of these virtues that doesn’t come easily for you. How might it look different  if you could live that virtue empowered by the Spirit instead of effort or will power?
• Read Hebrews 11:32-34 Being “clothed with the Spirit of the Lord” doesn’t mean we never feel afraid or overwhelmed. Instead, it means that even if we are afraid or feel overwhelmed, we can still move forward in faith to take action. Which pleases God.
• How has God helped you take action when you felt overwhelmed or paralyzed?