Crossbridge Weekend Messages

If the resurrection really happened, "wow" is the only response. And that "wow" opens the door for some more "wow's" to be experienced in our lives. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s the greatest “wow” you’ve ever experienced? Why was that so amazing?

2. Why do you believe Jesus rose from the dead? Or if you don’t, what is the barrier to believing that for you?

3. If you believe in the resurrection of Jesus, how does that change things for you?

We resist asking for help for many reasons, but God has made asking for help foundational to the way of Jesus. When we will opt-in on receiving help, we also opt-in on receiving God's gracious work in our lives.

Discussion Questions:

1. Are you good at asking for help? If not, why not?

2. Read Psalm 86:5. If God so consistently expresses his desire to help us, why do we often refuse to take him up on the offer? 

3. Where’s a place you need to ask for help? How will you take a step toward doing that this week? 

Gratitude unlocks a key to greater joy and happiness, and it's something God has been encouraging us to try for thousands of years. A healing Jesus did teaches us a few lessons on gratitude and offers us pointers on how we can be more grateful people.

Discussion Questions:

2. Would you consider yourself a grateful person? Drawing off of the story from Luke 17:11-19, what are some of the reasons you would give as to why you aren’t more grateful sometimes?

3. What are some simple practices you could incorporate into your life to be a more grateful person?

"Enough" is not a word common to us in America. But "enough" is key to finding joy and happiness. We think we'll be content when we get more; God says we'll be content when we allow him to adjust our attitude on what we have. 

1. Talk about the kind of family you grew up in. Was it a place where there was never enough, more than enough, or somewhere in between? How has that affected you?

2. What things in your life are you always driving for more of? 

3. What are some practices in your life that you think you can develop to cultivate more contentment? How can you learn to say “enough”?

"Sorry" isn't a word for image management, it's a word God intends to bring us out of hiding and into healing. When we face our fears, getting honest with ourselves and opening our lives to others, true love and connection can take place.

Discussion Questions:

2. Is there a time you opened up to someone else in a way that was scary to you? What happened?

3. Which of the three suggestions on being a real community (moral inventory, confession, restitution) is most difficult for you? Why?

Most of us develop a belief that God's posture toward us is a "no." The Bible tells us that God's posture toward us is actually an unequivocal "yes," and that he has made 7,547 promises to prove it! Knowing God is a "yes" toward us equips us to be his "yes" toward others. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s the best “yes” you’ve ever experienced? 

2. Do you feel like God’s heart toward you is a “yes” or a “no?” Why?

3. What’s a practical way you want to be a “yes” toward others (and thus toward God) this week?

We begin life easily saying "no," but before long that changes. The problem? When we can't say "no" to what we should say no to, we can't say "yes" to what we need to say yes to. Jesus models for us the perfect example of how we can grow in the grace of "no."

Discussion Questions:

1. How skilled are you at being able to say the word “no”? Would your closest friends and relationships agree with your assessment?

2. If you struggle to say the word “no,” why do you think that is so hard for you?

3. Which of the temptations Wes spoke about (desire, demonstrating, avoiding difficulty) is the hardest one for you to say “no” to? Why?

The willingness to empathize fully with others will open up incredible doors and opportunities to connect with others.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

2. What are some barriers that you find getting in the way of being able to empathize with others well?

3. Do you consider yourself a joyful person? What are ways you think you could become more joyful?

The three little words "I need help" can do a great deal of good when it comes to finding connection with others.

A number of factors cause us to view life and relationships through the filter of "what's in it for me?" God offers a new mindset to bring to our relationships that can produce greater love and connection.

Discussion Questions:

2. Do you think you’re a selfish person? Why or why not?

3. Which of the three challenges on your card are most difficult for you? Why? Is there another area where you struggle to step away from selfishness?