Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines what it means to be "Persecuted."

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

1. How and why can we feel good about being persecuted for righteousness’s sake?

2. Persecution can rear its ugly head in many forms. What kinds of persecution could we face in our own community or country?

3. Have you ever been persecuted for righteousness’s sake? If so, share that story.

4. Read 1Pet 3:13-17. Discuss the practical instruction offered in that passage when facing persecution. 5. Please pray for those being persecuted. Included are a couple website links that will guide you to pray for specific areas where persecution is prevalent.

Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines what it means to be a "Peacemaker."

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

1.What does it mean to be a peacemaker?

2.Why is humility essential to being a successful peacemaker?

3. Share if you’ve ever had the privilege of being a peacemaker.

4.Take a moment to bathe in what it means to be a Son or Daughter of The Most High.

Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines examines what it means to be "Pure in Heart".

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

2. Why does simply following the rules (legalism) not guarantee a “pure heart”?

3.How does one gain and maintain a “pure heart”?

4. Why is a LifeGroup or Home Church a valuable environment for gaining and maintaining a pure heart?

5.Read and discuss 1 John 1. How does your small group setting allow for deeper and more meaningful connection with one another?

Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines the meaning of mercy.

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

1.What is mercy?

2.Why is mercy even more necessary in intimate relationships, i.e., family, friends, small groups?

3.How can we show mercy in our local communities?

4. Talk about the way Jesus showed mercy when on earth and how we can learn from his example.

Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines what it means to thirst & hunger for righteousness.

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

1. What are the characteristics of someone who is righteous?

2. How can seeking righteousness protect us from becoming “of this world”?

3. How does seeking righteousness and “letting your light shine” work hand in hand?

4. How can seeking righteousness get us into trouble if we are not meek and humble?

Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines what it means to be meek.

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

1. What is meekness?

2. Why does God desire the meek?

3. What key qualities did Jesus and Moses have that demonstrate there is nothing weak in being meek?

4. Describe a person you know who is meek and why you are drawn to them.

Pastor Tim Richards continues his series on The Beatitudes. This week he examines what it means to mourn.

Discussion and Reflection Questions:

1. How have you recognized your own spiritual poverty and mourned your own sin?

2. How can we “mourn the sin that engulfs the world”?

3. In what ways will those who mourn be comforted?

Pastor Tim Richards begins his series on the Beatitudes.

1. What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”?

2. Discuss when you first realized your “spiritual poverty”.

3. How is God fulfilling your spiritual needs today?

4. How do we enjoy the blessings of the “kingdom of heaven” while on earth? “There must be emptiness before there can be fullness, and so poverty of spirit precedes riches and grace in the kingdom of God.” -Christianity Today, McGarvey and Pendleton