Focus Scripture:  Luke 16:25 

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

"Apply It" discussion questions 

to dig into Sunday's message:

1) When you think of Hell, what is the image that first comes to mind?

2) How can the story of Lazarus and the rich man impact our urgency of telling others about God's forgiveness? 

3) What words do you associate with Hell? 

Separation? 
Punishment? 
Loss? 
... what comes to mind?

Focus Scripture - Matthew 23:28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1) In what ways have you worried more about your outward appearance of righteousness than your inward spirit?

2) Do you feel like you have to earn God's forgiveness? 

3) Have you given your life to Christ? (Not just the outward appearance, but has He taken residence in your heart?)

Focus Scripture - Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

11) How can you tell the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger?

2) Have you ever had a moment in your life when you have regretted your actions done in anger?

3) Does it conflict with your image of Christ that he did in fact get angry from time to time?

Focus Scripture - John 8:11
“No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1) What makes you the happiest? 

2) Would you say that following Jesus is more important than your own happiness?

3) What happens if your wants and your desire to follow Jesus are in conflict?

Focus Scripture - 2 Corinthians 1:9
Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1) Have you ever felt isolated because you couldn't handle or bear your circumstances?

2) How has this kept you from being open and honest with your fellow brother and sister in Christ?

3) Why do you think "God will never give you more than you can handle" is such a pervasive, but incorrect saying?

Focus Scripture - Matthew 18:33
Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1) Do you think you are a forgiving person? Would others say the same?

2) What long held grudges, or memories of hurt are you holding onto?

Focus Scripture: John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1) Have you made Jesus speak words he never said?

2) Have you ever read into the Bible instead of pulling out what the Bible is trying to say to you?

3) Have you ever watched someone else put their own bias or feeling into the scriptures? Did that upset you?

Focus Scripture John 15:12-13
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

• What makes someone easy to love? What do they do for you?
• Think of a time when someone "laid down" their life for you. How did that make you feel?
• Why would Jesus talk about loving one another as a commandment right before he died?Is God telling you to lay down your life for someone?

Focus Scripture: Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1. What is the most sacrificial act someone has done for you?

2. What is something beautiful about your faith in God?

3. What acts of innocence are typically associated with children?

4. Who is the most generous person you know and what are they generous with?

"Apply It" discussion questions to dig into Sunday's message:

1) Those who work behind the scenes are often seen as "less important." Have you ever thought this of others or yourself?

2) In what ways are you serving the church "behind the scenes?"

3) Can you find a place to serve at Eastridge? What's holding you back?