Be Confident in the Scandalous Message of the Cross . . . I. Am I ok being thought Foolish because of my Confidence in the Cross? (18-20) II. Do I want to make God more Palatable vs being Confident in His Self-Revelation? (21) III. Do I chase Experiences or Evidence instead of Simple Certainty in Christ? (22-25) Practical Implications o Where am I tempted to be embarrassed of the cross and its values? o Where am I tempted to downplay parts of God or demands of God? o What five things about the cross stir my affections? o Continue Your 30-Day Speaking Challenge:

An Appeal for Christ-Centered Unity and Community . . I. A Christ-Centered Appeal! (10) II. A Man-Shaped Reason! (11-12) III. A Cross-Shaped Way Forward! (13-17) Practical Implications o How can you practically foster a deeper unity with others? o Where are the tears in your relationships? o Continue your 30-Day Speaking Challenge: o Prepare for the Supper:

Lots to Be Thankful for, God is Faithful . . .

I. We have a New Identity in Christ! (1-3)

II. We have been Given Grace to Wait Faithfully Together for Christ! (4-6)

III. We are Secured to Stand Guiltless before Him in Christ! (7-9)

Practical Implications

o What Old Identity most often defines you?

o What can you give thanks for in someone daily?

o How faithful are you with your gifts, passion and commitment in/through the local church?

The Gospel Speaks to the Everyday Stuff of Life . . .

I. Jesus-Centered Unity to Mend Division! (Ch 1-4)

Key Verses: 1:18, 23-24

II. Jesus’ Faithfulness Speaks to Marriage, Intimacy, Singleness & Calling! (Ch 5-7)

Key Verses: 5:7, 6:11,20

III. Gospel Love Governs Gospel Freedoms! (Ch 8-10)

Key Verses: 8:1, 10:31-33

IV. Jesus’ Sacrifice Gives Purpose and Direction to our Gatherings! (Ch 11-14)

Key Verses: 11:23-26

V. Jesus’ Resurrection is Central to our Faith! (Ch 15)

Key Verses: 15:13-14, 17-19; 54-57

Practical Implications

o Define 2-3 Problems:

o Write 3-5 Gospel Realities:

o List 3-5 practical biblical truths to apply:

Pray for an Ever-Deepening Intimate Knowing of God . . .

I. Who do we Pray to? (15-17a)

II. What do we pray for? (17b-18a)

III. Why do we need that? (18b-23)

Practical Implications

o What 5 names or qualities of God are most precious to you?

o How can you prioritize and pursue knowing God deeply?

o If you 100% believe this- what is one thing you would do different this week?

Prayer is Foundational to the Transformed Life.Becoming like Jesus means loving others, as Jesus did.As we are transformed into the image of Christ, our prayers can move mountains.

Pray God will use prayer to transform us into the image of Jesus and use our prayers to work his will and transform the world. 

Pray & Work for a Unity that Enhances Mission . . . Pray and Work . . . I. For a Unity with Content: The Gospel Word! (20) II. For a Unity that is Robust: Relational Richness of the Trinity! (21, 22) III. For the Purpose of Unity: Missions! (21, 23, 25) IV. With Heart of Missions: God’s Love (23,26) V. Looking to the Destination of Missions: Heaven (24)

Practical Implications o How much does the intimacy level of your marriage (or closest friendships) show reality of Jesus? Why? o What might the Spirit be pressing on you as next step in unity and community with others/church?

Jesus Guards Our Faith Through Prayer . . . I. Meditate on the Sacrificial Work of Christ Which Offers Eternal Life! (1-5) II. Rejoice That Jesus Keeps You by His Word & Power! (6-14) III. Give Your Life to Reflect His Glory & Share His Story! (15-19)

Practical Implications o Whose glory are you praying for? Living for? o How has the ministry of Christ produced joy in you lately? o Where is God calling you to reflect His glory? To share His story?

The Gospel Moves us from Shameful to Singing . . . I. See and Grieve our Sin as Sin! (1-5) A. Pitfalls: 1. Excuse, minimize, blame shift 2. Measure Manward vs. Godward 3. Law of God vs. Heart of God 4. Act of sin vs. Depths of Sinfulness II. Confess the Forgiving & Restoring Grace of God! (6-9) III. Seek Change by God’s Empowering Grace! (10-17)

Practical Implications o Where do you get hung up in the process of repentance? o What would concrete biblical change look like for you today? o Walk through the Put Off/Renew/Put on Process this week, and tell someone about it.

I. Recognize God’s Sovereignty! (1-6) II. Remember God’s Faithfulness! (7-11) III. Rest in God’s Provision! (12-17) IV. Rejoice in God’s Salvation! (18-30)