1) What was one thing that stuck out to you about this week's message?

2) Read Luke 9:57-62. In this section, we see three individuals that must consider the cost of following Jesus. What are some of the challenges, or "costs," have you experienced because of following Jesus?

3) In Philippians 3:13, Paul writes about focusing on striving forward towards Christ. What are some things in your life that distract you from keeping your focus on following Jesus and living for his mission?

4) What can you do to overcome the excuses and distractions that sometimes hold you back from living as faithfully to Jesus as you should?

5) In Sunday's teaching, Josh outlined three statements:

• Following Jesus means we turn from our selfish ways and surrender our desires.

• Following Jesus means we surrender what we want for our life, for what he wants for our life.

• Following Jesus means we go where he leads – not the other way around!

Which one of these do you feel that you struggle with the most?

1) Read Luke 5:27-32. Re-read verses 31 and 32. How do those words impact the way you see Jesus? The way you see yourself? The way you see others around you?

2) How difficult has it been to spend time “being with Jesus” in your life during the times we are living and especially in this politically charged climate?

3) Read Philippians 2:5-8. What was the attitude that Christ had? How can you practically have the attitude of Christ in your day-to-day life?

4) Read Philippians 2:1-4. How can following these words of Paul show that we are marked by the Savior? If we truly lived that way, how would it affect or impact the people we interact with, especially those we disagree with?

5) When people see your life, do they see that you are marked by the Savior by the time you spend with Him? By having his attitude? By living like Him? If not, what has marked or is marking your life? What do you want to change?

Bonus: If you have experienced the amazing grace of Jesus and been saved by Him, tell another person or your small group your story of coming to faith in Him.

1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?

2) Josh opened up this week's message by talking about tension. Do you handle tension well in your life? What do you do when you are uncomfortable with tension?

3) Read 1 John 3:2. As Christians in the 21st century, we live in the tension of the "already, but not yet." This means that the Kingdom of God is already among us but will not be fully established until Christ returns. In what ways do you see the evidence of God's Kingdom established on this Earth? Likewise, in what ways do you see the tension of the fallen world awaiting that return?

4) Knowing that our faith in Christ means that our eternity is already secured can lead to complacency in a believer's life. Are there any stagnant or complacent areas of your life that need to be re-energized? (For further encouragement, read Philippians 3:8-14)

5) Read Philippians 3:17-21. Part of living in the "not yet" means that we live with an awareness that this world is not our home; we are citizens of Heaven and pursue the Kingdom of God above all else. As you examine your life, in what ways are you promoting the Kingdom of God in this world? Are there any areas where you are focusing too much on this temporary world?

1) Was there anything from this week’s message that stood out to you?

2) This pandemic is full of suffering, hurt, and unrest. What are some things you have “taken hold” of that you may need to release, so that you can take hold of Jesus?

3) Read John 16:22-23. When you have the joy of Jesus in your life, how does it change your relationship with God? How does it change your relationship with your family? How does it change your relationship with other believers? How does it change your relationship with nonbelievers?

4) Jesus makes many “I Am” statements in the gospel of John. What is significant about this one - “I am the True Vine”?

5) The word ‘remain’, (or ‘abide’), is mentioned ten times in the section of scripture that Ben covered. Clearly, abiding in Christ is very important in our walk. Are you abiding in Jesus at this point in your life? If not, what would have to change for you to say that you are abiding in Jesus?

1) What is one thing that stood out to you from this week's message?

2) The early Church, described as "The Way", gathered thousands of new followers and drastically impacted the world around them because they saw following Jesus as a lifestyle, not just a set of beliefs. How do you see that differing from today's rhythms of Christianity?

3) What are some of your core beliefs about Christ? How does that affect the lifestyle that you are choosing to live?

4) Read John 10:10. Would you describe your life as a Christian as "rich and satisfying"? Would others? What leads you to this belief?

5) Read Mark 10:20-22. The "rich man" described in this text agreed with Jesus about a set of beliefs and an understanding of right & wrong, but refused to follow Jesus as a way of life. What is one thing that you can change to start living the type of life Jesus desired, designed, and died for you to live?

Read Acts 11:19-26

1) The early movement of what we call “Christianity” was known as “The Way” - does that name still describe the 21st century church either by our teaching or by our actions? If so, how?

2) Why do you think it’s important to understand the meaning of the word '"Christian"? When you understand it’s meaning, how does that change the way you wear it?

3) Far too often the world sees the church as divided. In what ways can we, by wearing the name “Christian”, show the world that we are united?

4) When we wear the name “Christian”, we declare to the world that our identity is in Christ. What are things in your life that try to rob you of your identity in Him?

5) When people see your life, do they see that your identity is in Christ, or do they see your identity elsewhere? What needs to change for people to see Jesus in you?

6) When people experience your life of love and sacrifice, can they tell that you’ve been with Jesus?

1) In Sunday's teaching, we discussed how unity in a Church can be achieved when we view each other as family and act on one another's behalf. How would you describe your relationship with other believers - as a family? Acquaintances? Only people you gather around, void of any deep commitments?

2) Read Mark 3:31-35. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that our Church family should transcend our physical family. Why do you think Jesus put such a priority on our Church relationships?

3) Joseph Hellerman writes, "Jesus' relationship priorities help us understand that the Church - the family of God - is not here to serve the interests of our family, its preferences, desires, and needs. Rather, our families are here to serve the family of God." How could it change the impact of a Church if each church-attending family applied this sentiment to their lives?

4) Read John 13:35. In light of this text, if you were to give an honest assessment of how well you prove to the world that you are a follower of Jesus, how would you judge yourself? What areas do you believe you feel you need to most growth?

5) We finished Sunday’s teaching and our Come Together series with two challenges - take some time to answer these now:

• Do I display the type of commitment to my Church family that Jesus desires?

• How can you, or you and your family, better serve people within your church family?

1) What stood out to you most about this week's message?

2) Read Romans 3:23. How does this scripture confront our expectations of ourselves and each other?

3) We know from scripture that God is righteous, just, and holy; which means He stands against that which is evil, unrighteous, or unjust. In light of God's character, do you feel that you get upset with the things that God gets upset about? Where do you have similarities or differences? Does this lead to a change in your life, emotions, or behavior? (For further reading, read Proverbs 6:16-19.)

4) How often do you pray over your thoughts amid disagreement? What could be the benefit of doing so? (For further reading, read: Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and Isaiah 26:3)

5) Read Ephesians 4:26-27. How could your anger over disagreement lead to sin or giving the devil a foothold in your life?

1) What stood out most to you about this week's message, titled “Unity Doesn't Mean Uniformity”?

2) Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. In this passage, Paul urges the Church to see that God is behind all their uniqueness and differences. As you consider the followers of Christ in your life, do you find it easy or difficult to see that God uniquely created them the way they are, even if that means they are nothing like you?

3) A.W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, writes: "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers together, each one looking to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."  How can your time with Christ lead you to more deeply appreciate those who are different than you?

4) Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-27. In this section of scripture, Paul uses a terrific analogy to remind us that the Church will be strongest when embracing differing gifts and abilities. What gifts and abilities do you have to help make your church stronger and to reach more people with the message of Christ?

5) In Sunday's teaching, we discussed how "Like pieces of a puzzle, God will create something beautiful when we place our differences in His hands. To do anything else would be to reject God's design for His Church." Are there any biases that you have personally held onto that you need to hand over to God to do your part to pursue unity in the Church?

1) How familiar are you with Psalm 23? Do you remember the first time you heard it? What was the context?

2) Read these verses: 1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 5:1–5; 2 Samuel 11:1–12:23. After reading them, how do you think more knowledge of David’s life will give you a better comprehension of Psalm 23?

3) When you hear “The Lord is My Shepherd”, how does that fit into your current view of God? Do you think it should change the way you think about God?

4) Where are you feeling the most unsettled in the hectic nature of life right now?

5) Where are you experiencing a “dark valley” or a “low place” in your life right now? If you’re not, who in your life is? How can you care for that person or for yourself today?

6) Despite all that may be going on in the world or in your life right now, we believe that God hasn’t lost control. If we believe that, why is it so hard for us to remember? How can we remind ourselves during life’s difficult seasons?

7) David sought to dwell in the presence of God, as we all should. On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being that “you struggle to” and 10 being that “you can’t wait to”), how would you rate your desire to dwell in God’s presence?