1) How can modern-day technology influence how we interact with others, both positively and negatively?

2) On Sunday, we discussed how technology doesn’t take the place of community - it simply exposes our desire for it. How can someone so connected feel so isolated and lonely?

3) From the beginning of time (Genesis 1 & 2), God created in us a desire for community. What are some of the benefits of being involved in an actual community that will never be fulfilled through technology?

4) Read Jesus' words in John 13:34-35. What criteria does Jesus give the non-believing world to measure our authenticity as his followers? What action does this call us to?

5) Read Hebrews 10:23-25. What do these verses teach us about having a persevering faith?

6) Is there anything you need to start doing differently in order to be more present and in a better community with your family, friends, and other believers?

1) How would you explain the importance of Christians studying their Bibles on a daily basis to someone who doesn’t understand its value?

2) Read Hebrews 4:12-13. How can the Word of God be alive and powerful? Have you experienced this in your own life?

3) Read James 1:22-25. In order to not just read (or listen) to God's word, but to actually do what it says, what do you do (or need to do) differently? Why can this be so difficult for believers?

4) How different would your life be if you actually tried to do what you read in the Bible?

5) Read Isaiah 55:8-9. This section of scripture reveals how differently our thinking may be from God’s, and thus, the importance of diving into scripture. What goals do you have for studying the Bible this year and who do you have holding you accountable to this?

6) On Sunday, Josh said: “If we are not centered on God's truth, then we are bound to make up and live out our own.” Have you ever been guilty of doing this? How can you protect yourself from falling into this trap in the future?

1) The writers of the New Testament letters knew that the very things that defined Jesus and his kingdom should define or describe his followers and his church. What are some things that defined Jesus and his ministry on earth? How can the church look more like that?

2) Read Philippians 3:17. How comfortable would you be telling another believer to follow your example for living? What areas of your life do you think you would need to change?

3) Read Matthew 22:34-40. In what ways do you daily show love to God? In what ways do you daily show love to others?

4) Read John 13:34-35. How will our love for others show the world that we are followers or disciples of Jesus? Can you think of a time where you saw Jesus in someone else because of the love they showed to you or another person?

5) Read Luke 10:30-37. In Sunday’s teaching, we were confronted with this statement: The question should not be “Who do I need to show love to?”, or, “Who do I have to show love to?”, but, “Who do I get to show love to?”. Are there people that you have intentionally chosen not to love because they treated you poorly, look different, have a different social class, commit different sins, or any other reason? If given the opportunity, what are some ways you can choose to love those individuals?

6) Read Matthew 6:33. How does seeking Jesus’ kingdom above all else help us to live a life of love?

1) Read Romans 3:23. If we all fall short of God's standard, then why are we so tempted to point out other people’s flaws or label them a “hypocrite” when we are just as flawed ourselves?

2) Read Romans 7:15-20. This verse describes all of us very well. What are some of the things you want to do but don’t? Similarly, what are some of the things you don’t want to do, but just like Paul, you unfortunately do anyways? How can you begin to change this behavior?

3) In Matthew 6:2, 6:5, & 6:16 and Matthew 23:1-36, Jesus is very critical of the religious leaders and calls them “hypocrites” a number of different times. Why do you think Jesus was so intentional about pointing out their behavior?

4) Read Isaiah 29:13. The Pharisees routinely did the right things, but for the wrong reasons - they were outwardly religious, but inwardly they didn’t have a commitment to God. Do you see these characteristics play out in the lives of others or even yourself? Is there anything you’re doing spiritually out of routine instead of devotion to Christ?

5) How can Jesus be the solution to our hypocrisy?

Read Matthew 6:25-34

1) What are some of the biggest things you worry about and why? How would you define the difference between worry and concern?

2) In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” How would you answer that question? What does this say about the uselessness of your worries?

3) In Matthew 6:28-30, Jesus shows a correlation between our worries and our lack of faith. From your own personal experience, what have your worries communicated about your faith in God to provide all that you need?

4) Read Matthew 6:33. How can the commands to “seek the Kingdom of God” and “live righteously” drastically effect how much and what we have to worry about?

5) On Sunday, we discussed how we can “pray just as quick as we can worry.” How can turning your thoughts from worry to prayer impact how you live your life? What could this do in your relationship with Christ? (Read Philippians 4:6-7 for further application).

1) How would you describe your 2019? Is there any pain or mistakes that you’re hoping to move on from?

2) Read Isaiah 43:18-19. Do you believe that God wants to do something new in and through you? What do you think that is? What hope does this promise give you?

3) Often times, we don’t allow God to do anything new in or through us because of our fear of change. Change is always worth it when God is leading, but change can be difficult, painful, and lead us into unknown territory. Read Isaiah 43:1-3 and answer this question: What difficulties do you think you’ll have to overcome in order for God to do something new with your life?

4) Read 1 John 1:9. What role does confession play in changing the trajectory of our lives and giving us hope for the future? Is there anything you need to repent of in order to start living the new life God desires for you?

5) The Apostle Paul was a man who approved the execution of Christians before he gave his life to Christ. Read Philippians 3:13-14 and consider what would allow Paul to “forget the past” and “look forward to what is ahead”. What does this mean for your life today?

6) In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus states that the most important commandments are loving God and loving others. In light of those words, what are some New Year's resolutions that you and/or your family can set in order to make this your aim in 2020?

Read Matthew 2:1-12

1) What do you normally think of when you hear the word "priest"?

2) Read Hebrews 5:1-4. How did the Old Testament role of High Priest differ from your notions of a modern priest? How are they similar?

3) Read Hebrews 10:11-18. How is Jesus qualified to be the ultimate High Priest?

4) Re-read Hebrews 10:16. What does it mean for God to write the law on our hearts? How has this been true for you?

5) Hebrews 10:19-23 says that because of Jesus' High Priestly work, we can go directly to God with our concerns. There is no need for any other person to go between us and God. How can this change the way you see prayer and asking God for anything?

6) In Sunday's teaching, we learned that on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would burn incense, make sacrifices, and pray for the sins of his people. We learned that God would receive the burning frankincense as a sweet smell instead of the stench of the sins of his people, and that he would accept the sacrifice in place of releasing wrath upon the people. Knowing that Jesus is our High Priest, how does this change the way you view the Magis’ gift of frankincense?

Read Matthew 2:1-15

1) On Sunday, we started talking about the significance behind the particular gifts the wise men gave Jesus. Have you ever given or received a gift yourself that had a lot of symbolism? What was the gift and why did it hold so much significance?

2) Read Micah 5:2. Why do you think Christ, the King of Kings, was born into such a small, humble town?

3) King Herod's own insecurity and fear kept him from being a bigger part of God's story and seeing Jesus Christ for what he truly is. How can jealousy and fear effect our relationship with Christ as his modern day followers?

4) On Sunday, we discussed how the wise men provided Jesus with gold that his family would need to pay for travel expenses to Egypt to find safety away from Herod. This shows us that “God will provide what is needed for His people to accomplish the purpose He has placed in them.” Has there been a time where you have seen this truth reflected in your life? Or are you currently waiting for God to provide what you need to accomplish the purpose you believe He has placed in you?

5) Kings are often associated with characteristics such as power, wealth, and force. How was Christ a different type of King in how he handled these attributes?

6) How then should followers of Christ live in reference to this?

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 and 9:1-15

1) Has there ever been a time when your life was characterized as discontented? What are some factors that helped you live a content life? (or) What are some things that need to change in order for you to be content?

2) Do you ever fall victim to the “selfs” (self-sufficiency, self-satisfaction, self-absorption, self-indulgence, selfishness.) How can they be barriers to living the content life?

3) Choose one of these contentment statements and discuss how you have seen this played out in your own life:

- True contentment comes when we develop a genuine relationship with God.

- True contentment will only come when we choose to surrender control of all we have to the one who provides all that we have in the first place.

- True contentment comes when we choose to have our lives defined not by what we have or don’t have, but to be defined by how we give away what we do have.

4) While it’s true that contentment breeds generosity, in Sunday’s teaching, it was said that “Generosity breeds content.” Do you see that as true? In what ways?

5) Since contentment is a choice, how will you choose the content life this week?