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

2) Read Ephesians 5:25. In this passage, we see that Jesus died for the Church. In light of this, does your participation in the Church body reflect the importance Jesus placed on the Church?

3) On Sunday, we discussed four main points for the need to gather together as a church family:

• The Bible commands it
• Jesus died for the Church
• The Church is the body of Christ
• The message it communicates to the world

Of these, which impacted you the most and why?

4) Read Romans 12:4-5. What does this teach us about how God designed the Church to function? 

5) Who is someone that you can reach out to and encourage to gather together again?

In preparation for this week's questions, read Psalm 23.

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

2) What picture comes to mind when you think of rest? 

3) In Psalm 23:1 (NIV), we read, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” What are some things that Jesus provides or does that can ultimately allow you to rest?


4) In John 10:11, Jesus calls himself “The Good Shepherd”. What areas of your life are you not letting Jesus lead? How is this impacting peace and rest in your life?

5) How would your life change if you allowed Jesus to provide the redeeming rest He promises?

In preparation for this week's questions, read read Luke 10:38-42.

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

2) If someone watched every second of your life, what would they say is the most important to you? Where would spending time at the feet of Jesus rank? Why is this essential to finding the rest Jesus promised?

3) The culture that Mary and Martha lived in placed a high value on hospitality and hosting those who showed up at your door, such as Jesus did. When it comes to our culture, where do you feel the most pressure to bow to busyness - home, work, another area?

4) The only difference Jesus addressed between Mary and Martha was that Martha had her priorities, even good ones, out of place. What is one step that you can take this week to reprioritize your time with Jesus, even if it means risking disappointment in others or not being as productive as you're used to?

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

2) How often would you say that you make rest a priority in your life?

3) Read Matthew 11:28-30. Why is "coming to" Jesus and remaining in Him (John 15:4) essential to finding the rest He has waiting for you?

4) Why do you think people choose to hold on to their burden and not allow Jesus to carry it for them? What is preventing you from exchanging a burden you're currently carrying for the rest that Jesus offers?

5) Read John 6:29. What "work" does Jesus require of us, and how can that lead to rest for our soul?

1) In what areas do you recognize the most need for rest in your life?

2) We can all use the rest that refills, re-energizes, and re-ignites. Can you think of a time when your rest allowed God to help you be the version of yourself that he designed you to be?

3) Read Genesis 2:1-3 and Psalm 121:1-4. God did not need to take a break, but he took one. What does that teach us about God’s nature? What does that demonstrate about his care for us?

4) When God had the Israelites observe the day of rest in the wilderness, it was a way to demonstrate to them that they could trust Him. Has spending intentional time with Jesus helped you to trust Him? How has it helped you experience His leading, His protection, and His provision?

5) The required Sabbath rest for the Israelites helped remind them that God saved them from their captivity in Egypt. How can our taking a desired rest help remind us of the fact that Jesus saved us from our sins?

6) How did Jesus’ death on the Cross provide a rest for those who choose to follow him?

1) When was a time that you struggled to discern the difference between your own thoughts and feelings, the influence of others, and the voice/nudge of God?

2) Read John 10:27. When was a time that you undoubtedly knew you were being directed or guided by God? How did you know that it was God and not other factors?

3) Read 2 Timothy 3:16. How can scripture help to confirm God's communication in your life?

4) On Sunday, we discussed how, through our relationship with other godly people, we can help confirm whether a message is from God or not. Who are the godly people in your life you can turn to for help in this regard? Do you feel that you consult their wisdom enough?

5) Read Romans 8:28-29. We know that God doesn't call us to be comfortable, but calls us to become more like Christ. In what ways do you believe God is speaking to or nudging you? What steps will you take to confirm that this is true?

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

2) The topic this week was “unceasing prayer” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), which is a continual conversation with God as we go throughout our days. How frequently do you communicate with God amid your day-to-day responsibilities?

3) Read Psalm 145:18. How can God’s closeness to you encourage you to communicate with Him more often?

4) On Sunday, we discussed a few benefits of continual prayer; it allows us to follow the Spirit’s leading, live in joy, overcome anxiety, and remain grateful. Which one of these sticks out the most as something you need in your life?

5) What can you do this week to begin communicating with God more frequently within your days?

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

2) This week's teaching was about creating space to encounter God, free from all distractions. How often do you feel that you prioritize building this into the rhythm of your week? 

3) In Mark 1:21-24, after a hectic day, we see that Jesus had to get up early to find time alone with God. What would you need to change or alter in your schedule to find time to be alone with God, free from all distractions?

4) One of the points in Sunday's teaching was: "Whenever Jesus spent time alone with God, there was always more to do." There were always more people to heal, more people to teach, etc. What are the aspects of your life that may need to take a backseat to prioritize spending time alone with God? Pleasing people? Hobbies? Time on specific projects? Your social life? Social media presence, etc.?

5) What is a goal that you can set this week to follow Jesus' example and prioritize spending time alone with God? Find someone to hold you accountable for this and share your experience with them.

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

2) Do you feel like prayer is a strength or weakness in your life? Why?

3) In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus shows us what a healthy prayer life is built on - He begins by calling God "Father", which gives us imagery of intimacy between a child and their father. Why is intimacy in your relationship with God essential for your prayer life?

4) In Matthew 6:10, Jesus prays, "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." What are some of the challenges in accepting God's will for our life? What can we do to overcome this?

5) In Matthew 6:12, Jesus prays, "And forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors." Why is seeking forgiveness from God and forgiving others essential for both our eternal and momentary freedom?

6) Lastly, of the six pillars on which Jesus showed us that healthy prayer is built, which one do you feel you need to address more often?

• A relationship of intimacy with God

• Holy expectations

• Accepting God's plan

• Trusting God with our needs

• Forgiveness

• Asking for protection

1) What role have you seen unhealthy communication play in relationships? How has unhealthy communication affected your relationships?

2) On Sunday, we discussed how “Healthy communication involves both talking and actively listening.” How would you grade yourself in both of those areas?

3) Read James 3:2-9. What does this tell us about the power of our words, whether spoken or written?

4) Contrast Ephesians 4:29 with Colossians 3:12-14. What does this reveal about God’s desire for how we communicate with others?

5) In Luke 6:45, Jesus reveals that the best way to guard your words is to be aware of what’s in your heart. How can protecting our hearts lead to healthy communication?

6) Read Proverbs 18:2 and 18:13. Why is it foolish to not listen to others? How can listening provide an opportunity to show love and concern for those we do life with?