Think about the context of this story. Where was John the Baptist? Why was he there? Even though he knew the story of Jesus, identified Him as the Lamb of God, and saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Him at His baptism, John still doubted. Obviously, he wasn’t lacking evidence – so what was the problem? How did Jesus respond to John (vv. 4-5)? Do you think this additional evidence changed John’s attitude? What else did Jesus say about […]

Consider the context of this passage. Where are they? What has just taken place? What time of year is it? What’s about to take place? The word “glorified” in verse 23 means “to magnify, honor or celebrate.” How does this idea connect to Jesus’ statement in verse 24? Jesus describes one of the most profound truths about himself in agricultural terms – talk about verse 24 as it pertains to what Jesus has accomplished for us. Now talk about verse […]

Look at 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. What is the comfort we receive from God? How do we comfort those in trouble with the comfort we have received? 2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are new creations in Jesus. What does this mean? In verse 18, what does the term “reconciled” or “reconciliation” mean? How is it different from becoming new creations? What does verse 20 tell us about our role as Christians? How do we carry out a “ministry of reconciliation?” How […]

Small Group Questions In this parable, what are the characteristics of people described as “sheep,” and what are the characteristics of those described as “goats?” Why do you think Jesus makes care for the poor and needy THE issue by which he evaluates His followers in this story – rather than doctrine, personal holiness, or something else? What’s the difference between doing good works to earn God’s love, and doing good works because God loves us? What’s more important, sharing […]

Small Group/Interact If this passage is a blueprint for ministry, what are some of the main components? Paul and his colleagues were persecuted in Philippi. Even so, what was his priority? Verse 4 speaks of Paul striving to please God and not people. What are some modern examples of this? In verses 7-8 Paul mixes his metaphors, but what’s the point he’s trying to get across? In verse 8, there’s a powerful statement concerning how Paul ministers. What is it? […]

Small Group/Interact Questions What is unique about the church in Antioch? (See Acts 11:26) What were the church leaders doing when they heard from the Holy Spirit? Why is this an important piece of information? According to verse 1, how many people were fasting and praying? How many heard THE SAME THING from the Holy Spirit? What do you think about this? What did the group send Barnabas and Paul off to do? How is this passage connected to planting […]

Small Group/Interact Questions What is the context of today’s passage? How does it remind us of the gospel of Jesus Christ? What are some practical ways you can “lay down your life” for someone else? If you have something in your possession (money/clothing/a house or car) and you do not share them with someone in need, what does verse 17 say? Does this statement seem a little bit judgemental? Read verse 18. Think of a time when you experienced someone’s […]

Small Group Questions Why do you think Jesus asked what He did in verse 13? What did the disciple’s answers indicate? What was Peter’s answer? How does it differ from what others had said? How did he know? As a result of Peter’s answer, what promise did Jesus give? This is the first time Jesus uses the word “church.” What does it mean? Who is building this church, and on what basis is it being built? How does this passage […]

What does it mean to be “blessed in the heavenly realms?” Is it different from being blessed in the earthly realm? What does it mean to be chosen before the creation of the world? What are Christians predestined for? How is this accomplished? What does this predestination mean for our human will? Why do some people get so upset about these verses? Verse 6 says all this is done “to the praise of His glorious grace.” What is grace? How […]