We continue our series about what Christians believe and what the Bible is all about with a message from quest speaker Jeff Whitebread. This week’s discussion questions are below:

Psalm 1 contrasts two ways of approaching wisdom: "by default or by design." What are the daily, intentional disciplines ("delight in the law of the Lord") that you can practice to move away from "the counsel of the ungodly" (the default drift) and towards the deliberate design of the "Jesus way"?

The "counsel of the ungodly" is described as prevalent and subtle ("live as if it matters what people think of you"). What form of the world's wisdom is most tempting for you, and what is the "Jesus way" alternative for that specific area?

Augustine's words, "our heart is restless until it rests in you," introduce the need for God's answers. How is your ongoing, everyday relationship (discipleship) with Jesus actively quieting the deepest areas of restlessness in your heart? Talk to Jesus about what troubles your heart.

"Have I accepted Jesus as my teacher?" rather than just "Have I accepted Jesus as my Savior?" How does accepting Jesus as Teacher fundamentally change the trajectory and focus of our daily life and practice? Why are both needed to provide increased stability in our lives and circumstances?

Jesus says, "It is enough for students to be like their teachers" (Matthew 10:25; Luke
6:40). What concrete character trait or action of Jesus are you currently focusing on to see inner transformation and "become like Jesus"?

Dallas Willard advised reading "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and give it about twenty to thirty years" to know Christ. How can you shift your approach to reading the Gospels from merely gaining information about Jesus to seeking "a deep, personal interaction" with him, as the sermon suggests?

Is there any hesitation to the suggestion of learning to "pray the gospels imaginatively," stepping into the story. How does placing yourself "in that story" help Jesus step "out of the gospels" to meet you as your present Lord and Teacher?

The heart of discipleship is to "know Christ interactively," not just know about him.
What intentional practice can you engage in this week to deepen your personal, intimate knowledge of Jesus?

Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet (John 13) is presented as a "blueprint" for discipleship. What is a "real service" —something that genuinely needs to be done for another person-that Jesus' example is challenging you to do without concern for the results?

Jesus taught that you "will be blessed if you do them" (the things he commanded).
What is one "thing Jesus would do if he were in our place" that you have identified in the sermon, and how can you do it this week to experience the blessed life?