Morningside Live

Palm Sunday:

1. Trusting God’s Plan Over Your Own Path

Proverbs 19:21 — “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

As you think about your major, career path, or future plans, where are you tempted to prioritize your own agenda over God’s will? What would it look like to truly surrender your plans to Him?

2. Handling Anxiety About the Future

Psalm 139:16 — “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me…”

What specific fears do you have about your future (job, marriage, finances), and how does this verse challenge the way you think about those uncertainties?

3. Obeying God Without Having It All Figured Out

Hebrews 11:8 — “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out… And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Where is God calling you to step out in faith right now—even if you don’t have clarity on the outcome?

4. Letting Jesus Have Authority Over Your Life

Colossians 1:16–17 — “For by him all things were created… and in him all things hold together.”

What area of your life (relationships, dating, time, money, social media) do you struggle most to fully place under Jesus’ authority?

5. Choosing Humility in a Self-Promoting Culture

Philippians 2:5–8 — “Have this mind among yourselves… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death…”

In a culture driven by image and followers, what would it look like for you to intentionally choose humility this week?

6. Redefining Success and Greatness

Matthew 20:26–28 — “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant…”

How does Jesus’ definition of greatness challenge the way you think about success, platform, or influence?

7. Serving Instead of Being Served

Galatians 5:13 — “Through love serve one another.”

Where on campus, at work, or in your friend group can you intentionally serve others instead of seeking recognition?

8. Avoiding Superficial Christianity

2 Timothy 3:5 — “Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.”

In what ways is it easy for you to “look Christian” (church attendance, social media, language) without truly surrendering your heart to Christ?

9. Answering the Question: Who Is Jesus to You?

Matthew 16:15–16 — “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

If your daily choices were the answer, what would they say about who Jesus is to you?

10. Following Jesus Fully, Not Halfway

Luke 9:23 — “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

What is one specific area of your life where you need to stop “coasting” spiritually and start fully following Jesus as King?

1. Knowing Christ Personally

Philippians 3:10

“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”

Question:

What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him, and how can you tell which one describes your life?

2. The Limits of Religion

Philippians 3:7–8

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”

Question:

What “spiritual credentials” or good works are you tempted to rely on instead of fully trusting Christ?

3. Counting All as Loss

Luke 9:23

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”

Question:

What might God be calling you to surrender in order to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus?

4. Resurrection as Reality

1 Corinthians 15:3–6

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins… that he was raised on the third day… and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time…”

Question:

How does the historical evidence for the resurrection strengthen your faith in difficult or doubtful moments?

5. Experiencing Resurrection Power

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Question:

Where in your life do you most need Christ’s resurrection power right now?

6. Peace Beyond Understanding

Philippians 4:6–7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Question:

How do you typically respond to anxiety, and what would it look like to let Christ guard your heart and mind?

7. Contentment in All Circumstances

Philippians 4:11–12

“…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound…”

Question:

What circumstances are currently testing your contentment, and how can Christ reshape your perspective?

8. Fellowship in Suffering

1 Peter 4:13

“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”

Question:

How have you experienced Christ’s presence in suffering, or how might He be inviting you to trust Him in it now?

9. Purpose in Pain

Romans 8:18

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Question:

How does the promise of future resurrection help you endure present struggles?

10. Responding to the Gospel

Romans 10:9–10

“…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved…”

Question:

What is one step of faith or obedience God is calling you to take in response to the resurrection?

From our 2026 Missions Conference:

Discussion questions

1. How should the passion revealed in this text (for my sake and the gospel’s) shape your day-to-day life?

2. Have you ever experienced tension between choosing Christ and the Gospel and choosing family and possessions? Have you ever made the wrong choice in a particular situation? How can you be prepared, by God’s grace, for the next opportunity?

3. How can you increase your appreciation and gratitude for the “hundredfold” increase in the blessing of spiritual family in Christ?

4. Do you believe that these blessings are more vivid for those who literally leave all? If so, how?

5. Would you share practices that help you keep your perspective on “the world to come” and eternal life?

6. How can you cultivate in others (especially your children, if you have them) a passion for Christ and His cause, a preference for the rewards Jesus names in this text, and a holy ambition for the glory of God (not self)?

From our 2026 Missions Conference.

1. The Dangerous Omission

John 17:15

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”

How does knowing that Jesus chose not to remove you from the world reshape the way you see your daily environment (home, work, school)?

2. The Meaning of Mission

John 17:18

“As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.”

If you are “sent,” where specifically has God sent you right now, and to whom?

3. Manifesting the Father’s Name

John 17:6

“I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world.”

In what practical ways are you displaying God’s character to others—and where do you need growth?

4. In the World but Not of It

John 17:11, 14

“These are in the world… The world hath hated them.”

Where do you feel the strongest cultural pressure to compromise your faith?

5. The Joy of Mission

John 17:13

“These things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

How have you experienced joy when actively serving Christ?

6. Enduring for Joy

Hebrews 12:2

“Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.”

What hardship are you currently facing, and how might focusing on mission change your perspective?

7. Finishing the Course

Acts 20:24

“That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

If you were to “finish your course” faithfully, what would need to change in your life today?

8. Ambassadors for Christ

2 Corinthians 5:20

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.”

If someone observed your life for one week, what would they conclude about the King you represent?

9. Let Your Light Shine

Matthew 5:16

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

What is one specific action you can take this week to shine Christ’s light in your neighborhood or workplace?

10. Unity as Witness

John 17:21

“That they all may be one… that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

How does your commitment to church unity strengthen—or weaken—your gospel witness?

Discussion Questions

1. A Divided Heart

James 2:4 – “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”

In what ways do we subtly show partiality? What does this reveal about our hearts?

2. God Alone Is Judge

James 4:12 – “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”

How does remembering God as Judge change the way we treat others?

3. Discernment vs. Discrimination

John 7:24 – “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

How can we be discerning without becoming prejudiced?

4. God’s Choice of the Poor

James 2:5 – “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith…?”

Why does God often choose those the world overlooks?

5. True Riches in Christ

Ephesians 3:8 – “The unsearchable riches of Christ.”

What does it mean to be rich in faith?

6. The Danger of Despising Others

James 2:6 – “But ye have despised the poor.”

How might we unintentionally look down on others?

7. The Deception of Worldly Status

1 Corinthians 1:27 – “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”

Why are we drawn to status and success?

8. Honoring the Wrong People

James 2:7 – “Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”

Where are we tempted to admire those who oppose God?

9. Guarding Against External Prejudice

1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

What are some outward appearances that most strongly influence your first impressions? How can you intentionally train your heart to see people the way God does?

10. A Welcoming Church

Romans 15:7 – “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

What practical steps can we take to welcome all people without favoritism?

1. The Incompatibility of Faith and FavoritismJames 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”How does James connect faith in Christ with the command to avoid favoritism, and why are the two incompatible?2. God’s Standard vs. Ours1 Samuel 16:7 – “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”In what ways do we tend to evaluate people differently than God does?3. The Danger of External ImpressionsJames 2:2–3 – “For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly…”Why are we so easily drawn to wealth, success, or appearance?4. Favoritism as a Heart IssueMatthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”What does favoritism reveal about what we treasure most?5. Jesus as the Model of ImpartialityActs 10:34–35 – “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality…”How did Jesus demonstrate impartial love in His ministry?6. Going Through SamariaJohn 4:4 – “And he had to pass through Samaria.”Who are the “Samaritans” in your life that you’re tempted to avoid?7. The Gospel Levels Us AllIsaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.”How does remembering our own spiritual condition before Christ change how we treat others?8. Christ Became Poor for Us2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor…”How does the humility of Christ motivate us to reject favoritism?9. Unity in the Kingdom of GodRevelation 7:9 – “A great multitude…from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages…”What would it look like for our church to reflect this kind of unity now?10. Repentance and Real ChangeRomans 2:11 – “For God shows no partiality.”What is one specific way you need to repent of favoritism this week, and what step will you take?

1. What Does True Religion Look Like?

James 1:26–27

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

Question: What stands out most to you in how James defines true religion, and why?

2. What Do Your Words Reveal?

Matthew 12:34

“O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Question: In one sentence, what do your recent words reveal about your heart?

3. How Do You Bridle Your Tongue?

Psalm 39:1

“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.”

Question: What is one practical way you try to stop yourself from saying something you shouldn’t?

4. Do Your Words Carry Weight?

Matthew 12:36

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Question: How does this verse change the way you think about everyday conversations?

5. Who Needs Your Help Right Now?

James 1:27

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction…”

Question: Who is one person in your life right now that you could practically help this week?

6. Serving Others = Serving Christ

Matthew 25:40

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Question: How does seeing service as something done for Christ change your attitude toward it?

7. What Holds You Back?

Proverbs 21:13

“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.”

Question: What is one thing that most often keeps you from helping people in need?

8. Where Do You Feel the Pull of the World?

1 John 2:16

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Question: Which of these—flesh, eyes, or pride—do you feel most tempted by right now?

9. How Do You Stay Spiritually Guarded?

John 17:15

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”

Question: What is one habit that helps you stay spiritually protected in a worldly environment?

10. How Does the Gospel Motivate You?

1 Peter 1:18–19

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”

Question: How does remembering what Christ has done for you motivate you to live differently this week?

1. Examine Yourself Through the Word

James 1:22

“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

Question:

In what ways can a Christian deceive himself by hearing God’s Word regularly but not applying it?

2. The Danger of Auditing Christianity

Romans 2:13

“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.”

Question:

What are some ways believers today can treat church or Bible teaching like “auditing a class” rather than pursuing transformation?

3. When the Word Reveals Our Hearts

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Question:

Can you recall a time when Scripture exposed something in your heart that needed to change?

4. Responding to the Spiritual Mirror

James 1:23–24

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass…”

Question:

Why do you think it is easier to fix problems we see in a physical mirror than problems we see in the mirror of Scripture?

5. The Problem of Spiritual Forgetfulness

Deuteronomy 6:12

“Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt.”

Question:

What practical habits can help believers remember and apply God’s Word throughout the week?

6. Examining Our Priorities

Psalm 103:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Question:

How can worldly priorities crowd out obedience to what we hear from God’s Word?

7. Approaching God’s Word with Humility

Psalm 139:23–24

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”

Question:

What does it look like practically to approach Scripture with humility and openness to change?

8. Understanding the Law of Liberty

James 1:25

“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein…”

Question:

Why does James describe God’s Word as a “law of liberty” rather than a burden?

9. Building Life on the Rock

Matthew 7:24–25

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them… is like a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”

Question:

How does obedience to Christ’s teaching prepare believers to withstand life’s trials and temptations?

10. From Hearing to Doing

James 1:25

“…this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Question:

What is one specific truth from God’s Word that you sense the Lord calling you to apply this week?

1. Listening to God FirstJames 1:19“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”Question:What does it practically look like to be “swift to hear” when it comes to God’s Word in your daily life?2. Guarding Against Spiritual DullnessHebrews 5:11“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”Question:In what ways can Christians become “dull of hearing,” and how can we guard against spiritual dullness?3. Listening Before SpeakingProverbs 18:13“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”Question:Why is listening before speaking an important mark of wisdom in relationships?4. The Accountability of WordsMatthew 12:36“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”Question:How does knowing we will give account for every careless word change the way we speak?5. Wisdom in Fewer WordsProverbs 10:19“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”Question:What are some situations where speaking less might actually reflect greater wisdom?6. Why Anger Fails to Produce RighteousnessJames 1:20“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”Question:Why does human anger fail to produce the righteousness that God desires?7. Examining the Source of AngerGenesis 4:6“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?”Question:When anger rises in your heart, what questions should you ask yourself about its root?8. Removing Spiritual FilthJames 1:21“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”Question:What kinds of sinful habits or influences can prevent us from truly receiving God’s Word?9. Learning Humble TeachabilityPsalm 25:9“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”Question:Why is humility necessary if we want God’s Word to truly shape our lives?10. Cultivating Hunger for GodPsalm 42:1“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”Question:What practical steps can help cultivate a deeper hunger for God’s Word this week?

1. Are You Enduring by God’s Strength or Your Own?James 1:12James says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” Are you trying to white-knuckle your trial, or are you consciously trusting that God is the One upholding you? What would it look like this week to rely more intentionally on His sustaining grace rather than your own grit?2. Where Are Your Eyes Fixed During Trials?Hebrews 12:2Scripture tells us to look unto Jesus, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Are you focused primarily on your present pain, or are you looking through your trial to the promised crown? How would fixing your eyes on Christ reshape your response to your current hardship?3. Do You Truly Believe the Crown Is Worth the Cost?James 1:12The “crown of life” is promised to those who love Him. Do your daily decisions show that you believe eternal life is better than temporary comfort? What sacrifice might God be calling you to make because you believe the future reward outweighs present relief?4. Are You Blaming God for Your Temptations?James 1:13James commands, “Let no man say… I am tempted of God.” Have you ever subtly blamed God — your circumstances, your upbringing, your stress — for your sin? What would repentance look like in taking full responsibility for your choices?5. Have You Identified Your “Designer Lusts”?James 1:14“Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust.” What specific desires most often lure you? Comfort? Approval? Control? Pleasure? How can recognizing your personal patterns help you guard your heart more intentionally?6. Do You Recognize the Process of Sin Before It Is Full-Grown?James 1:15Lust conceives, sin is born, and death follows. Where in your life might something “small” already be in the conception stage? What practical steps can you take to cut off temptation before it matures into destructive sin?7. Are You Deceived About God’s Character?James 1:16“Do not err, my beloved brethren.” In moments of hardship, do you ever question whether God is truly good? What lies has Satan whispered to you about God’s motives, and how does Scripture correct those distortions?8. Is God’s Unchanging Nature Your Anchor?James 1:17“With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” When life feels unstable, are you anchoring your faith in God’s immutability? How can meditating on His unchanging character bring steadiness to your anxious heart?9. Do You See Your Salvation as Proof of God’s Goodness?James 1:18“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.” Have you paused to consider that your new birth is a gift of God’s sovereign goodness? How does remembering your regeneration strengthen you to resist present temptation?10. Will You Trust the Cross More Than the Lure?Romans 8:32“If he spared not his own Son… how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” In the heat of temptation, will you believe that the Father who gave His Son is not withholding anything truly good from you? What practical habit could help you recall the gospel in your moment of testing?