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In this episode James talks to us about how we judge others based on their appearance or status. Join us as we discuss a God centered view of ourselves and others.

Questions Part 1:
The world is really good at basing peoples value on what they have and how they look. Why do you think we as Christians do that? 
Be honest, do you ever find yourself judging people based off what you see? 
Have you ever been wrong? 
Have you ever had people judge you based off what you have or don’t have? 
How did that make you feel?

Questions Part 2:
What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? 
What are some examples of loving your neighbor as yourself? 
Why is this so hard for us to do? 
Why is it so important that we keep the whole law and not part? 
What are ways that we can do better in showing Mercy?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this 3rd episode on the book of James, we dive into the core of what James is writing his letter about, live out the things you've learned about Jesus. Join us as we dive in to some great conversation about these words of James to the church.

Questions:
Part 1 -
“Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.” That's three different things.
Quick to listen, How do you do that?
Slow to speak? How do you do that? 
Slow to get angry? How do you do that? 
How do you get rid of filth and evil in your lives? Is God talking about His standard of filth and evil or ours? 
How do you plant the word of God into your heart?

Part 2 -
What metaphor does James use to describe a person who only hears the word? 
What kinds of things characterize a person who would look in a mirror and then immediately forget what he sees? (impatience etc.) Where do you see that played out in your own life? 
What does it mean that a law sets you free? How can boundaries in your life bring freedom? 

Part 3 -
Have you ever been around someone that called themself a christian but their actions and words didn’t line up.  
Do you think people ever think that of you? 
Look back at verse 27. Like we talked about, when we help others in need it keeps our focus where it needs to be. What are ways that you can actively in your life right now focus on helping others?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this episode James hits us up about testing and temptation. He talks about where it comes from and challenges us to stand firm, patiently, against it. He reminds us that God is not the tempter, but instead He is the source of all good. We finish in verse 18 with James declaring to us that God chose us and we are His prize possession. Join us as we discover how to overcome temptation and receive the "crown of life."

Questions:
Part 1 -
What is the reward that James promises will come to those who patiently endure testing and temptation? 
Can you give or think of some honest temptations that you face? How do you endure those? 
How hard is it to be patient through the process? 
How should the promise of the reward mentioned in vs 12 motivate us in our Christian walk?

Part 2 -
How quickly when things get hard do we want to blame God? 
It's hard to admit that we have desires in our lives that are not always good. The bible refers to it as the flesh.
Name some specific or difficulties  that you have experienced that led to temptations in your own life? 
What are some examples of where sin being allowed to grow can lead to death? 

Part 3 -
James tells us to not be misled on where our blessings come from. What is the danger in believing that the good in our lives come from us or something else? How can that change the way we see God? 
James says we are God's prized possessions.  So often we struggle with identity and finding our place.  How does it make you feel to know that we are God’s most valuable possession?  So valuable that he came to earth to die. 
Read John 3:1-16. What does this mean?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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Join us as we begin our new study on the book of James. In this episode we cover the first eleven verses that challenge us in how we see the tests and trials in our life.

Questions:
Part 1
With the understanding that James was Jesus' half brother, they
 grew up in the same house knowing each other as kids, teenagers,
 and then adults. James is now calling him “Lord” What do  you 
think convinced James that Jesus, his crucified brother, is now his 
Lord and Messiah?
As Christians, we are encouraged to view trials as a source of joy 
because that is how endurance grows, and through endurance we 
become “complete, needing nothing.” 
Can you think of any examples where you have seen this played
 out in your life or the lives of others?

Part 2
Have you ever thought about the fact that God doesn’t get 
frustrated with your questions? When was the last time you went 
to God and asked Him for wisdom on something?
We talked about some ways that we can build our faith.
Take some time to share areas in your life where you see that 
God didn’t fail you.
When you think about that, what does it do to your faith in 
this moment?

Part 3
Money doesn’t buy everything. What are some things in your 
life that clearly are because of God and not money?
What are some ways we can better use what God has given 
us to honor Him?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this third and final episode on our study of Matthew 11:28-30, we discuss the humble attitude of Jesus as He makes the request, "Let me teach you." It's amazing that the creator of all things would be the most humble of all. Join us as we learn from the words and the life of Jesus how to live in humility, and find rest for our souls.

Questions Part 1:
In what ways are you teachable? 
In what ways do you struggle with being teachable? 
What are some reasons people struggle to be teachable?

Questions Part 2:
God approaches us with gentleness and compassion. He understands the things we don't and yet allows us to work it out in our own way.
What causes us to assume that He is not gentle or kind? 
Knowing these attributes of God, how can we better respond to Him? 
As followers of Jesus, we are to strive to be like Him. What about these characteristics in this scripture do you see challenging you to be better?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this short series, we are looking at an invitation from Jesus. He invites us to give Him our heavy burdens and find rest by putting on what He calls "My yoke". In this episode we are discussing what it looks like to rest, why it's important, and what the yoke of Jesus really means. Join us as we discover the powerful truth in this simple invitation.

Questions:
Understanding the definitions; 
What in life makes us weary?
What are some heavy burdens we carry? 
Scripture says that rest comes from Jesus but He is often not the first place we go. 
Where are some places that you find yourself striving to find rest?

Understanding what a yoke is in scripture, where do we see ourselves not putting on His yoke?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this episode we begin a short study on an invitation from Jesus to come to Him and receive grace and help in a time of need. Join us as we discuss what it looks like to accept his invitation and receive from his love and goodness.

Questions:
As followers of Christ, we often find ourselves expecting God to do things for us but we don’t always stop and think, is there something required of me at this moment.
Why do you think we don’t approach Jesus?
Give some examples of why people would feel they are unable to come to
Jesus today?
Do you think other Christians or religious groups prevent people from feeling
like they can “come to Jesus” with their problems and struggles?
What are some things that prevent you from approaching Jesus?

Read Hebrews 4:14-16 Discuss this verse.
We are to come boldly to Jesus to obtain mercy and grace. When there is a need for mercy and grace, we often lack boldness. So how do we find the boldness to approach God?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this final episode of our study of 1 Peter, we conclude by talking about how to handle opposition and preparing for things that can trip us up. Join us as we listen to Peter's wisdom and warnings.

Questions:
Take some time in your group to pray for people who face death, isolation from family, and severe persecution for believing in Jesus.

Have you ever been insulted, made fun of, or left out because of your faith? How did you handle it?

Chapter 4, Vs 13 - Have you ever gone through something really hard with family or friends and experienced the bond it creates among you? Our willingness to stand on our belief in Jesus and the values that represents, brings a tighter bond with Him.

Vs 15 - Do you know someone who blames all their problems on the devil or persecution and never takes responsibility for their actions? How does that impact their reputation and relationships? What can we learn from their lack of accountability?

Chapter 5, Vs 5 - What are some practical ways to “Dress yourself in humility”? What does that look like in our daily lives?

Vs 6-7 - It’s so tempting to put ourselves out there. To prove our value to the world. How difficult is it for you to wait on God to show your value? Are there some things you need to change or remove from your life that foster your self-promotion?

Vs 8-9 - Peter reminds us: “stay alert”. Have you ever found yourself in trouble and asked yourself, “how did I get here?”

Sin can catch us off guard. What are some practical things we can do to keep out of tempting situations?

Vs 10-11 - How can we encourage ourselves and others to trust God with the outcome of our lives?

Is there something in this study of 1 Peter that really spoke to you? How has it changed your life?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this episode Peter reminds us that the world as we know it is coming to an end. In light of this truth, how should we live? What should our priorities be? Join as we discuss some practical ways to live like we are dying.

Questions:
Vs 7 - If you knew the exact date of Jesus’ return, or the day you were going to die, how would it change the way you live today?
What would become important to you that isn’t now?

Vs 8 - Are people your priority? Are you committed to making their lives better? What are some ways we can show love to others?

Peter’s statement “love covers a multitude of sin”, sounds like he is telling us to avoid conflict, or ignore someone’s bad actions… Real love doesn’t avoid or ignore, it looks past to help people overcome their issues. That’s not easy!
How can we become people who love big and lead others to the truth?

Vs 9 - An invitation to someone’s home, lets us know we wanted and accepted. Meeting a base need like a place to stay or a meal, lets us know we matter and have value.
Are you comfortable and quick to invite others into your home? 
How can meeting someone’s needs open the door to conversations about their life and relationship with Jesus?

Vs 10 - Here’s a short list of some spiritual gifts listed in the Bible: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Teaching, Leadership, Serving others, Mercy, Giving, & Encouragement
Where do you see yourself?

Vs 11 - What gift(s) can you offer to your community that will help it grow and be stronger?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
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In this episode of our study of 1st Peter, Peter talks about the value of suffering. The changes it makes in our focus and priorities. Join us as we dive into this heavy, and yet life-changing topic.

Link to Facing the Giants, Death Crawl:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbW3avTBK1g

Questions:
Vs 1 - The topic of suffering is not a popular one. Jesus is supposed to fix our problems, not create them. How does Peter’s statement conflict with your idea of Christianity?

Vs 1 - Peter says that suffering gives us victory over our sin. What are some situations in your life where pain caused you to change?

Vs 2 - Suffering and pain give us a different perspective on life. We hear stories of people who hit rock bottom and then become totally different people through their pain. How does suffering help us to become people who live for a greater purpose?

Vs 3 -  Peter tells us that the time already past is more than enough time for living in sin and then goes on to list some examples of this. God knows that our flesh has a desire for sinful nature. Why do we find ourselves wanting to buy more time to live in sin? For example “When I get older or after ______ happens,  I will stop doing______ and I will fully live for God.” Why is this so often the posture of the heart?  

Vs 3 - Ask yourself: “Have I had enough of sinful living? Am I willing to put those things behind me?”

Vs 4 - Do you stand out as someone who lives by a different standard? If so, how do you answer your friends when they pressure you, and make fun of you for not doing what you used to?

Vs 4 - Peter calls them “former friends.” Have you had to walk away from some relationships because they oppose the new life in Christ that you are seeking? How was God faithful to you in that decision?

How could you encourage others in that situation to let go of bad influences in their lives?

Vs 5 - There are several things to consider in this verse. First is that everyone will face God, no one will escape giving an account for how we lived the life He gave us. This is a sobering thought for all of us.

Second, we must consider whose opinion matters more, God’s or our friends.

Third, since our friends will face God for their lives as well, what is our responsibility in reaching them with the truth?

Thank you for listening to the One Loud Voice podcast. If you are interested in joining or starting a group study, please visit our website, oneloudvoice.org/groups for more information.
If you like this content, we encourage you to also follow us on Facebook or Instagram