Mark Seekins Matthew 22:23-33

1. Can you give an example of something you thought you were a part of only to find out that you didn’t really belong; that you weren’t qualified or included?

2. Mark quoted, “It’s hard to hear God’s voice when you’ve already decided what you want Him to say.” Have you been guilty of this? Can you share an example of this in your own life? In our world? How does this apply to the way you approach God’s word? What pre-suppositions or pre-conceived notions do you approach the scripture with?

3. Have you fully come to grips with the power of God and His word? We are not saying that you always have to have “certainty” about everything, but more importantly, do you trust that God can truly transform you, now and for all eternity? What are some ways your life has truly been transformed as a result of being in Christ?

4. Do you agree with this definition of discipleship? Discipleship is continually applying belief to areas of unbelief in your life. If so, what areas of “unbelief” still exist for you? Can you trace them to one of the 4 liberating truths Mark talked about several weeks ago? If so, which one? God is Great, so we don’t have to be in control. God is Glorious, so we don’t have to fear others. God is Good, so we don’t have to look elsewhere. God is Gracious, so we don’t have to prove ourselves.

5. How can you “live like you belong” this week? In what ways do you need to allow Jesus to transform your mind, inform your belief, and empower you this week?

6. Spend some time in prayer presenting to God the areas of unbelief that you still hold on to. Allow Him to hold them for you in His loving kindness.

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Dustin Smith Matthew 13

1. What stood out to you this morning? What is the Spirit teaching you from the scriptures?

2. Have you ever doubted the work of God in your life or someone you care about? If so, why?

3. Have you ever had the brokenness of your life louder than the beauty of the Kingdom?

4. What does it look like to intentionally workout our faith with the vision of God’s kingdom from Matthew 13?

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Steve Stratos Matthew 5:13-20

1. Who has been a significant influence in your life? Pick 3 people. How have they influenced you?

2. What does Jesus mean in John 8:12?

3. Jesus asks us to be light. What are the characteristics or light, and where do we find it? How does it lead to a more disciplined life?

4. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, and explain why we need light. What are characteristics of darkness in our world? What are some of the ways we can turn the light on?

5. What are ways salt can be used literally? In what ways can we be salty for the Kingdom?

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Ryan Moffat Matthew 5-7

1. What did the Spirit say to you through the word of God this week?

2. What is your response to the vision of God’s Kingdom layed out by Jesus in Matthew 5-7?

3. Read Matthew 6:14-15. How do you need to respond in light of Jesus’ teaching?

4. Jesus has a lot to say about sex, money, self-righteousness, anger, and grudges in this sermon. Where do you need to experience the gift of repentance, and get more actively and seriously on God’s agenda in a specific area? What is He calling you to do? What would that do for you?

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Mark Seekins John 4:1-31

1. Mark quoted Blaise Pascal: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” How does this speak to the human condition? Does it ring true for you?

2. What are some of the empty promises that this world offers; things that are supposed to satisfy us but ultimately leave us empty?

3. Geographically, Jesus was not compelled to go through Samaria. He actually goes out of his way to encounter the Samaritan Woman. Is there a geographical equivalent in our day and time to Samaria, maybe even right here in Central Oregon? Where would Jesus go out of his way to encounter someone today?

4. The Samaritan Woman is a Samaritan. And a Woman. Obviously. But, what does this say about Jesus that he interacts with her, that he goes out of his way to speak with her? How can we be curious with those different from us, with those culturally scandalous to interact with? How can we display the love of Jesus to those in the cultural margins?

5. Jesus does not ignore the Samaritan Woman’s sin. He gently reveals it. She’s in moral need because she’s in spiritual need. How does this inform how you interact with those far from God? Are you put off by their morality, or lack of it? Or, can you gently lead them to the Savior?

6. What do you need to leave behind? The Woman left her jar. What have you been looking to for satisfaction that has left you empty time and time again?

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Steve Stratos John 3:1-16 1

. What is the difference between moral reformation and spiritual transformation?

2. What does the new birth provide?

3. What is the difference between the new birth and conversion?

4. Explain the relationship between the free gift of salvation and the rewards given to followers of Christ. Look up scriptures related to crowns/rewards.

5. There are a number of metaphors given around the new birth: find a couple of them. Share your experience and understanding of those metaphors.

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Ryan Moffat Steve Stratos The Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai

Six talking points for Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai. Discuss how these OT stories relate to modern day:

1. God stirs the heart of the people (Ezra 1).

2. People/Leaders wake up, there’s a renewed sense about what is important in life (i.e God and His mission) (Nehemiah 9, Ezra 9).

3. Sacred order and sacred structures are restored (Ezra 3, Haggai 2).

4. The community is reorganized around God’s mission.

5. Giftings are identified, leadership is decimated, and all the people leverage their influence, their resources, their callings and gifting for the purposes of God in their generation.

6. The joy of the Lord is the fuel (“The joy of the Lord is our strength”).

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Steve Stratos The Book of Nehemiah

1. When was the last time you wept? Why? Did it bring you to God?

2. How have you experienced confession?

3. Why is Nehemiah 9 an important chapter for us?

4. How often do you pray, and are you confident in praying? Explain.

5. Where have you experienced God’s faithfulness? How did it change you?

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Ryan Moffat The Book of Ezra

1. What did the Spirit say to you through the word this week?

2. The book of Ezra starts with Yahweh moving the heart of the pagan king, Cyrus, showing God’s unmatched, unrivaled freedom to do whatever He wants, whenever He wants. How does this picture of God strike you? How does it encourage you? Where does it cause questions and concern?

3. Multiple times we read about how the Spirit of spiritual renewal manifested in outward signs of surrender. The book describes “freewill offerings” multiple times. How does giving generously connect with your perspective of spiritual renewal?

4. Ezra shows us that spiritual health and a recovery of God’s word is a vibrant aspect of a cultural renewal. How is God wanting to move you into greater health? What steps is He calling you into? How should God’s word intersect in your real life in a more potent and powerful way?

5. Anything else you want to share?

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Steve Stratos The Book of Esther

1. Why should we study the book of Esther?

2. Has there ever been a time when you could not see, hear, or feel God? When was that, and how did you eventually come to acknowledge his presence or his promises? When we cannot see, hear, or feel God, what should we do?

3. Give an example of how God works in the mundane. Why do we tend to acknowledge him more in the miracle than the mundane?

4. Are you, like Ahasuerus, ever tempted to declare your own glory and greatness instead of God’s? Why is this dangerous? What have you learned from it?

5. What is your go-to when God seems to be silent?

If you are interested in joining the mail list for SCC's Year of Biblical Literacy: The Pursuing God, visit sisterschurch.com/ybl