In this third message on The Vine's guardrails, we turn to one on conflict and communication. "Keep short direct accounts of grace."

Matthew 7:1-5

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Mark gave examples of how animals respond when they perceive a threat (deer/run, possum/ignore, boar/charge). How do you typically respond?

- Why do you think Christians aren't better prepared for hard conversations or conflict?

- Read Ephesians 4: 25-27. How does not keeping short accounts problematic? How do you know when you are ready to have that short account discussion?

- Read Matthew 7:1-5. What are the steps of instruction found in this passage?

- This guardrail is not simple or easy. What is an aspect of this conversation that was not discussed in the sermon or in these two passages you think is important to acknowledge?

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Next in the series on The Vine's guardrails is "go to their turf, on their terms." To explain this statement, Mark preaches on Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10.

For more on the guardrails, go to www.thevineaustin.org/guardrails

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Can you share a time in your life where you felt out of place or didn't belong?

- How would you explain the guardrail "go to their turf on their terms."

- Read Luke 19:1-10. Why is Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus so profound?

- What are some ways we put down "tape" in our spiritual life and in our relationship with the world?

- What is the turf Jesus is sending you this week?

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Guardrails are a series of short, pithy statements that we use as rallying points—both for The Vine's staff and for the entire church. They encapsulate our theology, values and philosophy in memorable phrases. Guardrails also exist to keep us accountable to stay on the path we believe God has for us. In short, these Guardrails describe the culture we hope to create and sustain.

You can see the guardrails in their entirety at thevineaustin.org/guardrails

Today, we consider the guardrail: "It is a sin to bore people with the Gospel."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Why might it be helpful for a church to have a set of "guardrails?"

- Read John 6:27-35. Jesus is trying to shift these people's view to see something new in him. How do you see the differences of perspective between Jesus and this group?

- The crowd wanted a list of duties. “What must we do to do the works God requires?” From the sermon, why might it be difficult for us to "ditch the list?"

- Ron shared that being a religious "poser" is boring. What is life giving about being more honest, authentic, and vulnerable in our life with Jesus?

- Ron shared the Gospel moves us to engage with Christ and others. How do you see Jesus' modeling that for the disciples? How are these two engagements connected?

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Happy Easter! In this final message of this series, Mark shares on Jesus' statement- "It is finished."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- What a favorite tradition or memory from Easter?

- How might our context this Easter mirror that of the original Easter the disciples experienced?

- Read John 19:28-30. Take a moment and consider what "is finished" through Jesus' work on the cross? What isn't finished (yet)?

- How does this statement bring you hope or peace today?

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In this Palm Sunday message, Mark shares on Jesus' 6th statement, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

Luke 23:44-49, Psalm 31:1-5

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- The cross has traditionally been the central image of the Christian faith. Do you have a cross somewhere in your home? If so, go and get it and tell the story of how you received it.

- Read Luke 23:44-49. What questions or thoughts come to mind? What are some of the layers to this 6th statement?

- In the sermon, Mark shared that a central lesson in the Christian faith is learning to trust God. How do you respond that notion? Share some stories from scripture that display the lesson of trusting God.

- What are you struggling to release to God today? Finish by praying for one another with open hands to God.

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This is the fifth week and the fifth statement from Jesus' cross. In this message, Mark shares a meditation on Jesus' declaration- "I thirst."

John 19:28-29

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- Share a moment when you remember being thirsty.

- Consider how the theme of thirst is a part of the biblical story. Why is this theme so common in scripture?

- Read John 19:28-29. Why do you think John thought it was important to include that statement in his Gospel? What is the significance of this declaration?

- Respond to the quote Mark shared in his message. “‘He who is satisfied has never truly craved', said Abraham Heschel, and he said this, I think, because he knew that heaven’s richest food does not satisfy our longings but rather intensifies them.”

- Jesus poured himself out so that we might experience the fountain of grace. What do you thirst for today? Spend time in prayer for one another.

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The Vine is continuing in our series this Lent- Seven Statements from the Cross. In this message, Mark shares on Jesus' 4th Statement- "My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me?"

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- This week is Austin ISD's spring break. What are some spring break memories from your childhood?

- Read Mark 15:33-39. Consider the depth of meaning behind Jesus' statement. What questions or insights come to mind as you think of this statement?

- Read Psalm 22. What are the connections between this psalm and Jesus' cross? What do these connections mean to you?

- What is your response when you feel abandoned or are alone in suffering?

- How do you find healing and hope in Jesus' statement in seasons of your own suffering?

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This Lent we are considering Jesus' final seven statements from the cross. This week we are discussing Jesus' words, "Mother, here is your son."

READINGS:

I John 4:7-12

John 17:20-21

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How do you relate to these words of Jesus to his mother and friend in your own life?

2. Where and how have you witnessed your faith community offer a picture of love that reflects the kind of self-giving love seen in this passage?

Continuing in our Lenten Series, we are considering Jesus' final seven statements said upon the cross.

This week, we are discussing Jesus' second statement- "Today you will be with me in paradise."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- When you think of paradise, what comes to mind?

- Read Luke 23:35-39. Why would the words from the crowd be difficult to hear? Why was this mockery?

- Read Luke 23:40-42. What did second thief have to believe to be able to say these words? What would cause him to believe this?

- Read Jesus' promise in verse 43. What part of this promise stands out to you? What part of this promise do you need to hear today?

- What does it mean to be "with Jesus" today? What practices could we enact to experience a life with Jesus now?

Make sure to subscribe to The Vine's daily devotional found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-introduction-to-a-journey-through-lent/id1342376998?i=1000430211122&mt=2

More material at www.thevineaustin.org/lent

During the season of Lent, The Vine is considering Jesus' final seven statements said upon the cross. We begin with Jesus' statement of forgiveness with a sermon from community member, Andrew Fike.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

- How do you resonate with those who Jesus exposes and extends forgiveness to?

- In what ways are you challenged to extend forgiveness as Jesus extends?

- How might receiving forgiveness aid extending forgiveness? How might it challenge you?

Make sure to subscribe to The Vine's daily devotional found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-introduction-to-a-journey-through-lent/id1342376998?i=1000430211122&mt=2

More material at www.thevineaustin.org/lent