Small Group Guide Isaiah 40:1-5Straight outta Isaiah:1. He would be a voice.2. He would come crying.3. He would be a wilderness man. 4. He would prepare the way.Straight outta the wilderness: 1. Believe that God has a purpose for you—that’s bigger than you!2. The pursuit of God’s purpose is your ultimate calling.3. Embrace the wilderness as a season of preparation.4. Live your life (and purpose) with passion.

Small Group Guide 1 Corinthians 1:10-31Understanding the passage1. The cross has the power to defeat sin. 2. The cross has the power to deflate self. Unpacking the premise3. The cross has the power to disarm culture. 4. The cross has the power to define wisdom. Unleashing the power5. The cross has the power to declare victory.

Luke 24:13-35Why people walk away from the cross1.   They don’t really understand who Jesus is.2.  They don’t really know what the Bible says.3.  They don’t really get how the plan works.4.  They just can’t get past their doubts and disappointments.Who Jesus is1. Jesus knows your struggles and the road you are on.2. Jesus wants to take us back to truth.3. Jesus often doesn’t do what we think He should.4.  Jesus brings hope to the story.5.  Jesus is often the unrecognized person in your story.6.  Jesus looks for the average traveler.

Small Group Guide 1 Peter 2:11-25The example for us to follow:1.   He did what was right.2.  He chose not to retaliate.3.  He entrusted himself to the just Judge. The calling for us to fulfill:1. We are to see ourselves as foreigners, not locals.2. We are to say no to ourselves.3. We are to live good lives that attract attention.4.  We are to submit and bring silence.5.  We are to live as free men.6.  Actually, we are to live as slaves—of God.7.  We are to ...·   Respect everyone·   Love the brothers·   Fear (Revere) God·   Obey the king

Small Group Guide Luke 9: 18-271. We hear Peter’s exclamation: “You are the Christ!.”2. We sense the disciples’ anticipation—the Kingdom is coming!3. Jesus realizes the need for more explanation.  “It’s not going     to happen like you think!” 4. Jesus resets their expectations:·  “Deny yourself”·  “Take up your cross”·  “Follow me” 5. So what is the motivation?·  You can save what you might otherwise lose.·  You can prepare for what comes next. 6. This is really more of an invitation.·  This is the better option.·  This is the pathway to life. 7. So how about an application?·  The choice is active (vs. passive)·  The choice is daily.·  The choice trust.·  The choice is your cross.

Small Group Guide Philippians 2:1-11Matthew 16:24 “… If anyone would come after me, he must deny     himself and take up his cross and follow me.” 1 - Status Is NOT Important· Jesus Christ is God. · God in human flesh 2 - Obedience is Everything 3 - Rewards are about Eternity · Jesus’s Rewards · Our Rewards Application: Commit to The Cross Walk of Christ-Like Humility  

Small Group GuideLuke 10:38-42Modern Day Martha vs. Ancient Paths Mary1.  Martha’s moxie· She was a good woman doing a good thing for Jesus.2.  Martha's mistake· She traded doing for Jesus for being with Jesus.3.  Martha’s mess· She was in an unhealthy state—and not experiencing rest.4. Mary’s model· She made a deliberate choice to experience Jesus.5.  Jesus’ message· Time spent with Him has lasting impact. Ancient practices· Retreat· Rule of LIfe

Small Group Guide Rethinking prayer   We need to see prayer…· As an opportunity, not an obligation.· As a conversation, not a monologue.· As a relationship, not just a “request line.”· As formative, not just perfunctory.     We need to see The Lord’s Prayer…· As personal, not as corporate.· As a template, not as a script.Ancient practices· The Practice of the Presence of God· The Daily Office· The Examen  Elements of prayer· Confession· Lament· Praise and Adoration· Intercession· Petition· Reflection· Surrender

Small Group Guide Luke 4:1-13The set up Our spiritual journeys will always include difficult passages. The temptations: 1. Turn stones to bread -- or put material needs and desires ahead of the spiritual 2. Trade for the kingdoms -- or gaining the right thing but in the wrong way. 3. Jump from the Temple -- or use God for your own benefit. The resistanceRealize that every temptation has a Scriptural answer. We need to know the Word so that we can find the Truth. The path Just as much as you need food for physical strength, you need the Word for spiritual strength. The more you make the Word a part of you, the more you should be able to resist temptation. 

Small Group Guide Colossians 3:16We must be filled with the Word to be formed by the Word.1. The Word of Christ is to take up residence.2. The Word of Christ comes in richness.3. The Word of Christ leads to far-reaching results.4. The Word of Christ necessitates reflection.We must dwell in the Word until the Word dwells in us.1. Slowing and syncing 2. Silence and solitude 3. Lingering and meditating4. Listening and reflecting