We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

1 Peter 1:18 & 19 FURTHER DISCUSSION How would you describe what humans are in bondage to? What all might encompass the “empty way of life” in verse 18? What do you think it means to be redeemed? Why are perishable things inadequate to redeem us? Why is it important to regularly remind ourselves of the cost Jesus paid?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?

Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Matthew 2:9 - 11 FURTHER DISCUSSION Why was it appropriate for the Magi to give gifts to Jesus? Do you think they modeled meaningful gift giving well? Had you heard of the symbolism & significance of the Magi’s gifts to Jesus? Does any one stand out to you? How might the Magi’s giving gifts to Jesus impact our gift giving at Christmas? How do the Magi inspire you on your journey with Jesus?

Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:5 FURTHER DISCUSSION Do you agree with the pitfalls mentioned in the sermon? Is one more problematic than the other or are they about the same? What other pitfalls might there be to gift giving at Christmas? Does one (or more) of the suggestions for meaningful gift giving stand out? Why can gift giving be so difficult (emotions, feelings, attitudes, approaches)? Do we really believe “it is more blessed to give than to receive?”

John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15 FURTHER DISCUSSION Have you ever considered the reasoning behind gift giving at Christmas? Does gift giving seem biblical or at least spiritually proper? What does it mean that God is the first and greatest giver? What does that say about His character and His attitude toward us? How do we give “gifts” to God? What might that look like? Why do people give gifts to one another, at Christmas or anytime?

Luke 17:11 - 19 FURTHER DISCUSSION How do you feel about the other nine in the story? Why is it important for followers of Jesus to live in gratitude? What are some things that hinder us from living lives of thankfulness? What does this story indicate about Jesus’ relationship with marginalized people – like a Samaritan leper? If there is time, share stories of thankfulness or things you are thankful for with your group.

Mark 9:23 & 24 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your impression of the father in the narrative? Does his statement seem more encouraging or discouraging, in general? Do you think faith can be measured? What is the most important aspect of faith? What are some things that keep us from having a confident faith? Or where do doubts seem to stem from?

Anisa Blomquist – SIM Bob & Chris Davis – Multiply; ICOMB Advocate Sandy Fender – Multiply Erin Heizelman – Operation Mobilization Bob & Kelly Pankratz – The Morningstar Ministry Drew & Allie Pankratz – The Greenhouse Church Jonas & Lisa Sanz – Campus Crusade Jennifer Schroeder – Heart 2 Heart Charles D– Multiply

Mark 10:17 - 52 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are the two areas of hindrance to discipleship that this passage addresses? What are some areas that might hinder us from true discipleship? Why are we drawn to material things and “greatness”? What does this passage teach about these? What do you think a servant leader looks like?

Mark 9:2 – 10:16 FURTHER DISCUSSION What was the purpose of the transfiguration? What might it have been like to experience it? Why did the disciples have so much difficulty coming to grips with Jesus’ teaching that He (the Messiah) must be killed and come back to life in three days? What were some of the areas or issues that the disciples seemed to be wrong about – had human thoughts not divine thoughts? Are there areas where we have trouble grasping divine ideas and cling to human ideas? What might they be?

Mark 9:2 – 10:16 FURTHER DISCUSSION What was the purpose of the transfiguration? What might it have been like to experience it? Why did the disciples have so much difficulty coming to grips with Jesus’ teaching that He (the Messiah) must be killed and come back to life in three days? What were some of the areas or issues that the disciples seemed to be wrong about – had human thoughts not divine thoughts? Are there areas where we have trouble grasping divine ideas and cling to human ideas? What might they be?

Mark 8:27 – 9:1 FURTHER DISCUSSION (Take some time [as needed] to remind yourselves about the first half of the book of Mark – themes & big ideas) How would you answer if someone asked you: “Who is this Jesus?” Are you comfortable with your grasp of who Jesus is? What does it look like to “deny” yourself? What does it mean to “take up” your cross? What are some hindrances to being able to follow Jesus as described in this passage?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.