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This week's Small Group Questions:1. James begins by calling himself a “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.”What does it practically look like for you to begin this new year as a servant of Christ rather than the owner of your plans?2. James tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials.How does knowing that God uses trials for growth change the way you view a current challenge in your life?3. The sermon emphasized that God uses testing to produce steadfastness.Can you share a time when God used a difficult season to strengthen your faith or deepen your dependence on Him?4. James urges us to let perseverance have its “full effect.”Where do you feel tempted to rush God’s work or seek quick solutions instead of trusting His timing?5. God’s goal is that we become “perfect and complete” in Christ.As we move through this year together as a church, what is one area where you sense God calling you toward deeper spiritual maturity?
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Small (MAC) Group Discussion Questions
When have you felt like an “outsider” in your life or faith journey?
How does knowing that Jesus came for outsiders change the way you see yourself?
Jesus said that the sick need a doctor, not the healthy (Matthew 9:12).
What does that tell us about who Jesus came for—and how we should view our own need for Him?
Why do you think God chose shepherds and Magi to be among the first to encounter Jesus?
What does that reveal about God’s heart?
In what ways can the church sometimes act more like a “club” than a “hospital”?
What practical steps can we take to become more welcoming and grace-filled?
Who in your life might feel far from God right now?
How can you reflect Jesus’ hope, mercy, and compassion to them this week?
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MAC Group Discussion Questions
1. How does the humility shown in Jesus’ birth challenge our usual ideas of what greatness looks like?In what ways does the manger confront the pride or status-seeking that can slip into our own lives?
2. Philippians 2 says Jesus “humbled Himself.”
Why is it important to recognize that His humility was a choice, not an accident?
How does that shape the way we understand God’s character?
3. Where do you personally find it most difficult to walk in humility—relationships, work, church, admitting weakness, serving others?
What practical steps could help you reflect Christ’s humility in that area?
4. Jesus’ humility led to His exaltation (Philippians 2:9–11).
What does this teach us about the connection between humility, obedience, and God’s blessing?How have you seen God honor humility in your own life or in others?
5. As you think about the Lord’s Table (communion), how does connecting the manger to the cross deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice?
How does remembering His humility impact the way you approach God and others this week?
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Death and Resurrection Foretold
30 From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. 31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.” 32 But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.
33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Discussion Questions
1. What point or scripture from the sermon stood out to you the most, and why do you think it resonated with you?
2. How does this message challenge or encourage you in your current season of life?
3. Was there a specific truth or idea that you feel the Holy Spirit highlighted for you to apply this week?
4. What practical steps can we take—individually or as a group—to live out the main theme of this sermon?
5. Who in your life might benefit from hearing the truth shared in today’s message, and how can you share it with them?
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Small Group Questions
What part of the message challenged you the most about living with daily gratitude—not just seasonal or situational thankfulness? Why?
Paul commands us to ‘rejoice in the Lord always.’ What makes that difficult in your modern life? What helps you choose joy even when your emotions disagree?
We talked about prayer, thanksgiving, and supplication. Which of these comes most naturally for you, and which do you tend to struggle with?
Think of a time when you brought a need to God with sincerity (supplication). How did God answer—or how did He give you peace even before the answer came?
What practical step can you take this week to slow down, notice God’s blessings, and cultivate a deeper heart of gratitude?
Small Group Questions for 11/16/2025
The Power of Showing Up — Acts 2:42–47
1. What part of Acts 2:42–47 stood out to you the most, and why do you think God highlighted that for you today?
2. How has “showing up” — whether in worship, fellowship, or teaching — impacted your spiritual life at some point in your journey?
3. Which area do you personally struggle to show up in most (teaching, fellowship, worship, serving)? What makes that area difficult?
4. What is one practical way you can be more intentional about showing up for your church family this month?
5. How do you think our church would change if everyone committed to “showing up” with the same devotion described in Acts 2:42–47?
We hope you will consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church.
Please consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church
Please consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church
Small Group Questions:
1️⃣ What does it mean to you personally when Jesus says, “You are the light of the world”?
How does that truth shape the way you see yourself and your purpose?
2️⃣ Where do you see the world growing darker — morally, spiritually, or emotionally — and how can believers respond with light instead of fear or anger?
3️⃣ What are some ways people “hide their light” today?
What keeps us from shining — fear, comfort, shame, or something else?
4️⃣ Can you share a time when you saw someone shine the light of Jesus in a dark situation?
What did that teach you about faith in action?
5️⃣ This week, what is one practical way you can let your light shine before others so that God is glorified?
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Trust in the Waiting
Think of a time when you had to wait on God. What emotions did you experience, and how did that season affect your faith?
How does Psalm 27:14 challenge or encourage you in your current situation?
Character Formation
Romans 5:3–4 says that tribulation produces perseverance, character, and hope.
What part of your character do you think God might be shaping during your waiting season?
God’s Timing vs. Our Timing
Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that God’s promises arrive “at the appointed time.”
How do you stay patient and faithful when God’s timing doesn’t align with your expectations?
Renewed Strength
Isaiah 40:31 talks about gaining “new strength” while waiting.
What are some practical ways we can “bind ourselves” to the Lord—through prayer, worship, or community—so that we grow stronger in the waiting?
Purpose in the Process
The sermon described that God hasn’t buried us; He’s planting us.
What new growth or purpose might God be preparing in you right now, even if you can’t yet see it?
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Created on Purpose, for a Purpose
Based on Ephesians 2:10
Have you ever stopped to think about how intentionally God made you?
During Sunday’s message, we were reminded of the powerful truth found in Ephesians 2:10:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
You are not a mistake or a random product of chance—you are God’s intentional creation, shaped by His loving hands with purpose and design.
1. You Are God’s Masterpiece
Just as an artist pours heart and detail into every brushstroke, God has crafted each of us with precision and care. You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13–14). The world may try to place us into categories or “buckets” based on our job, income, background, or beliefs, but God doesn’t see labels—He sees His creation, unique and full of potential.
2. You Were Created in Christ Jesus
Our true purpose begins when we come to Christ. The Bible tells us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
In Jesus, we don’t just get a new start—we become a new creation, restored to live for what we were made for: to glorify God through our lives.
3. You Were Designed for Good Works
God has already prepared meaningful opportunities for each of us—acts of love, moments of service, words of encouragement. Purpose isn’t something we have to chase; it’s something we step into as we walk closely with Him.
4. The Mandolin from Paracho
Pastor John shared about a hand-crafted mandolin he received from Paracho, Mexico—a town known for its artisans. That mandolin wasn’t mass-produced; it was carved and shaped by hand, made for a specific purpose: to make music.
It’s a beautiful picture of our lives. We were shaped by the Master’s hands to produce something beautiful—His song of grace, love, and hope.
You are not ordinary. You are not forgotten. You are not random.
You are God’s masterpiece—created on purpose, for a purpose.
Each day is a chance to let the Master play His song through your life so that others can hear His beauty in you.
What unique gifts or passions has God placed in you?
Where might God be calling you to serve or show His love?
How can you remind yourself daily that you are His masterpiece?
We are a Christ centered Acts 1:8 family.
We hope you will consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church.
We hope you'd consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church.
Please consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church.
Reflection Questions:
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Life’s hardest moments bring life’s deepest questions. In John 11, Jesus stands before Martha in her grief and declares:
“I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe this?”
This week’s message, “Do You Believe This?”, will help us see how faith in Jesus brings real hope—not just for someday, but for today.
Scripture: John 11:25–26
Come ready to be encouraged and challenged by the One who conquered death. ✝️
We hope you'd consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church and our ministry.
We hope you would consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church.
Please consider supporting Maricopa Alliance Church.
What if faith isn’t found in comfort...
…but in surrender?
Jesus said, “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”
It’s not about holding on—it’s about letting go.
Not about self-help—but self-denial.
Not about gaining the world—but finding Him.
Join us as we unpack what it truly means to find faith by following Jesus—even when it costs everything.
#FindingFaith#Luke923 #FollowJesus #DenyYourself #FaithJourney #CrossBeforeCrown#ChurchThisSunday