Spend a few minutes checking in and asking the group how things are going with the Bible Reading Plan through the Gospel of Matthew. What is God teaching everyone?
Before you get into questions from Pastor Richard Marten’s message on Sunday, spend some time debriefing our 10th Anniversary Service together.
- What are some things that stood out to you from Sunday’s service? How did you see or sense God at work?
- How did the stories that were shared impact or encourage you?
- As you look back on the history of our church (how ever long you have been a part of the church), what are you most grateful to God for?
- As you look forward to what God has in store for us as a church, what are you most excited about?
Sermon Questions:
1. The message, based on John 13:34-35, discussed Christ’s command that we should love one another. What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you? Which thoughts or points posed a challenge to you?
2. Read John 13:34-35 out loud in several translations. To whom is Jesus speaking in these verses? What does Jesus say will be the impact of having love for one another?
3. What do you think is the significance of Jesus making this a new commandment?
4. Share about a time you felt loved by another Christian or a time when a stranger acted in love toward you. How did this impact you personally?
5. In your opinion what would the church look like if we fully lived in obedience to this command? What would be absent?
6. What are your personal barriers to loving others according to the vision described above? What steps could you take to overcome these barriers?
7. How is God directing you as a result of this study? How can your Home Church pray and help you to grow in response to what you have learned?
Pray for the needs of the members of your group, for our church and our leaders, for our nation and needs in the world, for personal and corporate renewal, and to allow God’s word to transform us.
