1. In his sermon, Pastor Jeff says that real ministry is an invitation to prayer. What do you think about his definition? How would you define what ministry is?

 

2. How do you usually open your prayer?

 

3. Have you ever been lost? Literally, as loss of direction while driving or walking; and metaphorically, as loss of direction in life. If you feel comfortable, share your experiences.

 

4. The call to being a disciple is a call to the least and the lost. Who are the people in your life that are comparable to the “least” or the “lost”? Who is that you know is hurt, alone, oppressed, suffering, beat down on the margins, or excluded? What is Jesus calling you to do with them?

 

5. What could separate us from the love of God?

 

Questions based on Luke 15:1-7

1. What do you think about the shepherd in the parable who leaves his ninety-nine sheep for one sheep? Would you do something like that?

2. Jesus tells his audience in verse 7: “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” What do you think about that? What does this parable tell you about Jesus’ ministry and the Kingdom of God?

3. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, the scribes, as well as to the tax collectors and sinners (vv. 1-2). In other words, Jesus is speaking to the religious, the educated, the social elites, the white-collar professionals, as well as to the social outcasts, the outsiders, the rejected, the untouchable, and the ones on the margins.

Imagine yourself in the story. What role will you have? If Jesus is standing in the front center, where will you be? Why?

4. Why do you think Jesus tells this parable?

5. Read and pray over this passage (individually or as a group). What is Jesus’ invitation to you?

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 22:15-22
“Rendered”

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading of Scripture and your discussion.

Read: Matthew 22:15-22

Discuss:

What have you learned so far in our Faith in the Public Square series, including through the public forums? How have you been convicted or challenged?

2. In what ways does Jesus show himself to be wise and discerning in this text?
3. How was government and taxation different in the time of Jesus than it is today?
4. Jesus points out that the coin has on it the image or icon of Caesar. This word references the same word in Genesis 1:27, that we are made in the image/icon of God. How does this allusion shape how we should interpret Jesus’ pronouncement about “giving back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s”?
5. Why do you think Jesus’ questioners were “amazed” (v 22)?
6. How does this passage shape your understanding of the role of faith in the public square?

Chris Blumhofer
1 Corinthians 13
“Nothing Without Love”

Read: 1 Corinthians 13

Pray

Discuss:

Reflect quietly on the passage. Take a moment to share a phrase or sentence that stands out to you.

We often think of love as a feeling, but in our passage love is a way of being in the world. What are some times when you have seen love in action? Who are the people in your life who have lived lives that show you what love-in-action looks like?

Paul describes love as the alternative to the divisive, unloving habits of the Corinthians. (They are proud, rude, insist on their own ways, provoke each other, etc.) What divisive, unloving habits do we need to turn away from in order to love others well. Make your own list as a group.

What are the relationships you are in at this time in your life where you can see yourself acting in love the way that Paul describes it here?

End your time praying for each other; pray specifically for love to mark all that we do in the coming days.

Jeff Hoffmeyer
Galatians 5:22-25
“Front Porch Faith”

Read: Galatians 5:22-25

Pray

Discuss:

We’ve started a new sermon series on faith in the public square, which will include discussion of how followers of Jesus are to inhabit the political realm. How do you feel about this? What concerns do you have? What are your hopes?

Describe the elements of your life that are within “the public square.”

Who do you know who most exemplified the fruit of the Spirit? Describe that person.

How do we “get” the fruit of the Spirit? If there is an absence of these gifts in our lives, how should we respond?

Cindy Frost
John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16
“Light of the World”

Read: John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16

Pray

Discuss:

What does it mean that Jesus is the “light of the world”?

What does it mean that Jesus says, “you are the light of the world”? How can those both be true?

What are ways that we hide Christ’s light? What are ways you personally hide it?

What is the purpose of our “good works”?  How do those works accomplish that?

Pray

December 22, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer
John 1:14
“Prosetry”

Discussion questions for this passage are part of the Life Group Study Guide based on the current sermon series. Hard copies are available on the patio and in the church office. Also available on our website (lacanadapc.org/lifegroup). If you are already in a Life Group, we invite you to use this study guide with your group (completely optional). Let’s all talk about the current sermon series theme as a church. Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: John 1:14-18 . . . Pray . . . Discuss:

Verse 14: “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (NRSV). “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.” (The Message) What is God’s glory (v.14)?

What do you think “grace and truth” (v.14 and v.17) means?

What is the difference between “the law” and “grace and truth” (v.17)?

The word “grace” appears four times in this passage. What is the significance of grace?

The Son has made God known. What does this say about the nature of Christ?

What do these passages tell you about being “sent” by God?

Do you sense any love from these passages? Why or why not?

What does love look like for you in this Advent season?

Pray

December 15, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 1:5
“Shine On”

Read: John 1:5

Pray

Discuss:

• “In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.” What life is this?
• In what way is this life the light of all people?
• What are some things that light symbolizes or represents? What are some things that darkness symbolizes or represents? How would you interpret verse 5?
• 1 John 1:7 says: “but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” How does the light connect with “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin”? How does walking in the light relate to having fellowship with one another?
• Christ is in us. How do we shine light in our neighborhood/community?
• Do these passages spark joy? Why or why not?
• What brings you joy in this Advent season?

 December 8, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 1:3-4
“Life and Light”

Read: John 1:3-4

Pray

Discuss:

• “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.” (v.3) What does this verse tell you about the relationship between Christ and all things?
• Colossians 1:15-20 describes the supremacy of Christ. What does this passage tell you about the creation story?
• How do these passages explain God’s creative nature and the order of creation?
• Do these passages change the way you see your neighborhood/community? If so, how?
• Do these passages give you peace? Why or why not?
• Where do you hope for peace in this Advent season?

 December 1, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 1:1
“God Begins”

Read: John 1:1

Discuss:

1. Advent is a time of beginnings, as we anticipate Christ coming into the world. What is one thing that is beginning in your life that you need prayer for?
2. John 1:1 intentionally uses the phrase, “In the beginning,” to connect the coming of Christ with creation, which is marked by the same words (Genesis 1:1). What is the connection, do you think, between God’s work of creation and God’s saving work in Jesus? How have you experienced this work personally? How do you long to experience God’s creative work in your life?
3. In this verse, and throughout this chapter, Christ is referred to as the Logos, which is usually translated as Word or Message. How have you experienced Jesus as “the Word”?
4. How does John 1:1 guide you in prayer? Does it lead you to praise? To confession? Take a moment to compose a sentence of prayer, and have each group member share their prayers with the group.

Close your time together in prayer, remembering to pray for the beginnings you talked about.

 November 24, 2019
Chuck Osburn, Associate Pastor
Revelation 21:1-7
“I Believe in God ... Maker and Re-Maker of Heaven and Earth”

Read: Revelation 21:1-7

Discuss:

1. What does this passage say will be true about heaven and what it will be like? How does it make you feel about heaven?
2. In the beginning, God created all things for good, then creation was damaged by the fall. In the end, God restores all things. We are in between the initial creation/fall and the final restoration. Where does our work fit in this movement towards restoration? How do you see eternal value in your work?
3. What is the hope of heaven?

Pray

November 17, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 6:19-21
“X Marks the Spot“

1. What are your “treasures”?
2. What does it look like to store your treasures on earth?
3. How can moth and rust consume your treasures? Or how can thieves break in and steal them?
4. Jesus says: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Can your treasure be non-monetary? If so, how do you store that in heaven?
5. What does it look like to store your treasures in heaven?

 November 10, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Genesis 11:1-9
“What’s in a Name?”

1. The people work hard to build their city and tower. What is their motivation?
2. What’s wrong with the people wanting to build their city, a tower with its top in the heavens, and a name for themselves (v. 4)?
3. Why did God scatter the people?
4. Can your work become an idol? If so, how?
5. How does technology play a role in your work and personal life? Is that good or bad? Why?
6. Language and words are important. How do your language and words impact your work environment?

 November 3, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Genesis 1:26-2:3
“Gardeners We Are”

1. What makes the creation of humanity different from creation of other creatures? What does it mean to be human?
2. What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
3. What is God’s invitation to humankind?
4. How does God have dominion? And how does God empower humans to have dominion?
5. God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply.” What do you think this means?
6. We are made for relationships. How important are relationships in your work?
7. God rested on the seventh day. Why does God need to rest? Why and how do you rest from work? Pray about what you have read and discussed.

October 27, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Genesis 1:1-25
“Speek Seesy”

1. How does this passage tell you about the nature of God?
2. In the passage, we see that God is a worker. What kind of worker is God?
3. How would you describe God’s work in this passage?
4. What is the relation between chaos and order?
5. God creates by his words. Words are powerful. How do your words make a difference?
6. What do you make for your work? What comes out of your work?
7. What motivates you to work?

October 20, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 28:16-20
“Co-Missioning, Part III”

1. This fall, LCPC is going to talk about faith and work in the coming weeks. Do these two things go together for you? How?
2. Jesus says in this passage, “Go.” If you were to ask Jesus, “How am I sent to my job?” what might he say?
3. What fears or anxieties do you have about practicing your faith at work?
4. Christian baptism is initiation into the community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God is a God of community. What does this mean for your faith at your work?
5. Jesus begins the Great Commission by speaking of the authority he has as the Resurrected One. Jesus has all the authority. What does this mean for power at your work? Does it change how you view your own authority, or the authority of others?
6. How might you build prayer into your work?

 October 13, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 28:16-20
“Co-Missioning, Part II”

1. This passage is usually referred to as the “Great Commission.” Describe a time that you have been commissioned or charged to do something.
2. “Eleven” disciples in v. 16 signals that something has gone wrong, and that the Church that receives this commission is broken, less-than-perfect, and flawed. How is the Great Commission hurt by the church’s brokenness? How is it helped?
3. Do you find it strange that some of the disciples doubted (v. 17)? Do you doubt? What are your doubts about the Christian faith? About Jesus? What is the relationship between faith and doubt?
4. What is the most important verb in vv. 19-20? Why? How are the verbs related to each other?
5. Disciples are learners, and Jesus also tells the church to “teach” (v. 20). What kind of learning do you think Jesus calls us to? How is it different than other types of learning?

October 6, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 28:16-20
“Co-Missioning, Part I”

1. What do you think the experience of seeing Jesus was like?
2. Some doubted (v.17). Doubt is part of one’s faith journey. In fact, some would say doubt is the ground of authentic faith and not its opposite. The disciples seemed to have doubts throughout their entire journey following Jesus. If you’re willing, share a time when you doubted Jesus. How has doubt been part of your faith journey?
3. The expression “making disciples” means teaching willing students about how to follow Jesus. Aside from teaching a class, what might this mean in your relationship with others?
4. Jesus gives us the assurance that he will be with us always to the end of the age. What does this mean for you? What does this look like?
5. Your very life can be a living invitation to others, pointing them toward Jesus. Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are there ways in which you do, or could, interact with your family, workplace, and community that reflect and communicate Jesus’ love?

 September 29, 2019
Connor Cipolla, Director, Youth Ministry
John 10:11-18
“Called Out”

1. Who are the “the hired hands” (vv.12, 13)? Why are they not as good as the “good shepherd?” What makes a “good shepherd” good?
2. Jesus has “other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” (v.16) What do you think the “other sheep” mean? What is “this fold”?
3. Why is “one flock” and “one shepherd” (v.16) important?
4. How would you describe the relationship between Jesus and the Father?
5. Jesus compares his relationship with his sheep to the Father’s relationship with him. The Father sent Jesus to the world. As Jesus’ sheep, how and to whom does Jesus send us?
6. Jesus lays down his own life for his sheep in order to take it up again. Jesus was sent by God. As Jesus’ sheep, when we follow his voice, we are being sent as well. How do we follow Jesus’ example? What would that look like to you?

September 22, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 10:1-10
“As it is in Heaven”

1. Jesus refers to himself as “the gate” (vv.7, 9) rather than the gatekeeper. What does that reveal to you about the character of Jesus?
2. Who were the “thieves and bandits” (vv.1, 8)? What are they trying to do?
3. The sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice. How would you describe the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd?
4. Why does the shepherd lead the sheep out of the sheepfold? How does Jesus lead us out of our “sheepfold”?
5. How do we discern and follow Jesus’ voice?
6. What do you think Jesus meant by having life abundantly? How do you visualize this? Does this suggest anything to you regarding your mission or that of the church?

September 15, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Luke 10:1-12
“Go Ahead and Go”

Discussion questions for this passage are part of the Life Group Study Guide based on the new sermon series. Hard copies are available in the church office or on our website. If you are already in a Life Group, we invite you to use this study guide with your group (completely optional). Let’s all talk about the new sermon theme as a church!

1. Why do you think Jesus sent them out “in pairs” (v.1)? How does this instruct us today?
2. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (v.2) means there is a lot of work to be done. What kind of “work” do you think Jesus is talking about here?
3. Why do you think Jesus instructed them to “carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road” (v.4)? How would that impact someone travelling that way?
4. What happens when a traveler eats and drinks “whatever” the host provides and does not “move about from house to house” (v.7)?
5. What does this passage tell you about being “sent” by God?
6. What is the passage saying to you? How does this passage apply to your life right now?
7. Given this discussion, what might being sent by God look like in your life this week?

 September 8, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 20:19-22
“Return to Sender”

No questions for this Sunday. 

September 1, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 133
“Life Together”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read Psalm 133

Discuss:

1. What have you learned from the Psalms this summer? How has your understanding of prayer changed? What is God calling you to in praying the Psalms in the future?
2. Psalm 133 is a prayer for a road trip to Jerusalem for a worship festival. Describe a memorable road trip you have experienced.
3. Describe your most meaningful experience of Christian unity. How does it connect to Psalm 133?
4. Psalm 133 is more of a wisdom saying than a prayer, as it does not directly address God. How would you change it to become a prayer? How does this psalm lead you to pray?
5. The image of v 2 indicates that we are to be priests to one another. What does this mean in your life? What does this mean for your Life Group?
6. V 3 is about surprise, as dew falling on the mountains of Zion would be unusual. What has been surprising to you about the Christian life, particularly as it relates to Christian community?

Pray

 August 25, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 103
“Rememberants”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read Psalm 103

Discuss:

1. Do you talk to yourself? What kinds of things do you say? How do you think your conversation with yourself needs to change?
2. How do vv 1-5 describe a kind of prayerful self-talk? What would it look like for you to engage in this kind of conversation with yourself?
3. Look at vv 6-13. Which of these verses have you experienced personally. Which of these verses do you long to experience personally?
4. Are verses 14-16 good news or bad news? Explain.
5. As a group, investigate how vv 20-22 function as a bookend for the psalm paired with vv 1-5. Based on how the psalm starts and ends, what does this mean for who we are as humans?

Pray

 August 18, 2019
Heather Henry, Director, Children’s Ministry
Psalm 37:1-11
“Delighting”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read Psalm 37:1-11

Discuss:

1. Be still before the LORD for a minute. What phrase stands out to you most from those verses? How do you think God is speaking to you through that phrase?
2. When you think of the word “delight,” what comes to your mind? What do you delight in? What would it look like for you to practice delighting in the LORD this week?
3. How have you seen your desires change as you have grown in your relationship with God?
4. Is there a prayer request on your heart that you can pray boldly and consistently over the next few weeks?
5. Spend time boldly praying together.

August 11, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 46
“Piece of Peace”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 46

Discuss:

1. There is a refrain in Psalm 46 (vv 8 and 11). What have been the refrains in your life, either joyful or hard? That is, if your life was a song, what have been the choruses you keep coming back to?
2. G. Wells once quipped, “God is a very absent help in times of trouble.” Has that perspective been more true in your life, or what is stated in v 1? What is the manner of God’s help in times of trouble? Why do you think Wells missed it?
3. Describe the current headlines that would fall under v 4. What perspective does the whole psalm offer in response to what is going on in our world today?
4. What does the word “refuge” mean to you? Describe how God has been your refuge, or how you would hope God would be your refuge.
5. In v 10, God breaks into the prayer, and speaks: “Be still and know that I am God.” What does stillness have to do with knowledge of God’s “God-ness”? How can you practice this stillness?
6. During what recurring moment over the next week do you need to pray Psalm 46 (ie, before your commute, when you sit down at your desk at work, before a meal with your family)? Share your plan for when to pray this psalm, and plan on reporting back to your Life Group how it went.

Pray

August 4, 2019
Chuck Osburn, Associate Pastor
Psalm 137
“We Hate This Psalm”

1. Pray … asking God to lead you into understanding this Psalm.
2. Read/Pray Psalm 136 first … reflect on the content and style of this Psalm. What might you think is the context for Psalm 136?
3. Before you read Psalm 137 … think of a time in your life that you have been angry – real, serious anger. Can you think of a time when you have been so angry that it has turned into hate?  Be honest here … was there a time when that hatred became so enraging that it turned into a desire for vengeance?  If you are willing and able … share what you feel comfortable about the circumstances of that situation with your group.
4. Now read/pray Psalm 137 … remembering the circumstances of the writers of this Psalm (capital city destroyed, children killed in despicably horrific fashion, exiled as slaves to a foreign country, mocked, hopeless, helpless, homeless). What are your reactions as you read this Psalm?
5. In the past, how have you handled your intense feelings of anger? Or your truly impassioned feelings of anger/hate/vengeance that have come from an intense and experience of hurt, frustration or fear (the underlying root of most anger)?  Have you denied them, buried them, carried them alone, taken them out on others, sought “justice” … or even revenge?  Or …?  (Difficult questions, I admit.)
6. Why might God have “inspired” this text to be included in the “Prayer Book of the Bible” (the Psalms)?
7. How might we look at this Psalm now through the lens of Jesus and the New Testament? What differences might that make in how we handle our anger/hate/vengeance.
8. Now read/pray Psalm 138. How does reading/praying this Psalm, after having read/prayed Psalm 136 and Psalm 137 … impact your sense of God … in the midst of your angers?  In the midst of all your emotions and life?
9. Share your prayer requests with one another … maybe even your angers and hatreds … and ask for God’s Spirit to lead you in God’s will and way of handling them … and the other needs in your life … remembering … His steadfast love is forever. Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

 July 28, 2019
Dan Anderson, Director of Strategic Relationships, Union Rescue Mission
Psalm 55
“The Burdens of the Downcast”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 55

Discuss:

1. What clues does the Psalm give of the anguishing situation that the psalmist finds himself in?
2. Do you feel compassion for the psalmist? Why or why not? What aspects of his situation can you relate to?
3. Why do you think the psalmist sometimes talks about God and sometimes to God?
4. How do you see the psalmist being honest with God? What does he ask of God?
5. What can we learn from this psalm about praying during the hard times?

Pray

 July 21, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 51
“Area 51”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 51

Discuss:

1. Describe the role the words “I’m sorry” have played in your life. Was there a time you needed to hear those words but didn’t? Was there a time you needed to say those words but didn’t?
2. According to this psalm, what is the relationship between confessing our sins to God, and knowing who God is?
3. How do you explain v 4? Why does David say that he sinned against God alone? Does not sin affect other people?
4. 10 is a prayer about creation. In your experience, how does God create new life when we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness?
5. Vv 16-17 indicate that God is not interested in religious veneer that covers over inauthentic devotion. How can a community of faith move beyond religiosity, and move toward “broken and contrite hearts”?
6. Which parts of this psalm do you need to focus on in prayer this week? What is your plan to do so?

Pray

 July 14, 2019
Chris Blumhofer, Visiting Assistant Professor of New Testament, Fuller Seminary
Psalm 62
“For God Alone”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 62

Reflect:

Take 2-3 minutes and sit together silently as a group. Use this time to read over the text individually or simply to be quiet with your eyes closed.

Discuss:

1. The psalmist waits for God “in silence.” What is the place of silence in your life? What was it like to sit in silence just now?
2. Our passage joins together waiting on God with an absolute certainty that God is in control. What are the ways that God’s protection and power are expressed in our psalm?
3. Threats to our safety are real. In verses 3–4, the psalmist describes several threats that challenge the experience of God as a refuge. How would you rewrite those verses for yourself, both the challenge that you face and how that challenge looks in light of God’s steadfast love?

Pray:

Verse 8 is a call to prayer: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Close your time together responding this call to pray for each other and to place your trust in God, our refuge.

 July 7, 2019
Kristin Leucht, Executive Pastor
Psalm 121
“God’s Presence on the Journey”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 121

Discuss:

1. Psalm 121 is a prayer that scholars believe people would recite as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. Reflect on a journey or trip you took that was particularly meaningful or memorable. What about that trip was meaningful or memorable? Was the overall experience a positive or negative one? Do you like to travel in general and why or why not?
2. What is the mood of the Psalmist in verses 1 and 2? What might be some of the challenges the people would face on their journey to Jerusalem? How would they be comforted by verses 3-8?
3. As you think about your life, have there been times when you identified with the question in verse 1? What was a source of comfort during that time? How might verses 2-8 been a source of comfort?
4. What do you think of the idea that God “keeps” or “protects” us? Does God protect you? Do you feel invincible? What form has God’s protection taken for you? When do you feel most vulnerable? How do you remind yourself in those times when you feel vulnerable that God is with you? What do you do to remember that God is always with you?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

June 30, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 40
“What Are You Waiting For?”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 40

Discuss:

1. Describe, briefly, both a joyful period of waiting and a difficult period of waiting.
2. The best way to translate the second half of v 1 is “he stooped down and heard my cry.” This shows God’s humility towards humanity. Who do you know who exhibits this divine “stooping”?
3. If God was to give you a “new song” (v 3), what kind of song would it be? (Classical? Rock? Metal? Country?) What would the song be about?
4. One way to translate v 6 is that God has “dug out our ears.” How has God helped you to hear his voice? What part do you think you need to play in listening to God better?
5. In v 13, the psalm takes a turn toward lament. What part of your life do you need to lament about right now? Listen well to each other.

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 June 23, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 42
“Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 42

Discuss:

1. Have you ever been truly thirsty? Describe.
2. What do you long for?
3. Are the first two verses of this psalm a description of your relationship with God? Explain.
4. Do you ever talk to yourself the way the psalmist does in vv 5 and 11? How is this kind of “self-talk” a form of prayer?
5. Describe how your soul is currently “cast down” and “disquieted.” Listen well to each other so that you can pray for each other.
6. What do you think the phrase “deep calls to deep” in verse 7 means?
7. Describe a time when v 9, in full or in part, would have been your prayer.

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 June 16, 2019
Cindy Frost, Interim Associate Pastor
Psalm 34
“Back Into the Future”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 34

Discuss:

1. What are all the different ways the psalmist has seen God demonstrate his faithfulness?
2. Which of those do you relate to in terms of how you’ve seen God’s faithfulness in your own life?
3. How do you gear yourself up to face a troubling situation?
4. What do you see is the psalmist’s posture towards God as he heads into a troubling situation? What kind of posture towards God is he inviting his readers/listeners to have?
5. Which of the psalmist’s invitations resonates with you this day or in this season of your life?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

June 9, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 139
“Open Book”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 139

Discuss:

1. What questions do you have about prayer? What frustrations do you have?
2. Did you try praying Psalm 27 this week? Describe your experience.
3. As a group, outline the primary themes of Psalm 139 section by section. Which themes are most important to you currently, and why?
4. Notice how often the word “know” is used in this prayer. What does this word tell you about God? What does it tell you about yourself? How does it lead you to pray?
5. Vv 7-12 celebrate God’s ubiquitous (points!) presence. Where has God shown up for you unexpectedly? Do you agree with David’s words, that God’s presence is inescapable?
6. If you lived every day fully aware of the truth expressed in vv 13-18, what would be different about your life?
7. How do vv 19-22 relate to the rest of the psalm?
8. What do you think the conclusion of this prayer (vv 23-24) leads to?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 June 2, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Psalm 27
“The True, the Good, and the Beautiful”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Psalm 27

Discuss:

1. As we begin this sermon series on the psalms, discuss your experience with prayer—both the joys and the frustrations. Concerning your practice of prayer, how would you finish the following sentence? “Lord, by the end of the summer, help me to . . .“.
2. As a group, outline Psalm 27 into different sections, giving each a different heading (i.e. trust, praise). Which section resonates most with you, and why?
3. Vv 1-3 speak of enemies and warfare. How are these verses relevant in your life?
4. Based on Scripture, how would you define the beauty of the Lord (v 4)?
5. What practices are important so that we can be those who “seek God’s face”? (v 8)
6. How have you recently seen the “goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (v 13)? How does this perspective counter the common “pie in the sky” version of Christianity?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 May 19, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 21:15-19
“Do You Love Me?”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: John 21:15-19

Discuss:

1. Think of a conversation that changed your life. Describe it, and its effects.
2. This is a strange conversation. Together, describe the strangeness.
3. Jesus is here addressing Peter’s particular brokenness, for Peter denied Jesus three times. Have you experienced this kind of directed attention to something that is painful for you, or some aspect of your own brokenness? Describe, taking the risk to be vulnerable with each other.
4. No one knows what Peter’s “these” were (v 1). Perhaps the best guess is Jesus is referring to the boat, and the net, and the fish—the elements of Peter’s vocation. What are your “these”? That is, what might Jesus ask about, and want to know if you love him more than “these”?
5. What did it mean for Peter to feed Jesus’ sheep? What does it mean for you? Why is it important that they are Jesus’ sheep?
6. What do you think Jesus is talking about in vv 19-19?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 May 12, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 21:1-14
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s with Jesus”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: John 21:1-14

Discuss:

1. What is the best and worst job you have ever had?
2. Is this passage funny? Describe.
3. The theme of revelation—God showing himself—is prominent in this passage. Trace this theme throughout the story. What does this text teach us about how God reveals himself to us now?
4. Jesus appears to his disciples when they’re working. How does God show up in your own work? How might your faith be more prominent at work (hint, this is not about Christian t-shirts)?
5. “Come and have breakfast,” says Jesus, in one of the most beautiful, underrated invitations in all of Scripture. Have you experienced this kind of mundane familiarity with Jesus? Explain.
6. How would you finish the following prayers, based on this passage? Lord, thank you that . . . and, Lord, help us to . . .

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 May 5, 2019
Connor Cipolla, Director, Youth Ministry
John 20:30-31
“Living is Believing”

Pray that God would guide your reading (John 20:30-31) and discussion.

1. When is the last time you heard someone say “seeing is believing”? In what context were they saying this, and why?
2. In John 20:29 Jesus says to Thomas “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Have you ever had to take a leap of faith beyond your understanding in believing or trusting God? Share that story if you are willing.
3. In your experience has belief been more a destination or a journey? If you answered “destination,” then has your aspiration to believe been frustrating? And if you answered “journey,” then has your belief always been up and to the right? Explain your answer.
4. Are you more inclined to approach your faith, the reading of scripture, or engaging the spiritual disciplines with trust or suspicion? In what ways has that served you well or hindered your spiritual development?
5. My belief most engages:
   1. The Mind
   2. The Spirit or Soul
   3. The Body
   4. All of the Above

What was your answer and why?

6. John 30:31 ends by saying, “...that through believing you may have life in his name.” What did John mean by this? Do you think he is he referring to eternal life with Christ, a fuller life here and now, or perhaps both? How so?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 April 28, 2019
Worship in the Park
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 20:24-29
“Believing Thomas”

Pray that God would guide your reading (John 20:24-29) and discussion.

1. What do you like about Thomas?
2. When in your life have you had doubts about God? Do you have doubts now? Describe, and listen well to each other.
3. It is from this passage that we get the term “Doubting Thomas.” Is this really a fair description? Is Thomas’ posture really one of doubt, or is it one of faith? How do faith and doubt relate to each other?
4. How would you describe the risen Jesus’ response to Thomas? Condemning? Approving? Loving? Stern?
5. This is the first time (v 28) in the gospels that Jesus is called “God.” Why is it at this moment that Jesus is confessed as divine?
6. Thomas calls Jesus my Lord and my God. When did Jesus become “my” to you?
7. Have you experienced the blessing Jesus speaks of in v 29?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 April 21, 2019
Easter Sunday
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
John 20:10-18
“Mary’s Place”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: John 20:10-18

Discuss:

1. Mary’s name figures prominently in this story (v 16). Who in your life said your name in a way that was meaningful (a Grandmother, a teacher, . . .)?
2. This passage is also about “turning” (vv 13 + 16). Can your life of faith be described as a “turning” toward Jesus? How so?
3. Mary calls Jesus “Rabboni,” which means Teacher. If Jesus is our Teacher, describe his classroom.
4. Mary is among the first witnesses to resurrection, and among the first evangelists (v. 18). Who told you about Jesus?
5. In the coming weeks we will be focusing on resurrection, and how God wants us to grow in our faith (Raised: Growing up in Christ). How do you think you need to grow in your faith? What do you need to do so that God can bring this about?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 April 14, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 14:1-10
“Herstory”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Mark 14:1-10

Discuss:

1. The woman who anoints Jesus acts in a bold, unconventional way. What have you done that falls into this category?
2. Mark bookends the story of the anointing at Bethany with the story of Jesus’ betrayal. How do these themes relate?
3. Mark’s focus in his gospel has been on discipleship—following Jesus. His male disciples often fail in their following of him. Describe how this woman is a picture of what it looks like to follow Jesus.
4. Is the rebuke of the woman in v 4 legitimate? Explain.
5. What do you like/not like/not understand about Jesus’ response in vv 6-9? Meditate on Jesus’ words as a group. How does his response apply to our own lives?
6. By anointing Jesus, the woman is pronouncing him King. Do you think of Jesus as King? How does the fact that Jesus was crowned king on the cross change this aspect of your relationship with him?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 April 7, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Matthew 5:10-12
“Community of the Crucified”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Matthew 5:10-12

Discuss:

1. Read all of the beatitudes (beatitude means blessing)—Matthew 5:1-12. How is Jesus’ version of the blessed life different from our understanding?
2. Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? Describe. (Note, persecution comes in all “shapes and sizes”).
3. How are verses 10-12 a description of Jesus’ own life? How are they a description of his death? Take time to investigate Scripture in order to answer.
4. Is Jesus’ command to “rejoice and be glad” reasonable for those who are persecuted? How is joy possible in such circumstances?
5. Share with each other your knowledge of Christians around the world who are persecuted. Pray for these brothers and sisters.

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 March 31, 2019
Chuck Osburn, Associate Pastor
1 Peter 4:7-11
"The Grace, Gift and Glory of Serving”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Most scholars believe this first letter from Peter was probably written from Rome around AD 64-65, when persecution under Emperor Nero was either near or already broken out. It is addressed to churches in northern Asia Minor (modern Turkey).

1. Peter has most often been seen as the leader of the Apostles for a number of reasons found in the Gospels and Acts. Can you and/or your group list at least 5 passages or episodes of Peter’s life that would lend credibility to this “leadership” status.
2. But though Peter had this leadership calling, he was far from perfect. Can you think of at least 5 passages or episodes in Peter’s life that would show he, like us, was an imperfect disciple.
3. Peter is addressing followers of Jesus who are experiencing suffering for their faith. How might his words in v. 7, “The end of all things is near” sound to those then who were being persecuted? How does it sound to you today?
4. Since “The end … is near” Peter lists things that Jesus’ disciples are “Therefore” admonished to do? What does he list as “best practices” in light of this sense of the coming of Christ?
5. “Love wins” – Peter agrees with his Lord and his fellow Apostle, Paul. (Where have you seen this supreme testament to “Love” with Jesus and with Paul). Why IS “love” “above all”?
6. “Grace begins” – Whoever we are and whatever we do comes first from God … “the manifold grace of God.” God GIVES the “gifts” we need and the “strength” we need to “serve” others. What do you think is at least one “gift” God has given you with which to “serve” others? Give an example of where and how he supplied you with “strength” to use it?
7. ALL of what Peter suggests in verses 4:7-11a are leading to another “end” if you will. What is that ultimate goal of all of this grace-full prayer and love and hospitality and speaking and serving? How might that goal be seen in your life? How might you be seeing it in the lives of those in your group? Read (or sing [!]) Hymn #66.

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 March 24, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Jeremiah 29:1-7
"Build. Plant. Pray.”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Jeremiah 29:1-7

Discuss:

1. This is a letter to the Israelites living in Babylon, following the overthrow of Jerusalem by that nation. When, in your life, have you felt like a stranger in a strange land?
2. Keeping in mind that Babylon was the enemy of Israel, how would the recipients of this letter have reacted to vv 4-7?
3. Compare this passage with 1 Peter 2:11-12. As a group, describe how we, as followers of Jesus, are exiles.
4. How can we be those who build and plant (v 5) in the city where God has planted us? In our neighborhoods? In our work? In our relationships? In our families (v 6)?
5. How does v 7 relate to the life of Jesus?
6. What would our church look like if we were radically obedient to this verse?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 March 17, 2019
Cindy Frost, Interim Associate Pastor
Micah 6:6-8
"What God Wants”

Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Micah 6:6-8

Discuss:

1. What is the basic question being asked in verse 6? What similar questions have you asked God?
2. Why do you think the questioner is proposing increasingly significant sacrifices (verse 7)?
3. What does the answer tell us about what God wants from us? What does that look like lived out in our day-to-day lives?
4. How has this answer (do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God) been communicated (told) to Micah’s hearers? What additional ways has it been communicated to us (who have the New Testament)?
5. In what specific way might God be calling you this week to live into this call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with him?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 March 10, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Mark 10:35-45
"Not So Among You”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Mark 10:35-45

Discuss:

1. What does the season of Lent mean to you? What practices do you have during Lent?
2. Assign parts among your group, and act this scene out. Pay attention to tone and body language.
3. How is your relationship with Jesus and your conversation with him similar to what is here described?
4. How are leaders today like what Jesus describes in v 42?
5. Who have you known who exemplifies what Jesus describes in vv 43-44?
6. Besides his death, when did Jesus act according to the self-description he gives in v. 45 (serving and giving his life away)?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 March 3, 2019
Kristin Leucht, Executive Pastor
1 Samuel 3:1-10
"From Vinyl to AirPods”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Discuss:

1. As a child, did you ever run into your parents’ room after a nightmare? Was there something you took to bed with you as a child that helped you go to sleep?
2. What do you think happened that caused Eli to recognize it was the Lord calling Samuel?
3. Why did the Lord speak to Samuel instead of going directly to Eli? What is the message the Lord gave to Samuel to tell Eli? Why is the Lord angry with him? (See 1 Samuel 2:17-33 for context.)
4. How would you have felt if you had been Eli and received this message from the Lord? How do you think Samuel felt about being the bearer of this bad news?
5. Have you had the experience of hearing God’s voice? What was that like?  Did you immediately recognize it as coming from God?  How do you hear God’s voice in your life?  What kinds of things can you do to help you hear God?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 February 24, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Revelation 3:14-22
"To the Angel of the Church in La Canada”

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and discussion

Read: Revelation 3:14-22

Discuss:

1. Share about the best meal of your life. Describe the food, the people you were with, and the conversation.
2. Jesus offers a profound and gracious invitation to all of us in v 20: a shared meal. How has your relationship with Jesus been like the best meal of your life?
3. In v 15, Jesus sets himself against “nominal Christianity.” How do these words convict you?
4. According to v 17, is Jesus against wealth, or about a certain posture towards wealth? Explain.
5. In v 19, Jesus ties his love for us to his discipline of us. How have you experienced this discipline? What has it led to in your life?
6. What have you learned about how a church is to “listen to what the Spirit is saying” through this Vinyl sermon series?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 February 17, 2019
Chuck Osburn, Associate Pastor
Revelation 3:7-13
"O You of Little Power”

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and discussion

Read: Revelation 3:7-13

Discuss:

1. This letter is sent to the church at Philadelphia. Wikipedia says this about the city of Philadelphia, PA: “Penn named the city Philadelphia, which is Greek for “brotherly love,” derived from the Ancient Greek terms phílos (beloved, dear) and adelphós (brother, brotherly). As a Quaker, William Penn had experienced religious persecution and wanted his colony to be a place where anyone could worship freely.” From your reading of these verses about this “original” Philadelphia, why might Penn have chosen the name of this church (say, rather than Thyatira or Sardis) for the town he founded?
2. As we’ve seen, these seven letters from Jesus to John “The Revelator” follow a pattern - After a description of Jesus (different for each church), there is an affirmation of what the individual church is doing right, followed by a corrective to what the church is not doing right, followed by a promise of what Jesus will do for his faithful followers, concluded by the common refrain to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” How does the church in Philadelphia fit and not fit that pattern?
3. Jesus has “set before you an open door” that no one can shut. What do you think that door might be? Where in Scripture have you heard “door” referenced? (e.g., John 10, Colossians 4, Rev. 3:20). How do those verses inform or expand your understanding of what Jesus has offered.
4. Jesus acknowledges that this church has “but little power, yet you have kept my word and not denied my name.” This implies that they have done this even under the significant persecution that they (and the other churches in Asia Minor) have experienced as followers of Jesus. How did they do that? How much “power” do you think you have? How are we persecuted today for following Jesus? How have you kept Christ’s word and not denied his name?
5. Jesus says … “I am coming soon.” How might that promise have encouraged all the churches in Asia Minor? How does that encourage you today?
6. How have you “listened to what the Spirit is saying” to you/us this week?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed, and for one another.

 February 10, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Revelation 3:1-6
"Sardisonitis”

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and discussion

Read: Revelation 3:1-6

Discuss:

1. “What’s in a name?” asks Romeo, “A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet.” Is he right? What names are important to you?
2. Notice the times this letter focuses on the theme of names (including v. 4—look at it in other translations). What is the common thread based on this theme in this letter?
3. Put yourselves in the shoes of the Christians in the church of Sardis. After this letter was read aloud in their church, how do you think they would have responded? What would the conversations have been like that Sunday “in the parking lot” after worship? How would our church respond if this letter was intended for us?
4. Notice the six imperative (command) verbs used in vv 2-3. Describe how these verbs work together—how all of these actions are dependent on the others.
5. V 3 indicates that the coming of Jesus is often surprising, “like a thief.” When has Jesus surprised you, either in a positive way or negative?
6. What are you learning about how Christ views the church based on studying the letters to the seven churches?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 February 3, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Revelation 2:18-29
"For and Against”

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and discussion

Read: Revelation 2:18-29

Discuss:

1. The seven letters in Revelation are to different Share about churches you have been a part of in the past. What were their strengths? What were their weaknesses? What can our church learn from other churches?
2. One of the themes of the letter to the church in Thyatira is that Jesus sees and knows Is this theme comforting or convicting? How should Jesus’ seeing of you change how you live?
3. Christ is “against” (v 20) the assimilation to idolatry that has been promulgated by the prophet “Jezebel.” We learn elsewhere in Scripture that God is for us (cf. Romans 8:31). Why is God against certain things if he is for us? How does this square with the virtue and value of tolerance?
4. Trade guilds were prominent in Thyatira, and probably what Christ was against was participating fully in these guilds, including idol worship and the immoral practices that often accompanied pagan worship. How is Christ calling us to be set apart in the workforce today? What should followers of Jesus not compromise on? What will be the consequences of this kind of “holding fast” (v 25)?
5. As with the other letters, this letter ends with an image of conquering alongside Christ. How have you recently experienced some kind of victory or conquering in your faith? What victory or conquering do you long for in your life or in the church?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 January 27, 2019
Peter Hintzoglou, LCPC’s Parish Associate
Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:15-17
"The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit”

Before you start: Take a moment to pause and be silent. Center your mind on Christ and give any burdens you have to God.

Pray: Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Matthew 28:18-20 and John 14:15-17

Discuss:

1. The Holy Spirit is the advocate for believers. Share with your group the times when someone advocated for you and/or when you advocated for someone else.
2. Jesus promises to be with the disciples always. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life?
3. The Holy Spirit is known as the Spirit of truth. What do you think that means? Do people always want the “truth”?
4. How have you seen the Holy Spirit work in you, your family, and/or your community? (it can be work, friends, church, etc.)
5. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commanded the disciples to “...go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” What would this look like for you and your LifeGroup? How would you and your group “go and make disciples” and baptize them?

Pray: Pray about what you have said, shared, and discussed. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s truth and love for you and your group.

January 20, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Revelation 2:12-17
“To Have and To Hold”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion

Read: Revelation 2:12-17

Discuss:

1. Jesus uses a pretty harsh tone in this letter (and in some of the others!). What do you make of this? Is it ever appropriate for us to use this kind of tone in our communication with others?
2. Twice (vv 12 and 15; compare Revelation 1:16) Christ refers to the “sword of his mouth.” Elsewhere, Scripture is referred to as a sword (eg. Ephesians 6:17). Describe how Scripture has operated as a sword in your life. What is meant by this image? How does this change our view of Scripture’s authority?
3. Another prominent theme in this passage is the name of Jesus. When did you first learn Jesus’ name? Was it a positive use of his name, or negative? How are names for God important in our relationship with God? Does this passage suggest the opposite of “taking God’s name in vain” (Commandment # 3)? How?
4. The issue of food sacrificed to idols, for the church in Pergamum, was one of assimilation to culture. How do we know, as Christians, to engage, or not engage, in the practices of the culture around us? In walking this line, what are the dangers on either side?
5. What is the Spirit saying to our church through this passage? (Share these thoughts at Listen@lacanadapc.org!)

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 January 13, 2019
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Revelation 2:8-11
“Spoken with Authority”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your discussion.

Read: Read Revelation 2:8-11

1. The guiding metaphor for this sermon series, “Vinyl,” is the experience of listening to records. Did you ever listen to records? Do you now? What is different about this kind of listening? How does that relate to the kind of listening God calls us to?
2. In v 8, Jesus grounds the authority of his words in his being the “first and the last,” and as the one “who was dead and came to life.” How is this authority different than other authorities that exist, written or otherwise?
3. “I know your affliction and poverty,” Jesus says in v 9. Does Jesus know your life situation? How do you know that he knows? How have you experienced this knowledge? What difference does it make?
4. V 10, although specific to the church in Smyrna, does indicate a timeless truth for the Church in all times and places. How would you articulate this truth?
5. “Listen to what the Spirit is saying.” Why is this hard? When have you been a part of a community of faith in which God spoke? What changes when we listen together?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 January 6, 2019
Connor Cipolla, Director, High School Ministries
Revelation 2:1-7
“First Love”

1. What is something you used to love doing that you have since abandoned over the years? Why did you stop doing that thing?
2. Now, go back and remember your “first love” or “first crush”?  What was their name and what attracted you to that person?
3. Just like a once beloved hobby or first crush our relationship with God can become rote and dispassionate in time. Can you remember the feeling you had for God when you first realized the great affection God has for you?
4. The truth of this text is that our feelings change over time, But God’s love for us is unwavering. If you were to chart your love for God over time what are some lows and highs of that journey? Did you experience God’s love as constant?

December 9, 2018

Cindy Frost, Interim Associate Pastor for Outreach

Isaiah 40:1-5

“Comfort My People”

1. Isaiah 40 comes as a word from the Lord 160 years after they have last heard from him. In that time, Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed and the people of Judah were carried off into captivity in Babylon. What do you imagine they would have been feeling?  What questions might they have been asking God?
2. What would these words of comfort mean to these people? What do you imagine was their emotional response? How might these words address the questions they had been asking?
3. What does it mean to “prepare the way of the Lord”? What do you think Isaiah’s hearers would have expected in terms of “the glory of the Lord” being “revealed”?
4. These prophetic words had an immediate fulfillment regarding the people’s deliverance from exile and then were called up again by John the Baptist as he anticipated Jesus’ arrival. How are these same words comforting to us in our current context (both personally and globally)?

 

December 2, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Malachi 3:1-5

“Purified”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Malachi 3:1-5

Discuss:

1. This passage, along with those we’ll be studying the next few weeks, is an Advent passage. Advent means “beginning,” and is a season of expectation and prayer as we anticipate Christ’s coming into the world. Describe how you need a new beginning at this point in your life. How might God be at work in this?
2. Verse 1 speaks of our seeking of the Lord, our desire for the Lord, and his sudden appearance. Does everyone desire God and seek him? How so? Why does this look different in different people?
3. Verses 2-4 speak of God’s refining work. How have you experienced this in your own life? How has it been difficult? How has it been joyful?
4. Is verse 5 good news or bad news? Explain.
5. How is this passage about Jesus?
6. How will you desire God and seek him out this Advent? How can you let yourself be found by God this Advent?

Pray: Pray for each other, especially regarding the Advent commitments you have made.

 

November 25, 2018

Chuck Osburn, Associate Pastor

Luke 11:1-4

“Teach Us to Pray”

¹He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” ²He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. ³Give us each day our daily bread. ⁴And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”

1. Jesus’ disciples want to learn how to pray and ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. What do you think motivates them to do this?
2. Jesus teaches them a model prayer. Notice that God is addressed as Father in the prayer. What is the role of the father in your culture? How do children interact with their fathers? What are the implications of calling God Father?
3. What type of concerns are expressed first in the prayer? What do you think it means to pray for God’s kingdom to come?
4. Jesus tells us to ask God for the food that we need. What does this imply about God’s interest in our most basic needs?
5. Jesus asks us to pray for forgiveness for our sins. He could have said, ask God for help in living a good life. Why do you think he asks us to pray for forgiveness instead of suggesting that we pray for help from God in living good lives? What are the implications of the idea that we need to pray for forgiveness? What is the implied condition for receiving forgiveness?
6. Jesus asks us to pray that we not encounter hard testing. What do you think hard testing means? Why avoid it?
7. What do you think is the purpose of Jesus’ prayer? Is it intended to be a prayer to memorize and recite, or a model of the kind of concerns we need to be talking about to our Father in heaven?

 

November 18, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 18:18-30

“The Widow’s Mite Might”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion

Read: Luke 21:1-5

Discuss:

1. Check in with each other about what you have been learning about community through studying the Gospel of Luke, and through the Us for Them: Belonging to Christ and Others sermon series. What is new for you? What questions do you have? What is God calling you to change or do?
2. One prominent trait of Jesus that we see in the gospels is that he sees He does so in this story, seeing both the rich and this widow (someone many would not see). What is important about this character trait of Jesus? How is it different from “Big Brother is watching”? What reaction do you have to the idea that Jesus is watching you?
3. How is the widow’s offering “more”? What wealth is she offering, that is not monetary?
4. There are different ways to be poor. We can have a poverty of compassion, of time, of forgiveness, etc. What else would you put on this list? What would it mean for you to give out of your poverty in these things?
5. Describe the most generous person you have ever met. What made this person tic?
6. How do you feel when money is talked about in church? Why do you feel this way? How should giving, etc., be talked about in a faith community?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

November 11, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 18:18-30

“Ruled by Riches”

Pray: Pray that God would lead and guide your reading and discussion. Set yourselves in a posture of listening—to God’s word and to each other.

Read: Luke 18:18-30

Discuss:

1. Who have you known in your life who had the gift of conversation? Describe what it was like to talk with that person. What is Jesus like in conversation (based on this passage, and on your experience)?
2. What are the possible interpretations of v 19?
3. Most interpreters have taken the position that v 22 is not a universal law (Jesus does not require all of us to sell everything). Assuming this is correct, what is the principle behind Jesus’ instruction to the rich ruler? How canyou be obedient to this verse?
4. Based on v 24, discuss how wealth is a barrier to participation in the kingdom of God.
5. Look at v 27 and compare with Luke 1:27. Do you have the sense of God doing the impossible in your life? How can this sense be cultivated?
6. Reflecting on v 30, what is the reward “in this age [life]” for the sake of the kingdom? What has your experience been of the “benefits” of following Jesus?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and talked about. Let your discussion be a script for your prayer for each other.

 

November 4, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 19:1-10

“See and Be Seen”

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion

Read: Luke 19:1-10

1. Is this story funny? How so? Look closely for comic details.
2. One of the themes in this story is seeing (vv 3, 5, 7, 8). What does this passage teach us about the vision that comes through faith, or about how God sees us?
3. Zacchaeus can’t see Jesus “because of the crowd” (v 3). Is there still a “crowd” around Jesus? How does this crowd prevent us from seeing him?
4. If you were playing Zacchaeus in a play and were acting out verse 8, what tone would you use? (Bonus, try doing this in your LifeGroup!)
5. There are a couple “musts” in this passage. Jesus says he “must” stay at Zacchaeus’ house. Zacchaeus, too, must see Jesus. How do these musts lead to the must of v 8, in which Zacchaeus describes his repent response to the Gospel?
6. If Jesus came to “seek out and to save the lost” (v 10), are we also called to do the same? What would this look like in your life?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

October 28, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 18:9-14

“Autonomyth”

Pray: Pray that the Spirit would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Luke 18:9-14

Discuss:

1. What has God been teaching you through this Us for Them: Belonging to Christ and Others sermon series? What has challenged you? What has comforted you? How has God called you to act?
2. In this parable, the Pharisee and the tax collector are both caricatures or typecasts. If Jesus told this parable today, who would these “stock” characters be?
3. What do you notice about the Pharisee’s prayer? What does it reveal about his heart? How is this heart-posture reflected in our world today, or in your own life?
4. What would lead the tax collector to this moment of repentance? Have you ever had a similar moment?
5. True of False: The church is made up of both Pharisees and tax collectors. True of false: There is both a Pharisee and a tax collector in each of us.
6. Read psalm 1. Does this psalm legitimize the Pharisee’s attitude? What, if anything, is to be retained of the Pharisee’s posture?
7. How does this psalm lead you to follow Jesus differently?

 

October 21, 2018

Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger, Vice President and Chief of Leadership Formation and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary

Luke 12:22-34

“Reality Restoration Field”

Pray that God will guide your reading and conversation.

Read: Luke 12:22-34

Discuss:

1. Share about an encounter you had with God in nature.
2. How is what Jesus says in this passage different than the philosophy of “Don’t worry, be happy”?
3. In vv 25-26, Jesus is asking about why we worry. Why do we worry? What is the root cause of our worry?
4. What is something you are worried about right now? Listen well to each person answer this question, and ask caring questions so that each person can fully share.
5. Jesus tells us to seek first his kingdom (v 31); the kingdom is God’s presence and authority on earth. Practically speaking, how do we seek the kingdom? What gets in the way of this seeking?
6. What has been your experience with the wisdom of v 34? Which is more important to God: our treasure or our hearts?

Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

October 14, 2018

Kristin Leucht, Executive Pastor
Luke 11:37-54

“The Impolite Dinner Guest”

1. When you were growing up, were there any rules or guidelines you were to follow when you and your family were guests in someone else’s home? Were there rules or guidelines you had to follow when your family had “company” as guests in your house? How does Jesus act as a dinner guest in this passage?
2. What is the basic point Jesus is making in verses 39 – 41? How would you summarize his critiques of the Pharisees in 42-44? How would you summarize the critiques of the lawyers in 46-52? What do you think is (are) the main point(s) of these critiques?
3. How does this dinner with the Pharisees compare with the two other dinners (7:36-50 and 14:1-14) we have studied in the sermon series thus far?
4. Which of the 6 critiques would you think Jesus would make of you? Is there something you would like to do differently in light of that critique? Is there something specifically you could do differently this week?

 

October 7, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Luke 14:15-24

“Excuses, Excuses”

 

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion, and that you would hear from him.

Discuss:

1. Describe the best dinner party you’ve ever been to.
2. How are the excuses given in vv 18-20 similar or different than what holds us back from participating in God’s kingdom? Which of the three hits closest to home for you?
3. What do you make of the host’s anger (v 21)? Does this describe God’s reaction to those who fail to respond to the kingdom?
4. What has been your experience with the “poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame” (or those who fall into similar categories)? How does need shape our response to the kingdom?
5. There is a tragic history with v 23, for Christians used this verse to justify violence in the name of Christ (“compelling” others to accept Christ). How should we, as Christ-followers, respond to this history?
6. The most important words in v 23 (and perhaps in the whole parable) are “Go out.” How is our church doing at “going out”? How can we do better? What needs to change?

 

September 30, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Luke 10:25-37

“Samwise”

 

Pray:  Ask God to guide your reading and discussion

Read: Luke 10:25-37 (you may also want to read it in the Message translation)

Discuss:

1. This conversation is between a teacher (Jesus) and a star pupil (the sit-in-the-front-row kind of student). What kind of student were you? How are you still that kind of learner? Or have you changed?
2. What is your take on this “lawyer” (really a scholar of the Old Testament Law)? Is he having a faithful, sincere conversation with a trusted Rabbi? Or is he arrogant and foolish? Defend your take with the text.
3. Make a list of possible reasons the priest and the Levite (also a religious official) pass by the wounded man. Discuss how this list is similar to the reasons why we do not offer help when it is needed.
4. Put yourselves in the shoes of the innkeeper. How do you think he or she reacted to all of this? What did s/he learn while waiting for the Samaritan to return? Is the inn (and the innkeeper) a picture of the Church? How so?
5. Does Jesus actually answer the lawyer’s original question (“Who is my neighbor?”)? How does Jesus change the focus? What does this mean for us?
6. How is the conversation between the lawyer and Jesus a model for how we should, or should not, be in conversation with Jesus? What steps do you need to take to be in more meaningful conversation with Jesus?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

September 23, 2018

Heather Henry, Director, Children’s Ministry
Luke 7:36-50

“Don’t Be Like Simon”

 

Open in Prayer.  Pray that the Spirit will teach you through Scripture & each other.

Read Luke 7:36-50

1. Again we find Jesus sharing a meal, this time with a Pharisee (and others). Why do you think he did this?
2. Can you think of a time you had an emotional reaction to worshiping Jesus or feeling forgiven?
3. How do you think you would react to the woman’s actions if you were in Simon’s place?
4. Do you more often feel like you are still carrying around a backpack with the weight of your sin or do you more often feel God’s forgiveness and acceptance? Why do you think that is?
5. How can you relate to sin in your life having layers like an onion?
6. Who do you think God is calling you to see through the eyes of Jesus? Who is God calling you to help belong?
7. Do you agree with the statement that “the more messy we realize we are, the better this church is going to be?” Why or why not?
8. What does our church need to do differently to be a place where all kinds of people can feel a sense of belonging? What can you do about that?

Close in prayer.  Ask God to continue to teach you through what you have read and discussed.

 

September 16, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor
Luke 5:27-32

“Friend Your Enemy”

 

Pray: Ask God to Guide your reading and conversation.

Read: Luke 5:27-32

1. Have you been doing the Gospel of Luke Challenge (24 chapters in 24 days)? Today we are on chapter 21. As you Study, Pray, and Practice these chapters of Scripture, what is God saying and doing in your life? What has been surprising? What has been difficult about this challenge?
2. Tax collectors, like Levi, were hated by most Jews because they were dishonestly supporting the hated Roman government, which was occupying Palestine. Calling a tax collector as a disciple was a huge risk for Jesus. Based on what you know about him, why would he do this?
3. Luke says Levi “left everything” (v 28). What do you imagine he left? What has God called you to leave? What is he calling you to leave?
4. After he starts following Jesus, Levi immediately throws a big party with a bunch of sinners. What would our church look like if what Levi did (throw a big party with a bunch of sinners) is what we did?
5. The Pharisees were the religious teachers and authorities of the day. Why are they upset that Jesus is eating and drinking with sinners and tax collectors? What lesson is there for the church in this?
6. Levi, as a disciple of Jesus, would have immediately been in close proximity with Jesus’ other disciples, who would have regarded Levi as an enemy. What do you think those first meals together were like? How is God calling you into proximity and relationship with “enemies”?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

September 9, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 3:21-22

“Crowd of Sinners”

 

Pray: Pray that the Spirit would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Luke 3:21-22

1. Have you been baptized? Where and when? What do you know of your baptism, either from your own memory, or from what your parents have told you?
2. Read Hebrews 4:15. John’s baptism was for repentance from sin. Why was Jesus baptized, if he was without sin?
3. Luke 3:23-38 presents Jesus’ genealogy. Luke 4:1-13 presents Jesus’ temptation. What do these passages, which immediately follow Jesus’ baptism, have to do with Jesus’ identity?
4. “Who am I?” is the question that defines our lives. How do we answer this question? What are the various ways that we define ourselves?
5. Jesus is told he is God’s beloved child, and that God is well pleased with him. Because we are God’s adopted children, this identity is ours as well. How can we “hold onto” this identity that God is “holding onto” us?
6. What do you think Jesus was praying about?
7. What have been your most direct encounters with the Holy Spirit?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

September 2, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Psalm 19

“Rock and Redeemer”

 

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and your discussion.

Pray Psalm 19, together, out loud (in unison, or one verse at a time, around the circle)

Discuss:

1. Have you been doing the Gospel of Luke Challenge (24 chapters, 24 days)? How is it going? What are you learning about Jesus? What are you learning about studying, praying, and practicing (SPP) Scripture?
2. This psalm is “of David.” What do you know of the life of David that connects to this prayer? Do you see any biographical connections here?
3. This psalm breaks down into three sections: Creation (vv 1-6), Law/Instruction (vv 7-10), and Prayer. What themes or words link these sections together? How is God’s work in creation related to God’s work in Scripture (the Law)?
4. Regarding vv 1-6, describe a time when God was revealed to you in creation.
5. Verse 10 reveals that God’s words are to be our “greatest good”—better than gold and honey. What response is called for based on this perspective?
6. Why do you think David brings up sin in vv 11-13?
7. Think through your day today (or yesterday). If you had prayed v 14 once every hour, how would your day have been different?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

August 26, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Psalm 119

“According to Your Word”

 

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and your conversation

Read: Look at the whole of Psalm 119. Notice its structure as an acrostic based on the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Then, read vv 25-32

Discuss:

1. Have you ever written poetry? When? What was it about? Describe that experience. Do you like reading poetry? Why or why not?
2. What are the merits of Psalm 119 as a whole, and vv 25-32, as a poetry?
3. The most repeated word in this section of psalm 119, and in the psalm as a whole, is the word “your,” referring to God’s word or law. God’s word, for the psalmist, is personal. How is the Bible personal to you? How can your reading of the Bible become more personal and relational?
4. Let’s say that the Bible is the script (Script-ure), and that God has made us to be actors on the stage of this world, acting out the drama of the Gospel. How would that understanding of the Bible change your reading and use of it?
5. The contrast in vv 25-32 is between God’s ways and our ways. Describe a tension in your present life between the ways of God and the ways you are currently living. Listen and encourage one another as you discuss.
6. Why does the Bible need to be read in community (as you are doing right now with this group)?
7. Here is one translation of v 32: “I run in the way of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.” Can you remember a time when you ran (literally!) with wild abandon? Or remember a time when you observed a child doing this. What does God’s Word have to do with that kind of joyous freedom?

 

August 19, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

“Behold Who You Are”

 

Pray: Pray that God will speak Pray: Pray that God would guide your discussion and your reading.

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 and Exodus 34:29-34

Discuss:

1. Paul is here offering a Jewish midrash, which is an interpretive retelling of a well-known story. What details are different between the Exodus text and 2 Corinthians? What does Paul emphasize? What point is he trying to make?
2. The face of Moses was glowing because of a direct encounter with God. Although that is probably outside of our realm of experience, we all have experienced someone whose face was “glowing” because of some type of joyful encounter. Describe a time when your face was “glowing,” or when you saw this in another.
3. In v 12, Paul connects hope and boldness. What is the connection between these words in our world?
4. Paul seems to indicate that God’s revealing of himself arises out of God’s hiddenness. That is, prior to knowledge of God there is a hardening of the mind (v 14) or a veiling of the mind (v 15). What do you make of this? Is God the one that does the hardening? What does “not-knowing” have to do with knowing? (This is a hard question—don’t skip it! Seek to understand the text through the lens of your collective experience.)
5. In v 17 Paul brings up the Holy Spirit. What has been your experience with the Holy Spirit?
6. What is different about freedom that comes from the Spirit (v 17) and other types of freedom?
7. What does Paul mean that Jesus-followers are to have “unveiled faces” (v 18)?
8. Paul is talking about Christian transformation in v 18. Describe someone you know who has been transformed into the image of Christ “from one degree of glory to another.”

 

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

August 12, 2018

Connor Cipolla, Director, Youth Ministry

Exodus 20:17

“Commandment #10”

 

Pray: Pray that God will speak through your discussion and reading.

Read: Read Exodus 20:1-17 (your group might take turns reading the text verse by verse)

Discuss:

1. Does the bookend placement of the commandment “Do not covet” seem significant to you? Why, or why not?
2. Covetousness has been called the sin that births many other sins. Can you think of examples in scripture where coveting started someone down a bad track?
3. Coveting is an equal opportunity sin. The mention of the neighbor’s donkey & wife makes this commandment relative to every context and anyone who has a neighbor. Would you agree that coveting cuts across every socioeconomic class? How is coveting different in different contexts?
4. How does “keeping up with the Joneses” affect your neighborhood, impact your sense of self-worth, or blind you from what is of ultimate importance?
5. How might regular generosity break the cycle of covetousness before it starts?
6. How might practices of gratitude break the cycle of covetousness?

 

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed

 

August 5, 2018

DJ Severin, Assistant Director, Junior High Ministry

Exodus 20:16

“To Tell the Truth”

 

1. Our tongues, although small, can be used to build up or destroy. Think of a time when someone used their words to build you up.  What did they say, and how did it make you feel?  On a similar note, think of a time when someone used their words to tear you down.  What was that experience like?
2. The Bible says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). When we lie with the intent to deceive one another, what do you believe that reveals about our heart?
3. We live in a world that is increasingly loud and complex, where rumors and “fake news” abound. Now, more than ever, it is important that we are able to answer the question “what is truth?”
4. The Bible says we are to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). What does this look like? For example, what is the difference between simply speaking the truth, and doing so out of love?

 

July 29, 2018

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Exodus 20:15

“Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away, Now”

 

Pray: Pray that God will speak through your discussion and reading.

Read: Read Exodus 20:1-17 (your group might take turns reading the text verse by verse)

Discuss:

1. Having read the entire 10 Commandments text out loud, what did you notice that was new?
2. What have you learned about the 10 Commandments this summer? How has God been speaking to you through the commandments?
3. Do you agree that the commandments are about the free life God wants to bless us with? Why or why not?
4. Is Commandment # 8, “you shall not steal,” a universal moral truth? If so, how do humans around the world learn this prohibition? Is it hard-wired in us, or does it need to be learned?
5. How did you learn not to steal as a child?
6. What happens in our hearts when we steal?
7. What other types of stealing exist, beyond shoplifting, Ponzi schemes, etc.?
8. How would you state this commandment in a positive way:
   (“You shall not steal, but you shall . . . “)?
9. How did Jesus live out your answer to Question 8?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed

 

July 22, 2018

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Exodus 20:14

“Caught in the Act”

 

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and your discussion.
Read: Exodus 20:14.
Discuss:

1. Wow! Are we really going to talk about this? (Yes, we are ). Did your parents give you the “sex talk” when you were young? If you are a parent, did you have the talk with your kids? Share how these talks went. Why does God want to talk to us about sex?
2. Biblical scholars note that there is not a word for “spiritual” in the Old Testament. There is not “spiritual life” and “life”; there’s just life. And God wants to be a part of all of it. How, then, is sexuality a “spiritual” dimension of life? That is, how are our sex lives a part of the life of grace that God wants for us?
3. This Commandment prescribes faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman. Is this woefully out of step with our current culture? Our society urges freedom in sexuality (sexual liberation). How is such freedom depicted in various media? Does sexual liberation really lead to freedom? Can it lead to enslavement? Explain.
4. Read 2 Samuel 11.
   Which Commandments did David break? Describe how these infractions are related. Are there any points in the story when David could have repented, and changed course so that further sins were not committed?
   B. What windows into Bathsheba’s experience does the text give us? Describe the range of emotions she would have experienced during these events.
   C. Can it really be said, given this chapter of Scripture, that David is a hero of the faith? Why or why not?
5. What would change in our society and in the world if this Commandment was followed?

 

July 15, 2018

Rev. Megan Katerjian, Director, Door of Hope

Exodus 19:3-6; 20:1-2; Matthew 5:17-19

“Revisiting Law and Grace”

 

1. Read Exodus 19: 3-6. How does God feel about his people?
2. Read Exodus 20:2. Why do you think God reminds people of this before he delivers the Law?
3. Based on how well they follow the Law, do you think the God of the Old Testament feels the same or different about his people?
4. Based on how well they follow the Law, do you think the God of the New Testament feels the same or different about his people?
5. What do you think it means that Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it?

 

July 8, 2018

Cindy Frost, Interim Associate Pastor for Outreach

John 13:31-35

“Love Like Jesus”

 

1. Read Exodus 19: 3-6. How does God feel about his people?
2. Read Exodus 20:2. Why do you think God reminds people of this before he delivers the Law?
3. Based on how well they follow the Law, do you think the God of the Old Testament feels the same or different about his people?
4. Based on how well they follow the Law, do you think the God of the New Testament feels the same or different about his people?
5. What do you think it means that Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it?

 

July 1, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Exodus 20:13

“The Lord, the Giver of Life”

 

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and your discussion.
Read: Deuteronomy 5:1-21 (all of the Ten Commandments, but focusing on v. 17, Commandment #6).
Discuss:
*Note: This commandment ushers us into some thorny issues. Commit to one another to listen, and to offer one another grace and understanding.

1. We are half way through the Ten Commandments. What are you learning about them? How has your perspective shifted on the Commandments? Has your life changed at all? How?
2. Look at verses 17-21 again. In the Deuteronomy version of the commandments, commandments 7-10 are linked to commandment 6 with the word “neither” (the NIV, unfortunately, does not translate this word). How is adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting related to “murder” or “killing”?
3. The Hebrew of verse 17 is ambiguous: it could mean “murder” or, more generally, “kill.” What is the difference? Which word, based on your experience and your knowledge of Scripture, do you think is most accurate?
4. List all of the social issues this commandment touches on. How should the Church go about obeying this commandment in regard to these issues? That is, what should our posture and process be, knowing there is deep division in society, and in the church, on all of these issues?
5. How does Jesus live out this commandment?
6. What does this commandment teach us about who God is?
7. Read Matthew 5:21-24, which is Jesus’ teaching on this commandment in the Sermon on the Mount. How does this passage convict you to change your life, as a follower of Jesus?

 

June 24, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Exodus 20:12

“Derived”

 

Pray: Pray that God would speak through Scripture and through your discussion.

Read: Exodus 20:12

Discuss:

1. Briefly talk about your family of origin, sharing about what your parents were like and what were the primary characteristics of your upbringing.
2. Is this commandment easy or hard for you? Why?
3. Gratitude and forgiveness are the two primary ways to keep this commandment. Which of these, in reference to your parents, is most needed?
4. Our lives are derived. We are “daughters of” and “sons of.” God could have ordered life so that this was not the case. How is a derived life inherently blessed? How is it inherently challenging?
5. How should this commandment be lived out by parents? (Read Ephesians 6:1-4 for additional guidance here).
6. How should our church be ordered so this commandment is followed? What commitments should the church carry in society so that this commandment can be kept?

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

 

June 17, 2018

Chuck Osburn, Associate Pastor preaching

Exodus 20:7

“What’s in a Name?”

 

Pray:  Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.
Read:  Exodus 20:4-6
Discuss:

1. The more recent (NRSV) translation of the Bible says “You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.” Older English translations said, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”  How do those different wordings seem the same to you?  How do they seem different?  How do they both help you understand this 3rd Commandment.
2. When you heard this Commandment in your youth, what did you think it meant to you then? How has your understanding of this Commandment changed over the years?
3. What would you say are some of our secular culture’s understandings of the meaning of this Commandment?
4. Why do you think God would make the “wrongful use of his name” / “taking his name in vain” would be so important as to make it one of the “BIG 10”?
5. One Jewish Commentator says that this Commandment is more accurately understood when “taking God’s name in vain” is translated “carrying God’s name in vain” - or committing evil in the name of God. What examples might you think of where evil has been committed “in the name of God” ... or ... by those who “have some apparent association with God”?
6. What does such evil do to the “name [reputation]of God”? How might your understanding of this dimension of “taking/carrying God’s name in vain” inform your understanding as to why God “will not acquit anyone who misuses/takes/carries his name in vain.”
7. Are you able to share how you may have hurt/diminished/soiled the “reputation of God”? Ask God to “cleanse” those places where you need to reflect his character and name more accurately and faithfully.

Pray:  Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

June 10, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Exodus 20:4-6

“The Greatest and First”

 

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion.

Read: Exodus 20:4-6

Discuss:

1. When you hear the word “idol,” what do you think of?
2. How is the Second Commandment different from the First?
3. This is a negative, “do not” commandment. How would you phrase it in a positive way (“You shall . . .”)?
4. What are the primary idols or our age? What are the particular idols of Southern California, or of the specific community you live in?
5. One pastor defines an idol as when we make a “good thing a god thing.” What good things in your life have fallen into that “god thing” category?
6. What do you make of God being described as a “jealous” God? Do you like this picture of God? Why or why not? How might divine jealousy be different than human jealousy?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

June 3, 2018
Kristin Leucht, Executive Pastor preaching

Exodus 20:1-3
“The Greatest and First”

 

Pray: Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion

Read: Exodus 20:1-3

• What were rules that you had to follow in your family growing up? What were the consequences for breaking a rule?
• The title of this sermon series is “Thou Shalt - Freedom and the 10 Commandments”.
  • How do you see those things fitting together?
  • How do these Commandments give us freedom?
• The 1st Commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.”
  • What are things in your life that have become like “gods” for you?
  • What are things you can do to put God ahead of these other “gods”?
  • How does putting God first give you freedom?

 

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

May 27, 2018
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Deuteronomy 5:12-15

“Commandment #4”

 

Pray:  Pray that God would guide your reading and discussion

Read: Deuteronomy 5:12-15

1. We’ve been talking about Sabbath (margin, space, rest) for a couple of months. What have you learned? What Sabbath practices have you tried? What other changes are needed in your life?
2. Commandment 4 is often described as the bridge between Commandments 1-3 and 5-10. Looking at Deuteronomy 5:1-21, what do you notice about Commandments 1-3 and 5-10? How is the Fourth Commandment a connection between these two “tables” of the Law?
3. Describe the “justice” (for others) component of the Fourth commandment, as found in the Deuteronomy text. How can we live this component out in our lives?
4. Look in Exodus 20 and find the Fourth Commandment. What is different? What are the events that Sabbath is founded upon in both texts? What might your practice of rest (margin) have to do with these divine events?
5. Commandments are about freedom. How would following this commandment move you into a life of greater freedom?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

May 20, 2018
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
John 20:19-23

“Jesus Breath”

 

Pray: Pray that God would speak through his Word and through each other.

Read out loud: John 20:19-23

Discuss:

1. What are the important words in this passage? As a group, identify 4-6 (or so) key words, and discuss why they are significant.
2. The resurrected Christ comes and stands “among” the disciples (v. 19). How does Christian community encourage seeing Christ? How can it inhibit seeing Christ?
3. Without invitation, Jesus shows the disciples the wounds that are still on his resurrected body. Why is this important? What point is being made here? How are the wounds of Jesus tied to rejoicing?
4. Jesus speaks the word “peace” twice in this passage. How is Jesus using this word? How is Jesus’ use of this word similar or different to the way it is used in our world?
5. Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit seems like it would be an awkward moment. Act this moment out as a group (seriously . . . do it!). What do we learn of the Holy Spirit from the way in which Jesus gives the Spirit to the disciples?
6. How do you interpret v. 6? What other passages of Scripture help you to understand this verse?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

May 13, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Genesis 1:31-2:3

“Less is More”

 

Pray: Pray that God will speak through Scripture and through each other.

Read: Genesis 1:31-2:3

Discuss:

1. Describe the last time you experienced true rest. What difference does this kind of rest make in your life?
2. This passage is the profound foundation for Sabbath (rest, margin). Sabbath is a gift God wants to give his people—the gift of resting from labor, of ceasing in our striving and our racing. Why is this needed in our world and in our lives?
3. One dimension of God’s rest in this passage is a deep satisfaction with his work of creation. Describe work that you have done which has been deeply satisfying. How was God in that work? When it was completed, did you take time to enjoy it, as God does with the work of creation?
4. God made the seventh day “holy,” which is the first use of this word in the Bible. Do you have a practice of Sunday being a holy day, different from other days? What needs to change in how you spend your Sundays?
5. This passage indicates that God inhabits time. This is a unique claim among world religions. Describe your own “relationship” with time. Is it going too fast? Too slow? How can God’s inhabiting of time change your perspective?

 

May 6, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
2 Timothy 3:10-17

“Generational Margin”

 

Pray: Pray that God would speak through Scripture and through your discussion.

Read: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Discuss:

1. Paul and Timothy had a unique “father-son,” mentor-type relationship. Describe a relationship like this that you have had. How did God use this relationship in your life?
2. How is the older and wiser person transformed in such relationships? That is, do you think Paul was blessed by this relationship? How do you imagine he was changed?
3. In vv. 10-13, Paul describes the difficulty and persecution he has experienced as a Christian. In what ways have you experienced anything that is similar to what he describes?
4. The key phrase in this passage is “knowing from whom you learned it” (v 14). How have you experienced this? That is, how is your knowledge of the Christian faith tied to your knowing (and trusting) Christians who practice this faith?
5. How is God calling you to put this verse 14 principle into practice?
6. 16 is one of the clearest definitions we have of the role of Scripture. Describe how the Bible has, or has not, been of value as described by Paul in this verse.

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

April 29, 2018

Mark Roberts, Guest Preacher

Luke 10:38-42

“Martha’s Welcome”

 

Pray: Pray that God would speak through his Word and through each other.

Discuss:

1. As is often the case, Jesus is here described as being “on the way” (v 1). Why do you think Jesus never stayed put? Certainly, he could have just set up shop and had the people come to him. How can the Church be “on the way”? How is your own experience of faith like a journey?
2. Martha here shows hospitality to Jesus and the disciples. Why is hospitality so crucial to a community of faith? How is God calling you to practice hospitality?
3. Describe practices or habits you have, or have had at other times in your life, to be like Mary and “sit at the Lord’s feet” in order to listen to him. How is God calling you to new practices so that you can have Mary’s posture?
4. What are the “Martha-like” distractions in your life? What changes are needed?
5. When have you felt like Martha (v 40), frustrated that someone else was not doing their part? How does this passage teach us to respond in such situations?
6. If this scene was being acted out on stage, with what tone would Jesus say verses 41-42? *Extra Credit: try speaking these lines using different tones, and discuss how the meaning changes.

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

April 22, 2018 – Global Faith Missions Sunday

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 12:13-21

“Abundant Life” 

 

Pray: Pray that God will guide your reading and your discussion.

(Note: This is the second week for discussing this passage.)

Discuss:

1. This parable arises from “someone in the crowd” bringing a question to Jesus. Throughout the gospels, there is a dynamic between “the crowd”—those who admired and were interested in Jesus—and the disciples—those who followed him (although not perfectly!). Are you in the crowd, or are you a disciple? What’s the difference? How does one move from the crowd toward being a disciple?
2. The stranger requests advice from Jesus about an inheritance. Why does money create conflicts in families? How can such conflict be avoided? What help is the parable that Jesus tells in this regard?
3. In v. 15, Jesus warns about “all kinds of greed.” What are the different kinds of greed in society today?
4. Read John 10:10, and compare it to v. 15. How does one move from a life built on an “abundance of possessions” to the abundant life Jesus is offering?
5. Most of us are not building “bigger barns”; what are we building more of? Where does this drive come from? How can we be free of it?
6. There is some ambiguity in God’s remark in v. 20. Explain what you think God means.
7. What convictions is God placing in your life based on this passage?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

April 15, 2018 – Local Faith Missions Sunday

Pastor Dan Anderson, Staff Pastor & Director of Strategic Partnerships at Union Rescue Mission and Skid Row

Luke 18:35-43

“Why Reach Out to the Disenfranchised?”

AND

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor

Luke 12:13-21

“Money Margin”

 

Pray: Pray that God would speak through Scripture and through your discussion

Read: Luke 12:13-21

1. In your Bible, this parable probably has a title like “The Parable of the Rich Fool.” These titles are put in Bibles by the editors (not by the authors of the Gospels). What title would you give this parable if you were the editor?
2. Jesus talks a lot about money, as he does in this parable (he actually talks about money seven times more than he talks about love!). Even though this is the case, people are often uncomfortable when money is talked about in church. Why is this so?
3. If Jesus were telling a parable to make the same point as this one in 2018 in Southern California, how would the story be different?
4. Somewhat comically, this parable is mostly about a conversation that the rich man has with himself. Describe the conversation you have with yourself regarding saving, spending, giving, and possessions, etc.
5. How is the refrain “eat, drink, and be merry” (v 19) lived out in our world?
6. The Gospel is both comforting and convicting. What is comforting to you about this passage? What is convicting?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

April 8, 2018 – Worship in the Park at 10AM, followed by All Church Picnic

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Matthew 11:28-30

“No Rest for the Weary”

 

Pray: Pray that God would speak through Scripture and through your discussion.

Read: Matthew 11:28-30

Discuss:

1. Describe your favorite way(s) to rest.
2. Do the words “weary and carrying heaving burdens” describe your life right now? Explain.
3. Jesus says “come to me . . .” Who, or what, else is making a similar offer of rest? How is Jesus’ offer of rest tied to his identity (that is, who he is—his character)?
4. The word for “learn” in verse 29 is the verb form of the word “disciple.” It carries the connotation of being an apprentice. Describe a time when you were an “apprentice” in some form. How is life with Jesus similar to that season in your life?
5. If verse one was a title for your faith story, how would you tell this story? That is, describe how Jesus has done what he promises to do in these verses.
6. What evidence is there in your life that you are receiving the gift Jesus is here offering? What practices do you need to put in place so that you can “take on the yoke of Jesus” and “learn” from him?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

April 1, 2018 – Easter Sunday

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

John 20:1-9

“Racing in the Street”

 

Pray: Ask God to speak to you through his Word and through each other.

Read: John 20:1-9

Discuss:

1. There is a lot of running in this passage. Do you like running? Why or why not? What pace is your life at right now (walk, jog, run, sprint)? Does your pace need to change?
2. The other primary theme in this passage is seeing (vv 1, 5, and 8). Does this passage confirm the idea that “seeing is believing”? How have seeing and believing worked in your life of faith?
3. Put yourselves in the shoes of Mary, John (the “other disciple, the one Jesus loved”), and Peter. What emotions would they have been feeling? Would you have reacted similarly or differently? Explain.
4. Women, according to the gospels, were the first witnesses to resurrection (look, also, at the passage after this one, when Jesus appears to Mary). Describe women who have been a significant part of your journey of faith.
5. One of Jesus’ consistent invitations is to “come and see.” What practices do you have in your life to “see” the resurrected Christ? If someone was to observe your life, what evidence would they see of resurrection?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

March 25, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Psalm 23:6

“Dwelling Place”

 

Pray: Ask God to speak through Scripture and through your discussion.

Read: Read Psalm 23 out loud as a group

Discuss:

1. In the past weeks, how has your view of Psalm 23 changed? From this point forward, how can you make this a “prayer to live by” rather than a “poem to die by”?
2. In verse 6, David does imagine coming to the end of his life. What do you want to be said at your funeral? How does your life now need to change so that those things will be said? How would Psalm 23 help that happen?
3. The words “goodness” and “mercy” in verse 6 relate to creation and covenant, respectively. How have you experienced God’s beauty in the goodness of creation, and how have you experienced God’s promises?
4. In verse 6, David speaks of “dwelling in the house of the Lord.” He is referring to the temple, where worship happened. What does he mean? How does worship provide space for us to dwell in God’s presence? How can this be more than just an hour on Sunday?
5. Verse 6 indicates that we are pursued by God’s goodness and mercy. Do you think God has “pursued” you? How have you experienced that?
6. Which word or phrase or image in Psalm 23 is the one you want to hold onto for the season of life you are in now? Why is that word or phrase or image important to you?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

March 18, 2018

Cindy Frost, Interim Associate Pastor for Outreach preaching

Psalm 23:5

“God as Host”

 

Prayer: Begin with a time of silence. Then, pray Psalm 23 out loud as a group.

Discussion:

1. How is the metaphor of the Lord as host similar to the metaphor of the Lord as shepherd? How is it different? To which aspects of each metaphor do you most relate?
2. Food, meals, and banquets are major themes throughout the Bible. What are some significant examples of that? Why do you think food is such a prominent theme? What do you think it represents?
3. Who or what do you see as your enemies? What does it mean to you that the Lord prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies? What does that communicate to you? What does it communicate to the enemies?
4. When have you experienced God’s care and provision in the midst of “enemies”? What difference did it make?
5. The imagery here is of a lavish feast not a sparse picnic. How have you experienced God as a God of abundance? What causes you to doubt God’s abundance? What difference does it make that God is a God of abundance?

Prayer: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

March 11, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Psalm 23:4

“Valley of the Shadow”

 

Pray: Pray Psalm 23 together, out loud, as a group.

Discuss Psalm 23:4:

1. David here speaks of the shepherd’s “rod and staff,” which were the shepherd’s most important tools. What tools are most important to the work you are called to do?
2. This is the verse! It is in this line that David stops talking about God and starts talking to Describe when this happened for you. What prompted you to start praying to the God you had heard about?
3. God does not promise that there will not be “dark valleys” nor that there will be no evil. God promises to be with us no matter what, and that we need not fear. Are these promises enough? Do you ever wish God promised more? Explain.
4. If there were not any “dark valleys,” how would faith be different?
5. The shepherd’s rod and staff were for protection and presence. How have you experienced God’s protection and presence?
6. One powerful way to use scripture is to let it guide our prayers for others. Who is God calling you to pray verse 4 over? Take time this week to pray this verse for that person, and let them know you are.
7. How is God’s comfort similar to or different from other forms of comfort?

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

March 4, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Psalm 23:3

“Counting Sheep”

 

Pray: Ask the Spirit to speak, and allow time for silence so that God can settle (“make you lie down”!—Ps. 23:2) your spirits.

Discuss:

1. Have you been praying Psalm 23 the past couple of weeks? How? (Out loud, silently, with another . . . ?). How has God been working in your life through this prayer?
2. Verse 3 of Psalm 23 indicates that God will restore our souls. What have you restored (i.e.: furniture, a car, a home . . .)? How is that kind of restoration similar or different than the kind God works in our souls?
3. Is the idea of a “soul” an antiquated concept? Does it fit in with our modern world? Do you think much about your soul? Explain.
4. Verse 3 speaks of God leading us. Describe how Jesus led others. How do you need to make room in your life so that Jesus can lead you in this manner?
5. What would “right paths” be for a sheep? What are “right paths” for a follower of Jesus?
6. The last line of v. 3 is surprising: “for his name’s sake.” Is God self-absorbed? What does this line mean in relation to the rest of the psalm? The other verses of the psalm contain a lot of “me’s” and “my’s,” referring to David. How does this line about the “name” of God counter David’s apparent self-absorption?

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

February 25, 2018

Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching

Psalm 23:2

“Sheep Heaven”

 

Pray: Ask God to speak and to guide your discussion

Read: Read Psalm 23 out loud as a group

Discuss:

1. For a moment, put yourself in the shoes of a non-Christian. How does Psalm 23 sound to a person who is not a Jesus-follower? What is compelling about it? What about it confirms non-Christian biases and assumptions about faith?
2. If you were to get a tattoo with one of Psalm 23’s six verses, which would it be? Why? (Optional: Group Activity!)
3. In verse 2, David begins to make a case for the “thesis” of verse 1. What do green pastures and still waters have to do with “not wanting,” with a “life without lack”? What have “green pastures” and “still waters” looked like in your life?
4. What do you make of the verb “make” in v. 2? Do you like it that the Good Shepherd “makes” us lie down? Why or why not? How does God make us rest? Why would God want to do that?
5. Theologian Dallas Willard was fond of encouraging others to “relentlessly eliminate hurry” from their lives. How does that call strike you? Do you want to be less hurried? What would need to change? How do you think God would change you if you went slower?

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed

 

February 18, 2018

Connor Cipolla, Director, Youth Ministry preaching

Psalm 23:1

“We Won’t Be Wanting”

 

Prayer: Begin with a time of silence. Then, pray Psalm 23 out loud as a group.

Discussion:

1. Psalm 23 is a poem. As a poem, do you like it? Why or why not?
2. Psalm 23 is a prayer. As a prayer, do you like it? Why or why not? This was David’s prayer. How can it be your prayer?
3. Psalm 23 is personal from the very beginning, for David says, the Lord is MY David, though, was able to say this because he was a part of a community of faith. Describe how the personal and communal elements of your faith go together.
4. “I shall not want.” Is this a realistic prayer in our day and age? Why or why not? How is that prayer connected to the opening line, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Is a life without wanting really possible? How would living such a life change the world?
5. Psalm 23 is also about Jesus. How do see verse 1 reflected in his life and ministry? How did Jesus live I life of “not wanting”?

Prayer: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

February 11, 2018

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching, Senior Pastor

Psalm 127

“Faith Work Balance”

 

Pray:

Read: Psalm 127

1. Psalm 127 is a “Psalm of Ascent,” along with Psalms 120-134. These psalms were read by Jewish pilgrims on their way to worship in Jerusalem. They are essentially road trip songs.
2. What is your best “on the road” story? What happened during this trip? How were you changed?
3. How does knowing that Psalm 127 was originally sung by travelers change your understanding of the psalm?
4. How can a church go about living out the “unless” of verse 1, so that its work is not “in vain”?
5. Verses 1-2 are about work. How is your work an extension of your faith? How can you co-labor with God in your work?
6. What is the connection between verses 3-5 and 1-2?
7. Verses 3-5 are about the blessing of family. Has family been a blessing in your life? How do we need to work so that family is a blessing?

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

February 4, 2018

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching, Senior Pastor

John 14:1-7

“Room with a View”

 

Pray: That God’s Spirit will guide your hearing of his Word.

Read: John 14:1-7

Discuss:

1. Describe your room when you were a child. What did you like about it? Was it a safe place? How did you spend your time there?
2. In v 1, Jesus tells us, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” What is troubling your heart at present?
3. It could be argued that in v 3, Jesus defines heaven as the place “where I am.” Describe a time when the presence of Jesus was the most real to you. How can we cultivate an awareness of Christ’s presence in this life?
4. In v 5, Thomas asks a doubting question. This is per the usual. Are you like Thomas? What doubts do you have? What do you do with your doubts and questions of faith? Based one this passage, what does Jesus want you do?
5. Is Jesus making an exclusive claim in v 6? What do you think of it? Does this claim lead to intolerance? Why or why not?
6. How does God offer you comfort and consolation in this passage?

Pray: Pray about what you have heard from Scripture and from each other.

 

January 28, 2018
Rev. Dr. Peter Hintzoglou preaching, LCPC Parish Associate
Psalm 20:1-9
“Walking in the New Year”

What are you looking forward to least in the upcoming week? Why?
How do you prepare yourself for a challenge? A conflict?
This psalm is a prayer before war: 1Kings 8:44-45. Picture the scene in verses 1-5, people gathered around their army. How can they be so confident?
“Chariots and horses” were the potent technology at the time: What is the equivalent today?
What does it mean to trust the Lord instead of weapons in our modern world? How does this apply to our prayers? To our local, national and international commitments?
What challenge are you facing today for which you need group prayer? State your requests specifically.

January 21, 2018
Kevin Colon preaching, guest preacher
Psalm 84
“Make Yourself at Home ”

Pray
Read: Psalm 84
Discuss:

• Part of the longing the psalmist has for God’s house comes from previous experiences of worship. Describe meaningful experiences you have had in worship. How did God use those times of worship in your life?
• In v. 4 the psalmist connects happiness with praising God. How do the two go together? What fruit has come in your own life from praising God?
• 5-7 picture a journey through a desert where water is scarce. According to these verses, how does God provide for us in times of material or spiritual scarcity?
• According to v. 10, being in God’s presence (in the court of the temple) is better than anywhere else. Where is your favorite place in the world? How is being in God’s presence like this best place? How does being in God’s presence exceed this place?
• Psalms are meant to be prayed and lived. How might your life change if you prayed this psalm repeatedly? How might your group structure doing that together?

Pray: Pray about what you have discussed

January 14, 2018
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
“You Can Always Go Home”

Pray

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Discuss:

What are your memories of your childhood home?

In vv 1-2, Paul talks about longing for our eternal home. How is this longing similar to or different from longing for the home of your childhood?

V 7: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Is this frustrating? Why? Why is walking by sight not possible in the life of faith?

Because of the metaphors Paul uses—homes, clothing, etc.—this passage can be confusing. What is Paul saying about life after death? Which of his words are most important to hold onto?

How does a proper view of heaven affect our life here on earth?

Pray: Pray about what you have just discussed.

December 17, 2017
Megan Katerjian, Interim Associate Pastor preaching
John 3:16-17
“Abide: Love”

Repeat words in the text are clues about their importance. Does it change the meaning of John 3:16 when you read “the world” 4 times in John 3:16-17?

John 3:16 is one of the most-often memorized and quoted verses in the Bible. What would be different if instead it was John 3:16-17?

We often think of John 3:16 as an Easter verse (focused on the sacrifice and death of Jesus). How does it expand our understanding to think of it as a Christmas verse (focused on God sending his son to be born into the world)?

December 10, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Isaiah 40:25-31
“Abide: Hope”

Pray

Read: Isaiah 40:25-31

Discuss:

• This passage is about waiting (and hope). Describe a time in your life when you were waiting. What was the waiting like? What was it like when the waiting was over? What are you waiting for now?
• In v. 26, Isaiah presents God as the power behind the stars, countering what would have been a common practice then, the belief in astrology. What are the superstitions and idols of our day and age?
• This passage lifts up God as Creator. What does God’s work as Creator have to to with God’s work as Savior, given our focus in Advent on the coming of Jesus?
• How do you receive v. 29? Are you among the “weary and the weak”? Or are you called to be one who provides strength to the weary, and power to the weak?
• “But those who hope in the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV): How might this be a phrase that defines and gives vision to the Church?

Pray: Pray about what you have just read and discussed.

December 3, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Luke 1:26-38

“Abide: Faith”

 

Pray

Read: Luke 1:26-38

Discuss:

• At a young age, Mary was asked to do something hard that ultimately produced a lot of joy. What hard/joyful thing can you recall from your youth?
• What does this passage teach us about faith?
• Do you wish God would send an angel to speak to you? Why or why not?
• "For nothing will be impossible with God" (v. 37). Has this verse been evident in your experience? Explain.
• In v. 38, Mary says more than just "yes." What would your life look like if this was your primary response to God?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

November 26, 2017
Kristin Leucht, Executive Pastor preaching
Matthew 22:34-40

“What Will Your Story Be?”

 

• What does it mean for you to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind?
• What about that command is easy for you? What about it is hard?
• What does it mean for you to love your neighbor?
• What about that command is easy for you? What about it is hard?
• Jesus is asked “Which is the greatest commandment” and instead of answering with one command, he answers with two. Why do you think Jesus replied with both of these commands? What do you see is the link between the two commands?
• How during this Advent season are you going to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
• How are you going to show love to a neighbor?

November 19, 2017
Megan Katerjian, Interim Associate Pastor preaching
Matthew 17:1-8
“Mountaintop Moments, Valley Living”

 

• Mountaintop moments with God are something we see throughout the Old Testament and in Jesus’ ministry. Read a few of these passages and discuss what they might teach us about how God uses mountaintop moments to speak to his people. Genesis 22:1-19, Exodus 24:13-18, 1 Kings 19:11-15, Matthew 5:1-7:29; 15:29; 26:36-46; 27:33; 28:20.
• Scholars say the transfiguration has similarities to both the Crucifixion, when Jesus is on the cross, and the Resurrection, when Jesus first appears outside the tomb. What are some of these similarities and why is that significant?
• What do we learn about God from this “mountaintop moment” with Jesus?
• Have you ever had a mountaintop moment with God? What was it? What did you learn about God? How did it impact your faith?

 

November 12, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
no questions available

 

November 5, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Matthew 16:21-23
“Absolutely Necessary”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 16:21-23
• Peter, having recently been commended by Jesus, is now strongly reprimanded. Tell about a time, perhaps when you were younger, when you made a mistake and got a stern “talking to”!
• What does this passage have to do with the one that precedes it, Matthew 16:13-20?
• What do you think Jesus means by saying that his suffering, death, and resurrection “must” (v. 21) happen? Who, or what, is behind this must?
• Why does Peter resist Jesus’ description of the suffering that he is going to experience?
• Jesus’ rebuke of Peter could not be any stronger: “Get behind me, Satan!” Why does Jesus bring Satan into this? What does the Evil One have to do with what Jesus and Peter are talking about?
• If you have time, read Matthew 16:24-26. How do these verses connect with the conversation between Peter and Jesus?
• Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

October 29, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Matthew 16:13-20
“The Church’s One Foundation”

 

Pray

Read: Matthew 16:13-20

Discuss:

• Peter gets a nickname in this passage. What nicknames have you been given? Why are nicknames important?
• Jesus first asks his disciples who others say he is (v. 13). Who do people say Jesus is during our own time?
• How would you answer Jesus’ question? (v. 15). How have you come to your answer?
• According to v. 17, it is God who reveals knowledge about himself. Based on your experience, how does God do this?
• Jesus indicates that the church is to have a very important role. Why is the church important? Would a life of faith be easier/better without the complexity and messiness of the church? Why or why not?

 

October 22, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Matthew 14:22-33
“Rule #1: Don’t Be Afraid”

 

• Pray for God to guide your discussion.
• Read: Matthew 14:22-33
• Discuss:
• When have you been afraid?
• Jesus’ words in verse 27 form the most repeated command in Scripture: “Do not be afraid.” Why does God want us to hear these words? Does faith cancel out fear? Does it change it somehow? What has been your experience?
• What do you think Jesus is talking to the Father about when he is praying by himself on the mountain (v 23)?
• Based on your reading of the text, was it right or wrong for Peter to try to walk on the water?
• What does verse 33 teach us about the significance and role of worship?
• Pray about what you have discussed.

 

October 15, 2017
Megan Katerjian, Interim Associate Pastor preaching
Matthew 12:46-50
“The DNA of a Disciple”

 

• The text says Jesus’ “mother and brothers stood outside,” but implies they didn’t try to come in.  Why? Is this significant? If you read the parallel in Mark 3:21; 31-35, does this shed any light on things?
• This is not the only hard passage about family in Matthew. Read Matthew 10:34-39. Is Jesus rejecting family relations, or what else might be going on here?
• Based on the context in this passage, what might “doing God’s will” mean? Again, read the parallel in Mark 3:34a. Does this give any clues?
• Jesus defines family in a new way in this passage. What might he be saying to you about your natural or spiritual family?

 

October 8, 2017
 Heather Henry, Director, Children’s Ministry preaching
Matthew 9:18-26
“Interruptible Jesus”

 

• Pray
• Read Matthew 9:18-26 (Optional: Mark 5:21-43)
• Discuss:
  • How has your life as a follower of Jesus been different than you expected?
  • Share about a time something good came out of you being interrupted.
  • How willing are you normally to let go of the task you are immersed in to care for another person?
  • Do you have a sense of some way that Jesus wants you to be interrupted?
  • Is there something in your life that you would like healed? A broken relationship, physical ailment, etc? What would it look like for you to reach out to Jesus for healing the way the people did in the story?
• Pray together

 

October 1, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew 9:9-13
“The Wrong Crowd”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 9:9-13
• Discuss:
  • Jesus spent a lot of time walking, and called some of his disciples while “walking along” (v. 9, and also compare Matthew 4:18). How is life different at a “walking” pace? Is such a pace realistic in Southern California? Is it needed?
  • Matthew immediately follows Jesus once he hears the command/invitation “follow me.” What is it about Jesus, or these two words, that compels such immediate and dramatic life change?
  • How are Christians still like the Pharisees, complaining about Jesus hanging out with the “wrong crowd”?
  • Matthew’s first act as a disciple is to throw a party with all of his sinner friends. What should this teach the church about the kingdom of God?
• Pray: Pray about what you just discussed.

 

September 24, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew 10:1-10
“Talk as You Walk”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 10:1-10
• Discuss:
• Jesus launches the disciples into serious ministry, and they have only been following him for a short amount of time. When in your life have you felt under-prepared for a task or responsibility? When have you felt this kind of deficiency in your life of faith?
• Matthew, who was a tax collector, and thereby a betrayer of the Jewish people, and Simon, who was a zealot committed to overthrowing the Roman government, would have been sworn enemies. When have you lived in close proximity with someone who had radically different viewpoints than your own? How did God work in that situation? What is God’s call for you with these kinds of relationships in your present life?
• Jesus summarizes the good news (the Gospel) as “The Kingdom of heaven is near” (v. 7). What Jesus means is that we live our lives in God’s presence. Does this seem to be the case to you? Why or why not? When have you sensed God’s presence the most? How can one cultivate an awareness of God’s presence?
• In verses 9 and 10, Jesus urges that the disciples go out into mission with a certain lack of resources. Why do you think God might want us to not feel like we have everything we need for what he calls us to?

 

September 17, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew4:18-22
“Fish Story”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 4:18-22
• Discuss:
  • Jesus spent a lot of time walking (v. 18). Do you like walking? Why or why not? What are the spiritual and emotional benefits of walking?
  • These four disciples leave their profession and, in the case of James and John, their family, in order to follow Jesus. What have been the costs of following Jesus for you? Is Jesus asking you to leave anything behind in order to follow him more closely?
  • How did you come to follow Jesus? What do these verses indicate are essential to following Jesus?
  • Jesus insists that disciples should be making other disciples (“fishers of people”). Are you doing this? What is challenging about this insistence from Jesus? Who in your life is God calling you to develop a closer relationship with so as to be a “fisher of people”?
• Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

September 10, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew 1:1-17
“Footnotes”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 1:1-17
• Discuss
  • This is “just” a list of names. What lists of names are important to you? A family tree? A roster for a team you played on? Something else?
  • Read one of the following stories about the women who are named in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21), Ruth (Book of Ruth), or Bathsheeba (2 Samuel 11). What surprises you? Why do you think Matthew went out of his way to include these women?
• The names of David and Abraham are important in the list, for God made covenants with them. What are the core promises God makes to us? How have you experienced (or not) these promises?
• Read Matthew 1:18-25. How does the story of Jesus’ birth relate to the genealogy?
• Pray: Pray about what you have just read and discussed.

 

September 3, 2017
Rev. Megan Katerjian preaching
Acts 2:42-47
“Beginning a New Church”

 

• Read the text and then list out the “spiritual practices” this group of believers did together. Come up with 1 or 2 words to describe each practice. What are they? Discuss your list with one another.
• Are there practices on that list that seem harder to do in the 21st century than they may have been in the early 1st century?
• What do these practices look like at LCPC? Where do we excel? Where do we fall short?

 

August 27, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Revelation 21:1-8
“Beginning at the End”

 

• Pray
• Read: Revelation 21:1-8
• Discuss:
• What was the last “new” thing you’ve done or tried? Share about that experience.
• In this vision, ,God promises that there will be a new heaven AND a new earth. How does knowing that this world will be a part of God’s new creation change the way you are living in this world?
• God promises to remove death, mourning, crying and pain. Does the fact that Jesus experienced all of these things change this promise? How?
• God says, “See I am making all things new.” How have you experienced God doing a new thing? What new thing do you hope for, in your church, in your community, or in the world? How is God calling you to be a part of this new thing?
• Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

August 20, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Genesis 28:10-22
“Monumental Faith”

 

• Pray, asking God to guide your discussion for this passage.
• Read out loud: Genesis 28:10-22.
• Discuss:
• What do you know about Jacob? Why is he running away? When in your life have you run from something?
• God shows up during an “in-between” time in Jacob’s life, when he is not expecting it. Has God ever shown up in your life in an unexpected way or during an “in-between” time?
• God promises to “keep” Jacob (verse 15). When have you felt “kept” by God? When have you felt that God was not keeping you?
• At the end of the text, Jacob sets up a monument to mark his encounter with God. What ways do you think God calls us to do the same thing? What practices does God call you to in order to mark his presence, and to notice his activity?
• Pray about what you have discussed as a group.

 

August 13, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Genesis 1:26-27
“Created for Community”

 

• Pray for God to speak through his Word and through each other.
• Read Genesis 1:26-31
• What do you think the image of God (imago Dei) s? Based on your experience, and informed by your faith, what does it mean to be truly human?
• How would your life change if you lived out the idea that you are made in the image of the triune God, the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? That is, if humanity is made for community, how should your life reflect this divine intention?
• Churches are messy, broken places filled with messy, broken people. What is your experience with this? Have you ever been hurt by the church? What do you think Jesus wants to do with “messy, broken” churches?
• How does the imago Dei (image of God) connect with God’s mandate concerning creation in verses 28-31? Keeping in mind Genesis 2:15, where God instructs humanity to “keep” the Garden, what is the call for Christians concerning the environmental and ecological movement?
• How does this passage and your discussion lead you to pray?

 

 

December 17, 2017
Megan Katerjian, Interim Associate Pastor preaching
John 3:16-17
“Abide: Love”

Repeat words in the text are clues about their importance. Does it change the meaning of John 3:16 when you read “the world” 4 times in John 3:16-17?

John 3:16 is one of the most-often memorized and quoted verses in the Bible. What would be different if instead it was John 3:16-17?

We often think of John 3:16 as an Easter verse (focused on the sacrifice and death of Jesus). How does it expand our understanding to think of it as a Christmas verse (focused on God sending his son to be born into the world)?

December 10, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Isaiah 40:25-31
“Abide: Hope”

Pray

Read: Isaiah 40:25-31

Discuss:

• This passage is about waiting (and hope). Describe a time in your life when you were waiting. What was the waiting like? What was it like when the waiting was over? What are you waiting for now?
• In v. 26, Isaiah presents God as the power behind the stars, countering what would have been a common practice then, the belief in astrology. What are the superstitions and idols of our day and age?
• This passage lifts up God as Creator. What does God’s work as Creator have to to with God’s work as Savior, given our focus in Advent on the coming of Jesus?
• How do you receive v. 29? Are you among the “weary and the weak”? Or are you called to be one who provides strength to the weary, and power to the weak?
• “But those who hope in the Lord” (Isaiah 40:31, NIV): How might this be a phrase that defines and gives vision to the Church?

Pray: Pray about what you have just read and discussed.

December 3, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Luke 1:26-38

“Abide: Faith”

 

Pray

Read: Luke 1:26-38

Discuss:

• At a young age, Mary was asked to do something hard that ultimately produced a lot of joy. What hard/joyful thing can you recall from your youth?
• What does this passage teach us about faith?
• Do you wish God would send an angel to speak to you? Why or why not?
• "For nothing will be impossible with God" (v. 37). Has this verse been evident in your experience? Explain.
• In v. 38, Mary says more than just "yes." What would your life look like if this was your primary response to God?

Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

November 26, 2017
Kristin Leucht, Executive Pastor preaching
Matthew 22:34-40

“What Will Your Story Be?”

 

• What does it mean for you to love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind?
• What about that command is easy for you? What about it is hard?
• What does it mean for you to love your neighbor?
• What about that command is easy for you? What about it is hard?
• Jesus is asked “Which is the greatest commandment” and instead of answering with one command, he answers with two. Why do you think Jesus replied with both of these commands? What do you see is the link between the two commands?
• How during this Advent season are you going to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?
• How are you going to show love to a neighbor?

November 19, 2017
Megan Katerjian, Interim Associate Pastor preaching
Matthew 17:1-8
“Mountaintop Moments, Valley Living”

 

• Mountaintop moments with God are something we see throughout the Old Testament and in Jesus’ ministry. Read a few of these passages and discuss what they might teach us about how God uses mountaintop moments to speak to his people. Genesis 22:1-19, Exodus 24:13-18, 1 Kings 19:11-15, Matthew 5:1-7:29; 15:29; 26:36-46; 27:33; 28:20.
• Scholars say the transfiguration has similarities to both the Crucifixion, when Jesus is on the cross, and the Resurrection, when Jesus first appears outside the tomb. What are some of these similarities and why is that significant?
• What do we learn about God from this “mountaintop moment” with Jesus?
• Have you ever had a mountaintop moment with God? What was it? What did you learn about God? How did it impact your faith?

 

November 12, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
no questions available

 

November 5, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Matthew 16:21-23
“Absolutely Necessary”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 16:21-23
• Peter, having recently been commended by Jesus, is now strongly reprimanded. Tell about a time, perhaps when you were younger, when you made a mistake and got a stern “talking to”!
• What does this passage have to do with the one that precedes it, Matthew 16:13-20?
• What do you think Jesus means by saying that his suffering, death, and resurrection “must” (v. 21) happen? Who, or what, is behind this must?
• Why does Peter resist Jesus’ description of the suffering that he is going to experience?
• Jesus’ rebuke of Peter could not be any stronger: “Get behind me, Satan!” Why does Jesus bring Satan into this? What does the Evil One have to do with what Jesus and Peter are talking about?
• If you have time, read Matthew 16:24-26. How do these verses connect with the conversation between Peter and Jesus?
• Pray: Pray about what you have read and discussed.

 

October 29, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Matthew 16:13-20
“The Church’s One Foundation”

 

Pray

Read: Matthew 16:13-20

Discuss:

• Peter gets a nickname in this passage. What nicknames have you been given? Why are nicknames important?
• Jesus first asks his disciples who others say he is (v. 13). Who do people say Jesus is during our own time?
• How would you answer Jesus’ question? (v. 15). How have you come to your answer?
• According to v. 17, it is God who reveals knowledge about himself. Based on your experience, how does God do this?
• Jesus indicates that the church is to have a very important role. Why is the church important? Would a life of faith be easier/better without the complexity and messiness of the church? Why or why not?

 

October 22, 2017
Jeff Hoffmeyer, Senior Pastor preaching
Matthew 14:22-33
“Rule #1: Don’t Be Afraid”

 

• Pray for God to guide your discussion.
• Read: Matthew 14:22-33
• Discuss:
• When have you been afraid?
• Jesus’ words in verse 27 form the most repeated command in Scripture: “Do not be afraid.” Why does God want us to hear these words? Does faith cancel out fear? Does it change it somehow? What has been your experience?
• What do you think Jesus is talking to the Father about when he is praying by himself on the mountain (v 23)?
• Based on your reading of the text, was it right or wrong for Peter to try to walk on the water?
• What does verse 33 teach us about the significance and role of worship?
• Pray about what you have discussed.

 

October 15, 2017
Megan Katerjian, Interim Associate Pastor preaching
Matthew 12:46-50
“The DNA of a Disciple”

 

• The text says Jesus’ “mother and brothers stood outside,” but implies they didn’t try to come in.  Why? Is this significant? If you read the parallel in Mark 3:21; 31-35, does this shed any light on things?
• This is not the only hard passage about family in Matthew. Read Matthew 10:34-39. Is Jesus rejecting family relations, or what else might be going on here?
• Based on the context in this passage, what might “doing God’s will” mean? Again, read the parallel in Mark 3:34a. Does this give any clues?
• Jesus defines family in a new way in this passage. What might he be saying to you about your natural or spiritual family?

 

October 8, 2017
 Heather Henry, Director, Children’s Ministry preaching
Matthew 9:18-26
“Interruptible Jesus”

 

• Pray
• Read Matthew 9:18-26 (Optional: Mark 5:21-43)
• Discuss:
  • How has your life as a follower of Jesus been different than you expected?
  • Share about a time something good came out of you being interrupted.
  • How willing are you normally to let go of the task you are immersed in to care for another person?
  • Do you have a sense of some way that Jesus wants you to be interrupted?
  • Is there something in your life that you would like healed? A broken relationship, physical ailment, etc? What would it look like for you to reach out to Jesus for healing the way the people did in the story?
• Pray together

 

October 1, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew 9:9-13
“The Wrong Crowd”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 9:9-13
• Discuss:
  • Jesus spent a lot of time walking, and called some of his disciples while “walking along” (v. 9, and also compare Matthew 4:18). How is life different at a “walking” pace? Is such a pace realistic in Southern California? Is it needed?
  • Matthew immediately follows Jesus once he hears the command/invitation “follow me.” What is it about Jesus, or these two words, that compels such immediate and dramatic life change?
  • How are Christians still like the Pharisees, complaining about Jesus hanging out with the “wrong crowd”?
  • Matthew’s first act as a disciple is to throw a party with all of his sinner friends. What should this teach the church about the kingdom of God?
• Pray: Pray about what you just discussed.

 

September 24, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew 10:1-10
“Talk as You Walk”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 10:1-10
• Discuss:
• Jesus launches the disciples into serious ministry, and they have only been following him for a short amount of time. When in your life have you felt under-prepared for a task or responsibility? When have you felt this kind of deficiency in your life of faith?
• Matthew, who was a tax collector, and thereby a betrayer of the Jewish people, and Simon, who was a zealot committed to overthrowing the Roman government, would have been sworn enemies. When have you lived in close proximity with someone who had radically different viewpoints than your own? How did God work in that situation? What is God’s call for you with these kinds of relationships in your present life?
• Jesus summarizes the good news (the Gospel) as “The Kingdom of heaven is near” (v. 7). What Jesus means is that we live our lives in God’s presence. Does this seem to be the case to you? Why or why not? When have you sensed God’s presence the most? How can one cultivate an awareness of God’s presence?
• In verses 9 and 10, Jesus urges that the disciples go out into mission with a certain lack of resources. Why do you think God might want us to not feel like we have everything we need for what he calls us to?

 

September 17, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew4:18-22
“Fish Story”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 4:18-22
• Discuss:
  • Jesus spent a lot of time walking (v. 18). Do you like walking? Why or why not? What are the spiritual and emotional benefits of walking?
  • These four disciples leave their profession and, in the case of James and John, their family, in order to follow Jesus. What have been the costs of following Jesus for you? Is Jesus asking you to leave anything behind in order to follow him more closely?
  • How did you come to follow Jesus? What do these verses indicate are essential to following Jesus?
  • Jesus insists that disciples should be making other disciples (“fishers of people”). Are you doing this? What is challenging about this insistence from Jesus? Who in your life is God calling you to develop a closer relationship with so as to be a “fisher of people”?
• Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

September 10, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Matthew 1:1-17
“Footnotes”

 

• Pray
• Read: Matthew 1:1-17
• Discuss
  • This is “just” a list of names. What lists of names are important to you? A family tree? A roster for a team you played on? Something else?
  • Read one of the following stories about the women who are named in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar (Genesis 38), Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21), Ruth (Book of Ruth), or Bathsheeba (2 Samuel 11). What surprises you? Why do you think Matthew went out of his way to include these women?
• The names of David and Abraham are important in the list, for God made covenants with them. What are the core promises God makes to us? How have you experienced (or not) these promises?
• Read Matthew 1:18-25. How does the story of Jesus’ birth relate to the genealogy?
• Pray: Pray about what you have just read and discussed.

 

September 3, 2017
Rev. Megan Katerjian preaching
Acts 2:42-47
“Beginning a New Church”

 

• Read the text and then list out the “spiritual practices” this group of believers did together. Come up with 1 or 2 words to describe each practice. What are they? Discuss your list with one another.
• Are there practices on that list that seem harder to do in the 21st century than they may have been in the early 1st century?
• What do these practices look like at LCPC? Where do we excel? Where do we fall short?

 

August 27, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Revelation 21:1-8
“Beginning at the End”

 

• Pray
• Read: Revelation 21:1-8
• Discuss:
• What was the last “new” thing you’ve done or tried? Share about that experience.
• In this vision, ,God promises that there will be a new heaven AND a new earth. How does knowing that this world will be a part of God’s new creation change the way you are living in this world?
• God promises to remove death, mourning, crying and pain. Does the fact that Jesus experienced all of these things change this promise? How?
• God says, “See I am making all things new.” How have you experienced God doing a new thing? What new thing do you hope for, in your church, in your community, or in the world? How is God calling you to be a part of this new thing?
• Pray: Pray about what you have discussed.

 

August 20, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Genesis 28:10-22
“Monumental Faith”

 

• Pray, asking God to guide your discussion for this passage.
• Read out loud: Genesis 28:10-22.
• Discuss:
• What do you know about Jacob? Why is he running away? When in your life have you run from something?
• God shows up during an “in-between” time in Jacob’s life, when he is not expecting it. Has God ever shown up in your life in an unexpected way or during an “in-between” time?
• God promises to “keep” Jacob (verse 15). When have you felt “kept” by God? When have you felt that God was not keeping you?
• At the end of the text, Jacob sets up a monument to mark his encounter with God. What ways do you think God calls us to do the same thing? What practices does God call you to in order to mark his presence, and to notice his activity?
• Pray about what you have discussed as a group.

 

August 13, 2017
Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer preaching
Genesis 1:26-27
“Created for Community”

 

• Pray for God to speak through his Word and through each other.
• Read Genesis 1:26-31
• What do you think the image of God (imago Dei) s? Based on your experience, and informed by your faith, what does it mean to be truly human?
• How would your life change if you lived out the idea that you are made in the image of the triune God, the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? That is, if humanity is made for community, how should your life reflect this divine intention?
• Churches are messy, broken places filled with messy, broken people. What is your experience with this? Have you ever been hurt by the church? What do you think Jesus wants to do with “messy, broken” churches?
• How does the imago Dei (image of God) connect with God’s mandate concerning creation in verses 28-31? Keeping in mind Genesis 2:15, where God instructs humanity to “keep” the Garden, what is the call for Christians concerning the environmental and ecological movement?
• How does this passage and your discussion lead you to pray?