Read 1 Peter 1: 3-5
1. How did the theme of “Becoming a Little More Like Jesus” during Lent impact your
personal walk with Christ? Which weekly key word resonated most with you and
why?
2. The sermon mentioned the phrase, “A lot can happen in seven days.” How does the
transition from the despair of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday help you
understand the concept of “Living Hope”?
3. Imagine being in Mary Magdalene’s shoes—what thoughts or emotions might you
have experienced upon finding the empty tomb? How does her encounter with the
risen Christ shape your understanding of hope?
4. Pastor Mick said Easter is “proof that good overcomes evil...light overcomes
darkness.” What personal experiences or moments have reminded you of this truth
in your own life?
5. The Message translation of the passage says, “we’ve been given a brand-new life
and have everything to live for.” What does this “brand-new life” look like for you
practically?
6. The quote, “He didn’t wait for me to get it right. He died knowing I couldn’t, and
loved me anyway,” was highlighted as a summary of the gospel. What does this
reveal about the nature of God's mercy? How does that change how you see
yourself? How does that change how you see others?
7. If Jesus has done all the heavy lifting, why do you think our response of faith is still
essential? What does “faith” look like in your day-to-day life?
8. Have you ever fallen into the trap of trying to earn God’s love or approval, even after
becoming a Christian? What helps you shift your mindset back to grace?
9. The sermon introduced the “Romans Road to Salvation.” Which verse from that path
speaks most deeply to you right now, and why? (Romans 3: 10, 3: 23, 5: 8, 6: 23,
10: 9-10, 10: 13)
10. “Living Hope” is not just for Easter Sunday—it’s for every day. What does it mean for
you to carry that hope into your relationships, challenges, and daily routines?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and merciful God, we thank You for the gift of Living Hope through the
resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the journey from the cross to the
empty tomb, we are reminded that You meet us in our weakness with grace that never
fails. Help us to live each day in the truth that we don’t have to earn Your love—you’ve
already given it freely. Strengthen our faith to trust in Your promises, and guide us to
walk in the new life You’ve made possible, sharing Your hope with a world still in need of
Your marvelous light. May our hearts continue to become a little more like Jesus and a
little less like ourselves, anchored always in Your love and mercy. We pray all of this in
the name of our risen Savior and Lord, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Message - "Sacrifice"
Read Matthew 21: 1-9.
1. What is the significance of Holy Week, and how does it shape our
understanding of Jesus' mission?
2. How does the contrast between the Triumphal Entry and the Crucifixion
demonstrate the unexpected nature of Jesus’ kingship?
3. What does the phrase "With God, even when we’re down, we’re not out"
mean in the context of Holy Week? How can we apply this to our personal
lives?
4. Romans 8: 28 reminds us that "in all things God works for the good of those
who love him." How does this verse speak to the peace we receive through
Christ?
5. Jesus is described as the "Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9: 6. How does this title
contrast with the expectations of the people during His time?
6. What is the significance of the crowd shouting, "Hosanna!" at Jesus’ entry
into Jerusalem? What did they hope for, and how did their expectations
shift?
7. In what ways did the people of Jerusalem’s reaction to Jesus’ entry differ
from their reaction when they shouted, "Crucify him!"?
8. The sermon talks about choosing between "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Jesus
Barabbas." How can we sometimes make similar choices in our own lives
between the peace that Jesus offers and the false peace that the world
offers?
9. Why is it important that Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was the ultimate
sacrifice for our sins? How does this act bring us peace?
10. In John 14: 27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you."
What does this peace look like in your life today, and how can you share it
with others?
Prayer for the Week:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of peace that we find in
Jesus Christ. As we reflect on the events of Holy Week, we are humbled by the
love and sacrifice that You demonstrated through Your Son. Help us to
remember that, even in times of turmoil, Your peace is greater than all the chaos
around us. Teach us to trust in Your plan, even when things don't go as we
expect, and to find comfort in knowing that You are always working for our good.
Lord, we ask that the peace of Christ would fill our hearts, minds, and lives. May
we be instruments of peace in a world that desperately needs it. Help us to carry
that peace to others and to live in a way that reflects Your love and grace. We
offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Savior, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
Read James 5: 7-11.
1. What does it mean to be patient in the context of waiting for the
Lord’s return? How can we practically apply this to our lives today?
2. What are some areas in your life where you struggle with impatience?
How can you grow more patient in those areas?
3. Reflecting on the example of the farmer in James 5: 7, what does
"long-suffering" look like in your own spiritual walk?
4. Read Romans 12: 12. How does this verse challenge our
understanding of patience? How does joy relate to patience in
affliction?
5. Why is it important to focus on God’s promises when experiencing
trials? How do His promises give us strength to persevere?
6. How does the example of Job inspire you when you face suffering?
What can we learn from his response to hardship? How did God
ultimately respond to Job’s patience and trust?
7. 1 Corinthians 13: 4 says, “Love is patient.” What does it mean for love
to be patient? Why is this important in our relationships with others?
How does this reflect the nature of God?
8. How can we support each other in cultivating patience during trials?
What role does community play in this process?
9. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be
more patient? How will you respond to His call this week?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God, thank You for Your patience with us as we live
and learn through the ups and downs of life. Please instill in us the
patience we need to truly love others the way you love us. Strengthen our
hearts and help us to persevere through life's trials with steadfast faith,
knowing that Your promises are trustworthy and true. Keep us from
grumbling as we patiently bear with one another, even carrying each
other’s burdens. May Your Spirit fill us with hope and perseverance as we
eagerly await Your return. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Read Hebrews 11: 1-2.
1. What does the word “faith” mean to you?
2. Take a look at all of Hebrews 11. Why is this chapter sometimes referred to as the
“Hall of Faith”?
3. Why does the phrase “by faith” occur so many times in chapter 11? What does this
tell us about our own lives?
4. Pastor Wendy Joyner describes life as a “glorious adventure” that we are to “view
through the lens of eternity.” She says we need to be “farsighted pilgrims.” What do
you think she means by all of this?
5. Hebrews 11: 13 describes the Biblical heroes of the “Hall of Faith” as being “like
strangers and foreigners on the earth.” C.S. Lewis said, “The fact that our heart
yearns for something Earth can’t supply is proof that Heaven must be our home.”
What do you make of this? Can you relate?
6. 2 Corinthians 5: 7 says, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” What does this mean to
you?
7. James 2: 17 says, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” What
does that mean to you? Is faith more than what we believe, but actually how we
live? Is this what it means to “walk by faith,” actually putting our faith into action?
8. Hebrews 11: 16 says, “they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one.” How
does this relate to questions 4 and 5 above? How does this inform us about the way
we are to live our daily lives? How might this mindset help us through the difficult
times of life?
9. Becoming more like Jesus is a daily pursuit, shaped by trusting God’s promises,
enduring life’s ups and downs with faith, and living with an eternal perspective. Do
you agree with this statement? Why/why not?
10. What do you need to change in your life in order to become a little more like Jesus?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God, we thank You for the powerful examples of faith You have
given us through the Biblical heroes listed in the “Hall of Faith.” We are grateful for the
opportunity to learn from their trust in Your promises, their endurance through the ups
and downs of life, and their eternal perspective. Lord, help us to be “far sighted pilgrims”
like them, living life as a glorious adventure viewed through the lens of eternity. In so
doing, help us to become a little more like Jesus. Help us to trust Your promises even
when the road ahead is unclear. Give us the strength to endure challenges and trials
with unwavering faith, knowing that You are using all of it to guide us and to shape us
more into the image of Jesus. May our lives reflect His love, His obedience, and His
perseverance as we commit to walk by faith and not by sight. We pray all of this in the
strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now
and forever. Amen.
Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection
1. When you think of the word "goodness," what comes to mind? How would you define God’s goodness versus how the world defines goodness?
2. Read Matthew 5: 1-12 (The Beatitudes). Which of these blessings stands out to you the most? How do these characteristics reflect the goodness we are called to live out?
3. Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5: 13). What do you think He meant by this? How does salt relate to the way we live out our faith?
4. Jesus also calls us “the light of the world” (Matthew 5: 14-16). What are some ways we can be a light in our daily lives?
5. In verse 16, Jesus says that our good works should glorify God. How do we make sure our actions point to God and not just to ourselves?
6. In what ways can we preserve (like salt) and illuminate (like light) God's truth and love in our communities?
7. Jesus calls us to let our goodness shine in a way that draws others to God. What’s one practical step you can take this week to reflect Christ’s goodness to those around you?
8. What do you need from God to live as salt and light this week?
9. Who in your life needs to experience God’s goodness, and how can you be part of that?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious God, You have called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Help us to live out Your goodness in all that we do. May our words be seasoned with grace, our actions reflect Your love and our lives shine brightly for Your glory. When the world feels dark, let us be a light. When others are in need, help us to be generous. When we face challenges, remind us that Your goodness sustains us. May we bring flavor to a world that longs for hope and shines with the love of Christ wherever we go. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Read Luke 10: 25-37.
1. What do you think the lawyer's motivation was for asking Jesus, "What
must I do to inherit eternal life?" How might this question reflect our
own attitudes toward faith?
2. Jesus asked the lawyer, "What is written in the Law?" How would you
answer this question in your own life today?
3. In what ways can loving God and loving neighbor become a tangible
expression of your faith in everyday life?
4. What is the difference between "works righteousness" and loving
others because we are already saved? How does this impact the way
we love others?
5. Why do you think Jesus chose a Samaritan as the hero of the parable?
How does this challenge your understanding of who your neighbor is?
6. In what ways do we often judge others based on their differences,
similar to how the priest and Levite passed by the man in need?
7. What does it mean to "love your neighbor as yourself" in practical
terms, especially when those neighbors are different from you?
8. How do you "read" or interpret the command to love God and love
your neighbor? How does your understanding of this shape your
actions toward others?
9. Jesus emphasizes mercy and grace throughout this parable. How can
we extend these qualities to those around us, even when they don't
"deserve" it?
10. As we reflect on Lent and the command to "go and do likewise," what
specific actions can you take to embody mercy, grace and love in your
relationships with others moving forward?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God, as we journey through this season of Lent, we
thank You for the powerful example of mercy and grace You have shown
us in Jesus Christ. Help us to reflect Your love in all that we do, especially
as we interact with those who are different from us. Teach us to love not
just with words, but with tangible actions that reflect the mercy and grace
we have received from You. May our hearts be softened, our minds open,
and our hands ready to serve, as we become A Little More Like Jesus each
day. We pray for Your strength and wisdom to guide us in loving our
neighbors, just as You have loved us. We pray all of this in the strong
name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God,
now and forever. Amen.
Read Micah 6: 6-8.
1. What does Lent mean to you personally, and how can it shape your
relationship with God over the next few weeks?
2. How does the shift from "Everybody Needs a Little Jesus" to
"Becoming a Little More Like Jesus" challenge or inspire you?
3. What is your understanding of humility, and how would you define it
in your own words?
4. How do the examples of Jesus in Philippians 2: 5-8 and John 5: 19
show us the essence of humility in action? How might this guide our
daily living?
5. Read 1 Peter 5: 5-6. What does it mean to “clothe yourselves with
humility”? What happens if we don’t?
6. How can we practice humility in serving God and others, as outlined in
Ephesians 4: 2 and Luke 9: 23?
7. What does James 4: 10 say about the connection between humility
and God's favor? How does this encourage you in your spiritual walk?
8. How can we cultivate an attitude of gratitude and avoid complaining
during Lent? What benefits might this offer us? How is this related to
humility?
9. What does it mean for you, in your own words, to imitate Jesus'
humility during this Lenten season? How can you take steps to do so?
10. What are some outward signs (or changes) others might notice in you
as a result of your focus on humility this Lenten season?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God,
We commit ourselves to this Lenten journey, humbly trusting in Your
power to transform our lives, and even the world. We thank You for the
example of humility that Jesus modeled for us. We ask for Your strength
to follow Jesus' example, to lay down our pride, and to receive Your favor.
We pray that You would continue to shape our hearts and minds to be
more like Jesus - less like ourselves and more like Him. Teach us to
practice humility in our relationships, in our service to You, and in the way
we live sacrificially for others. May we be instruments of Your justice and
mercy in the world around us, so that our lives reflect Your love and grace,
enabling others to see Your light shining through us.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining us tonight.
Read Luke 15: 11-32.
1. What does the word “prodigal” mean? How can it be used in both
positive and negative contexts?
2. Why do you think the father agreed to give the youngest son his
inheritance early?
3. What happens to the youngest son after he goes off on his own?
4. What does the youngest son decide to do when he hits rock bottom?
What is he hoping his father will do for him?
5. How does the father respond to the younger son’s return? What does
this tell us about God’s response to repentant sinners?
6. Why was the older son mad at the end of the parable? Can you
relate?
7. In what ways does the younger son represent sinners and tax
collectors and the older son represent Scribes and Pharisees?
8. Have there been different times in your life when you’ve acted like
each of the brothers? What does the song “Man on the Middle Cross”
by Rhett Walker teach us about ourselves.
9. What do you think about the terms “prodigal forgiveness” and
“prodigal grace”? Have you ever heard “prodigal” used that way
before? What do these terms mean? Why do we need them?
Reflection:
Gracious and Loving God, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude
for Your boundless grace, as demonstrated in the story of the prodigal
son. We confess our own waywardness and sin, and we thank You for the
unwavering love and forgiveness You offer, no matter how far we have
strayed. Just as the father in the parable welcomed his lost son with open
arms, You welcome us back, no matter our failures. Lord, help us to
embrace Your grace fully and live in the light of Your mercy as we extend
this grace to others, reflecting Your love in all that we do. We pray all of
this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the
Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
1. Read Acts 9: 1-19. How does Saul’s encounter with Jesus demonstrate God’s
grace?
2. Have you ever experienced a moment in your life where God’s grace completely
changed your direction?
3. Saul went from being a persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest apostles.
What does this say about the power of God’s grace?
4. How does Paul’s transformation challenge the way we view people who seem
"too far gone" for God to reach?
5. Paul’s first response after his conversion was to be baptized and begin preaching.
How do we respond when we experience God’s grace in our own lives?
6. What are some practical ways we can live as transformed people, just as Paul
did?
7. Ananias played a crucial role in welcoming Saul and helping him take his first
steps as a believer. Who has been an “Ananias” in your life - someone who
encouraged you in faith?
8. How can we be like Ananias to others who are new to faith or struggling in their
spiritual journey?
9. Sometimes we struggle to accept God's grace for our own past mistakes. What
does Paul's story teach us about releasing guilt and walking in grace?
10. Who in your life do you need to extend grace to, just as God extended grace to
Paul?
11. Read 1 Timothy 1: 12-16, where Paul reflects on God's grace in his life. How
does this passage encourage you in your own walk with God?
12. Identify an area in your life where God has transformed you over time. How can
you share that testimony with someone this week?
13. Read Romans 12: 1-2. How does grace lead to a renewed mind and a
transformed life?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Mighty God,
Thank You for the transforming power of Your grace. Just as You met Saul on the
road to Damascus, meet us in the places where we need Your mercy and grace.
Open our eyes to see You more clearly, soften our hearts to receive Your love, and
strengthen our steps to follow where You lead.
Help us to trust that no one is beyond Your reach, including ourselves. Fill us with
the same boldness and passion that You gave Paul, that we may share Your grace
with the world. Use us this week to be a light, an encourager, and a witness to the
life-changing power of Jesus.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Read Mark 2: 1-12.
1. Share a time when someone’s love and support helped you in a difficult season.
How did their actions impact you?
2. If you were the paralytic in the story, what emotions do you think you would
have felt as your friends carried you to Jesus?
3. The paralytic was unable to get to Jesus on his own. How does this reflect our
spiritual condition before Christ?
4. Who do you know that may need to be “carried” to Jesus through prayer,
encouragement, or an invitation to faith?
5. The paralytic’s friends faced obstacles (the crowd, the roof) but didn’t give up.
What are some common obstacles that keep people from coming to Jesus
today?
6. Jesus saw their faith. What does that teach us about the role of community in
spiritual transformation?
7. What are some ways we can actively bring others to Jesus, even when it’s
inconvenient or difficult?
8. How does this story challenge our priorities when praying for ourselves or
others?
9. What does this passage teach us about the depth of Jesus’ grace?
10. When the man was healed, the crowd glorified God. How does God use changed
lives to bring others to Him?
11. In what ways has God’s grace changed your life, and how can you share that
testimony with others?
12. How can our church be a place where people experience both the power of
friendship and the grace of Jesus?
13. Who in your life might need to experience the love of Jesus through your
friendship?
14. What is one practical step you can take this week to be a faithful friend who
brings others closer to Christ?
15. If you had been in that house, watching this miracle unfold, how do you think it
would have changed your faith?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious God, Thank You for the friends who lift us up when we are weak and for the
grace that meets us where we are. Help us to be the kind of people who carry others
to You, tearing down any barriers that stand in the way of Your love. When we feel
helpless, remind us that Your grace is enough. When we see others in need, give us
the courage to act in faith.
May our lives be a testimony of the love that carries and the grace that changes.
Lead us this week to walk in compassion, boldness, and gratitude for all You have
done.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read Mark 5: 25-34.
1. What were the two interruptions Jesus encountered in the larger
narrative of today’s passage? How did Jesus respond to these
interruptions? How might that affect our own prayer lives?
2. How do you think the woman with the hemorrhage would have been
treated in her society? Why would she have been treated that way?
3. Who, in our modern society, is treated as unclean, untouchable and
exiled? What can we, as followers of Christ, do to help?
4. Why do you think this woman sought the help of Jesus at this time in
her life? What other things had she tried to be healed?
5. What did Jesus say was the true source of her healing?
6. Do you think it was easy for the woman to get to Jesus? If not, why
did she fight so hard to get to Him? What does this mean to us today?
7. What did Jesus call the woman after she was healed? What do you
think this meant to the woman?
8. How was the woman’s healing more than just physical? How would
her life have been different going forward?
9. Acts 10: 15 (NLT) says, “Do not call something unclean if God has made
it clean.” What does that mean to you? Is there deeper meaning to
this verse? How does it instruct us to treat others, even if they are
“unclean” or “misfits”?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, we come before You with grateful hearts,
remembering the woman who sought healing with unwavering faith,
touching the hem of Your garment and receiving the wholeness she
longed for. Remind us that just as You were available to her in her
deepest moment of need, You are available to us in our brokenness, our
weariness, and our times of feeling like misfits in this world. We thank
You, Lord, that in Your Kingdom, there are no misfits—You embrace us all,
just as we are, and offer the healing, love, and grace that transforms us.
Help us to live with the same courage and faith as the woman who
reached out, knowing that You are always near, ready to restore and make
us new. We pray all of this in the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and
forever. Amen.
Read John 4: 1-30.
1. The woman at the well didn’t expect to meet Jesus that day. Have you ever had a
moment when God showed up unexpectedly in your life? How did that experience
change you?
2. Jesus broke cultural and social barriers to speak with the Samaritan woman. What
barriers exist in our world, community, or church today? How can we follow Jesus’
example in breaking them down?
3. The woman was fully known by Jesus—her story, her past, and her struggles—and yet
was still loved. How does it feel to know that God sees and loves you completely?
4. What does the "living water" Jesus offers represent to you in your life right now?
How have you experienced this living water in times of spiritual thirst?
5. The woman left her water jar behind after encountering Jesus. What “water
jar” (burden, fear, or past hurt) do you need to leave behind to fully embrace God’s
grace?
6. After meeting Jesus, the woman immediately went to share her story with others.
How can your personal story of encountering God’s grace be used to encourage or bless
someone else?
7. Samaria represented a place Jews avoided, yet Jesus intentionally went there. What
is your “Samaria” (a person, group, or place you find challenging)? How can you bring
Christ’s love and grace to that place?
8. Jesus told the woman that true worship is about Spirit and truth rather than a specific
place. How can we make our worship more authentic, both individually and as a church?
9. How can you, as an individual, offer “living water” to people who are spiritually
thirsty—both across the street and around the world?
10. What is one thing you are taking away from this sermon that you feel God is calling
you to act on this week?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, This week, may we be reminded of Your boundless grace that
meets us right where we are. You know our hearts, our struggles, and our stories, and
yet You call us beloved. Help us to embrace Your living water, which refreshes our souls
and sustains us through every challenge. Open our eyes to the "Samarias" in our lives—
the places and people we may overlook or avoid. Give us courage to cross boundaries,
just as Jesus did, offering Your love, help, and hope to those who thirst for it.
Help us to leave behind the burdens we carry—our doubts, fears, and failures—and
instead walk boldly in the freedom of Your grace. Teach us to worship You in Spirit and
in truth, not just with our words but with our lives.
We place this week in Your hands, trusting You to lead us, guide us, and use us for Your
glory. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Read John 8: 2-11
1. Today’s passage is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. Why do
you think it resonates so much with people throughout the ages?
2. What was the Pharisees’ true intention of bringing this woman before Jesus?
What did they want to happen?
3. Pastor Mick said it seems like the Pharisees are acting pretty smug in this
passage. What do they say that might be interpreted as smug or sarcastic?
4. Pastor Mick asked the question of whether we think this woman was a “vixen
or victim.” What did he mean by that? What do you think? Does it matter?
Why/why not?
5. Why did Jesus bend down and draw in the dirt? What was the underlying
meaning of this in his culture?
6. How did Jesus flip the script, or turn the tables, on the Pharisees? How did
he avoid the trap the Pharisees set for him? What did he say?
7. Why did the Pharisees drop their stones and walk away? What does this
mean for us today?
8. What does Jesus say to the woman? What does this teach us about grace,
repentance and life-transformation?
9. Read Romans 8: 1. How does this relate to today’s passage? What does it
mean for our lives?
10. Read Romans 7: 19. What does this mean for us and our need to
continually repent?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for
Your boundless grace and mercy. Just as You showed compassion to the woman
caught in sin, You extend forgiveness to each of us, even in our moments of
failure and struggle. We confess that, like Paul, we often find ourselves doing the
very things we hate, trapped in the cycle of sin and shame. But we praise You for
the truth that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
We thank You for the freedom You offer through Your Son, our Lord and Savior.
Help us to live in the light of Your grace, walking in freedom and righteousness,
knowing that in You, we are made whole. We pray all of this in the strong name
of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and
forever. Amen.
Read Luke 8: 1-3 and Isaiah 43: 1.
1. What is Mary Magdalene’s condition before meeting Jesus? What
happens when she meets Jesus?
2. What demons do you wrestle with in life? Do you believe Jesus can
remove these demons from your life?
3. What part of the video clip did you find most impactful? Why?
4. Read Jeremiah 1: 5 and Isaiah 49: 16. What do these passages tell us
about God’s love for us? How does that make you feel? How might
this change the way you live?
5. In the video, Jesus says to Mary, “That’s not for you.” What was He
talking about? Was there a deeper meaning? Are there things in your
life now to which Jesus would say, “That’s not for you.”?
6. The chorus of the Tenth Avenue North song, “You Are More” says,
“You are more than the choices that you've made, You are more than
the sum of your past mistakes, You are more than the problems you
create, You've been remade.” How does this relate to Mary’s story?
To your story?
7. Read Isaiah 43: 1. How does that verse make you feel? Is that verse
meant for everyone?
8. How does God’s grace heal, transform and empower us to live with
purpose and share the Good News?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God,
We come before You today, humbled and in awe of Your great love and
faithfulness. We thank You for the example of Mary Magdalene, who
encountered Your grace and mercy in the midst of her pain and
brokenness. Just as You called her by name, You call each of us by name—
reminding us that we are never lost to You, no matter how far we may
have wandered. We know that we belong to You, and that in Your eyes,
we are precious, loved, and seen. We rejoice in knowing that we are more
than our mistakes, more than our past, more than the labels the world
may try to place on us. We are redeemed! Help us to walk in the freedom
of this redemption through Your life-changing grace and remind us that
our true identity is found in You alone. We pray all of this in the mighty
and merciful name of Jesus. Amen.
Read Luke 7: 36-50.
1. Pastor Mick described this passage as “The Tale of Two Sinners.”
What did he mean by that? Who are the two sinners? How are
they similar / different?
2. What did the woman do to Jesus’ feet and why did she do it?
3. Why was Simon the Pharisee so upset with the woman’s
behavior?
4. Read Luke 18: 9-14. How is this passage similar to today’s
passage? What are these passages trying to tell us?
5. Read Matthew 23: 27-28. What is Jesus saying about the
Pharisees in these verses? How does that correlate with Simon
the Pharisee in today’s passage?
6. Pastor Mick said that grace and forgiveness aren’t a “license to
sin” and it doesn’t mean “anything goes.” What did he mean by
that? How should grace and forgiveness change our lives?
7. Read Matthew 7: 3-5. Who, in today’s passage, has a plank in
their eye? Do they know they have a plank in their eye? If not,
what is preventing them from understanding this?
8. Why is gratitude for God’s grace so important? What impact
does such gratitude have on our lives going forward?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, have mercy on us, as we are sinners. Break
down any pride or arrogance within us; and fill us with humility and
gratitude. Remind us often of the great sacrifice your Son, our Lord
Jesus, made for us so that our sins can be forgiven. Help us to never
take your grace, his sacrifice, and our forgiveness for granted.
Instead, inspire us to continuously repent of our sins and love
beyond measure, just as you love us. And as we love others, may
they experience your presence and your grace for themselves, that
they also may receive mercy and forgiveness. We ask all of this in
the precious, holy and strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Read Matthew 2: 1-12.
1. What do you think of when you hear the word epiphany? How is the
term “Epiphany” used differently in the church compared to its usage
outside the church?
2. How is the Magi story an illustration of God’s grace, specifically from
the Wesleyan understanding of grace (prevenient, justifying,
sanctifying)?
3. In what ways did the Magi have “aha” moments in this story? When
have you had similar “aha” moments along your faith journey?
4. What drew the Magi to Jesus? What draws you to Jesus?
5. How did the Magi respond when they found Jesus? What is your
response to Jesus?
6. What is the significance of the Magi not being of Jewish descent?
What does that mean for the world even today?
7. Scripture tells us that the Magi “returned to their country by another
route.” In what ways has Jesus changed the direction of your life?
8. Why do you think the Magi presented Jesus with such valuable gifts?
How was this part of their worship? What does this teach us about
giving generously?
Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, our light and our salvation, be present with us
and shine upon us. Teach us to walk as children of the light, to give our
praise and prayers. Just as the magi worshiped the Christ Child and
presented him with their finest gifts, may we give ourselves to you in
joyous celebration, knowing that all we are and all we have belongs to
you. And Lord, we pray for those who, even today, are still living in the
darkness of this world rather than living in the light of your love, mercy
and grace. We pray that your goodness and mercy will shine in even the
darkest corners of all our lives, drawing us closer to you, through Jesus
Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
1. What are the daily habits or patterns in your life that help you
rejoice in the Lord, even during challenging times? How might
you cultivate more opportunities to experience joy in God's
presence?
2. When you face anxiety or worry, do you naturally turn to prayer
and thanksgiving? How can you make these responses more
central in your spiritual practice?
3. What occupies your thoughts most often? Reflect on Philippians
4: 8 - how can you align your thinking with what is true, noble,
right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy?
4. Who in your life serves as a faithful example of practicing peace?
What qualities or actions of theirs can you emulate to become a
greater instrument of peace in your community?
5. What specific steps can you take this week to live out the
promise of Philippians 4: 9 - "put it into practice" - so that the
peace of God becomes more tangible in your relationships and
daily walk?
Prayer for the Week:
Almighty God, as we step into this new year, we give thanks for
Your unfailing presence in our lives. Help us to rejoice always, pray
continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. May Your peace,
which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in
Christ Jesus. Teach us to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure,
lovely, and admirable, so that we may reflect Your light to the world.
Empower us to practice what we have learned from Your Word and
to live as instruments of Your peace. In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.
