Here's a small group guide based on the sermon by Pastor Steve Barrett titled, "The Lord IS Coming!"
Small Group Guide: Living Lives of Holiness and Godliness
Opening Prayer:
Begin by asking a volunteer to open the session in prayer, focusing on being open to God's word and guidance.
Key Takeaways:
1. The church is experiencing significant growth, especially among millennials and Gen Z.
2. Young people are seeking deeper, more meaningful engagement with God's word.
3. Peter's final message emphasizes the importance of living holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ's return.
4. We must focus on welcoming and embracing those who are seeking God, even if they're different from us.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor mentioned three types of people who might hear this message. Which category do you feel you fall into, and why?
2. How can we as a church better engage with and support younger generations in their faith journey?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of studying biblical stories. What Bible story has had a significant impact on your faith, and why?
4. Peter warns about both external and internal persecution of the church. Have you experienced or witnessed either form of persecution? How did you respond?
5. The pastor challenged us to "forgo the idea that this relationship we have is all about me or us." How can we shift our focus to be more inclusive and welcoming to others?
6. What does living a life of "holiness and godliness" look like in practical terms in today's world?
7. How can we better prepare ourselves and our church community for Christ's return, which will come "like a thief"?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to reading one Bible story each day this week, reflecting on its meaning and relevance to your life.
2. Identify one way you can make our church more welcoming to newcomers, especially those who might be different from the current congregation.
3. Pray daily for the "question marks" in your life - those who are seeking or struggling in their faith journey.
4. Choose one area of your life where you can practice more holiness or godliness this week.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for guidance in living lives of holiness and godliness, and for the courage to welcome and love those who are different from us as we await Christ's return.
Small Group Guide: Living Lives of Holiness and Godliness
Opening Prayer:
Begin by asking a volunteer to open the session in prayer, focusing on being open to God's word and guidance.
Key Takeaways:
1. The church is experiencing significant growth, especially among millennials and Gen Z.
2. Young people are seeking deeper, more meaningful engagement with God's word.
3. Peter's final message emphasizes the importance of living holy and godly lives in anticipation of Christ's return.
4. We must focus on welcoming and embracing those who are seeking God, even if they're different from us.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor mentioned three types of people who might hear this message. Which category do you feel you fall into, and why?
2. How can we as a church better engage with and support younger generations in their faith journey?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of studying biblical stories. What Bible story has had a significant impact on your faith, and why?
4. Peter warns about both external and internal persecution of the church. Have you experienced or witnessed either form of persecution? How did you respond?
5. The pastor challenged us to "forgo the idea that this relationship we have is all about me or us." How can we shift our focus to be more inclusive and welcoming to others?
6. What does living a life of "holiness and godliness" look like in practical terms in today's world?
7. How can we better prepare ourselves and our church community for Christ's return, which will come "like a thief"?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to reading one Bible story each day this week, reflecting on its meaning and relevance to your life.
2. Identify one way you can make our church more welcoming to newcomers, especially those who might be different from the current congregation.
3. Pray daily for the "question marks" in your life - those who are seeking or struggling in their faith journey.
4. Choose one area of your life where you can practice more holiness or godliness this week.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for guidance in living lives of holiness and godliness, and for the courage to welcome and love those who are different from us as we await Christ's return.