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MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

O Worship The King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

Our God Is Love (1 John 4:9-10) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong

Take My Life (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement

TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 3

The younger son returned in repentance, hoping to be made a hired hand in his father’s home – but the father’s lavish forgiveness gave him far more. The prodigal hoped to be a servant but received a celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is something from this teaching that you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
2. Share a time when you either extended or accepted forgiveness. What makes forgiveness so difficult?
3. Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, with an emphasis on verses 17-24. What do you observe about forgiveness from these verses? What offenses is the father forgiving?
4. How does the parable address people outside of God’s kingdom? How does it address those already in the kingdom?
5. Why does the human heart automatically assume that something must be done before forgiveness can be extended or accepted?
6. How does the gospel compel us to both accept and extend forgiveness?
7. Is there currently an area of your life where you need to either extend or accept forgiveness? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All of the Above by Hillsong United

Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement

Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 2

Like the younger son in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal, we tend to run from our Father and escape to “far countries.” But like the prodigal’s father, our Father relentlessly pursues us with His great love.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is something from this teaching that you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
2. Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Do you feel God has given you additional insights or application since discussing it last week?
3. What is the significance of the younger son’s demand for his inheritance? What would be a modern parallel?
4. What is the significance of the “far” or “distant” country in verse 13?
5. How does the gospel appeal to us to return to the Father from our “far countries”?
6. Was there ever a time in your life where you “came to your senses” (v.17) and returned to the Father?
7. Is there currently an area of your life where you are running to a “far country” from God? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong

As It Is In Heaven (Psalm 96:1-3) – Overflow by Matt Maher

Forever Reign (Lamentations 5:19) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel

Majesty (Isaiah 53:5) – Majesty: The Worship EP by Leeland

I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin

TEACHING: The Prodigal Son, Part 1

The prodigal son is a well-known parable that tells us the story of our lives – but not in the way you might think. Pastor Mike begins a series that will look at the grace-filled intricacies of this amazing parable.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
2. Read and discuss Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Does anything bother you about this parable?
3. What is Jesus commanding, teaching or implying in this parable regarding how to live the Christian life?
4. Who is Jesus’ audience as He tells this parable, and why is that important for us to consider?
5. Identify the main characters in this parable. In what way(s) can you relate to each of them? Where do you see yourself in this story?
6. How does the gospel apply to “younger brothers”? How does the gospel apply to “elder brothers”?
7. Is there a situation or relationship in your life where you need to reach out in grace, as the father in this parable did? What would it look like to apply the parable of the prodigal to that situation or relationship? Spend some time in prayer about this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong

Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Everything Glorious by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman

Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – Yahweh by Hillsong Chapel

Glorious (Psalm 72:18-19) – Glorious by Paul Baloche

TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 5

Because Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44) and rules over the world system (Ephesians 2:2), we can conclude that the world is lying to us constantly about how we ought to live. Scripture gives us a clear lens through which we can distinguish truth from lies in the world system.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. As you reflect back on this week’s sermon, what one principle or insight, what one principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
2. Read and discuss Proverbs 1. What do you see about the nature of man in these verses? What do you observe about the nature of God? What do you learn about wisdom from these verses?
3. How does wisdom “cry out” to us?
4. Why do we often turn a deaf ear to wisdom’s call?
5. What are some ways we can grow in wisdom? How does the Gospel allow us to do this?
6. What have been some big take-aways from the “Word to the Wise” series for you personally?
7. What are some specific areas of your life where you currently need wisdom? Spend some time in prayer with your small group about these.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Holy, Holy, Holy (Psalm 99:5) – Original Arrangement

How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement

Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

In Christ Alone (Galatians 2:20) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

Always (Psalm 121:1-2) – Here For You by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 4

Everyone has some amount of strength, intellect and wealth. The natural pull of the human heart will be to glory in any of these and pit our human wisdom against against God’s wisdom.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. As you reflect back on this week’s sermon, what one principle or insight, what one principle stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
2. In what ways do people tend to pit human intelligence against God’s wisdom? What does this tend to look like in your life?
3. Read and discuss Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Psalm 73. What do you see about the nature of man in these verses? What do you observe about the nature of God?
4. Strength, riches, intellect: which do you tend to lean on at the expense of trusting God?
5. How does the Gospel remedy our tendency toward trusting in these finite things?
6. “Are you currently scheming to ‘bury an Egyptian’?”  Ask God to reveal any areas where you may be pitting your human wisdom against His sovereign wisdom, and spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

Our King Has Come (Romans 5:1-2) – For The Honor by Elevation Worship

Hosanna (Mark 11:9-10) – All Of The Above by Hillsong United

God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – God Is Able by Hillsong

I Lift My Hands (Psalm 46:10) – And If Our God Is For Us… by Chris Tomlin

TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 3

“It’s just me and God” is not a biblical mindset. Rather, scripture shows us that there is great wisdom in close relationships. Don’t let pride keep you from experiencing the joy of deep friendship in your pilgrimage.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. Per last week’s message & discussion, were you able to intentionally impact in a positive way last week though the power of your words?
2. What is one thing from this sermon that you hope to discuss as a group?
3. Read and discuss 1 Samuel 23:15-18. What characteristics of a great relationship do you observe between David and Jonathan? Where else in scripture can we see the value and wisdom of close relationships?
4. What are the hallmarks of a great friendship? How have you personally seen or experienced the value of wisdom in terms of relationship?
5. Do you have any “Level 5” friendships? How have those impacted your life?
6. Why do we tend to pull back from deep relationships?
7. How does the Gospel push us away from pride to see the wisdom in close relationship with others?
8. Are there specific relationships you feel God is asking you to pursue to greater depth?  Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

O Worship The King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

Sing, Sing, Sing (Psalm 47:6-7) – Hello Love by Chris Tomlin

The Solid Rock (Psalm 18:2) – Original Arrangement

Beautiful Jesus (Romans 1:20) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill

Unending Love (Romans 8:38-39) – God Is Able by Hillsong

TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 2

Proverbs 18:21 teaches us that the power of life and death is in the tongue. Words are a signature of the soul, and the weight and power our words carry is directly proportional to the relationship you have with that person. Do you use your words wisely?

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

ARTICLES

Here are links to Pastor Mike’s articles on encouragement, which he referenced during this week’s sermon.

• Why We Need to Encourage & Be Encouraged: http://bit.ly/dBcx0o
• How to Encourage: http://bit.ly/bEOP78

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What principle, insight or idea struck you as particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
2. What verses in Scripture can you think of that deal with the power of words? What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do you see about the nature of God? Do you observe anything in these verses regarding characteristics of wisdom?
3. How have you personally seen or experienced the power of words and speech in a positive way? In a negative way?
4. “Words are the signature of the soul.” Can you think of any examples where you’ve observed this?
5. How can intellect and wisdom be at odds regarding how we use our words?
6. How does the Gospel help us grow in wisdom in how we use our words?
7. Who is someone you can impact in a positive way this week though the power of your words?  Share with your small group and plan to follow up on this the next time you meet.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley Of Vision by Sovereign Grace Music

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Your Love Oh Lord (Psalm 36:7) – Offerings by Third Day

I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson Shelton (North Point)

Lord Of All (Psalm 97:5-6) – Attention by Kristian Stanfill

TEACHING: A Word to the Wise – Part 1

Intellect does not always equal wisdom. Wisdom is a skill for living, the proper application of knowledge. Wisdom dictates that we see life as it really is, and the only way to do this is through the lens of God’s word.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What principle, insight or idea struck you as particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
2. How would you define wisdom? How is this different from intelligence?
3. Read and discuss Proverbs 1. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What do you see about the nature of God? What do you observe about the characteristics of wisdom?
4. Have you ever done or said something that seemed smart at the time, but was not wise?
5. “Wisdom does not guarantee that you won’t have problems in life. But it will guarantee you won’t be the cause of those problems.” Can you think of any examples where you’ve observed this?
6. Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. How does the Gospel of Jesus Christ lead us to the ultimate wisdom?
7. Can you think of a situation in your life right now where it is difficult to distinguish between the letter of the law (intellect) and the spirit of the law (wisdom)?  Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Great In All The Earth (Psalm 47:1-2) – I Will Go by Starfield

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing Is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Beautiful Lord (Ephesians 2:4-5) – Sound of Melodies by Leeland

How Great Thou Art (Psalm 145:3) – Original Arrangement

Give Me Your Eyes – What If We by Brandon Heath

TEACHING: Lights, Camera, Reaction – Part 2

Even though we buy into the lie that God only uses super-gifted, super-talented people, He does extraordinary things through ordinary people all the time. We have opportunities to act not because God needs us, but because He wants us.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. If you were to give a one-line summary of this message, what would it be?
2. Have you ever had a “Who, me?” moment? What happened?
3. Read and discuss Esther 4. What do these verses tell you the nature of man? What stands out to you as the major characteristics of Esther and Mordecai?Where might you see the invisible hand of God at work in these scriptures?
4. “God does extraordinary things through ordinary people all the time.” What examples can you think of?
5. Do you believe God can use you for Kingdom purposes? Why or why not?
6. “Not every opportunity set before us is from God.” How can we discern if an opportunity is from God or not?
7. How does Esther’s story point us to Jesus?
8. Are there any opportunities God has opened or is opening in your life “for such a time as this”?  How will you respond?  Spend some time in prayer with your small group about this.