January 2023

January 11

Jesus isolating himself to pray:

• Jesus instructions on prayer: Matthew 6:5-6

• Luke 5:16

• Mark 1:35 (Before going to preach in Galilee)

• Mark 6:46 (Right after feeding the 5,000)

• Luke 6:12 (Before choosing his 12 apostles)

• Matthew 26:36 (Before being arrested and crucified) Also seen in Mark 14:32; Luke 22:40-41)

1. What benefits do you get from having a private conversation with someone? How might this relate with the benefits of having a private conversation with God?

2. What do you think we can learn from the example Jesus sets in going off by himself to pray?

3. When you imagine Jesus in prayer how do you picture Him? What is His posture like? Where is His attention?

4. What does your prayer life currently look like? What would you like it to look like?

5. What practical steps can you start taking to improve your prayer life?

January 18

Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Psalm 16:7-11

1. What does it mean to pray to God in everything? Is this something you do or a struggle?

2. How often do you look back and remind yourself what God has done? How does/would that impact your prayer life and how can looking back on His guidance in the past encourage you about the present or future?

3. What does it mean that Gods peace will guard your heart and mind?

4. Is worry or anxiety something you struggle with? Are there any verses of scripture you can lean on when it feels overwhelming? If you don’t already know some, start a list.

January 25

Peace:

Shalom - “Complete” or “whole”/ v: “to make complete” or “restore”

Jesus is the prince of peace. He restored the broken relationship between God and people.

3 kinds of peace:

•Peace with God-

** “Peace with God means removal of all hostility. Complete reconciliation” **

Romans 5:1-2

•Peace within-

John 14:27

John 16:33

Psalm 29:11

•Peace with others-

Romans 12:15-18

Ephesians 4:3

1. Why do you think God wants us to know we have been reconciled and peace with Him? What affect could it have if we didn’t know this? Have you ever struggled to feel like you have peace with God?

2. How can we tell if we are walking in the peace of Christ or relying on the counterfeit peace of the world?

3. How can we maintain the peace of Christ in our lives? Should our life circumstances be a factor in our ability to live in peace?

4. How can Psalm 29:11 encourage you to face the current challenges in your life?

5. What happens when we are unable to live in peace with others?

6. What role does humility play in living in peace with others?

7. Are we able to have true peace without having peace in all 3 areas?

Other scripture about peace:

Romans 8:6

Ephesians 6:15

Psalm 4:8

Psalm 119:165

Psalm 34:14

October 2022

October 11

Galatians 5:13 -26

• In verse 13 Paul tells the readers they have been called to live in freedom, meaning they are free from the Jewish laws of the Old Testament. How does this verse apply to us today?

• What is the contrast between biblical freedom and our cultures version of freedom?

• Verse 16 says “let the Holy Spirit guide your lives.” The ESV says “walk by the Spirit.” How can we do that in our daily lives?

• Verse 17 says our sinful nature and the Spirit are constantly fighting each other. What can we do to ensure our sinful nature doesn’t win?

• Verse 22 lists the fruits of the spirit. Which of these do you feel you struggle with most?

October 26

Galatians 6:1-10

• In verse 1, Paul tells us we should help our brothers and sisters caught in sun back to the right path. What is the best approach to this? Why is it important to do it gently and humbly?

• Can you think of a time gentleness was shown to you? Did it make a difference?

• In verses 4-5, Paul switches and goes on to tell us to “pay attention to your own work” and “we are responsible for our own conduct.” What does this mean?/Is it contradictory to the previous verses?

• What is our responsibility within the church and with those in our “family of faith”?

• How can we be encouraged to continue serving and “doing what is good” when we grow tired?

• What are some practical ways we can serve one another well both inside and outside of church?

September 2022

September 14

James 2:14-26

• Verse 14 says “ If you have faith but don’t show it by your actions, can that kind of faith save anyone?” Can it?

• What can we learn from Abrahams example? And Rahabs?

• What kinds of things might keep us from putting our faith into action outside of church?

• When is the last time someone went out of their way to do something good for you? How did it make you feel?

• What are ways we can live out our faith daily?

• How are you growing in your relationship with people?

September 21

Dharius Daniels Sermon

Notes:

Spiritual Warfare- our ignorance of it does not mean we are not in it!

Sometimes it’s not that you don’t want it enough or you’re not strong enough- it’s that we’re facing an adversary who is AGGRESSIVE in his pursuit to steal, kill and destroy.

“Just because all of it isn’t the devil, doesn’t mean SOME of it isn’t the devil” This is why we need discernment!

Some things that have the greatest impact are hardest to see. We may not be able to see the enemy but he is real. You may not be fighting him but he is fighting you!

We set new believers up for failure when we don’t warn them that there is a realm that can not be accessed by the 5 senses.

PUT IT ON! It won’t automatically happen. God supplies, we apply!

The FULL armor of God. Put in ALL of it! Wherever you’re not covered you’re exposed. The enemy is looking for the one place you’re not covered.

The belt - holds it all together. We NEED truth.

The breastplate - Protect your heart!

The shoes - Plant yourself!

The gospel produces peace with God, others and myself!

Sometimes you gotta stop fighting to be right and protect your peace. If you won the fight but lost your peace you lost.

The helmet - If your head doesn’t work, nothing will.

Some things hit you so hard they mess your mind up.

Think like your saved

The sword - only offensive weapon

Rhema - a word spoken; a word DECLARED

What did He tell you? FIGHT WITH THAT!

September 28

Mark 13:28-37

• Jesus could return at any moment. Do you feel ready? Why or why not?

• How can we make sure we are prepared?

• What things can we be doing in our daily lives to “stay alert” and fight complacency in our relationship with Jesus?

• What is our responsibility in helping others be prepared for Jesus return?

• Verse 31 says “Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” What does this mean for us?

• What is God teaching you right now?

August 2022

August 31

• Read Ephesians 4:17-32

• Verse 22 says that when we know Jesus we must “throw off” our old ways and verse 24 says we must “put on” our new nature. What does this look like practically in every day life?

• Verse 23 says “let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” Is there a way for us to take an active role in allowing the Spirit to renew our minds? How?

• Verses 25-32 have an emphasis on how we relate to one another. Why was it so important to Paul that we understand how to treat one another?

• In what areas has God changed you the most since following Jesus?

• How have you been actively growing with God lately?

July 2022

July 20

• Read Mark 11:22-25

• What is the connection between faith and prayer?

• What does it mean to have mountain-moving faith? Would you say you have that kind of faith?

• What does Jesus want us to understand about forgiveness in verse 25?

• Do you have a hard time letting go of grudges? How can you get better at forgiveness and letting go?

• How is your prayer life? What steps can you take to improve?

June 2022

June 15

• Read 2 Peter 1:5-10

• Why is Peter stressing the importance of spiritual growth?

• What happens when we become complacent and stop growing?

• Which of these qualities do you find most difficult to practice?

• What steps are you currently taking to grow spiritually? What steps are next for you?

• Do you have any spiritual growth goals?

May 2022

MAY 25

Romans 12:4-8

1. We tend to compare ourselves to other women in our lives or on social media. How do you think this verse can combat issues with comparison?

2. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? How are you using them?

3. Do you think comparison has distracted or discouraged you from using your gifts? How?

4. Has God ever challenged you to serve in an area you wouldn’t choose on your own?

5. Is there somewhere or someone you feel God calling you to serve? Is there something holding you back?

April 2022

APRIL 13

• Read Proverbs 19:17

• What do you think this verse means?

• When was the last time you “helped the poor”?

• Have you ever lent someone money and then gotten mad when it didn’t get repaid? Do you think the book of Proverbs would agree with that?

• Is there anyone in your life right now God is calling you to help?

• This week, consider how you can help someone else. Keep your eyes open to the needs of the people around you.

APRIL 20

• Read Acts 20:28-38.

• What is Paul trying to say here?

• When was the last time you gave to someone, out of the ordinary?

• Do you think he took Jesus’ words “it is more blessed to give than to receive” seriously? How did he live that out?

• How can you live that out? Why do you think it’s more blessed to give than to receive?

• This week, find someone to give to. Go out of your way to give to someone, and then ask God to show you why it’s more blessed to give, than to receive.

APRIL 27

• Read Matthew 5:13-16

• What was Jesus trying to say here? What does it mean to be salt? What does it mean to be light?

• How do we balance “letting your good deed shine out for all to see”, and being “braggy”? What’s the difference?

• How do we point the attention back to Jesus? Has giving to someone ever opened up an opportunity to share the Gospel with someone?

• This week, think about how your deeds reflect upon Jesus. What would Jesus do? How can you honor Him with everything that you do?

March 2022

MARCH 9

• Read Psalm 84:1-2. How do you think we develop a passion like that, for the Lord?

• What does your daily time with God look like? What do you wish it looked like?

• Is there something in your life you know you shouldn’t be doing, that you ARE doing? What’s holding you back from letting that go?

• Do you sing to God out loud, in everyday life? What affect do you think singing worship songs has on your life?

• Are the people you’ve surrounded yourself with encouraging, Godly, and hopeful?

• This week, remember your answers to the questions discussed today, and make some necessary changes in your life, to stir up your passion for God!

MARCH 16

• Read 1 Corinthians 13. Which parts of Biblically-defined love are sacrificial and selfless?

• Selflessness has to be practiced…selfishness comes more naturally. How do you practice selflessness in your life?

• What other Bible stories can you think of that would describe selflessness?

• How much time do you spend in the Word each week? How do you make it a priority in your life?

• What can you do, this week, to reach out to someone?

MARCH 23

• Read Matthew 7:24-29. What do you think this passage is trying to say?

• What would it look like to build your faith on sand?

• What would it look like to build your faith on rock?

• What does your daily time with God, and with the Word, look like?

• Who do you go to for advice when you don’t understand something in the Word?

• Which one of the spiritual disciplines has been the most effective for you lately?

• This week, pick a new spiritual discipline to try!

MARCH 30

• Read Psalm 51:7-11. What does it mean to “renew a loyal spirit within me”?

• What do you think it means to be faithful to God? Would you say you are faithful?

• Do you have any long-term spiritual growth goals?

• What role do you think Godly friendships play in your faith?

• This week, think about what role faithfulness plays in your relationship with God, and be proactive about building that!

February 2022

FEBRUARY 9

• Read Luke 18:1-8 (Vs. 8, “Will He find this kind of PERSISTENT faith on the earth?”)

• What do you think it means to be persistent in prayer?

• Does the widow demonstrate “faith”? How? What does this parable tell us about faith?

• Have you ever faced a situation where you thought about giving up praying? Explain. Did you give up?

• This week, choose a subject, a time, a place, and pray consistently. Let’s see what God does when we’re persistent!

FEBRUARY 16

• How would you define prayer to someone who’s never done it before?

• LaTina asked, “how can a person learn how to prevail in prayer?” What were some of the answers? As a group, collect about 5 answers before moving on.

• Read Luke 11:1-4. What does this passage teach us about how to pray?

• Is there a way to pray badly? What would that mean?

• How do you usually address God? What words would you use to describe Him?

• This week, ask God to teach you how to pray even better! Write down you feel like He’s saying.

FEBRUARY 23

• Read Philippians 4:6-7. Which part of these verses do you know you immediately need to implement in your own life?

• How do you think you would begin to stop worrying about everything?

• Do you regularly thank God for all He has done? What are you most grateful for today?

• Do you know what it means to experience the peace of God that exceeds anything we can understand? How would you explain it to someone who never has?

• What do you think it means that “His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”?

• This week: put this into practice. Try NOT worrying, and instead praying about everything!

January 2022

JANUARY 12

• Each of you pick one portion of Psalm 119 to read out loud. After reading, discuss what you think it means. Which part means a lot to you?

• How does this chapter relate to vision, like we talked about last week?

• What can we learn from this chapter about how to interact with the Word?

• This week, try to read a different portion of this chapter each day. Write down what it means to you.

JANUARY 19

• Read Psalm 25. How can this passage help you in a waiting season?

• Can you point to a time in your life that verse 8 happened for you?

• Vs. 14. What do you think it means when it says, “he teaches them his covenant.”

• What does it look like, for you, to take refuge in the Lord?

JANUARY 26

• 1 Corinthians 10:30, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” How can you apply that to your life right now?

• What does “glory of God” look like exactly?

• How does your life bring glory to God?

• How can you serve others right now? Are you practicing servanthood within the church?

December 2021

DECEMBER 8

• Read Matthew 6:9-13 slowly, line by line. Discuss as a group what you think each line means, and how you might say it in your own words, in the context of your own life.

• Would you say you pray like Jesus taught us to? What needs to be changed in your prayer life to line up with that teaching?

• If you were going to teach someone else to pray like Jesus did, what would you tell them?

• How are you going to apply this teaching, this week?

• Take some time to list prayer requests in the group and take turns praying out loud!

DECEMBER 15

• Read Psalm 133:1-3 (NIV) together as a group. Before doing any research, what do you think this passage is trying to convey?

• Now, begin to do some googling. Why is the oil on Aaron’s head precious like unity?

  • What’s up with the “the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion”?

• What gets in the way of living in unity?

• How can we do more to strive to live together in unity?

• Take some time to list prayer requests in the group and take turns praying out loud!

DECEMBER 22

• Read Mark 9:22-24. What can we learn about faith from this passage?

• Read Matthew 9:18-26. What can we learn from this woman’s faith? How can we have faith like that? What can we learn about Jesus from this passage?

• Take some time to list prayer requests in the group and take turns praying out loud!

November 2021

Link to November 3rd’s Bold & Brave Notes

NOVEMBER 10

1. Read Genesis 17: 1-8

2. What can we learn from how God changed Abram’s name? What would it have meant to Abraham and what does it mean for you?

3. Do you think God has changed your identity at all?

4. Where else does God change a name in the Bible?

NOVEMBER 17

1. Exodus 3: 1-14

2. What can we learn from how God chooses to identify Himself for Moses?

3. Why do you think God identifies Himself that way?

4. What strikes you as interesting about this passage?

5. Think about where Moses was at in his life. Have you ever found yourself out in the “wilderness” wondering if the whole world forgot you? What would it have meant to you for God to show up there?

NOVEMBER 24 - Happy Thanksgiving!

October 2021

Link to October 6th’s Bold & Brave Notes

OCTOBER 13

1. Read Matthew 4:1-11 as a group.

2. What strikes you as interesting about this passage?

3. What questions do you have for studying this passage?

4. What can we learn about how to handle our own temptations from the way Jesus handles it?

5. What other scriptures should we study this week about temptation? (Look in your Bibles, google it, etc, but come up with a list!)

OCTOBER 20

1. Read Romans 12:1-2 as a group.

2. What do you think it means to give your bodies to God, and let them be a living and holy sacrifice?

3. What do you think it means to copy the behavior and customs of the world?

4. How do you go about changing the way you think, in your life?

5. What other scriptures can we study this week about our thought life? (Look in your Bibles, google it, etc, but come up with a list!)

OCOTBER 27

1. Read Hebrews 13:7-9 as a group.

2. What leaders do you have in your life that teach you the Word of God? If not, how can you change that?

3. Are there others that YOU are teaching?

4. Who is your favorite Bible “character”? What have you learned from their story?

5. What can we do this week to be intentional about teaching and leading others to Jesus?