Life Group - Study Guides

We all have expectations and understandings when it comes to sex: whether we are single, married, or have no interest in a relationship at all. The way we view sexual ethics is going to be informed by someone. We believe the Word of God should shape how we understand sexuality: not history, tradition, legislation, or culture. In this study, we will look at the reality of sex as being more than physical, and what it means for each of us.

If you’ve watched any of the “Indiana Jones” movies, you probably have some strange ideas from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The Ark of God was actually lost several times. The events around the first capture of the Ark are found in 1 Samuel, Chapter Four. It was a dangerous, risky business, but we can learn from this huge mistake. In fact, we can learn how to bounce back from a huge failure by following the Israelites’ example

Have you ever heard of Deborah or her co-hero, Jael? This passage from the time of the Judges offers a glimpse into God’s strategy of inviting us into His battles, where He has already assured us the victory, but where we have choices.

Samson: The Marvel Comics Superhero of the Bible. Strong, blessed, good-looking, but he could not keep his act together. With all that he had going for him, he repeatedly failed. Yet he was also repeatedly restored and used by God again. Be encouraged in his come-back story.

There is a misconception that the life of a Jesus follower is easy, and that faith is a crutch for the weak-willed. As believers, we often forget that we are joining up for a life-long battle. Though we are to be peaceable and meek, we are also to be ready for warfare and prepared for the next battle. Benaiah should be an example for us to take the fight to our foe and defeat it once and for all.

The time between that last book of the Old Testament and the New Testament is referred to as “the 400 years of silence.” From the time that Isaiah prophesied of the virgin birth as a sign of the coming Messiah until the birth of Jesus was approximately 700 years. A steadfast hope that God is Who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, kept the Israelites looking for the Promised One. What are you waiting for today? What hope do you have or need?

The carols and Nativity scenes all depict a silent, peaceful night. Yet there was conflict, fear, and chaos swirling around the Christ Child and the region of Bethlehem. Between schedules, financial pressures, far-flung families, and diverse personalities, the Christmas season can bring its own worries and conflict. But God encourages us to live in peace and dispense grace.

It’s almost time for Christmas, and the season can be crazy! In all the busyness, it can be difficult to slow down and take direction from God when our schedules seem to dictate our direction. It can be difficult to trust God and remain faithful to what He has asked of us. As we look at the events of the first Christmas, we see many people who heard from God very directly, but in different ways. In this study, we will talk about how we can stay grounded and rooted in God’s Word and His promises.

During Thanksgiving gatherings, we often ask friends and family around the table to think about a few things for which they are genuinely grateful. Take time to do that before your holiday meal. As you reflect on God’s provision in these and other areas in your life, can you see (perhaps in hindsight) that He has always provided for you, in every situation? Choose to give thanks, not only this week, but with your whole heart and life.

What would you do with one million dollars? You’d probably put some in savings, invest some, pay off some bills and debts, things like that. But somewhere, at some time, you would be generous and give some away, either to a friend, a family member, or a stranger. Yet when we feel we have only a few precious dollars or possessions, we cling tightly to them. God wants us to be generous, so He can be generous right back to us.