Life Group - Study Guides

We place value on so many things: a new house, boat, clothes, or success. They can be priceless objects, but people still matter more than things, “to-do lists,” and our preferences. You should love and care for others as (in the same ways) you love yourself. This kind of love leads to healthy conflict resolution and authenticity in relationships. It isn’t loving to agree on everything or to fake it. Let’s discuss how can we love through conflict and weaknesses.

Jesus made the religious leaders of His day extremely uncomfortable. He can make us uncomfortable in our casual faith, also. When asked what is most important, Jesus repeated the “Shema,” the daily prayer of the Israelites and declaration of their belief in God from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Jesus affirmed this huge part of the Jewish faith, but He also elevated it. Let’s study why it matters today.

The Resurrected Jesus sent word for His disciples to meet Him in Galilee. There He delivered their assignment. We call it “the Great Commission.” It’s also our assignment, the Church’s one job. Let’s break it down and get practical about what and how we are to do this job!

Jesus loves the Church. He gave His life for all people, but the Church is His Bride. He is the Head of the Church and Scriptures refer to her as the Body of Christ. What does it mean to belong to a local assembly of believers and what does that have to do with our purpose? Let’s look at the assignment and responsibilities of all believers, then dig deeper into our individual gifts and purposes.

In this day and current climate, it seems hard to love others who are different than we are, who believe differently, or who are angry with us.

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.