Got Questions? –  Why Did God Allow This To Happen?

May 25, 2025

Description:

Life is full of questions—big ones, personal ones, and ones that keep us up at night. Maybe you’ve wondered: What does it mean to be a disciple? Is the Holy Spirit still active today? What does God think about life in the womb, and the woman carrying it? How do we fight in spiritual battles we can’t see? And why does God allow so much suffering if He’s good?

You’re not alone in asking. We asked you, on social media and in person, what questions you wanted answered most, and this series is our response. Join us as we open God’s Word to find biblical truth, real hope, and practical guidance for life’s hardest and most heartfelt questions.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • Have you ever had something frustrating or inconvenient happen, only to realize later that it was a blessing in disguise? Share your story.

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Group Discussion Questions

  1. Rooted in Scripture
    • Read Daniel 3:16–18. What do you admire most about their response to the king?
    • Why is it important to say both “God is able” and “even if He doesn’t” in the same breath?
  2. Digging Deeper
    • Bryan said the Bible is a story between two gardens: Eden and Revelation. What happens in the “middle garden” of Gethsemane? Why is this relevant to our suffering
    • In what ways does Hebrews 12:3 encourage you when you’re tempted to give up?
    • When have you seen God work through suffering or delays in your life?

Personal Application

Two Fisted

    • ✊ Second Fist: “Even if not, I will still trust Him.”
    • ✊ First Fist: “God is able.”

       

  • What would it look like to practice this kind of faith in your current trial?

Action Steps

  • Cling – Write down one situation you need to trust God in. On one side, write “God is able.” On the other side, write “Even if not.” Post it somewhere visible this week.

     

  • Encourage – Call or text someone who is walking through suffering. Share Hebrews 12:3 with them.

     

  • Reflect – Revisit a time when God brought beauty from brokenness in your life. Thank Him for being present in the fire.

Closing Prayer

“Lord, You are able. You are powerful. You are good. But even when we don’t understand, even when life hurts, even when the fire burns hot—we will trust You. Give us the strength to hold on with both hands and never give up. Help us see not just the backside of our story, but trust that You are weaving something beautiful on the front. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Got Questions? – Why Pray?

May 18, 2025

Description:

Life is full of questions—big ones, personal ones, and ones that keep us up at night. Maybe you’ve wondered: What does it mean to be a disciple? Is the Holy Spirit still active today? What does God think about life in the womb, and the woman carrying it? How do we fight in spiritual battles we can’t see? And why does God allow so much suffering if He’s good?

You’re not alone in asking. We asked you, on social media and in person, what questions you wanted answered most, and this series is our response. Join us as we open God’s Word to find biblical truth, real hope, and practical guidance for life’s hardest and most heartfelt questions.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • What’s one meal that always makes you feel “at home”? Why?
  • Share a time when someone’s prayer made a difference in your life.
  • Have you ever found yourself praying more during a crisis? What did that teach you about prayer?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

  1. Matthew 6:9 – 13 (The Lord’s Prayer)

     

  2. Ephesians 6:12 – Our real enemy

     

  3. 1 Peter 5:8 – The devil’s strategy

     

  4. Psalm 23:5 – God’s table in the trial

Group Discussion Questions

  1. Initial Reactions
     What stood out to you most from this week’s message? Any part that challenged or encouraged you?
  2. Breaking Down the Lord’s Prayer
    – Which of the four points (He is worthy, His will, He makes a way, we are at war) do you resonate with most right now? Why?
    – Why do you think Jesus ends the prayer with “deliver us from the evil one”?
  3. Spiritual Warfare Awareness
    – How aware are you on a daily basis of the spiritual battle happening around you?
    – Francis Chan shared a quote: “The biggest difference between the American church and the church in my country is that in America, Christians don’t believe they’re in a war. Over there, we know it.”
     What do you think of that quote?
  4. The Table Illustration
    – How does the image of a table in the presence of enemies (Psalm 23:5) reshape your view of prayer?
    – What would it look like for you to “sit at the table” with God this week?
    – Do you believe prayer can change your current situation? Why or why not?

Action Steps

  • Choose a Prayer Chair: Pick one place in your home where you’ll consistently sit down and meet with God this week. Set a daily reminder if needed.
  • Pray with a Partner: Reach out to someone in your group or life and pray together at least once this week—call, text, or meet.
  • Write a Simple Prayer: Using the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, write your own personal version of it. Share it next time you meet if you’re comfortable.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You—not as strangers, but as sons and daughters. Thank You for preparing a table for us in the presence of our battles. Help us to remember that we are not alone in this war and that You have already won the victory through Jesus. Teach us to pray—not just to ask for things, but to rest in Your presence, trust Your will, receive Your provision, and stand firm in Your strength. Remind us this week to sit with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Got Questions – Women Valued in Church?

May 11, 2025

Description:

Life is full of questions—big ones, personal ones, and ones that keep us up at night. Maybe you’ve wondered: What does it mean to be a disciple? Is the Holy Spirit still active today? What does God think about life in the womb, and the woman carrying it? How do we fight in spiritual battles we can’t see? And why does God allow so much suffering if He’s good?

You’re not alone in asking. We asked you, on social media and in person, what questions you wanted answered most, and this series is our response. Join us as we open God’s Word to find biblical truth, real hope, and practical guidance for life’s hardest and most heartfelt questions.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • Who is one woman who made a significant spiritual impact in your life? Share a quick story about how.
  • When you hear the phrase “God uses everyone,” do you find that easy or hard to believe? Why?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

  1. Genesis 2:18  – “I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

  2. Psalm 33:20 – “He is our help and our shield.” (“Helper” = ezer, also used for God)

  3. Luke 8:1–3 – Jesus ministered alongside women and was supported by them.

  4. John 4:1–42 – Jesus empowers the Samaritan woman to evangelize her village.

  5. Romans 16:1–7 – Women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia are named and honored as leaders.

  6. Hebrews 11 – A “hall of faith” that includes multiple women of courage and faith.

  7. Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Group Discussion Questions

Section 1 – Needed (Genesis 2, Psalm 33)

  • What does it mean that the same Hebrew word “ezer” used for Eve is also used for God?
  • How does this change how we view the role of women in the family and church?

Section 2 – Noticed (Luke 8, John 4)

  • How did Jesus treat women differently from the culture around Him?
  • Why is it important to notice not just women’s presence, but their spiritual gifts?

Section 3 – Named and Called (Romans 16, Hebrews 11)

  • Why do you think Paul intentionally named so many women in Romans 16?
  • Read through the list from the sermon (Mary, Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe, etc.). Which woman’s story resonates with you personally?

Section 4 – Never Forsaken (Hebrews 13:5)

  • Have you or someone you know ever felt abandoned by the church or misunderstood as a woman or mother?
  • How does God’s promise never to forsake us give hope and healing?

Action Steps

  • Personal Reflection – Ask God, “Where are you calling me to step into your mission?” Write down any names or roles that come to mind.
  • Encouragement Challenge – Write a note, text, or call a woman who has served faithfully in ministry and tell her she is needed, noticed, and named.
  • Family Leadership – If you are a husband, father, or male leader, reflect on how you can better present your wife and daughters as holy (Eph. 5:25–26).
  • Support Choose Hope – Participate in the Baby Bottle Campaign (physical or digital). Make it a group effort!

Closing Prayer

God, thank You for creating us in Your image—male and female—with purpose and power. Thank You for the women who lead, serve, nurture, and disciple in our lives and in our church. We pray for those who carry grief on Mother’s Day, for those longing to be mothers, and for those who’ve experienced loss. Remind every woman today that she is needed, noticed, named, called, and never forsaken. Stir in us, as a church, a greater love and honor for the calling You’ve placed on each life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Got Questions – Who is the Holy Spirit?

May 4, 2025

Description:

Life is full of questions—big ones, personal ones, and ones that keep us up at night. Maybe you’ve wondered: What does it mean to be a disciple? Is the Holy Spirit still active today? What does God think about life in the womb, and the woman carrying it? How do we fight in spiritual battles we can’t see? And why does God allow so much suffering if He’s good?

You’re not alone in asking. We asked you, on social media and in person, what questions you wanted answered most, and this series is our response. Join us as we open God’s Word to find biblical truth, real hope, and practical guidance for life’s hardest and most heartfelt questions.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • What’s something you’ve received as a gift that you forgot to open or use for a while?

     

  • Growing up, what came to mind when you heard the words “Holy Spirit” or “Holy Ghost”?

     

  • If you could ask one question about the Holy Spirit, what would it be?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Group Discussion Questions

Part 1: Who is the Holy Spirit?

  1. According to John 16:7, why did Jesus say it was better for Him to go away?
  2. What does it mean that the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? (John 16:8–11)
  3. How does the Holy Spirit help us understand and remember truth? (John 14:26)

Part 2: What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

  1. Read Galatians 5:16, 22–23. Which fruit of the Spirit do you see most clearly in your life? Which is hardest for you?
  2. How does the Holy Spirit conform us to Christ’s character? Can you share a personal example?
  3. What does it mean that the Spirit calls us to God’s purposes? (Acts 1:8, Acts 8:29)

Part 3: How Do I Know It’s Him?

Review the four discernment questions:

  • Is it consistent with Scripture?
  • Does it glorify Jesus?
  • Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit?
  • Has it been confirmed in prayer and community?

Which of these do you personally rely on most often?

Has there been a time when you weren’t sure if the Spirit was leading you? How did you work through it?

Part 4: Receiving the Spirit

  1. Based on Acts 2:38, what steps are tied to receiving the Holy Spirit?
  2. If someone in your group isn’t sure they have the Spirit, what encouragement can you offer?

Action Steps

  • Reflect: Where do I sense conviction, where do I need transformation, and where might God be calling me?
  • Ask: Invite the Holy Spirit daily to lead you—pray, “Help me walk by the Spirit today.”
  • Discern: Practice the four-question test this week when making a decision.
  • Share: Encourage your group to talk to a spiritual mentor or pastor about their experience with the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer

God, we thank You for not leaving us alone. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, to transform us to be more like Jesus, and to call us into Your mission. We ask that You help us live daily with awareness of Your Spirit’s presence. May we walk in truth, bear Your fruit, and be Your witnesses in this world. Help us to listen and obey as You lead us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Got Questions – What is a Disciple?

April 27, 2025

Description:

Have you ever wondered, “What is a disciple anyway? Sure, we could easily look up what it is, but there’s got to be more to it than just follow or learn, right? What makes a disciple of Jesus so unique? Why are we called to even be disciples? Why is this God’s desired mission for His Church (Matthew 28:18-20)? Let’s find out together!

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  • Do you have a favorite sports team, a character from a book or movie, or perhaps someone who inspires you? Do you “follow” a music band, comedian, individual, or group on social media? Why do you choose to follow who you follow?
  • Who do you enjoy listening to, or what do you like to watch regularly? Do you consider yourself influenced by what captures your attention? If so, why?
  • If you could apprentice under just one person, who would it be and why? Any person at any point in time in history is acceptable. (Walk in his or her footsteps, learn directly from, sit and share meals with, follow his or her schedule, and do as he or she does.)

(Transition: Today, we’re going to talk about why Jesus calling us to follow Him, being with Him, and participating in what He’s doing, is so paramount!)

Read Together 

Matthew 4:19-20, 16:24, 28:18-20; John 8:12, 31, 13:34-35, 15:16; 1 Peter 2:21

Optional readers: assign verses to different people.

Key Points Recap (Leader Summary)

  • Be with Jesus (Following)
  • Become like Him (Transforming)
  • Do as He did (Practicing)

Group Discussion Questions

Scriptures:

Questions:

1. In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls His first disciples who were fishermen. One of them was Simon Peter, who was having a difficult time fishing.

  • Do you trust yourself more to figure things out on your own? Why or why not?
  • Share why trusting Jesus is often a difficult first step.

2. Upon reading Luke 10:38-42, we see that it can be difficult to slow down from the hustle and bustle of life.

  • Which of the two sisters, Mary or Martha, do you relate to more and why?
  • Why did Jesus respond the way He did?

3. Just before the Passover in John 13:1-17, Jesus washes His disciple’s feet.

  • How would you respond if Jesus, right now, stopped you from whatever it is you are doing, and began washing your feet?
  • What does this mean for Jesus doing this for you and for your relationship with Him?

BONUS Questions:

  • Jesus gives His disciples the “Great Commission” (Matt 28:18-20) following His resurrection.
    • What exactly is He calling us to do? How can we do this?
  • Ordinary people who said “yes” to Jesus were doing extraordinary things through the Holy Spirit, and people were being saved daily.
    • How is God compelling, convicting, and instructing you to take action each day as His Church? Is any of this possible?
  • Love God and others, simple – right? Give this prayer a try: ask “God, please give me one person to share your love with today.”
    • Why is love so important to being a disciple of God?
    • How can we live out love to others daily, wherever we live, work, and play?
  • Ever heard the phrase “less is more?” Jesus often made a prerequisite to following Him and it required his disciples to “let go” of something. Whether that’s dropping fish nets, to selling or donating possessions, so that we can be free to live with Him. Lessening love of self increases our capacity to love others more.
    • As we prepare for eternity with Him on this earth, consider the following:
      • Who can you invite to encounter and experience God?
      • What is God asking you to “let go of” so you can apprentice under Him
  • Step one for Jesus, “take up your cross,” and then follow Him. It will be sacrificial to deny yourself. Surrender is the first posture towards obedience.
    • What will you do next? Ask God to help make your next step clear so you can

Action Steps

  1. Personal Reflection: How can I “Be with” Jesus more this week?
  2. Practical Application: Identify one obstacle that’s been stopping you from “Becoming like” Jesus.
  3. Encouragement Challenge: How will you courageously practice living like Jesus towards someone else?

Ways to Serve:

  • Love your neighbor! Invite a friend to coffee. Be generous!
  • Join or consider leading a small group in your home.
  • Serve on a volunteer team, at school, hang out with kids, and invest in the next generation.

Don’t overcomplicate or overthink this; be simple, lean into your gifts, and love immensely.

Closing Prayer

“Jesus, thank you for saving us! Help us to be with you more and more daily. Shape our hearts and minds to become more like you. Give us courage to live as you did, to love as you do, and to serve others wholeheartedly. Slow us down, grant us your peace, and present to us opportunities to share you with others. We draw near to you, we love you.”

Optional Scripture for Personal Study:

Learn more about the disciples:

  • Read 1 of 4 gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) 
    • For first-time readers, we recommend reading the gospel of John first!
  • Read the book of Acts after finishing one of the gospels
    • Fun facts:
      • The Book of Acts is a direct sequel to and continuation of the New Testament gospel story.
      • Same author as the gospel of Luke!
      • Widely known as the official beginning of the Church.
    • The book of Romans is the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman believers, the church, with an explanation of salvation through Jesus from the gospels.
    • The book of James is a fantastic read for disciplinary action steps for living out faith fearlessly.

Other Books

  • “Practicing the Way” by John Mark Comer
  • “The Narrow Path” by Rich Villodas
  • “Jesus is the Question” by Martin B. Copenhaver

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KINGSVILLE, MD, 21087

 

410.592.2292

[email protected]

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