LifeGroups

Mother’s Day 2025

1. What is your response to the question, “what is [the] church?”
2. When you hear the word “church” what thoughts and emotions come to mind?
3. Have you ever experienced the church family be as relationally or as important as your human family?

   Read the following scriptures:
   Mark 3:31-35 (near the beginning of Jesus’ ministry)
   John 19:26-27 (while Jesus was on the cross)

4. What insights do we gain by reading, comparing, and contrasting the teachings of these two scriptures? As individuals, how can we put into practice Jesus’ teachings on our responsibilities to family and the church as revealed in these passages?
5. Which of the process of the church are you most gifted in? Birth (evangelism), Feeding (discipleship), Nurturing (serving), Releasing (sending/missions)?
6. Have you ever experienced love through birth, feeding, nurturing, and releasing of the church in your personal life?
7. Pastor Aaron mentioned that many times in the New Testament (read almost any of Paul’s letters for context), the English word “you” is meant for a group of people, and not singularly “you”. In what ways do you see our more individualistic culture potentially keep us from being the collective “mother” to the “brothers and sisters” of the body?

Continuing in Faithfulness // Part 2

1. Have you ever seen Henry Blackaby’s “Seven Realities of Experiencing God”? (Image link: https://blackaby.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/seven-realities.png) Review each step and share experiences from your own life from each of these steps. What’s the final goal of this process?
2. The church at Corinth was having all kinds of issues. Their culture played a big role in each of these influences. What are some influences that we should treat with care to avoid looking like the world? Talk about the influences of social media in the church, good and bad.
3. What is a bema seat, and what role does it play in our eternity? Does the knowledge of this purpose influence what you do for Christ and the motivation behind it?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. What does the fire represent, and what purpose does it serve? Give an example of using a good material vs a bad material.
5. It can feel intimidating to think about standing before God. What assurance do you have that you need not be afraid? Give a Biblical example.
6. What are some examples of a work that you will (or could) accomplish this week that will last and be rewarded by God?
7. Pastor Bob wants you to know how much he and Lori love each of you. You are such a blessing to them. Over the next four years, how will you contribute to the future of Central Community Church?

Continuing in Faithfulness // Part 1

1. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:10-12 that the Church’s foundation is Jesus, and others are called to continuously build upon that foundation. With this in mind, how would you define “succession” in terms of church leadership?
2. Why do you think 80% of succession plans fail?
3. Eventually, Central will need to select a new senior pastor. Considering Paul’s warning that “each one should build with care” (1 Corinthians 3:10), in what unique ways do you think a church’s pastor is accountable before God?
4. Pastor Bob said that he desires to serve as Central’s senior pastor for the next four years, though God’s will may be different, and that the church is working to cultivate a new generation of leaders. Considering Paul’s struggle to persuade the Corinthian church to lean on Jesus as its foundation rather than Paul or Apollos, how can we support our church in raising new leaders to position Central for the future of its ministry?
5. What changes can we expect to see over the next few years? Share specific examples.
6. The success and succession at Central is not only about Pastor Bob. We are all a part of being faithful to the mission and future of our church. In what specific ways can we pray for Central and invite the Holy Spirit to influence the next few years?

Easter

1. Read John 13:1-17. What does Jesus’ act of washing feet reveal about the kind of leadership He modeled? How does it challenge you personally to serve others in a humble way?
2. Read Luke 22:14–20. How does communion help you remember and participate in Jesus’ sacrifice? When you take communion, what are you thinking or feeling? Is it a time of gratitude, confession, recommitment, something else?
3. Read John 13:34–35. Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” What does that kind of love look like practically in your daily life? What would it look like for your LifeGroup to live out this commandment in a more intentional way?
4. What stands out to you most in the story of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion? How do you personally respond to the reality that Jesus chose the cross for you? Are there areas in your life where God is inviting you to die to self in order to follow Christ more fully?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:17. Paul writes that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless. Why is belief in the Resurrection essential to the Christian faith? What does it mean to you personally that Jesus conquered death?
6. What does the Resurrection mean to you this year? Has it impacted you in a new or deeper way? How can we help each other live with Resurrection joy and purpose in our daily lives?

His Choice… The Cross // King Jesus!

1. Read John 12:12-19. Why do you think the crowd was so excited to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem? What were they expecting from Him?
2. The people shouted “Hosanna!”, which means “Save us!” What does this tell us about their understanding of who Jesus was?
3. Jesus invited the donkey’s owner to take part in His mission by offering what he had. What do you have that God might be asking you to surrender for His purposes, so He can be glorified through it?
4. The crowd praised Jesus on Palm Sunday but a few days later that same crowd were the ones saying, “Crucify Him”. How have you responded when God didn’t meet your expectations? What have you noticed in your life when you distanced yourself from Him—or when you chose to bring your disappointment to Him instead?
5. Read Luke 19:41-44. How do you feel toward those who reject Jesus—both individuals and the world at large? In what ways have those feelings shaped your actions? How might you grow to respond more like Jesus as you move forward?
6. What might you need to still do to prepare your heart for Holy Week?

His Choice… The Cross // Something Smells Good

1. Read John 12:1-8. Why do you think Mary chose to anoint Jesus with expensive perfume? What does this act reveal about her faith and devotion?
2. Mary’s act was extravagant and deeply personal. What are some ways we can show extravagant love and worship toward Jesus in our own lives?
3. Martha served through her work, while Mary worshiped through extravagant giving. How do you relate to these two expressions of devotion? Do you lean more toward serving or worshiping, and how can we balance both?
4. Judas saw Mary’s act as wasteful, while she saw it as worship. How does a selfish heart affect our ability to recognize true worship?
5. The aroma of Mary’s offering filled the room. How does our worship impact those around us? What does it look like to live a life that “leaves a fragrance” of Christ’s love and sacrifice?
6. What is one thing you feel God calling you to pour out in worship? How can you take a step of obedience this week?
7. If Jesus were physically present today, how might you show your love and devotion to Him?

His Choice… The Cross // A Sneak Peak

1. Read John 11:1-44. What stands out to you most about this passage? Why? How do you think Mary, Martha, and the disciples felt during this event?
2. In verses 4-6, Jesus delays going to Lazarus. Why do you think He waited? How does this reveal God’s timing in miracles?
3. Read John 11:25. What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life”? How does this statement challenge the people around Him?
4. Read John 11:45-53. How did the religious leaders react to Lazarus being raised from the dead? Why do you think this particular miracle caused such a strong response from the Pharisees and high priests?
5. How does this passage challenge your understanding of suffering and God’s greater purpose?
6. In what ways can opposition or difficulties in life be a sign that God is working powerfully?
7. How can we live with boldness knowing that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?