LifeGroups

Week 4 // Visions of Hope and Restoration

1. The Declaration of Independence mentions that all men are “endowed by their Creator” with unalienable rights. What does this statement tell us about the founding fathers’ beliefs? How does this compare to the way Israel’s leaders once viewed God’s sovereignty?
2. Pastor Bob highlighted in his sermon how Israel turned to other gods because they wanted to be like the nations around them. What are some ways that we, as a society or individuals, may be tempted to “be like the world” rather than remain faithful to God?
3. Pastor Bob used the metaphor of viewing life like a parade, comparing our perspective with God’s all-encompassing view. How does understanding that God sees everything from a higher perspective change the way we view our own lives and challenges?
4. Daniel receives a vision about future events, some of which have already been fulfilled and some that are still to come. How does it impact your faith knowing that God reveals parts of His plan in His perfect timing?
5. Pastor Bob emphasized that the goal is not to know history before it happens, but to trust the God who knows history. Why is it important to shift our focus from trying to predict the future to trusting God with it? How can we develop greater trust in God’s sovereignty in our daily lives?
6. How do you respond when faced with uncertainty or difficult circumstances? What does it mean to “rest from your questions and worry” as the sermon encourages us to do? How can we practice this in our own lives?
7. Proverbs 11:30b says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” How can we apply this wisdom in our everyday decisions, especially in how we engage with others about faith?
8. Reflecting on the idea that God is in control even when life feels chaotic, what are some areas of your life where you need to surrender more fully to God’s sovereignty?
9. Considering the themes of hope, trust, and God’s promises, how can we support each other in our LifeGroup to grow in trust and encourage one another in difficult times?

Week 3 // Living with Integrity in a Corrupt World

1. Pastor Bob started the teaching with the analogy of how consistently walking improves your overall physical health.What spiritual habit (prayer, study of scripture, fasting, sabbath, worship, etc) has had the greatest effect on your life as you’ve practiced it consistently?

2. As a group, choose one spiritual habit to focus on this week.What concessions will you personally need to make in your schedule to add this to your routine?

3. ReadDaniel 6:1-5 – When have you felt like the culture of your work, peer group or family was at odds with your faith?

4. How did you navigate that spiritual opposition?Is there anything you would like to have done differently?

5. Read Daniel 6:10-12 & Matthew 10:16 – Daniel was undeterred from his faith practices, and instead did what he had always done.Would you describe his response to the decree as “shrewd as a snake” or “harmless as a dove”?

6. Dr. Charles Stanley often said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”How does a consistent, daily walk with God build that kind of trust?

7. Read Daniel 6:19-23 – Pastor Bob taught that a miracle is possible but not always probable. How do miracles make an impact on a watching world? How can our witness and testimony have the same impact when we don’t receive the miracle?

8. Our discussion has centered a lot around spiritual opposition rather than on persecution.Discuss the differences between the two.

9. End your group praying for persecuted Christians who face death, physical harm, and burned church buildings around the world.

Week 2 // Faithfulness in the Face of Trials

1. Pastor Bob emphasized the importance of a predetermined decision of the heart. How can we cultivate a heart that is resolved to honor God in our daily lives? What practical steps can we take?
2. How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrate their faith in God when confronted with the threat of death? What can we learn from their response to pressure?
3. Can you share a personal experience where you faced a significant trial? How did your faith influence your response to that situation? When your faith is tested, what are some ways you can remind yourself to keep your eyes fixed on God’s greatness rather than the challenges you face?
4. Discuss the difference between acknowledging God in a moment versus surrendering to Him for a lifetime. How can we ensure that our acknowledgment of God leads to a deeper, lifelong commitment?
5. In what ways do you see God’s presence in the story of Daniel 3? How does this encourage you to trust in God during your own trials?
6. How important is community support when facing trials? How can we better support one another in our faith journeys?
7. Pastor Bob said that true faith is about trusting God’s will, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. How can we develop a deeper trust in God’s plan for our lives?
8. Pastor Bob highlighted that the fire (trials) set the three men free. Can you share a time when a difficult situation ultimately led to personal growth or freedom in your life?
9. How can the lessons from Daniel 3 be applied to our lives today, especially in the face of societal pressures or personal challenges?

Week 1 // Standing Firm in a Shifting Culture

1. The sermon highlights the lives of David, Joseph, Esther, and Daniel as examples of young believers who decided to follow God. What common traits do you see in these individuals that enabled them to stand firm in their faith? How can we cultivate similar qualities in our own lives?
2. Can you share a time when you felt pressured to conform to a cultural norm that conflicted with your values? How did you respond?
3. Daniel made a decision in his heart to honor God despite the pressures around him. What are some specific convictions you hold that help you stand firm in your faith? How do you cultivate courage in the face of societal pressures?
4. How important is community support when standing firm in one’s beliefs? In what ways can we support each other in our LifeGroup?
5. The sermon emphasizes the struggle with truth in our culture. How can we discern truth in a world filled with conflicting messages? What role does Scripture play in this discernment process?
6. How does Daniel’s story inform our understanding of identity in Christ amidst a changing culture? How does understanding your identity as a child of God influence your daily life? How does understanding others as a child of God influence your interactions with them?
7. What are some practical steps you can take this week to ensure that you are living in a way that honors God, similar to how Daniel did? How can your LifeGroup support you in this endeavor?
8. In what ways do you think standing firm in one’s faith can influence the broader culture, as seen in the outcomes of Daniel’s choices?
9. How can we pray for one another regarding the challenges we face in standing firm in our faith? Are there specific areas where you feel you need support or accountability?