1 Samuel 1-15 | Who is My King? – November 30, 2025
Getting Going
1. Settling in & Opening Prayer
2. Pastor Travis shared a story about trying to get rid of smells instead of the problem. Can
you think of a time you tried to treat symptoms rather than the problem?
Digging Deeper
1. Review:
a. Think back to your own baptism. What did it mean to you then? What does it
mean to you now?
b. What were ways you reminded yourself of your need for redemption?
2. 1 Samuel 7 describes what happens when Israel follows the Lord. Why then in chapter 8
do you think Israel was ready to reject the system of Judges?
3. The book of 1 & 2 Kings characterizes each reign of the king as good or bad. How do
you think we are supposed to view the reign of Saul? Why?
4. 1 Samuel 13:13-14, and 1 Samuel 15:22-23 speak to the need to obey and follow God
wholeheartedly. What do these accounts reveal to us about Saul’s heart? What do they
reveal about our hearts?
5. We are like the Israelites trying to treat symptoms rather than causes. Why do you think
we do this?
Practical Preparation:
1. Think about a time when you simply treated spiritual symptoms instead of dealing with
the cause. Why did you decide to do what you did?
2. Saul is a complicated character because he looks like he should be a king, but he is
filled with fear and selfishness. Whereas, David is the youngest in his family and a lowly
shepherd; but he has a heart after God. How do we avoid seeking “Saul-like” solutions to
problems that we need “David-like” answers?
3. What is a practical thing you could do this week to better deal with the causes of your
spiritual problems?
Closing Prayer:
1. We often look for the easy fix instead of the actual fix. Spend time in prayer that we can
be honest with ourselves and allow God to do the heart work we often need.
2. It is not always easy to obey God. We struggle with fear and selfishness instead of
whole hearted desire to follow God. Pray that we might desire the Lord more than we
fear others. Pray that we would desire to obey God more than elevate self.
Optional Extra Question – If you came home and your house was completely filled with golf balls, how
would you deal with it?
Ruth 1-4 | Empty & Filled – November 16, 2025
Getting Going
1. Settling in & Opening Prayer
2. Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Digging Deeper
1. Review:
a) Judges is a tragedy about compromise and complacency. How have you combated these things in your walk with Jesus?
b) God promised to go into the land before Joshua. Thinking about your life, in what ways have you noticed God going before you?
2. Take time to read through Ruth and take note of every reference to God. How does the book describe God? How does it affect your opinion of him?
3. Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi are the three main characters in the book of Ruth. Is there a character that you relate more to? Why? Which of the three would you like to be most like? Why?
4. The book of Ruth describes how pain can make us feel empty and bitter; but contrasts this with how God makes us full. Is there an experience you can point to in your own life where God did this for you? What did this experience do for your faith?
5. The need for redemption is plain when we are powerless and destitute like Naomi. Do we see our own need for redemption? Why or why not? What would it take to see our need for redemption?
Practical Preparation:
1. Pain or disappointment can make us bitter. What is a way we can choose to trust God instead of becoming bitter?
2. What is something you can do this week to remind yourself of your need to cling to Jesus for your redemption?
3. God used Ruth and Boaz to bring redemption to Naomi, but also to Israel, and through Christ the world! How might God bring the redemption of Christ to others through you?
Closing Prayer:
1. Spend time in prayer thanking God for all he has done for us, be it the tangible blessings, or being present in our hurt and hard times. Pray that we might see his love even in hard times.
2. Pray that as we have experienced redemption through Christ, that we might be able to point others to this need as well. If there is someone that you know that needs to be redeemed by Jesus, spend time praying specifically for them.
Optional Extra Question – Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Judges 1-21 | Faithful in an Unfaithful Age – November 9, 2025
Getting Going
1. Settling in & Opening Prayer
2. Have you ever ignored something small — a car issue, a home repair, a health concern
— only to have it become a much bigger problem later? What made you ignore it in the
first place?
Digging Deeper
1. Review:
a. Thinking about your life, in what ways have you noticed God going before you?
b. How has wondering about “the wilderness” changed how you respond to God?
2. Read Judges 2:6-23, summarize the Judges cycle as a group. What does this reveal
about the Israelites? About God? (Sin, Suffering, Cry for help, Salvation)
3. The Israelites drifted into complacency and compromise time and again. What did their
compromise look like? What did their complacency look like? What might that drift look
like for us today? What are we called to do? (For some examples read Romans 8:13,
Hebrews 12:1-3, James 1:26-27)
4. In Judges 17-21 a line repeats “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they
saw fit.” This line explains the moral decline to the point where the Israelites are as
wicked as the Sodomites (compare Judges 19 and Genesis 19). Why is it when we
choose to do as we see fit that we see such drastic moral decay? How do we see it in
our society? Have you seen this in your own life?
5. In their suffering, the Israelites wanted relief more than repentance and God’s rescue
without His rule? Can you recall times where you can relate? Why?
6. The book of Judges is meant to be read as a tragedy. However, there is hope and grace
that appears often in the stories. How do you see the tragedy of Judges pointing to
hope, grace, and most importantly pointing to Christ?
7. “Compromise and complacency don’t announce themselves — they creep in quietly.” In
what ways have you felt them creep into your life?
Practical Preparation:
1. Pastor Jason gave us 4 application points as to not let the story of Judges become our
story. Spend some time thinking through these 4 points. Which of these 4 challenges
speaks to you the most, and why?
a. Remember what God has done
b. Refuse to make peace with sin
c. Devote yourself to God’s authority
d. Be missional
Closing Prayer (5 min)
1. Pray that we would not become complacent and compromise with sin and the world, but
that we would seek to wholly devote our lives to Christ.
2. Pray that in a world that does what it sees fit, that the good news of Jesus would
penetrate hearts and minds, and that we would be ready to share and live out this good
news.
Closing verse: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15
Optional Extra Question – What is the best way to start your day?
BOOK OF JOSHUA | Faith Over Fear – November 2, 2025
Ice Breaker
Can you remember a time when you stood on the edge of something new — a new job, a move, a relationship, or another big life change?
How did you feel — excited, nervous, fearful, hopeful?
Scripture Focus
Read aloud together: Joshua 1:6–9
“Be strong and courageous… Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Discussion Section 1 – Standing on the Edge
1. What so you think the Israelites were feeling as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness?
2. Why do you think God had to tell Joshua three times to be strong and courageous?
(Notice: God’s presence (“I will be with you”) is the foundation for courage, not self-confidence or favorable circumstances.)
3. What does it mean for us today to “walk by faith and not by sight”?
4. How does remembering God’s past faithfulness give us courage for new challenges?
Discussion Section 2 – God Goes Before Us
Read Joshua 2:8–11
1. What does Rahab’s story teach us about how God was preparing the way before Israel even entered the land?
2. Can you think of a time when you recognized that God had already been working ahead of you in a situation?
Discussion Section 3 – The Walls We Face
1. What “walls” in life can seem impossible to bring down without God’s help?
(Examples: bitterness, fear, addiction, broken relationships, conflict/division, etc.)
2. How does prayer help us trust God to do what only He can do?
3. What does it practically look like to “let the battle belong to the Lord”?
Discussion Section 4 – Hidden Sin and Faithful Obedience
Read Joshua 7:10–12 (The sin of Achan).
1. Why does hidden sin have such devastating consequences on individuals and communities?
2. What keeps people from confessing sin — fear, pride, shame?
3. How can confession and accountability actually strengthen faith?
Discussion Section 5 – Choose This Day
Read Joshua 24:14–15.
1. What idols or false gods are most tempting in our culture today?
2. What does it look like to “serve the Lord wholeheartedly” in your current season of life?
3. How can we help each other remain strong and courageous in our faith?
Application (5–10 min)
Invite reflection:
“Where do you find yourself in the story of Joshua today?”
• Standing on the edge of something new?
• Facing walls that seem too big?
• Needing to confess hidden sin?
• Choosing daily whom you will serve?
Ask: What one step of faith will you take this week to trust God more deeply?
Closing Prayer (5 min)
Pray for courage to obey God even when afraid, for awareness that God goes before us, and for hearts that remain faithful and wholehearted in devotion to Him.
“As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15
NUMBERS 1-36 | Wondering about Wandering – October 26, 2025
Getting Going
- Settling in & Opening Prayer
- Share your best and worst road trip experience.
Digging Deeper
1. Review:
a. We were challenged to remember our salvation just as the Israelites remembered their deliverance. How did you do that this week?
b. God’s covenant with Israel (represented by the giving of the law) called the people to faithful obedience. Christ’s covenant through his shed blood calls us to this as well. What did obedience to Christ look like for you this past week?
2. Briefly look through the narrative sections in Numbers (11-14, 16-17, 20-25, 27, 32-33). What do you think this long wandering journey would have been like? Do you relate with the Israelites in their grumbling and complaining? Why or Why not?
3. The Israelites had the physical presence of the LORD present with them during their entire journey, as well as all the miracles that he did for the people. Why do you think the Israelites struggled to place their trust in God? What prevents us from trusting God?
4. Read Exodus 14:1-4, 19-23. How should this shape how we view our own sin? Yet in contrast Num. 21:1-9 reveals how God does not want us to die from our sins. How should we view God, that in spite of our sin needing to be dealt with, he does not long for us to die?
5. Hosea 2:14-15 reveals how God viewed the time in the wilderness. Why do you think God views time in the wilderness so differently than we do? How are our expectations different from God’s during these times?
Practical Preparation:
1. We are challenged by the wilderness wanderings to see what God has done, who he has revealed himself to be, and to place our trust in him. What do you need to remind yourself of this week so that you can trust God?
2. We are challenged by the wilderness wanderings to take our sin seriously. Is there any rebellion in your heart against God? Are there parts of your life you are not trusting him in? Are you holding any anger or bitterness against him? Take time to confess these things and ask for forgiveness.
3. We are challenged by the wilderness to see this time as a means of God drawing us close. How might we match our expectations of the wilderness seasons to God’s?
Parting Prayer (15 min)
Ultimately the wilderness wanderings ask us if we are willing to trust God. Pray that God would cultivate the faith in us to trust him and cling to him through all circumstances we will journey through.
Optional Extra Question – Does pineapple belong on pizza? Why or why not?
EXODUS 16-40 | Covenant and Tabernacle – October 19, 2025
Getting Going
- Settling in & Opening Prayer
- What is your secret talent? Or what are you good at that might surprise people to know?
Digging Deeper
1. Review:
a. We were challenged in the story of Joseph to view our challenges in light of how God was using them for something greater. How did this
change/challenge how you viewed your hardships?
b. We were challenged to remember our salvation just as the Israelites remembered their deliverance. How did you do that this week?
2. After being rescued from Egypt, God brought his people to Sinai and established a covenant with them (read Exodus 19:5-6). What is the significance of God making a covenant with people? How do we view our covenant relationship with Jesus Christ?
3. When Israel sinned against God by breaking the covenant by making a golden calf (Exodus 32:1-33:6), God had every right to reject his people but he didn’t. What does this illustrate about who God is? How does this shape how you view God?
4. The tabernacle represented God dwelling amongst his people. How would you respond to the smoke, the light, the voice of thunder of God’s physical presence? How does God’s glory dwell amongst us today (John 14:26, Ephesians 1:13-14)? How do you respond to it?
Bonus study: Read Exodus 34:6-7. This is one of the most quoted and referenced verses in scripture. What does it reveal about God? Why do you think it is so important that it is repeated or referenced over 20 times in scripture?
Practical Preparation:
1. To be faithful to the covenant was to obey all the commands and laws God gave the people (Exodus 20-23). Is obeying God still how we can express our faithfulness to God today (Read John 14:15-21)? How does Jesus call us to respond to our relationship with him?
2. Pastor Justin highlighted that the covenant relationship would set Israel apart as a “kingdom of priests.” This meant that Israel was meant to help people relate to, and come close to God. 1 Peter 2:9 picks this up and applies it to the church. How might we proclaim the praise of God so that others may know God and be close to him?
Parting Prayer (15 min)
1. Pray that we might think seriously about what it means to be in relationship with a Holy God and respond in obedience and love to his lavish gifts of grace.
2. Pray that we might understand our role as a holy priesthood which helps others encounter and know God. Pray for those that you know that do not know Jesus, and pray for the opportunity to help them encounter Jesus.
Optional Extra Question – What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
EXODUS 1-14 / Deliverance – October 12, 2025
Opening Connection
1. Think back on your life — what are some of the most significant, life-shaping moments you’ve experienced?
a) How did those moments change your direction, your priorities, or your faith?
2. The sermon said that the greatest, most defining moment in our lives is when we first said “yes” to Jesus.
a) When did that moment happen for you
b) How has that decision continued to shape your story since then?
The Big Picture
- In the same way that the Exodus was Israel’s salvation story, how is your story of coming to faith a kind of “Exodus” from slavery to freedom?
- Read Exodus 1:6–14. What stands out to you about the suffering and oppression of the Israelites?
- How do you see God’s hand quietly at work even in their hardship?
- Have you experienced times when God was working behind the scenes in your own difficulty?
God’s Preparation and Call
- Moses’ life seemed full of detours—palace, wilderness, exile—but God was preparing him for His purposes.
- Can you think of a time when God used a setback or “wilderness season” to prepare you for something later?
Salvation and Judgment
- The sermon mentioned that judgment is a hard but necessary truth — and that God’s mercy is always present alongside His justice.
- Why do we struggle with the idea of God’s judgment?
- How does the Passover story show both God’s justice and His mercy?
- Read Exodus 12:12–13. What does the blood on the doorposts represent?
- How does this foreshadow the cross of Christ?
- How does it change the way you see communion?
Crossing the Red Sea
1. Read Exodus 14:10–14.
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- What do these verses teach us about faith in moments of fear?
- What “Red Sea moments” have you faced — times when God asked you to trust Him when there seemed to be no way forward?
2. The sermon compared the crossing of the Red Sea to baptism — a symbol of leaving the old life behind and stepping into a new life with Christ.
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- How has following Jesus changed your sense of identity and belonging?
- What does it mean for you today to “stand firm” and trust the Lord to fight for you?
Jesus: The Greater Deliverer
- The sermon described the Passover pointing forward to Jesus — “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
- Why is Jesus’ sacrifice considered the greater rescue?
- How does understanding the Exodus deepen your gratitude for what Jesus has done?
- When you think about communion — the bread and the cup — how does it help you remember your own salvation story?
Reflection and Response
1. The Israelites were called to remember their salvation every year through Passover.
- What helps you personally remember and celebrate what God has done in your life?
2. Are there areas where you still feel tempted to “go back to Egypt” — to live in old habits, fears, or ways of thinking?
- What would it look like for you to trust God to bring freedom in that area?
Prayer
- Remember what God has saved us from and what He has saved us for.
- Pray prayers of gratitude for Jesus, the true Passover Lamb.
- Pray for any other needs the group shares.
GENESIS 37-50 / From Tragedy to Testimony – October 5, 2025
Getting Going
- Settling in & Opening Prayer
- If each day was 30 hours, how would you use your “extra” time?
Digging Deeper
- Review: We were challenged to take a step out in faith last week, what was a step of faith you took? How might you continue to take steps of faith going forward?
2. Take some time to go over the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). God was with Joseph in all of his hardest times. How did this shape and change Joseph (think of how he acted at the beginning of the story vs the end)? Can you relate to this? Why or why not?
3. Chapter 38 and 39 highlight the difference between poor character and godly character. What stands out in this stark comparison? How does this challenge us to live our lives?
4. Pastor Jason mentioned that it was through reflection or looking back that Joseph was able to see what God was doing in his life. How can you see God at work in your life upon reflection? How do some of those times feel at the moment?
5. The story of Joseph brings us as Pastor Jason said it “fractured to forgiveness” which foreshadows the life of Christ. How do you see the foreshadowing of Christ in the story of Joseph?
Practical Preparation:
1. Sin and suffering does not have the final word. Joseph reflected that the evil his brothers intended God used for good. Jesus also reveals this to us through the cross, that Christ took what was meant for evil and made it something good. How might you take hope in this truth for your own life?
2. Joseph had the opportunity to punish his brothers but ultimately chose to forgive them. Are there people in your life that you need to forgive? How might you work towards forgiveness this week?
3. God is at work in us, we just need to notice it. Spend time today (and this week) thinking about how God is at work in you and in those around you. How might you share what God is doing in your life to bring hope to someone that needs it?
Parting Prayer (15 min)
1. Pray that you might have eyes to see God at work in us and around us, even in the darkest times. If you are in a hard season, pray that God gives you the strength to trust him, and the openness to allow him to bring about good.
2. Pray for opportunities and courage to share the hope that Jesus brings in all circumstances of life.
Optional Extra Question – If you could only have a maximum of 3 apps on your phone which would you choose?
GENESIS 12-35 / Built by Faith – September 28, 2025
Getting Going (15 min)
- Settling in & Opening Prayer
- Describe your perfect day off.
Digging Deeper (40 min)
1. Review:
a. Did you take time to reflect on God’s grace toward you? Did it impact you? Were you able to extend God’s grace to others? What was that experience like?
2. How is God described and portrayed in Genesis 12-35? What stands out to you about God in these chapters?
3. Abraham is often the model of faith for us to follow. Why do you think Abraham was able to place his faith in God even when asked to do difficult things? How might we model this in our own lives?
4. Abraham’s life overall is a positive example of faith. However, as we worked through the narrative there were several times where Abraham grew impatient or doubted and took matters into his own hands. Can you relate to this feeling? How do those times turn out for you?
5. Jacob placed his faith in God after realizing all that God had done for him. Think about your life, what has God all done for you? How have you responded to God in light of what he has done?
BONUS QUESTION: Read Genesis 16, 21:8-20. How does God love and care for the outsider? How should this shape our attitude and actions toward outsiders?
Practical Preparation:
1. God asks us all to take steps of faith (regardless of the level of faith we have). Is there something he is asking you right now that you are struggling to do? What might help you step out in faith?
2. How might we remind ourselves that God will always bring about his promises, even if they do not happen on our time lines?
3. What is something you want to remind yourself about who God has revealed himself to be this week?
Parting Prayer (15 min)
1. Faith is about knowing and trusting the one we are placing our faith in. Pray that you may know and grow in trust of God.
2. If God is asking you to take a step of faith, or respond to what he has done in your life, pray that you will be willing to obey.
Optional Extra Question – What was your first car?
GENESIS 3-11 / The Fall – September 21, 2025
Getting Going (15 min)
1. Settling in & Opening Prayer.
2. If you had to describe your life using one popular song, what song would you choose? Why (if it is not obvious)?
Digging Deeper (40 min)
1. Review: In the Beginning
a. How have you taken time to wonder about God and his creation? How have you been living out our calling to be God’s royal representatives here on earth?
2. We might ask why something as small as eating fruit from a tree could cause such life altering consequences. Pastor Jason explained that is because this choice is saying that we know better than God. Have you ever considered this about sin before? Where does this line of thinking lead people? Us?
3. Sin promises freedom but what it delivers is death, shame, pain, and suffering. Why, in spite of being lied to by sin and experiencing pain and suffering, do we reject following God’s way?
4. Pastor Jason identified a pattern in chapters 3-11 of: Sin, God speaking against sin, God gives grace, God judges. What does this pattern reveal about God? What does it reveal about us?
5. Even though Genesis 3-11 are chapters about brokenness, we see the love of God. He offers grace and hope to his creation. God warns us, gives us time to repent, extends grace, and promises a future redemption. How have you observed God’s grace in the world? Personally? How did you respond in the moment? How do you respond to it now?
Practical Preparation:
1. Even in judgement, God is more gracious than we deserve. How have you experienced this? How might you become aware of this while experiencing God’s judgement?
2. God continues to reveal his grace and warn his creation of its need for him. We as the church are the city on the hill, and light in the darkness (read Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 5:8-14). What is something this week we can do to help extend the grace of God and warn those in need of Jesus?
Parting Prayer (15 min)
1. Spend some time in personal repentance. Pray also that those in sin might seek the grace of God and be forgiven of their sin.
2. God reveals his grace to us and warns people to repent and turn back to him. Pray that we might be effective witnesses to help those that need Jesus’ forgiveness to receive it.
Optional Extra Question – Has birth order in your family affected your personality? In what way?
GENESIS 1-2 / IN THE BEGINNING – September 14, 2025
Getting Going (15 min)
1. Settling in & Opening Prayer.
2. Pastor Jason said that we are all deeply shaped by story, share a lighthearted story from your life that actually had a large impact upon you.
Digging Deeper (40 min)
1. Read through Genesis 1-2 as a group. Based upon these 2 chapters what do you think God wants us to know about Him and about His creation?
2. The ancient cultures saw the creation of the world from a perspective of struggle and rivalry. How is our God different, what does that make you realize or think about our God?
3. The ancient people believed that the gods created us to be the gods slaves. However, in the bible God singled out people as a special part of creation by making us in His image to be his royal representatives. What does that say about how God values people? How does that shape how you view and treat yourself and others?
4. We were challenged in this sermon to ask the right questions when we approach the creation account. The questions Pastor Jason directed to were: Who is God? Who are we? Why are we here? How would you answer these questions?
Practical Preparation:
1. Do you ever take time to examine creation and wonder at God, and what he has done? How might you find time this week to wonder in awe at who God is and what he has done?
2. How should one respond to the almighty creator? Are there areas in your life where you are not responding to God in the way he is due? What is something this week you can do differently to respond to him as he is due?
3. Human beings have value and dignity beyond measure because we are made in the image of God. How might you live out that truth this week?
4. The creator of the universe has made us for a purpose, to be his royal representatives upon the earth. What is something you can do this week to live out this calling?
Parting Prayer (15 min)
1. Pray that as you view God as creator that it would cause you to want to treat Him with the reverence and respect that he is due.
2. Pray that God will give you the eyes to see yourself and others as deeply important and valued, regardless of stage of life, beliefs, or appearance.
3. Pray that as we read about our purpose from God that we might live it out for all to see.
Optional Extra Question – If you could describe your family in one word what would it be? Why?