^ Click “Note” ^ Remember to write down some short notes for each of the questions below before heading to life group.

1.

Share 1 thing that stood out to you about Sunday's Message. (1 minute max please) Also press play button in image above to watch or listen to Sundays message if you missed it or just to refresh your memory. (Each Individual)

2. Dear James, Welcome To The Family Of Christ

Matthew 12:46-48

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?”

Mark 6:3

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” 

John 7:1-5

1 After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. 3 So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 4 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For not even his brothers believed in him.

On Sunday Pastor Vaughn talked a lot about “who” James was and his unique identity as one of the biblical authors. What do you think it would have been like for James to be the brother of Jesus? Before Jesus’ death & resurrection and afterwards. Because James was not a disciple and follower of Jesus, what do you think his entry into life with the disciples might have been like as the disciples were being filled with the Holy Spirit and starting to grow the church from hundreds to thousands very quickly. What do you think might have happened that catapulted James into what seems to be the lead Elder position of the church in Jerusalem rather than Peter or James or John? How should this impact the way we view ourselves and other “new people” when they get saved and join our church? (Group Discussion)

3. The Perfect Trial

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

1 Corinthians 2:11

11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him/her?

On Sunday Pastor Vaughn talked about the way God “perfects” us through trials. He mentioned that often times other people don’t see the growth in our lives but we know we are changing and growing and thinking differently and feeling differently inside even though the “drama” looks the same to other people. Trials are probably the primary way in which God grows and develops us and makes us more like Jesus.

How have you viewed the trials of your life? The trials before you became a Christian and the trials you’ve been through since becoming a Christian. Do you see trials differently when you are in them as opposed to once you are on the other side of them? Do you recognize growth in the way you endure trials? If so, in which ways? What does it mean to be steadfast & patient in the middle of your trials? Can we actually become perfect, complete, & lacking nothing? (Each Individual)

4. Wisdom vs. WisDUMB

James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Do you know anybody with a lot of WisDUMB? What's the difference between them and someone you know with real Wisdom? Do you ask God for wisdom? Do you truly believe He can and will give it to you? Does this same principle apply to other requests we make of God? What does it look like to “believe you will receive” the things you’ve asked for from God? Pastor Vaughn & Pastor Gary gave us some examples Sunday of someone who asks but their actions show they don’t believe they will receive. What are some of the ways God will deliver wisdom (and other things we ask for) into our lives? (Each Individual)

* Remember to pray for each other before heading home from life group and to stay in communication here in the app throughout the week on your life group messaging thread!