9-18-24 Life Group Questions

^ Click Take A 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 listen to Sundays message if you missed it or just to refresh your memory. (Each Individual)

2. 2 by 2 by Faith

Mark 6:7

7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

Luke 10:1

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.

Acts 13:2-4

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Matthew 18:19

19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.

On Sunday Pastor Vaughn spoke about what he called the Christian's Eco System. He talked about the importance of the church, a life group, discipleship, and friendship. We were challenged to see which, if any, of these areas were lacking in our personal walks with Jesus. Which of these areas are active currently in your walk with Jesus and which are inactive? Comparing the largest group (the church) with one of the smallest (best/close friend) what are their differences relationally and how does God intend to use both in our lives?

Pastor Vaughn talked about David needing Jonathon, and Mary needing Elizabeth and Paul needing Barnabas and he said that we all need someONE to pursue God with in this way. Why does God seem to be prioritizing team and friendship and even best friends (in the faith) this way throughout scripture? Do you have a particular person (of the same sex) that you are pursuing God with in this way? If so, do they know they are that person for you? If not, are you open to praying for one? How does Jesus' promise in Matthew 18:19 above apply to this type of friendship and how is it activated? (Group Discussion)

3. Discipleship

Acts 13:13

13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem

Acts 15:37-39

37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other.

2 Timothy 4:9-11

9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

On Sunday Pastor Vaughn talked about the rise of a young disciple named John Mark who had the opportunity to be a part of the first planned missionary journey of the church alongside Paul & Barnabas. We saw that John Mark found discipleship to be too difficult for him and he decided to go back to Jerusalem. Paul was definitely not the easiest discipler to be led by but that decision impacted everyone involved for a long time to come. Paul & Barnabas eventually separate and bitterness & anger stayed with these men as they moved forward with Jesus. Thankfully we were able to see the story come full circle and we see Paul & John Mark restored and even desiring to partner with each other in ministry as Paul requests John Mark to come and serve under him.

Every Christian is growing just like every child from birth is growing. Early on for every child two questions become clearly important to answer. What are they growing into? Where is the way they are growing going to lead them? The answers to those questions are almost completely determined by the way the one's responsible for raising those children are raising them.

What is Discipleship? Why did Jesus say to "go and make Disciples"? Why has God ordained discipleship as His process for spiritual development? What are some of the things that make discipleship so difficult and compel us to go back to Jerusalem? What are some of the beautiful parts of discipleship? What makes mature Christians hesitant to commit to discipling others? Should Christians of all ages and stages of their walk with Jesus be in active discipleship relationships? How can Disciples who have been hurt by Disciplers not give up on discipleship? How can Disciplers who have been hurt by Disciples not give up on Discipleship? (Group Discussion)

* 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!