First Baptist Church Elma - Life Groups

First Baptist Church Elma

LIFE GROUP: Watch (Mark 13:28-37)

7/15/2020

The Next Step

What stood out to you from this weekend’s message on Mark 13:28-37 as meaningful, challenging, or confusing? In what ways are end of world predictions detrimental to our faith?
Read Mark 13:32. How could Jesus be God and not know when He would return? What does it mean to “watch” in terms of waiting for the Lord’s return?
How can you watch for the Lord this week?

LIFE GROUP: Desolate (Mark 13-14-27)

7/8/2020

The Next Step

When you think of Christ’s Second Coming what comes to mind?
Mark 13 is Jesus’ longest message in Mark. Why do you think Mark included it for his mainly Gentile audience in Rome?
Why is it important for us to know Jesus as Lord over all history?
How can the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. prepare us for the trials we face now and to come?What’s a specific way you can respond to Mark 13:14-27?

LIFE GROUP: Stand (Mark 13:1-13)

7/1/2020

The Next Step

What’s an end of the world prediction you’ve heard?
How do you think the disciples felt when they heard the temple would be destroyed?
Why are many Christians alarmed and afraid when they consider the signs in Mark 13?
Instead of being preoccupied with timetables and signs of the end, what did Jesus want His disciples to focus on instead?
What’s a way that being alert about the end of life as we know can strengthen us in our faith?
What’s a specific way you can prepare to stand as an ambassador of the gospel in uncertain times?

LIFE GROUP: Offerings (Mark 12:38-44)

6/24/2020

Things to Consider

What’s something you would have a hard time living without?
With just days before Jesus’ would go to the cross, why do you think He took time to rebuke the teachers of the law, and point out the sacrificial giving of the poor widow?
In what ways can Christians today act like the teachers of the law during Jesus’ time?
Why do you think Jesus is more concerned with how we give than what we give?
What’s a specific way you can respond to Mark 12:38-44?

LIFE GROUP: Hear (Mark 12:28-37)

6/17/2020

Things to Consider

If you could ask Jesus any question about the Bible, what would it be?
Why do you think Mark put Mark 12:28-37at this point in His gospel?
Do you think Jesus liked the scribe in this passage? Explain.
How does these passages demonstrate the difference between Christianity and other religions?
What’s something Christianity can offer our culture that it’s missing right now?
How can you love your neighbors this week in a practical way? Pray for one another.

LIFE GROUP: Resurrection (Mark 12:18-27)

6/10/2020

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something you’re looking forward to in heaven?
What’s something from this weekend’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
Why do you think some Christians have trouble believing in the supernatural?
How can we build confidence in God’s power as revealed in the Bible?
How can belief in the resurrection change our everyday lives?
Have you ever confronted someone because of his or her wrong beliefs? What happened?
Why is it important that we value both truth and grace as a church?
Read 1 Timothy 2:4. Who’s someone you’d like to see come to the knowledge of the truth? Pray for them and one another.

LIFE GROUP: Politics (Mark 12:13-17)

6/3/2020

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s something about living in the United States for which you are thankful?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you hope we talk about as a group?
Why are politics and religion such taboo topics for polite social gatherings?
Is it possible for America to be a Christian nation? Explain.
What was so revolutionary about Jesus’ simple statement in Mark 12:17… “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”?
Read Romans 13:1-8. How can submitting to the government or paying taxes be done as an act of worship?
How can making politics secondary to Christ-centered unity help us to glorify God in our community?
What’s something you could use prayer for? Pray for one another.

LIFE GROUP: Tenants (Mark 12:1-12)

5/16/2020

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s one of your favorite sources of information?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you found challenging, encouraging or confusing?
Why do you think people have trouble submitting to authority?
Why do you think Jesus spent so much time in His last week at the temple?
Why were the religious leaders so resistant to Jesus’ authority?
Is it possible to doubt God in a healthy way? Explain.
If you had a friend who was wrestling with doubt what would you tell him or her?
What’s something you could use prayer for? Pray for one another.

LIFE GROUP: Fruit (Mark 11:12-25)

5/13/2020

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s one of your favorite fruits or vegetables?
Why do you think Mark include this passage at this point in his gospel?
How can church become a place that distracts people from God?
How can our prayers help others to worship Christ?
What’s something that once seemed impossible that God has made possible in your life?
Why does Jesus insist that forgiving others accompany salvation?
What’s a prayer request you have that only God can make possible? Pray for one another.

LIFE GROUP: Triumph (Mark 11:1-11)

5/6/2020

The Next Step Life Group Follow-Up

What’s one of your favorite holidays?
What’s something from Sunday’s message you found challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
Why do people desire spiritual benefits without desiring Jesus?
Why did Jesus choose to clearly reveal His identity during the triumphal entry?
Is it important that you believe in Jesus, not only as your Savior, but also the Savior of the world? Explain.
Why do you think Jesus accepted the praise of the people, even though they did not accurately understand His messiahship?
How can our obedience when we don’t fully understand make a difference?
What’s a specific way you can worship Christ as King this week? Pray for one another.

Every Wednesday

11:00 am @ the Lowes

Every Thursday
6:30 pm @ the Mayberry's
7:00 pm @ the Ahlquists'

Sharing
Each week, we will take time to share what is happening in our lives. At first, this sharing will include some planned “sharing questions.” After the first few weeks, it will become more informal and personal as our groups feel safer and more comfortable.
Study
Each week, we’ll study a portion of God’s Word that relates to the previous weekend’s sermon. Our goal is to learn how to apply and live out our Christianity in our day-to-day experiences and relationships.
Support
Each week, we’ll learn how to take care of one another as Christ commanded (see John 15:9-13). This care will take many forms, such as praying, listening, meeting needs, and encouraging and even challenging one another as needed.

Life groups exist to promote the development of significant Christian relationships centered around the study of God’s Word (see Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 8:29). If you’ve never taken part in a Life Group, they’re sermon based small groups that meet during the week to have a conversation based on Sunday’s message. Groups spend time connecting, sharing thoughts, and praying for one another. And there are snacks! Groups also engage in service projects, or have nights out at the movies or a game. One person shared that she had really gotten to know people through her group, even though she’d interacted with people at church for years. Someone else said his group gave him a chance to live out his faith in greater depth – having opportunity to convey his struggles, obtain Biblical direction, and receive encouragement.

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