Standing Strong Discussion Guide

DISCUSSION GUIDE

In this series we are going to look at what it means to Stand Strong in our faith! Through studying the book of Hebrews! together, we will learn How Perseverance & Endurance is developed by understanding Jesus through many biblical contexts and lens. the goal of this series is to help you grow a faith that won’t drift and that can endure! lets get ready for God to do an amazing thing through our belief in Christ ! Let’s Stand Strong!

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Read Hebrews 2:1 (NLT). Do you think it is easy or hard to drift from the truth of God’s Word? Why or why not?

2) Pastor Nate mentioned that the book of Hebrews helps us to have resilient faith. What do you think it means to have a resilient faith? How can we demonstrate resilience in our faith?

3) Read Hebrews 1:2-3 (NLT). Which attributes or descriptions of Jesus stick out to you from this text Why?

4) Read Hebrews 12:2 (NLT). Jesus endured the pain of the cross for something greater than himself. What can we learn from His example?

5) Read Romans 5:3-4 (NLT). What areas of your life do you need endurance to not quit? Who will be impacted if you do quit?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Take steps to practice having a resilient faith.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 1 Hebrews Chapter 2

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Describe a time when you felt like someone wasn’t listening to you? How did it get resolved?

2) Read Hebrews 2:1-3. One way of avoiding drift is by carefully listening to the truth! What are some ways we can remind ourselves of the truth regularly?

3) Read Hebrews 2:10. Jesus’ actions made Him become the prefect leader! What stands out to you about Jesus’ leadership? (Think about His earthly ministry).

4) Read Hebrews 2:16-18. Jesus is able to help each of us! Do you have tests or challenges that need Jesus’ leadership? What are those tests or challenges?

5) How can we experience freedom from the fear that tests and challenges bring? Why is it important to experience this kind of freedom?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Take steps to allow Jesus to become your prefect leader, who is able to help you during your tests & challenges.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 2 Hebrews Chapter 3

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Describe a time when you were distracted. How was the situation resolved?

2) Read Hebrews 1:1-6 (NIV). When the author wrote “fix your thoughts on Jesus”, what do you think the author was teaching the recipients of the letter?

3) What does your life look like when your thoughts are not focused and obedient to Christ?

4) How can we remove distractions to fix our focus on Jesus?

5) Read Hebrews 3:3-6 (NLT). In what ways can we put God in His rightful place in our lives this week? How might this Impact your day to day life?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Take steps to remove distractions from your life and place God in his rightful place in your life.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 3 Hebrews Chapter 4

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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In this weeks discussion from Hebrews 4 & 5, let’s reflect on the state of our own hearts and how we can open them up to Jesus, our great High Priest.

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Describe a time that you experience a deep sense of gratitude and thankfulness.

2) Read Hebrews 4:1-11. What do you thinks it means to harden your heart? How can we prevent our hearts from becoming hard?

3) Do we have a role in preventing the spread of bitterness & ungratefulness among God's people? Why or why not?

4) Reflect on Hebrews 4:12-13 and Psalm 32:3-5. How can we partner with God in allowing the healing power of His Word to work in us?

5) Pastor Nate mentioned discernment and how we as believers need to develop this skill. What is discernment and How can we develop the skill?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests with your Connect Group.

Read Hebrews 4:16. Take time to reflect on Jesus’, confess your sin, and receive God’s mercy & grace.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews 4 Hebrews 5

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Describe a time when you thought someone called you “out”, but they really called you “up”. How did it impact you fort the better?

2) Read Hebrews 5:11. What do you think it means to be “spiritually dull”? Have you ever felt this way?

3) Read Hebrews 5:12-14. One of the indicators of spiritual growth is sharing and teaching others what you have learned. Is it hard for you to share your faith? If so, why is it hard?

4) What are some ways that we can overcome the obstacles of sharing our faith in Jesus?

5) When we think of graduation it usually means completion, however the words originally means to “step gradually, constantly progressing”. With this in mind, what are some ways you can grow your faith in Jesus?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Consider how to overcome the obstacles of sharing your faith and share your faith with someone.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 6 Hebrews Chapter 7

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) When you hear the word “Transformation”, what comes to mind?

2) Read Luke 15:11-16. What was your life like before Jesus? How did you come to Christ?

3) In this parable the youngest son hit “rock bottom”.

Do you think hitting rock bottom is necessary?

4) Read Luke 15:17-24. Describe one of your most transforming moments since following Jesus. What are the most prominent changes in your life?

5) In the parable, the father embraced and showed compassion towards his lost son. How can we show compassion to others who are lost and away from God? Why might this be important?

ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Take time this week to pray for those who are lost.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Read Luke 15:25-31 Consider the older brother’s attitude in the parable.

How do we make sure that we avoid acting like the older brother?

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) When there is a struggle or tension in life, do you feel tempted to ‘go back’ to your “old” familiar? If so, what is your “old familiar”? If not, what do you do instead?

2) Read Hebrews 7:23-28. How does the permanent priesthood of Jesus provide comfort and assurance in your faith journey?

3) Read Hebrews 7:25. Jesus intercedes on our behalf!

How does reading this impact you? How might it encourage your prayer life?

4) Read Hebrews 8:6-10. What does this covenant with God mean to you? Why is this covenant important?

5) It is easy to put our trust in broken people and systems, but “Jesus is better”! What gives you hope from this passages of scripture? How would you communicate the hope to others?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Make a plan with a friend in your group to help you in moments where you feel tempted to go back to old habits.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 8 Hebrews Chapter 9

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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This week, as we walk through Hebrews 9 & 10, let’s look at the action steps we can take based on Jesus' sacrifice.

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) How should our understanding of Jesus' sacrifice impact our daily lives today?

2) Read Hebrews 9:1-14. What are the differences between the old sacrificial system and the new system, why might this be important?

3) Read Hebrews 9:15. Through Jesus’ sacrifice we have access to an eternal inheritance! How would you describe this inheritance to others?

4) Read Hebrews 10:15. Which part of this verse stands out to you the most? Why does it stand out to you?

5) Pastor Nate presented the following actions steps for our faith. Which of these steps resonate the most with you and why?

Boldly Enter heaven’s most Holy Place!

HOLD TIGHTLY what we HAVE! Work to inspire others to do good!

Intentionally meet with the church Stop sinning after your saved Remember your God story Patiently LOOK for the Lord’s reward!

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests with your Connect Group.

Reflect on your own "God story".

Take time to share one of those stories with your Connect Group.

Think of ways to motivate others to acts of love and good works (Hebrews 10:24).

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Romans 3:25-26

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

Is it hard to walk by faith and not by sight? What do you think it means for us to “walk by faith”?

2) Pastor Nathan said that “Faith moves people to action”!

Is there something you feel God is asking you to do in faith?

What is it and why might in be important?

3) Read Hebrews 11:8-19. The author used many examples of people with great faith who believed God’s promises! What has God promised you specifically? Do you believe God’s promises to you?

4) Read Hebrews 11:30-38. Does your faith have room for both suffering and success? Why do you think its important to have a healthy understanding of this concept?

5) Which of there points currently speaks to you the most and why?

Faith is built on a trusting relationship with God. Faith gives us a perspective that reaches into eternity.

Faith grows stronger in adversity.

Faith is initiated, strengthened and fulfilled by God Himself

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Consider your own action step to the phrase that spoke to you the most

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 12 Hebrews Chapter 13

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) What was your favorite sport or activity growing up? how did you grow in it?

2) Read Hebrew 12:5-9. God trains us as His children! If God is one coach, what do you think His training looks like in our lives?

3) Read 12:14-15. We are called to “work at living in peace with everyone and living a holy life”! What are some ways to practice doing both of these well?

4) Pastor Nate said, “We are connected to the Living God, Jesus is our Mediator”! How does this concept empower your faith?

5) We are to run this life with endurance! How can this connect group support you in life’s race?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests within your Connect Group.

Make space this week to prayer for others in your connect group.

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 12 Hebrews Chapter 13

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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Read the scriptures aloud and discuss these questions in your group: 1) In Hebrews 13:5, God says, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” How have you seen this in your life?

2) Pastor Darin spoke about 3 strong declarations of Hebrews 13: 1. God will never fail me, never abandon me! v.5 2. Because of Jesus, I will have no fear! v.6 3. Jesus is the same always and will not change! v.8

Which of these declarations do you find to be the easiest or hardest to believe and why?

3) Read 2 Corinthians 10:5, How can you practice taking thoughts captive in your daily life? What do you think will be the outcome?

4) Read Hebrews 13:21. What do you think is the Lord’s will and how is God leading you to give Him glory?

5) Read Hebrews 3:3-6 (NLT). In what ways can we put God in His rightful place in our lives this week? How might this impact your day to day life?

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ACTION STEPS Take time to share prayer requests with your Connect Group.

Pray Hebrews 13:21 over yourself!

GOING FURTHER Read the following Scripture for further growth: Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 13 2 Corinthians 10:5

Click Here To Watch A Visual Illustration Of Hebrews

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