This is the Way CG Booklet

DISCUSSION GUIDE

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INTRODUCTION Dear Friend, Welcome to the “This is the Way” group series! Ready to discover a way of living that’s full of purpose, joy, and connection? Over the next five weeks, we’ll explore the spirit-led rhythms of the early church and see how they can shape our lives today—not just in the first church of the New Testament, but in your own life as you gather with friends, family, or a connect group.

We’ll dive into five key practices of the early believers: spiritual community, sacrificial giving, worship, daily devotion, and serving others. Think of it as a roadmap for living like Jesus every day—and the best part is, it works in real life, not just on Sunday!

This Discussion Guide is your companion for the series. Inside, you’ll find group discussion questions, action steps, and a QR code you can scan to access weekly videos, which will be added each week to bring each practice to life.

Throughout the year, we create resources like this to make it easy for people to gather, connect, and grow together. So take this as your invitation—join a connect group, start one with friends, or gather your family. This five-week journey has the potential to change your life, and we can’t wait to see what God will do through you as you follow the way.

Blessings,

Pastors Nate and Jodi Ruch

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WEEK ONE LIFE-GIVING SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY THIS IS THE WAY WE GATHER

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THIS IS THE WAY WE GATHER Community isn’t just a Sunday thing—it’s a heartbeat of life when we follow Jesus together.

Like the early church in Acts, being part of a spiritual community can refresh your soul, lift your spirits, and help you experience God in everyday life.

KEY VERSE "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer."

Acts 2:42 NLT

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Click the icon to watch VIDEO Session 1A and discuss these questions in your group.

1) Before they were called Christians, believers were known as “people of the Way” (Acts 9:2). What made their way of living so distinct, and how might our lifestyle stand out in a similar way today?

2) In Acts 2:42-47, the early believers experienced connection, miraculous signs, generosity, and joy together. What stands out in the description of the text? Why do you think those things happen more often in community than alone?

3) Pastor Nate describes “relational community” (sports teams, book clubs, etc.) and contrasts it with “spiritual community.” In your own words, what makes spiritual community unique?

4) What are the dangers and disadvantages of trying to follow Jesus without connection to a spiritual community?

5) Pastor Nate asked: “What would make you afraid of spiritual community happening in your life?” What hesitations, fears, or past wounds can sometimes hold us back from going all in with others?

6) How can our past experience benefit or hinder our connection to life-giving spiritual community?

7) James 5:16 describes the role spiritual community can play in healing. Have you experienced this reality? How so?

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Click the icon to watch WORSHIP Session 1B and PRAY together in your group.

ACTION STEPS Memorize Acts 2:42 Make a list of 3 people you know who are not connected to a life-giving spiritual community, pray for them, and then text or call them for encouragement.

PERSONAL STUDY TIME Read the following Scriptures. What can you learn about the church as God’s life-giving spiritual community?

Psalm 133:1 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Matthew 18:20 Hebrews 10:24-25

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WEEK TWO SACRIFICIAL GIVING THIS IS THE WAY WE GIVE

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THIS IS THE WAY WE GIVE Giving isn’t just about money—it’s about opening your heart and trusting God to work through you.

When we share like the believers in Acts, sacrificial giving becomes a rhythm that blesses others, strengthens our community, and transforms our own hearts.

KEY VERSE “You must each decide in your heart how much to give.

And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.

'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Click the icon to watch VIDEO Session 2A and discuss these questions in your group.

1) When you hear the phrase “sacrificial giving,” who comes to mind, whether in Scripture, history, or your own life? What made their example stand out to you?

2) Read Acts 4:32-5:11. What do we learn from the contrast between Barnabas and Ananias & Sapphira when it comes to the heart behind giving?

3) Pastor Nathan mentioned that the first believers understood that they were stewards and managers of what had been entrusted to them, not owners. How does this mindset impact giving and generosity?

4) What is the difference between sacrificial giving and comfortbased giving?

5) Giving together helps us make a bigger impact. What Emmanuel Kingdom Builders projects, initiatives and partnerships excite you the most?

6) Joy and generosity are often mentioned together in Scripture.

How are the two connected?

7) What has helped you grow most in your own journey of giving and generosity?

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Click the icon to watch WORSHIP Session 2B and PRAY together in your group.

ACTION STEPS Memorize 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 Take a prayerful moment to consider what is in your hand, what is in your head, and what is in your heart when it comes to giving. Ask the Lord for wisdom as you grow in your giving.

Plan to participate in the upcoming Emmanuel Live Worship Night.

PERSONAL STUDY TIME Read the following Scriptures. What can you learn about sacrificial giving?

2 Samuel 24:24 Luke 21:1-4 Acts 2:44-47 Acts 11:27-30 10

WEEKTHREE WHOLEHEARTED WORSHIP

THIS IS THE WAY WE PRAISE

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THIS IS THE WAY WE PRAISE Worship isn’t just singing songs on Sunday—it’s responding to God with your whole heart, every day.

When the early church worshiped together in Acts, their lives overflowed with praise, reminding us that worship can happen anywhere, in countless little moments of life.

KEY VERSE “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

John 4:23-24 NLT

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Click the icon to watch VIDEO Session 3A and discuss these questions in your group.

1) Pastor Grant shared about a small moment, the crunch of frost under his shoes, that became an invitation to worship. Have you experienced simple, everyday moments that stirred your heart to thank or praise God? 2) Read Acts 2:42-47. This portion describes believers worshiping at the temple and in homes. Why do you think worshiping together in community matters so much, and how have you experienced God’s presence more deeply when worshiping with others?

3) Many of us think of singing when we hear “worship,” but the early church worshiped in many ways. What are some non-musical ways you connect with God, and how might those practices become worship?

4) Of the five “love languages” (words of affirmation, acts of service, giving gifts, quality time, experiencing God’s presence), which feels most natural for you in worshiping God? Which one challenges you the most, and why?

5) Romans 12:1 says offering our lives as living sacrifices is “true worship.”

What would it look like for you to live a lifestyle of worship this week in your work, family, or relationships?

6) Pastor Grant said the early church’s worship wasn’t out of obligation but a heart-level response. How can we tell the difference between worship that’s routine or shallow versus worship that comes from the heart?

7) What tends to distract you most from wholehearted worship—whether during church services or in daily life? How can we help each other overcome those distractions?

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Click the icon to watch WORSHIP Session 3B and PRAY together in your group.

ACTION STEPS Memorize John 4:23-24 Take time this week to apply the 5 love languages to your worship Words of affirmation Acts of service Giving gifts Quality time Experience God’s presence

PERSONAL STUDY TIME Read the following scriptures. What can we learn about Joseph’s story and forgiveness?

Genesis 39:3-6, 39:21-24 Genesis 40:23 Genesis 50:20 14

WEEK FOUR DAILY DEVOTION

THIS IS THE WAY WE GROW

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THIS IS THE WAY WE GROW Growing in your spiritual life doesn’t happen by accident—it comes through daily rhythms of prayer, scripture, and reflection. Just like the early believers who followed Jesus’ ways, choosing devotion each day helps your heart produce the fruit Jesus intends.

KEY VERSE “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”

Galations 5:16 NLT

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Click the icon to watch VIDEO Session 4A and discuss these questions in your group.

1) Pastor Jeff asked, “Have you ever wanted to make a change spiritually?” What are some habits you’ve tried in the past to grow closer to God, and what made them effective—or not?

2) Read Galatians 5:16-25. Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). Which of the mentioned fruit do you see most in your life at this point? Which do you see as a growth area?

3) Galatians 5 says the Spirit and the sinful nature are constantly at war. What is our role in this inner struggle? What is the Holy Spirit’s role?

4) If daily devotion is the key to lasting spiritual transformation, what one new rhythm or practice could you begin this week to help you consistently walk by the Spirit?

5) What has been most helpful to you in maintaining consistency in your daily devotion?

6) Daily devotion combines a reliance on the Holy Spirit and personal discipline. What happens if we neglect one or the other? What can we do to avoid this?

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Click the icon to watch WORSHIP Session 4B and PRAY together in your group.

ACTION STEPS Memorize Galatians 5:16 Make a list of the practices that help strengthen the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Take time to pray that God would affirm and grow these in you.

PERSONAL STUDY TIME Read the following Scriptures. What can you learn about daily devotion?

Psalm 143:10 Joshua 1:8 Matthew 12:33 John 15:8 Acts 2:42 18

WEEK FIVE SERVING OTHERS

THIS IS THE WAY WE SERVE

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THIS IS THE WAY WE SERVE Serving isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a way to show love and humility, following Jesus’ example. The early church in Acts shared their lives and gifts with others, and when we step out to serve today, we keep that same rhythm alive in our world.

KEY VERSE “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.”

John 13:14 NLT

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Click the icon to watch VIDEO Session 5A and discuss these questions in your group.

1) Acts 2 repeats the word shared. What resources (time, skills, home, money, attention) do you most instinctively call “mine,” and why?

2) Read John 13:1-15. What example was Jesus setting for His disciple? How can we follow His example in our day-to-day life?

3) Where do you notice a “serve-us” mindset in your life? What would a step towards serving others look like this week?

4) How can modern believers practice generous sharing in ways that truly help others without fostering unhealthy dependence or neglecting their own responsibilities?

5) Pastor Bryan asked: What does it mean to serve when it’s uncomfortable or costly? Share about a time you served despite inconvenience. What impact did this have in your heart and mindset?

6) Acts 2:47 says the church gained the goodwill of the people. How have you seen humble service open doors for sharing the hope of Jesus?

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Click the icon to watch WORSHIP Session 5B and PRAY together in your group.

ACTION STEPS Memorize John 13:14 Identify one person or place you will serve others this week (home, work, neighborhood, or church). What will you do, when, and who will you tell for accountability?

PERSONAL STUDY TIME Read the following Scriptures. What can you learn about serving others?

Mark 10:45 John 13:14-15 Philippians 2:3-4 Galatians 5:13 Galatians 6:9 22

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