Encounter - Sundays Encounter Church, Mission Viejo

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS

Read John 6:1-15. What stands out in this passage? What is God’s heart wanting to communicate to us through this Scripture? 

Growing up, were you more of a brown bag or cafeteria lunch kind of kid? What did your school lunches consist of? What was your favorite lunch to get?

Why is it important to keep our eyes open to see what Jesus is doing around us? What are some things you see Jesus doing around you right now?

Where in your life do you have a “scarcity mindset”? Finances? Time Management? Emotional Energy? The Future? Somewhere else?  What is a truth from God’s Word to help combat that feeling?

How have you seen God multiply a gift or an offering in an amazing way?

When have you felt or been told what you had to offer was unnecessary? How have you overcome that? How can you use your gift/offering this week partnering with Jesus?

The Extravagant

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS
Read John 20:24-29. What stands out in this passage? What is God’s heart wanting to communicate to us through this Scripture?

What are the things in your life or your past that cause you to be negative or pessimistic? Have you always been this way? Is it getting better or worse recently?

When are you most skeptical? And specifically, what has been the toughest parts of your faith journey that stirs the skeptic in you?

In what ways have you seen Jesus overcome your doubts?

Of these 5 encouragements when we’re doubting, which is the most difficult for you, and which one would you like to focus on this week?

Seek Jesus
Stay faithful
Keep trusting
Keep following
Keep praying
 
After Thomas’ encounter with Jesus, he was significantly changed, having a strong vibrant faith. Moving on from this discussion and study, how would you like this encounter with Jesus to change you?
 

The Short One

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS

Read Mark 5:24-34. What stands out in this passage? What is God’s heart wanting to communicate to us through this Scripture?

According to the Law, the woman in our passage was “unclean.” This meant that she couldn’t touch anyone, she was ostracized in society, couldn’t attend church, and had to announce to everyone that she was unclean before entering any kind of space. What types of people might feel that way in our society today, and what should we do about it?

The 12 year issue of bleeding robbed her of her energy, joy, and opportunities. Is there anything in your life that is robbing you of those things?
What is false hope? And what can we put false hope in?
 
Like the woman fighting her was through a massive crowd to get to Jesus so she could touch Him… How can we be desperate to get to Jesus? What daily actions could we do to show our desperate need for Him?
 
In the sermon, we talked about making your faith all about Jesus. How are we NOT doing this (for example: what worldly things are we adding to our faith)? And lastly, what are a few ways in which we CAN make our faith all about Jesus?

Go Deeper
Who are you most like in the narrative right now (Man on the mat/One of the friends/Pharisee/A face in the crowd)? Why?

What kind of obstacles try to prevent you from getting in front of Jesus? How can you creatively overcome those obstacles?

Who are the people in your life that will carry you to Jesus (keep you accountable, lift you up in prayer, rejoice with you, etc.)? If you don’t have anyone, why not? What is holding you back?

What event in your life brought you closest to God?