The Vine Austin The Vine; a church in Austin, TX

This week, Fabs unpacks Hebrews 11, digging into the concept of faith, and how it enables us to keep going on the path God has set for us.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What is something from the sermon that is staying with you- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious-making?
2. Discuss Hebrews 11:8-16. What do you notice? In v. 9-10, what do you notice about how Abraham's faith played out?
3. In this sermon, we talked about faith as banking, instead of simply a sensation. How did this sit with you?
5. In Hebrews, the writer highlights two things about faith: by faith we see God do unimaginable things, and by faith, we are able to endure and keep going through unimaginable things. Which one of these things speaks to you where you are currently?
6. What comes up for you when you imagine God is still at work among us in the way God worked in the Old Testament?
7. Fabs shared this perspective: faith isn't to keep us out of the dark. It is FOR the dark. What different views have you had of faith, and how have they helped or hindered your connection with God?

In this fourth sermon in the Hebrews series, Mark shares from Hebrews 10, discusses how Jesus fulfills the sacrificial system and invites us into a new covenant and hope. This sermon also explores what atonement theories are and why they are important.

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Recall the sacrificial system that was in place before Jesus. If that was your religious practice, how would you view God and yourself?
2. Discuss Hebrews 10:11-14. What do you notice? What is promised in verse 14?
3. In this sermon Mark said, "how you see the cross is how you see God.” How do you respond to that idea?
4. What is something from the sermon that is staying with you- either as encouraging, confusing, or curious-making?
5. Mark shared the fuel for empty religion is religious performance, sin management, and shame. For the new covenant, it is gratitude and the hope of becoming. Discuss this and share how you have experienced this.
6. Discuss the concept that a "a Christian mystery is not something unknowable, but something infinitely knowable.” How can this inspire devotion?

Welcome to week three in this Hebrews study! In this message, Mark shares from chapter six, about a connection between Abraham and Jesus, the power of patience, and how we can have an anchor for the soul.

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Read Hebrews 6:11-12. How do faith and patience interact?
2. We heard a difficult question in this sermon- "what do you do when God is late?" What is your honest response?
3. Read Hebrews 6:16-20. (FYI- Melchizedek is a mysterious priest who blessed Abraham in Genesis 14.) What are the words of hope you find in these verses?
4. Discuss the imagery of Jesus being an anchor to our soul. What significance do you find with that word picture?
5. Mark shared two reasons why we don’t experience Jesus as the anchor of our souls. We don’t drop the anchors deep enough, and the rope isn’t tied to our souls. Discuss these two conditions, and which you relate to.

In this second sermon of this series, Mark talks about Hebrews chapters 3-4. In this message, we explore the comparison between the Exodus story and the deliverance we find in Jesus.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:12-18

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What sequel is better than the original?
2. Respond to this concept- the journey to the Promise Land wasn’t as important as the journey towards trust. How does that concept relate to your life or experience?
3. How would you describe your relationship with the concept of sin? What role has it played in your religious life in the past?
4. Read Hebrews 3:12-15. What do you notice about the effects of sin in our lives?
5. Discuss the three effects of sin that Mark shared- hardening, deception, and restlessness. How does sin lead to these experiences?
6. Read Hebrews 4:6-7. What is the good news found in these verses?

In this introductory message to the book of Hebrews, Mark begins with opening remarks about this writing and the importance of placing Jesus at the center.

To see the resources for this series, including a daily reading, go to thevineaustin.org/hebrews

RELFECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Share your experience with the daily devotional reading plan on Hebrews.
2. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. What do you see the author doing in this introduction?
3. As you consider the three word pictures that Mark highlighted in verse 3 (radiance of God’s glory, exact representation, and sustaining word), discuss the meaning of them all, and share which word picture stands out to you.
4. Reflect on the three ways we look at the world: glance, glare, and gaze. What uniquely holds you back from being able to gaze, especially gaze upon Christ?
5. Read Hebrews 2:9-10. How do you see the paradox between what is found in chapter 1 and these verses?
6. What else has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouragement, confusion or a challenge?

Happy Easter. This message not only marks the end of the Lenten season, but also marks the end of our series on peacemaking. This sermon explores John 20, the gift of the Spirit, and the call for us to make peace.

John 20:19-23

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What was Easter like for you growing up?
2. As you consider the disciples' reality, what do you imagine the disciples were experiencing, thinking and feeling before Jesus stepped into the room?
3. Read John 20:19-23. What stands out to you today?
4. What significance do you find between the interconnection of the words spirit, wind and breath?
5. Jesus combines breathing peace with being sent into this world. "As the Father sent me, so I send you..." Where do you think Christ is sending you to go and make peace?