Gcf Austin

Life Group QuestionsMatthew 13:44 (HCSB)— The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.1.    In this parable, some say the treasure metaphorically represents Jesus while the Man represents us. Is there a problem with this interpretation? If so, what is the problem?2.    Metaphorically, what is the treasure? And who is the man?3.    What is the field, and who is the landowner?4.    To obtain the hidden treasure, the man had to make a costly purchase of the entire field. He sold everything to make this purchase, but he did it “in his joy.” What actions of Jesus is this parable referencing? Explain what was so costly about the purchase by Jesus and why Jesus did it “in his joy.”5.    From this parable, what have you learned about the Kingdom of God?

Life Group Questions 1.  Pastor Ryan explained that the mustard seed and leaven parables are the same but slightly different. How are they the same and how do they differ? 2.  Who does the woman in this parable represent and why do some people have a problem with this? 3.  What does the leaven represent? What does the flour represent? 4.  Pastor Ryan explained that in the first century, people knew that “three measures” equaled “1 ephah”. What was the significance of Jesus saying “three measures” of flour rather than “1 ephah”? 5.  Read Psalm 110:3 & Psalm 51:12. Can you honestly say that you offer yourself freely to the Lord with a willing spirit? What needs to change?

1.  What started small for you and has blossomed into something significant? 2.  Where in your life could you use a mustard seed of Faith? 3.  What can you scale back to allow room for God to grow this Faith inside of you?  4.  What are you holding on to or attempting to control that you need to surrender? 5.  What can you do to be in more constant conversation and relationship with God on a daily basis?

Life Group Questions 1.  In Matthew 13, Jesus mentions seeds in both of the first two parables. What did the seed represent in parable #1 and what did it represent in parable #2? What is the significance of this for us? 2.  What is a tare? How can a Christian resemble a tare if they are not careful? 3.  Many people assume that the harvest time in this parable is at the end of the world. Why does this not make sense biblically? Bonus question: When is the harvest time? 4.  Read Matthew 21:43. Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? What does this mean? 5.  What does the barn represent in this parable? The wheat is gathered and put in the barn. What does this mean?

Life Group Questions 1.  Pastor Ryan described the doctrine of defeat (dispensationalism) which didn’t exist prior to the 1850’s. Because of the Scofield Reference Bible and other influences, the American church adopted a defeatist mentality. What do you believe about the future? 2.  What is the difference between a sub-culture and a counter-culture? What is the church called to be? 3.  The Jews in biblical times thought in two time periods. The age of the law and the prophets and the age of the messianic kingdom. Both ages existed simultaneously between 30-70AD. Why did this happen and what does it mean? 4.  When we read “last days” in the bible, what is it referring to? 5.  The kingdom of God is referenced over 160 times in the New Testament. What is your understanding of God’s kingdom and the role you are to play in building it?

Life Group Questions 1. Who brought you to church? Share your testimony. 2. Our “Find, Tell, Bring” series has inspired us to invite people to church for Easter and beyond. Have you thought about who you would like to invite yet? If so, have you already extended the invitation? If so, how did it go? If not, what’s holding you back? 3. Pastor Rob said to “keep it simple” when inviting others; to share simple truths from scriptures and how they changed your life. What simple truth can you share from scripture that will inspire others to come and join the party? 4. Building relationships is crucial. Pastor Rob shared a life-changing story from a church member about how an invitation to a Cody Johnson concert transformed his life. If it wasn’t for his Christian friends who invited him out, he would still be an atheist. This story highlights the significance of inviting people into our community and making them feel loved and accepted. What could you invite someone to outside of church to further your relationship

Life Group Questions1.       According to 1 Corinthians 1:29-30, saving people is not your job. Instead, it’s God job. Does this truth relieve some pressure? Why?2.       If you haven’t already done so, make a list of unchurched people that you know. Tell us about the main person on that list that the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you to focus on.3.       Kasey suggested that we should create curiosity in how we live our life and to love people until they ask you why. What do you think of this approach? How do you accomplish it?4.       Please share a 3-min version of your story (…how Jesus made a difference in your life)? It doesn’t need to be polished or ready to go. Whoever is most scared, should go first.5.       What is one of your favorite Jesus stories? Please share it and tell us why it is your favorite. For example, I love the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) parable.

Life Group Questions 1.  Let’s talk about a time when a friend showed up for you in a time of need. How did it make you feel? Did it make the situation better or worse? 2.  Job’s friends began as well-intentioned comforters but turned into miserable ones. Have you ever been a miserable comforter? Share from your experience and what you learned. 3.  Pastor Rob shared a powerful story about a difficult conversation with his brother while his mother was hospitalized with Covid. He ended up calling his brother back to apologize and restore their relationship. Months later, his brother gave his life to Christ! Do you have anyone in your life that you need to make amends with? If so, share who it is, pray for them, and make a plan to “show up” for them. 4.  Pastor Rob mentioned 5 ways to have someone’s six. -      Prayer-      Show up-      Listen to understand, not respond-      Don’t assume-      Encourage them Which of these ways resonated with you the most and why?

Life Group Questions 1.  Read Genesis 26:2-5. Why did God carry forward the blessing of Abraham to his son, Isaac? 2.  God chose to make a covenant with Abraham because He knew He could trust him. God has kingdom-building plans for your life. Can He trust you? 3.  Read Matthew 6:33. This is a conditional promise from God. What is the promise? What is the condition? Do you want this promise for your life? If so, what do you need to change moving forward? 4.  Pastor Ryan shared three components to Abraham’s obedience. a.  Without seeing the blueprintsb.  Without limitsc.  Sacrificial When considering your life, which one of these stuck out to you the most and why? 5.  Read John 14:23-24. Do you obey Jesus’ teachings? There is another conditional promise here. What is the condition and what is the promise? How will this change your outlook on life?

Life Group Questions:1. What did you learn from this teaching, and how will it impact you moving forward?2. Do you feel hopeless in any areas of your life, such as your marriage, finances, children, career, or health? If yes, please share. If not, share some victories.3. During the teaching, Pastor Rob shared three wrong sources of trust: ourselves, other people, and money. Which one resonated with you the most as an area for improvement, and why?4. Jesus offers hope to those who feel hopeless by providing them with a new perspective (vision), a new source of power (JOY), and a new purpose (glorifying Him). What is your new vision and purpose? Additionally, please share an example of your superpower (JOY) in action.

Life Group Questions 1.    What was your main takeaway from this week’s teaching?  2.    Pastor Ryan described three components of the year of jubilee.a.    Rest from Labor (Soul Rest): Taking a sabbath & reflecting on what matters most. b.    Restoration from what was lost (All debit forgiven & original inheritance restored) c.    Release from slavery (Born-again believers are set free from slavery to sin) Which of these spoke to you the most, and how will this change how you live your life?  3.     Is there an area where you have accepted defeat in your life? If so, how will you take a stand to claim the blessing of Abraham in every area of your life? 4.     One of the biggest things that holds Christians back is not believing that the word of God is true for them. What is holding you back from believing that God’s word is true for you?