Reflection Questions
3/30/25 - What is an Evangelical? - Conversionism
How would you define evangelism? What tools have you used in the past to share your faith?
Do you align more with the bounded set or centered set frameworks of conversion? Why?
Spend some time in prayer this week. Ask God to put someone in your network on your heart and invite him to provide God-incidences for you to share the joy you have in Christ.
3/23/25 - What is an Evangelical? - Crucicentrism
Meditate on 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18, and Isaiah 53:4-6. How would you define what happened on the cross?
Are there parts of the story of the cross that are a stumbling block for you? Why do you think that is?
What is the “something” you are most likely to add to the equation Jesus + something = salvation?
3/16/25 - What is an Evangelical? - Biblicism
What is the value of ancient church tradition? What are the limitations?
How much leeway are you willing to give to other interpretations of Scripture before you feel that you cannot be in fellowship anymore?
Consider your own political affiliation. What is one platform position which is incompatible with the kingdom of God? If you are an independent find a platform position on both the Republicans and Democrats that is aligned with God’s kingdom.
3/2/25 - For Yours Is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Forever
Does the discipline of textual criticism cause anxiety or confidence in you for the reliability of the Bible. Why?
How can your experience of receiving affection as a parent, child, or friend, help inform the delight it yields for God?
If you have not done so already, complete the formation audit on pages 38-44 of the Practicing the Way workbook.
2/23/25 - Lead Us Not Into Temptation but Deliver Us From Evil
Is there a habitual temptation in your life that has been difficult for you to overcome? What good thing does this sin pursue the wrong way?
The Bible tells us to confess our sins to one another. Who is someone in your network that you could share difficulties you are having in living a holy life?
Meditate on Hebrews 4:14-16. How does Jesus’ success give us power in our weakness?
2/16/25 - Forgive Us Our Debts, as We Have Forgiven Our Debtors
Do you see yourself as a sinner? Why or why not?
Why do you think the Biblical view of justice is not just restitution, but includes also reconciliation of relationship?
Think of a place of anger or resentment that you are harboring. What would it take for you to offer forgiveness and let it go?
2/9/25 - Give Us Today Our Daily Bread
How do you reconcile the tension between the divine gift and personal responsibility we see in the Scriptures?
How might the communal prayer for our daily bread propel you into service for those who might lack their daily bread?
Find an activity this week where you can be with Jesus instead of just doing for him.
2/2/25 - Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, On Earth as it is in Heaven
What is one “sacred cow” that you need to give up to better allow God to have dominion over the throne of your heart? (i.e. what is that one area that you may have told God was off limits)
Where do you see the kingdom of God most present in your community? What are ways you can partner to help it better flourish?
Consider your own political affiliation. What is one platform position which is incompatible with the kingdom of God? If you are an independent find a platform position on both the Republicans and Democrats that is aligned with God’s kingdom.
1/26/25 - Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name
Contemplate the ways in which your earthy father has (both positively and negatively) shaped your perspective of your heavenly father.
Where would you locate heaven? How does that answer shape your understanding of the nearness of God?
Read Isaiah 6:1-7. In light of Isaiah’s reaction to God’s holiness, does this change how you approach God in prayer?
1/19/25 - Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer
What is your biggest obstacle to prayer? How can you work or be equipped to overcome that obstacle?
Do you have some liturgical rhythms that have become mindless? How can you refresh those rhythms to commit your heart and mind to them?
Take some time using the ACTS model for prayer. Close with the Lord’s Prayer.
12/29/24 - Tween Jesus at the Temple
Why do you think authors tried to fill in the blanks from Jesus’ childhood in writing their fan fiction?
Do you have difficulty submitting to others? What about your parents, teachers, or employers? What makes it so difficult?
Read Zechariah 3:1-5. Read through this courtroom scene and envision yourself being defended by God from the accusations of the enemy.
12/22/24 - Simeon and Anna
Inventory what you are waiting for from God. What is the most difficult part of that waiting? Have you grown tired of seeking the Lord about it?
What is an experience in your life where your joy was magnified because of who you got to share it with?
In the busyness of the Christmas season, set aside some time to be still before the Lord, honoring his gift to the world in Jesus Christ.
12/8/24 - Zechariah and Elizabeth
Is there an aspect of life where you feel like you are waiting on God right now?
What rhythms have been most helpful for you to hear God and strengthen your faith?
Consider pausing your activity. Sit in silence for awhile, even to the point where it feels uncomfortable, to give the Lord space to respond.
12/1/24 - Jesus’ Genealogy
What are some of the stories of your own family genealogy? How do those stories shape who you are?
Of the names listed in Jesus’ genealogy, which is your favorite of their stories? Why?
How does this list of Jesus’ descendants bring you encouragement about your own inclusion in Jesus’ family tree?
11/24/24 - Our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
Think of someone who is an enemy. What is one thing you can do this week to love and not hate them?
Between prayer, truth-telling, and compassion; which is the most difficult for you?
Invite God to bring conviction and healing to your heart so you have the posture of Jesus instead of Jonah.
11/17/24 - Our Decisions (Matthew 7:21-23)
Inventory your faith. Do you know Jesus? Or just know a lot about him?
Where would you find yourself in the spectrum of paralysis and impulsivity as it relates to how you discern and make decisions?
Do you have a decision that is currently weighing you down? How can you seek God, search the scriptures, and share with a friend to find resolution?
11/10/24 - Our Judgments (Matthew 7:1-6, 15-20)
What three topics do you think Christians have a tendency to be most judgmental about? Why do Christians attack opposition to these beliefs so aggressively?
Can you think of a relationship that fits the pearls before swine passage? How can you set appropriate boundaries founded in grace for that relationship?
Practice using language of puzzling and curiosity this week as you engage with others.
11/3/24 - Our Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34)
What part of life is giving you the most anxiety or worry right now? Why do you think that is?
Does your mental picture of God match the teachings of Scripture? Why or why not?
What do you need to stop doing in your own strength, in order to be caught by God?
10/27/24 - Our Money (Matthew 6:19-24)
If a close friend asked to borrow money, what would be the limit you would provide and why? $100, $1,000, $10,000?
If your bank statement is a “moral document,” what does your bank statement show that you value?
As you consider generosity, simplicity, and Sabbath, what is the most difficult part, for you, of each of the disciplines.
10/20/24 - Our Desires (Matthew 5:27-30)
Where do you see the presence of lust in your life? Is there a pattern to those thoughts or behaviors?
Why do you think church leaders are so quick to silence stories of abuse in the church? How do you know you would act differently than them?
Think of one or two people you would be comfortable being vulnerable with and not fear rejection from them.
10/13/24 - Our Words (Matthew 5:33-37)
Where do you see your fear of disappointing others connected to a lack of transparency in your life?
Are you often cancelling plans on others? Why do you think that is?
Why is it so hard to be consistent in what you say in one place you say everywhere?
10/6/24 - Our Anger (Matthew 5:21-24)
What are a few triggers for your anger? What can you learn about the common thread of these triggers? (i.e. what is your anger a coping mechanism for?)
What group of people (or individual) are you most likely to label as raca? Go to the Lord in repentance, inviting him to change your heart towards them.
Slowly read Exodus 34:5-7. Read it again, taking in every characteristic of God describing his patience with you.
9/29/24 - Our Witness (Matthew 5:13-16)
Can you identify one perspective you hold which may have shifted away from what the Bible calls you to? Why do you think this perspective moved?
Who is someone in your network who you are afraid to go public with your faith? Why do you think that is?
Are you in proximity to places of darkness, or are you mostly in the orbit of a holy huddle?
9/22/24 - Hidden Righteousness (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)
What role does social media play in your life? Could you take a 30 day fast from it? What does that answer reveal about its hold on you?
Can you think of ways your religiosity might be a performance? How can you continue those good works in hiddenness?
Plan to take time in prayer this week to sit with God. Allow him to name and affirm your work for his kingdom.
9/15/24 - The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
Which of the Beatitudes do you find most encouraging? Which is the most difficult to lean into?
What practice can you begin to help strengthen your single-minded connectedness to God?
Where have you found happiness in unexpected places?
9/8/24 - The Broad and Narrow Paths (Matthew 7:13-14)
What are the implications if instead of being two separate paths, the broad and narrow paths are different directions on the same path?
Can you think of a few examples in your spiritual life where you have focused more on external behaviors instead of the heart transformation Jesus desires?
How would you define the “good life”?
8/25/24 - The Gospel Will Not Lose
Speaker, Mike Matthews shared a natural rhythm which cultivates opportunities to share your faith with others. It uses the acronym "BLESS"
B: Begin with a prayer
L: Listen to the needs of those around you; be aware
E: Eat a meal with your neighbors, coworkers, or friends
S: Serve others; look for ways to be a servant
S: Share your story of faith
7/28/24 - Reflections of Faith and “The Lorax”
Don’t follow God by sight. You have to believe in him. If you ask for signs they wouldn’t be given to you. That’s not how he works.
Do the right thing even if it may not benefit you directly.
Don’t take advantage of the beautiful world God gave us. Treat it well. Pick up after yourself. One small change can make a big difference.
7/21/24 - Jacob Wrestles God and is Reconciled to Esau
Is there a relationship in which you would like to see reconciliation? How can you invite God into that desire?
Is there an aspect of your faith or identity that you are currently wrestling with God about?
Can you think of the times in your life where your relationship with God was the richest? What do those times have in common?
7/14/24 - Jacob’s Prosperity and Fleeing Laban
How do you see the relationship between personal responsibility and divine sovereignty play out in areas of prosperity?
Replay in your mind a conflict you recently had. In light of God’s love for you, was there anything you wish you had done differently?
What does sharing our faith look like in a culture where Christianity is becoming more and more alienated?
7/7/24 - The Trickster Gets Tricked
Have you ever had an encounter with God like what Jacob experienced in Bethel? How did you respond?
If you are part of a dysfunctional family, what elements of God’s grace can you take as encouragement this morning?
What is a situation where you suffered and struggled to see God’s presence with you?
6/30/24 - Jacob and Esau
How has your family upbringing shaped you both positively and negatively?
Can you think of a time when God took something that was broken in your life and turned it into something beautiful?
As you read this story, gauge your compassion for both Jacob and Esau. Are they innocent bystanders or are they responsible for their actions?
6/16/24 - Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone
Where can you reorient your vocation (job, student, parent, hobbies, etc) from yourself and onto the glory of God?
Is it morally wrong to enjoy the accolades you receive from others? Why or why not?
What do you think are the limits of soli Deo gloria?
6/2/24 - Sola Fide: Faith Alone
Is faith a work? Why or why not?
Where have you seen the concepts of faith and work conflict and where have they aligned?
Consider your salvation for a moment. What assurances do you have that you are indeed saved by God?
5/19/24 - Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone
Why do you think the reformation’s focus on sola scriptura was a helpful corrective?
Do you trust in the reliability of the Bible? Why or why not?
What are some ways you can you keep yourself from individualistic readings of the Bible?
5/12/24 - Psalm 5: The Overflow of the Heart
How might this different understanding of God’s “hate” alter how we view his anger and wrath in the Old Testament?
When friends talk about others, do you find yourself joining in, or stepping away from the conversation? Why?
What does your speech indicate about the alignment of your heart?
5/5/24 - Psalm 4: Anger Management
Can you identify one or two triggers that usually elevate your anger? How can you be proactive to not be mastered by anger in these situations?
If someone is saying untrue or unkind things about you. What is the worst thing that would happen by remaining silent?
Next time you are feeling angry, meditate on Psalm 4 and rest in the love and affirmation of God.
4/28/24 - Psalm 3: God Came to the Rescue
What is your “many are rising up against me” that you are dealing with right now? How can this Psalm support you in those circumstances?
Spend some time brainstorming the ways God has come through in the past. Write them down so you can refer to them whenever you need that reminder.
What do you make of the violent language in verse 7? Are there situations where such language is warranted?
4/21/24 - Psalm 2: God’s Sense of Humor
Who or what is the external threat that you are most anxious about right now? How can this Psalm provide hope and comfort for you?
How can you showcase your submission to the reign and rule of King Jesus Christ?
This week, cultivate a spirit of laughter. Find some good jokes to share with God and join in laughter together.
4/14/24 - Psalm 1: A Tale of Two Lives
Who are the people that you spend the most time with, and do they encourage or discourage your spiritual pursuit of the path of God?
Do you find yourself in proximity of the love and direction of Jesus Christ?
How might your life look different than it currently does if you lived this Psalm out more fully?
3/24/24 - How Could a Loving God Send People to Hell?
Which of the perspectives of hell shared this morning do you find most compelling and why?
“God’s wrath is proportional to his love.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
This week, meditate on Exodus 34:6-7. As you read the words out loud, which characteristic of God do you find most unexpected?
3/17/24 - How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering?
What has been a source of disillusionment in your faith? (Disillusionment=“is this what God is like?”)
Can you think of an example from your life where suffering brought your closer to God?
Think of someone who is suffering right now. How can you be an agent of God’s tenderness and compassion in their life?
2/25/24 - Doesn’t the Bible Condone Slavery?
Have you ever felt like Hagar felt?
What is the Spirit of God brining up for you as you reflect?
Where have you known the pains of exploitation, betrayal, harm, abuse, or maybe acts of commission or omission caused these things?
2/18/24 - Hasn’t Science Disproved Christianity?
If faith and science disagree about something, which side do you typically give preference to?
What makes you in awe of God? Take some time to rest in that and go to God in adoration, acknowledging his majesty and goodness.
What will you do this week to explore the Creation that God has made? (Creation does not just mean nature)
2/11/24 - How Can You Take the Bible Literally?
In your own words, how would you describe the difference between understanding the Bible literally vs. literarily?
Do you have a passage of Scripture that you have a hard time understanding or reconciling? Pass it on for our next Q&A Sunday!
Get your hands on one of the resources suggested this morning (Fee/Stuart book, Bible Commentary, come to small group, etc).
2/4/24 - Doesn’t Religion Cause Violence?
“Christianity did not become a major religion by the quality of its truth, but by the quantity of its violence.” Do you think this statement is true, why or why not?
Are there scenarios where violence is acceptable? Or do the teachings of Jesus lead us to pacifism?
Which of the Bible verses quoted today is most difficult for you to live out? Why?
1/28/24 - Doesn’t Religion Hinder Morality?
Would you consider Christianity a moral religion? Why or why not?
When you recognize a place where you have erred do you repent before God, or do you just ignore it and move on with your life? Spend some time in prayer confession and repentance of your sins this week.
As you look at the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), which of these characteristics is most present in your life? Which one has the most opportunity to develop?
1/21/24 - How Can You Say There’s Only One True Faith?
Do you believe in the exclusive claims of Christianity? Why or why not?
What gives you the confidence that the Christian faith is reliable?
What prevents you from being more persuasive with your faith as an act of love to those around you? Especially those who you cherish most.
1/14/24 - Doesn’t Christianity Crush Diversity?
1/7/24 - Aren’t We Better Off Without Religion?
Have you engaged anti-religious arguments like the New Atheism? Why or why not?
How would you articulate the personal benefit you receive from your practice of Christianity?
Which of the “7 biblical principles for good” do you see as the greatest opportunity to grow in your Christian character?
12/31/23 - Craving Justice
Why do you think God does not more directly intervene to prevent massacres like we read about in Matthew 2?
Where is your soul crying out for God’s justice in this season of waiting?
In what ways has Jesus called you to relinquish your power for his kingdom? How have you responded?
12/24/23 - Craving Love
Right now, do you feel worthy of love? If not, what is your biggest obstacle to experiencing that type of fulfillment?
Where do you see God’s love for you in the nativity story?
How have you demonstrated your love to God this week?
12/10/23 - Craving Peace
What is one area of your life right now where you crave the peace of God?
In Matthew 5:39 Jesus illustrates the way of peace in saying “turn the other cheek.” What makes it difficult to live this way?
How would you compare and contrast what peace keeping and peace making look like?
12/3/23 - Craving Hope
Where is the despair of the world most visible to you? Why do you think this is the example that came to your mind?
Is the season leading up to Christmas usually a positive (happy, hopeful) or negative (sadness, loneliness) experience for you?
What steps can you take this week to move from despair to the path of hope? (Prayer, therapy, sharing your struggles with a trusted friend)
11/12/23 - Tithing 101
Based on Biblical evidence, how do you think the Christian should consider giving/tithing as a part of their spiritual life?
Why does tithing provide space to receive more of God?
Look at your finances this week. What percent of your budget are you giving to kingdom-minded organizations? Is the Lord inviting you to increase that number?
11/5/23 - NCC24: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?
Are there any parts of the catechism answer that you have difficultly believing or agreeing with, why or why not?
Is there a failure in your life that you have struggled to experience God’s forgiveness?
This week, how will you live as a citizen of God’s eternal kingdom?
10/29/23 - God’s Provision and Paul’s Contentment (Phil 4:10-23)
Take some time and think of someone you are grateful for, and then make a plan to tell them this week.
Are you content with what the Lord has given you? Why or why not?
Do you have a misused Bible verse that is a pet peeve of yours? Share it with Pastor Chris.
10/22/23 - Focus on the Good (Phil 4:2-9)
Think of a source of conflict in your life. What might it look like to put their needs above your own and seek reconciliation?
Spend some time in prayer with God. Try to identify a place where even though harsh action could be justified, God is calling you to the path of kindness?
Next time something overwhelms you this week, try to center on God first through prayer.
10/15/23 - Keep Your Foot on the Gas (Phil 3:12-4:1)
What is one thing you ought to start or stop doing to see growth in your spiritual life?
Who is someone you look to for guidance and encouragement in your faith? Who is someone you might be able to encourage in the faith?
Where do you see God’s work in your community? How can you join in that work for the sake of the kingdom of God?
10/8/23 - Righteousness Through Faith Alone (Phil 3:1-11)
What are the limits to civility and empathy? When is it ok to dehumanize your opponent because of their stance?
What accomplishment or accolade are you most likely to develop your identity or sense of worth from?
Do you believe that God is fully satisfied in you right now because of the gospel of Christ? If not, what is standing in the way of that?
10/1/23 - Work Out God’s Work In You (Phil 2:12-30)
What should you add to your routine to “prepare the soil of your heart” for God’s growth?
This week, notice your words. Is your first reaction to praise or to grumble?
If you were writing this letter, who would be 1 or 2 saints you would use as an example of a God honoring life? Why?
9/24/23 - Jesus is the Example of Humility (Phil 1:27-2:11)
What is the relationship between remaining faithful/steadfast against outside persecution and unity inside of the church?
Recount a time when you were able to use your privilege as an opportunity to serve someone else.
Pick one (or two) of those 7 practices from Bonhoeffer and focus on it this week.
9/17/23 - To Live is Christ, to Die is Gain (Phil 1:12-26)
Do you rejoice in gospel proclamations from your “rivals”?
Who do you look to as an inspiration to give you boldness in the gospel, even if it might yield your own suffering?
9/10/23 - Paul’s Love Letter to the Philippians (Phil 1:1-11)
Think of a few brothers and/or sisters of the faith who you are thankful for. Have you let them know?
How are you being a community cultivator and not just a community parasite?
Are you praying for the blessing and formation of others? Or are you just praying for their circumstances?