Note: Weekly Recap Questions are paused for the summer.

Note: Weekly Recap Questions are paused for the summer.

Tips to get most out of the series:

• Everyone in small group takes notes during the sermon.
• Everyone in group come prepared to answer the question, "What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?"
• Read the recap questions before group and come prepared to answer.
• Consider having different members take turns leading the discussion each week.
• Reminder: The purpose of this discussion is to reflect on the true message of the sermon, not to critique its delivery.

May 18th- Larry David > Ted Lasso

What kind of moral difference does the Spirit make? Are we sinners who are just forgiven, or saints who just occasionally sin? Romans 7:14-25 has a complex interpretive history, but reveals the deep moral struggle we all feel, and reminds us we never progress past being sinners who need the gospel.

*Note: this could be a great night to split up guys and girls.*

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Romans 7:14–25. Paul talks about doing what he hates and not doing what he wants. How have you experienced that internal struggle—this “doubleness”—in your own faith journey?
2. Read 1 John 1:8–10. No matter where we are in our faith journey, we are all still sinners, and our only hope is the mercy of God. Therefore, we should not be ashamed to confess our sins. Is there sin you would like to confess and seek freedom from?
3. Do you believe the Holy Spirit is making a difference in your life right now? Why or why not?
4. Austin talked about the mark of a mature believer being their ability to extend the mercy of God. How can your life better mediate God's mercy to others this week?
5. What’s one area of your life where you need to stop trying to “be good enough” and instead rest in God’s mercy?

Action Step: Remember you never progress past being a sinner who needs the gospel.

May 11th- A Theory of Relativity

Jesus tells a parable exposing the silliness of making moral comparisons, and the radical relativity of all human righteousness. Once we opt out of the righteousness rankings game, and stop being so disappointed in the sinfulness of sinners, we're freed up to instead find ways to show our fellow sinners mercy.

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Luke 18:9–14. What is the difference between the two men’s postures in this story?

2. How are pride, comparison, and the “righteousness ranking game” distractions from the Gospel and God’s mercy in your life?

3. (a) How do you respond when you're disappointed with someone?
(b) Jesus wasn’t chronically disappointed with us (sinners), but He was disappointed with those who couldn’t see their own sin. Are you chronically disappointed with others? Why might the problem actually be with you?

4. Is mercy winning in our small group? How can we be less disappointed with each other in this group?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–5. How do we manage the tension of holding each other accountable and calling people higher, without letting judgment and legalism triumph over mercy?

6. Confess this together (Read Aloud Together):
“None of us are fully sane or healthy. We are committed to treating each other as broken people, with enormous kindness and imagination—when we can manage it. We are all broken. We have all been idiots, and we will be idiots again. We are all difficult to live with. We sulk and get angry, blame others for our mistakes, have strange obsessions, and fail to compromise. We are here to make you less lonely in your failings. We’ll never know all the details, but we understand.”

Action Step: Repent of being chronically disappointable.

May 4th- Low Anthropology

Scripture contains a complex anthropology wherein humans are creatures of great dignity, but also great depravity. How does this complex picture interact with the high anthropology of modern culture wherein humans are seen as easily optimizable algorithms of improvement, goodness, and development? And why is it important we always remember Jesus was known as the friend of sinners?

Questions/Discussions:

1. How did you answer Austin's questions, "do you think humans are mostly bad, mostly good, or mostly a mixed bag?"

2. How do you personally wrestle with the contrast between Scripture’s affirmation of human dignity in Genesis 1:26–27 and Psalm 8, and its repeated descriptions of human sin and brokenness in passages like Genesis 6:5–6 and Romans 3:10–23? What does this tension reveal about our need for God?

3. What is dangerous about believing God's mercy AND our righteousness saves us? Do you struggle with legalism or how has legalism impacted your faith journey?

4. Read Luke 5:27–32. What stands out to you about Jesus' teaching in this passage, and why is it significant?

5. What does it look like to honestly accept what Scripture says about our brokenness—not with shame or guilt, but with freedom—because Jesus is the friend of sinners? How does that change the way we see ourselves and our need for Him?

Action Step: Make a habit of confession.

The gospel of John provides a unique biography of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of one of his closest friends and disciples. In John 20:30-31 we’re told why John wrote his gospel. As we prepare for the Easter season, we will approach the gospel of John with the same intent… So that people will believe in Jesus and have life in his name!

Tips to get most out of this series:

• Everyone in small group takes notes during the sermon.
• Everyone in group come prepared to answer the question, "What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?"
• Read the recap questions before group and come prepared to answer.
• Follow along in the reading plan. (it's under the resource tab in the app.)
• Consider having different members take turns leading the discussion each week.

Extra resources to study the book of John as a group:

• Bible Project Overview Video (consider watching these videos to better understand the Gospel of John as a whole).
  • Watch John Part 1
  • Watch John Part 2
• N.T. Wright John Bible Study Guide (extra questions to study the book of John)
  • Buy the book here 

The good news of the gospel-April 27th

John's gospel account begins with a big, majestic view of Christ who is the Word made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and who is the light of the world. John's gospel account ends in chapter 21 with this rather intimate conversation on a beach with one of his disciples. John completes his gospel account by reminding his readers about the good news of the gospel... specifically that this really big, majestic, amazing God desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.

Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 21:1-14. Do you struggle with guilt and shame? Where do you need the good news of the gospel to provide freedom from that weight?
2. Read John 21:15-17. Is your love for Jesus leading you towards loving others? How are you feeding the sheep?
3. Read John 21:20-22. How is comparison robbing your joy? Why is the good news of the gospel is not "lived out" well by comparing ourselves to others?
4. Read John 20:30-31. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus? Are you living in personal relationship with your creator?

Action step: Remember the words of Jesus this week as you seek to live out the gospel... "If you love me, feed my sheep."

The Other Disciple Ran Faster-April 20

John's account of Easter morning reminds us that the Easter story is not a perfect story told perfectly by perfect people for perfect people, but an unthinkably gracious story told imperfectly by imperfect people for imperfect people that testifies to the unthinkable graciousness of a perfect God.

Discussion/Questions:
1. How did the gracious story of Easter impact you this year?
2. Did you get to experience stations of the cross? What was that like for you? (link here)
3. Who can you share the good news of Easter with?


Lessons From Failure- April 13th

Peter is generally considered the leader of the disciples.  He got to see all of Jesus' miracles, hear his teaching, experience his transfiguration... he even walked on water for brief moment.  Peter, more than most, knew and experienced Jesus as God.  Yet, in Jesus' darkest hour, Peter still failed Jesus by denying him three times.  Make no mistake, in that moment, Peter failed at following Jesus.  I think this is part of the reason why so many of us feel like we can relate to Peter.  At times we may all feel like failures.  We all fail at following Jesus sometimes.  However, failure can also teach us some really important lessons and we can choose how we respond to failure in our lives.

Discussion/Questions:

1. Read John 18:1-27. Have you ever felt like a failure at following Jesus? Explain why?
2. Read John 13:36-38. Dave pointed out, using Peter’s story as an example, that the areas of our lives where we are most overconfident (prideful), tend to be the areas in which we are less guarded and therefore most prone to failure. What are areas of pride that you should confess, inviting your community in to help you guard against failure?
3. What role is fear playing in your life and faith? Read Psalm 46:1-3, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Timothy 1:7. Have you experienced faith that diminishes fear?
4. How does it make you feel that God still uses Peter (imperfect people) to further his kingdom?
5. Is anyone going to Stations of the Cross? Learn more here! Note: Even if your group does this individually it would be great to make time at your next gathering to share about your experience.

Action step: Give Holy Week the attention it deserves!


The Quiet Place- April 6th

Jesus claims to be the true vine, the one who gives life.  He calls us the branches which means our purpose is to bear fruit in our lives that glorifies God and points others to him.   But we can't do this on our own.  We have to abide in the vine if we want to bear fruit.  This means spending time in the quiet place, alone with the Father, like Jesus did time and time again.

Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 15:1-11. What does in mean to abide in the Vine? Are you abiding?
2. What is your Eremos? (desert/desolate place, wilderness, solitary/quiet place) What does this time look like for you?
3. What fruit do you see in your life? Are you in a season of abundance or withering?
4. Is there anything in your life that needs to be pruned?

Action step: Spend time in the quiet place with the Father.  


What To Do When We're Troubled- March 30th

Jesus' disciples are troubled by several things that have just happened. So in Chapter 14 of John's gospel, Jesus tries to comfort them by reminding them of some things to focus on when they feel troubled.  It is solid advice for all of us who seek to follow Jesus with our lives because at times we will all feel troubled in this world.

Discussion/Questions:

1. Read John 14:1-14. Has anything been making you feel troubled or burdened?
2. What does it look like to trust Jesus in the midst of trouble?
3. What do you think heaven will be like? How do you become more heaven minded?
4. What are the works Jesus did? How are you continuing the works of Jesus?
5. Dave pointed out that he thinks Jesus is challenging us to focus on what really matters. How would that help relieve your burdens?

Action step: Be more heavenly minded this week... spend a little bit of time each day thinking about heaven.  It's good medicine for a troubled heart.

Resurrection and Life- March 23rd

When a close friend of Jesus' dies, Jesus goes to the man's town and raises him from the dead. You might say that this is Jesus' most "miraculous miracle" up to this point in his ministry. In doing this, Jesus builds the faith of his followers and reminds us that we can bring him glory even during the difficult seasons in our own lives. It's also a reminder that no matter what we go through in this life, the story ends with Resurrection!

Discussion/Questions:

1. Read John 11:4.
a. How have you seen suffering bring glory to God? In other words, what is something hard you’ve gone through that grew/shaped your faith and now you can look back and see how God was moving?
b. How are you actively seeking opportunities for God to be glorified in your circumstances? Read Psalm 34:1. How do you ensure that praise remains on your lips in every situation?
2. Is anyone in the middle of a season of suffering that needs hope? Spend time praying over them in group.
3. Read John 11:17-22. How do you view God when he doesn't act in your timing?
4. Read John 11:33-35. Jesus had emotions and shows we serve an empathetic God. Are you okay with acknowledging your emotions? How can you be more empathetic like Jesus?
5. How are you keeping your hope in the ultimate resolution of Jesus? Your story ends with resurrection!

Action step: If you know someone who is going through a difficult season or has recently experienced a loss, reach out to them this week or send them a note and let them know you're praying for them.  Remind them that the story ends with Resurrection!

Good Shepherd and Good Sheep- March 16th

In John 10 Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." In saying this, he reveals a lot about the nature and heart of God toward his people. This also means that we (his people/the church) are his sheep. So what does the good shepherd do for the sheep? And what do we need to do in order to be good sheep?

Discussion/Questions:

1. Read John 10:1-18. Of the seven characteristics of God as the Good Shepherd that Dave highlighted, which one has had the most profound impact on you in this particular season of your life? Why?
1. The good shepherd pursues the lost sheep
2. The good shepherd provides for the sheep
3. The good shepherd leads the sheep
4. The good shepherd protects the sheep
5. The good shepherd grows and unifies the flock
6. The good shepherd sacrifices for the sheep
7. The good shepherd comforts and assures the sheep
2. How are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? What has your time in God’s Word looked like lately? Is there anything you've felt God saying to you through his word recently?
3. How are you fighting off the lies of the thieves? Is there a specific lie that is being destructive in your life that you need to bring to light in the group?
4. Dave talked about good sheep listening, following, and beloning. How can you be a more faithful sheep?
5. Have someone read Psalm 23 over your group.

Action step: Read the 23rd Psalm every day this week.  Be reminded that the Lord is your shepherd.  Listen to his voice and follow him.


Spiritual Eyes- March 9th

Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah to the Jews through their well-known rituals of the Feast of Booths. He uses the physical as a doorway to the spiritual. Some have spiritual eyes to see Him, but others are so distracted by and attached to the physical that they miss Jesus. The same can often be true for us today.

Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 7:37-39 and John 8:37-41. Sarah highlighted an important theme in the book of John: Jesus often uses the physical to reveal the spiritual. Why is it important and good that God uses physical experiences in our lives to point us toward deeper spiritual truths?
2. In what ways is your physical body and habits reflecting your spiritual life?
3. How is hurry keeping you from Jesus?
4. What's a way you can slow down and encounter the living God this week?

Action step: Slow down.

Chasing The Right Bread- March 2nd

Jesus performs an amazing miracle when he feeds thousands of people with a little boy's lunch. This miracle sets the stage for one of Jesus' most emphatic statements where he declares himself to be God, when he says, "I am the bread of life." The problem is the people are chasing after Jesus because he fed them actual bread and they're not really interested in the spiritual "bread" Jesus was speaking of. You might say they were chasing after the wrong bread... much like us, they were too easily satisfied with temporal things.

Note: This could be a great opportunity to receive communion together as a small group, reflecting on how Jesus is the true bread of life!

Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 6:1-13. How do you think the disciples felt about Jesus's question to feed the 5,000? What is your typical response to ideas that seem absurd?  
2. What is your "lunch"? Is there something in your life—perhaps something you consider insignificant—that you might offer to Jesus, trusting that He could do something new, creative, and wonderful with it?
3. Have you ever experienced Jesus multiplying something small in a situation where you chose to be faithful?
4. Read John 6:25-35 & 48-58. Are you chasing after Jesus, the bread that will sustain you, or are you seeking other earthly things for your sustenance?

Action step:Re-read the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-13).  What part of your life (or your lunch) are you withholding from him?

Ripple Effects- February 23th

Jesus passes through a region called Samaria and stops to have a brief conversation with a woman who had come to get water from a well. The conversation takes a lot of twists and turns, but ultimately this woman comes to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. In addition, the text tells us that many other Samaritans come to believe in Jesus because of this woman. You might say that this brief conversation has ripple effects that change many people's lives.

Discussion/Questions:
1. Read John 4:1-38. Like Jesus interacting with a Samaritan woman, how might following Jesus require us to behave in ways our culture finds strange or disturbing?
2. How can you be a worshipper in spirit and in truth outside the walls of Vista?
3. The woman’s encounter with Jesus transformed her life, and she couldn’t help but share it with others. She wasn’t a theologian, nor did she have all the answers, but that didn’t stop her from telling others about Him. What’s holding you back from sharing how Jesus has changed your life with everyone you meet? Does anyone have tips on how you turn a convo to Jesus?
4. Is there a specific person, group, or ministry that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you to be a “link in the chain” for?

Action step: Look for an opportunity to be a "link in the chain" of someone's spiritual journey this week

Born Again- February 16th

In John chapter 3 Jesus has an encounter with a man named Nicodemus. Through this conversation, we learn some really important things about what God does and doesn't want for us.

Discussion/Questions:
1. What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?
2. Read John 3:1-19. Why does it matter that Nicodemous is a Pharisee? What do you know about Pharisees in scripture? What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God?
3. When and how did you experience “new birth”? Has anyone yet to experience "new birth" or make their "new birth" known to the world through Baptism that wants to take that next step? (Next Baptism is April 6th)
4. How do you experience/hear from the Holy Spirit in your life? (Want to learn more about the holy spirit? Watch this video.)
5. Verse 14 looks back to the story in Numbers 21:5-9. How is the crucifixion of Jesus like putting the snake on a pole?
6. Take a few minutes at the end of group to individually spend time praying for the wind of the spirit to blow in your life.

Action step: Answer these two questions this week.... 1. What evidence do I see of "new birth" spiritually in my life?  2. In what ways do I see the Holy Spirit at work in my life?


Pointing people to Jesus- February 9th

John writes his gospel so that people will know Jesus. In chapter 1 he uses three different titles for Jesus... Jesus is "the Word, the Light, and the Lamb." Each of these titles has a way of pointing people to Jesus and helping us better understand who he is. At the end of the day, our calling is the same as John's... to know Christ and point people to him.

Discussion/Questions:
1. What was most impactful or convicting from the sermon?
2. Read John 1:1-3. What is significant about Jesus being called the Word? Consider reading Psalm 33:6 and Isaiah 55:10-11.
3. Read John 1:4-13. How have you experienced Jesus as the Light in your life?
4. Read John 1:19-29. How has the Lamb brought freedom in your life? Is there anything in your life that holds you captive, preventing you from experiencing the true joy and freedom that the Lamb sacrificed so much to offer?
5. How can you help others experience Jesus as THE way?

Action step: Do something this week to point people to Jesus.

As we look towards the next year and beyond, these three words are what we feel called to focus on. This series is meant to give vision to our church on how to grow in wisdom, transcendence, and belonging.

Biblical Belonging - February 2nd

As Christians, the New Testament says that we "belong" to Jesus and that we "belong" to the church. But what does it mean to really belong? So many believers settle for simply visiting or attending rather than belonging. In other words, so many people settle for less than what God wants for them. Why do we settle for less than God has for us and how can we move towards belonging?

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read I Cor. 12:12-20. What does this passage teach us about belonging?
2. How have you experienced belonging in this group?
3. Do you need to re-order anything in your life to be more present in small group? How do we make sure we're not too busy to find belonging with each other and the church?
4. To be fully loved by each other, we need to be fully known. How are you doing letting the group truly know you? Could our group create more space to practice being known? (ex. accountability time, prayer requests, share testimonies).
5. We are on the journey with this small group to belong, which is awesome! But how can we help other people experience belonging outside of small group?

Action Step: Identify where you are on the journey... (visiting - attending - connecting - belonging) and take the next step toward belonging.

Note: New series on the Gospel of John starts next week!!


Transcendence: Where's the Magic? - January 26th

The biblical world was filled with spiritual energy and activity, and our world isn't. Or at least, it doesn't seem to be. Why? Because we live in a secular age in which we've forgotten how to expect to experience a living God who shows up in our lives.

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Acts 2:1-13, 2:43-3:10. What do you think about this scene in scripture? Why do you think we don’t experience miracles like this today?
2. When was the last time you experienced the living God, active in our world?
3. Read Mark 6:1-6. Do you expect the living God to show up in your life? Why or why not? Do you think you have missed experiencing God, because you haven’t thought to expect him?
4. Read Matthew 18:3. What does it mean to not be childish, but childlike?
5. Where do you want to expect God more in your life? (Everywhere duh, but is there a specific area you need to expect him more?)
6. Why is transcendence important to consider for our church? Dream about what it could mean if we all started to expect God more!

Action Step: Expect to experience a living God who shows up in your life.


Wisdom: (Not) Kicking Against the Goads - January 19th

We want to be a church that diligently seeks wisdom because we live in a foolish age. We're the smartest people to ever live, but we are very foolish because we've untethered ourselves from ancient sources of wisdom in the mistaken belief this is liberation, but it's madness. True wisdom is not being your own authority, but submitting yourself to the authority of God mediated through Scripture.

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Acts 26:12-18. Are you kicking against the goads? Are you fighting against a calling on your life?
2. Austin said, "disobedience to God is the ultimate form of self-harm." Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?
3. Austin also said, "God wants your life to go well for you!" Do you believe this? Why or why not?
4. Are you hungry for God's wisdom? Is scripture your anchor or is the self your anchor? (more scripture to read and discuss: 2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
5. Do you have any challenges when approaching scripture you want to process with the group?

Action Step: Read a passage of Scripture a day.

January 12th 

At the start of every year, we encourage everyone in our church to take this survey. We don't want this to simply be boxes you check and then not think about it again, especially if your answer was "no" to any of the questions. This survey is evaluating our people's commitment to the discipleship pathway. As Dave mentioned in his joy sermon (watch here), the discipleship pathway is vital to our body and our mission. The Discipleship Pathway is our way of keeping us on track in our journey of becoming more like Christ and being His disciples to our lost and broken world. Remember this is something we want for you, not from you. Therefore, if you are struggling or wanting to grow in any areas, small group is the best place to process! Here are helpful ways to discuss the questions.

Questions:

Worship

• Do you attend worship every Sunday you're in town? If the answer is no, why not? What do you need to change in your life to make this happen?
• Do you use Vista's rule of life or spend regular time connecting with God? What habits or patterns could you adjust to make this a regular part of your daily routine?

Connect

• Are you in a small group? You're obviously in a small group so yay to this questions! But here are your special small group check-in specific questions:
• How are we doing gathering? Do you show up to small group every week you're in town?
• How are we doing paying attention to God? Are we growing together? Are we praying together?
• How are we doing telling the truth? Are we practicing confession/accountability regularly?
• How are we doing serving? Are we meeting each other's needs? Do we have a serve coordinator to help us meet needs in our community as a group?

Give

• Do you regularly give to the church? What practical changes could you make in your financial decisions to make giving to the church more regular, joyful and sacrificial?

Serve

• Do you serve within the church regularly? If not, what do you need to do to start serving?

Go

• Do you share your faith/invite people to church regularly? who is someone in your life that God has laid on your heart to “Go” to?

Any questions or concerns after this discuss please reach out to sydney@thevista.tv

Prayer

This Sunday, Joel led us through a corporate prayer of Examen. This prayer practice is a prayerful reflection upon a given period of time, intended to help us discern our experience of the presence or absence of God and His direction for us moving forward. Joel had us reflect on the past year walking through consolation (the presence of God), desolation (the absence of God), and searching for consolation within desolation (defiant joy). This was a great set up for our church-wide 21 Days Of Prayer, which begins on January 6th. If you are using the Rule Of Life prayer guide, the prayer of examine will be apart of your daily routine. Spend some time as a group using the bellow questions to talk about prayer.

Questions:

1. Where did you experience God's presence this past year?
2. Where did you feel God's absence this past year?
3. Is there an invitation I am sensing from Jesus moving into this new year?
4. What's your plan for the 21 Days of Prayer/putting down your phone? How are you going to put your technology in its rightful place and not let it distract you from spending time with God and others? For the groups that meet during the week, how is it going?

Action Step: Take some time this week to practice praying the Examen.

“Advent” is a word that means “arrival” and in the Christian calendar it usually refers to the four Sundays leading up to Christmas where we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The four Sundays of Advent are sometimes marked by the lighting of Advent candles to represent the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.  This year, for our Advent sermon series at Vista we discuss each of these themes.

Here is the Advent reading plan if you want more throughout your week!

Love- December 22nd

No recap questions this week. 

Peace - December 15th

One day all the nations will be drawn to God by the beauty of God's peace, so why do we resist that peace so much now? And what is the greatest obstacle to you living a life of peace? It's you. Becoming a person at peace with yourself is the key to becoming someone who can share God's peace with others.

Questions/Discussions:
1. What would you have said are obstacle to your peace prior to today's sermon?
2. Read Isaiah 2:1-4. What does Isaiah have to say about peace?
3. What do you need to do to receive the gift of peace today and become a person at peace with yourself? Austin reminded us that Jesus taught a whole lot more about sorting ourselves out than sorting others out.
4. How can you spread God's peace to the people around you?

Action Step: Join the reading plan or choose another Advent study to intentionally prepare your heart for celebrating the brith of Jesus!


Joy - December 8th

Watch the sermon here!

What brings you joy? Where do you find joy? These are great questions. We often assume that things we enjoy will produce in us more joy. However, scripture seems to indicate that obedience, even to things we don't always feel like doing, is actually what produces more joy in our lives. In other words... the things that produce more true joy in us are not always enjoyable in the moment. So, the question really is... what are the things God has asked us to do that will produce more joy in our lives?

Questions/Discussions:
1. Where do you find joy? What brings you joy? (be real, not just the "Jesus" answer)
2. Read John 15:10-11. How does Jesus say we find joy?
3. Are there any areas in Vista's discipleship pathway (worship, connect, give, serve, go) that you need to walk in deeper obedience?
4. Are you living in the true joy that Jesus provides for you? If your answer is no, why not? (Spend time praying for those in your group who are seeking true joy)

Action Step: Join the reading plan or choose another Advent study to intentionally prepare your heart for celebrating the brith of Jesus!

Hope - December 1st

As believers, we know that our HOPE is found, or should be found, in Jesus. But what is HOPE? Where does this emotion come from? And why is it so important in the life of a believer?

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Romans 8:18-39. What stands out to you about hope in this text?
2. Dave talked about three "ingredients" for hope. The first was a profound frustration at the way things are. What is causing you to grown like Romans 8 talks about reminding you of your need for Jesus?
3. The second "ingredient" is eager anticipation of what will be. How are you eagerly anticipating? Are you hoping in earthly things or eternity?
4. The final "ingredient" is confident expectation that God will fulfill his promise. Do you live with a hope that God can be trusted?

Action Step: Join the reading plan or choose another Advent study to intentionally prepare your heart for celebrating the brith of Jesus!

Proverbs is a book of wisdom. It is direct and demanding, but also clever and fun. It lacks the angst and ambiguity of books like Psalms and Job, but it also serves as a corrective or at least helpful conversation partner with such books because it reminds us that while much in the world is gray, much is also black and/or white. Obey God and it tends to go well; disobey God and it tends to go poorly. While we must guard against overly moral arithmetic, prosperity-gospel-ish interpretations, it’s important to remember that Scripture teaches us to live with the moral grain of the universe, and that doing so tends to create a life less filled with splinters than would otherwise be the case.

Remember to find time to practice confession/accountability in your group. These get honest questions are a great resource.

If you want more context on the book of Proverbs watch this video!

The Rights of the Poor - November 10th

We're in the midst of a fussy cultural conversation about social justice and human rights, but what does Scripture say about these things? A lot! Imploring us to care for the vulnerable because that's what God did for us, Scripture also specifies that the most important political question for Christians is not "How do we vote?" but "Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a church?"

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Proverbs 31:8-9. Why is caring for the vulnerable important to God?
2. Do you think of yourself as a member of the Church over being an American? Why does it matter to keep your identity rightly ordered?
3. Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a small group? How are we going above and beyond for the vulnerable (orphans, widows, poor)?
4. Is there anyone in your life you could be more intentionally caring for?

Action Step: Care for the vulnerable in your life.

Any Fool Will Quarrel - November 3rd

Is it OK to be angry? Yes! But Scripture also tells us to be very careful with our anger, and quick to let go of it instead of pouring gas on it in the name of an allegedly greater good. Because while we like to tell ourselves we're good at being angry for a good cause, Scripture disagrees.

Questions/Discussions:
1. What do stories in the Bible like Moses shattering the Ten Commandments (Exodus 32:19) and Jesus flipping tables (Matthew 21:12-13) teach us about anger?
2. Read Proverbs 14:29-30, Proverbs 19:11, and Proverbs 20:3. Scripture presents anger as something that’s mostly bad, and thus should mostly be avoided, because we mostly cannot handle it. Therefore, how are you (should you) limiting your exposure to anger? (think about the chemotherapy analogy)
3. How should remembering that Jesus is the truth and you are not change the way you respond to people and situations?
4. How can we, as a small group, get uncomfortable with resentment and grievances? Remember that Jesus is anti-resentful. Read Luke 23:34 and James 1:19-20.
5. In the prayer time that Austin led us through, did the Lord reveal anything to you that you want to share with the group?

Action Step: Quit indulging your grievances.



Becoming the "right" person - October 27th

If we're single, we tend to spend a lot of our time looking for the "right" person to spend our lives with. If we're married and having trouble, we tend to spend a lot of time trying to fix the "right" person (our spouse). However, the writers of Proverbs seem far more concerned with us becoming the "right" person that God wants us to be. What does it look like to be the right kind of woman or the right kind of man in God's eyes?

Questions/Discussions:
We'd encourage groups to consider splitting up guys and girls for tonights discussion!

Guys:
1. Read Proverbs 31. When it comes to finding your spouse or improving your marriage, have you been spending your time/energy trying to fix the "right" person or are you working on becoming the "right" person who God has called you to be?
2. Dave listed 5 points from Proverbs 31 that are characteristics of a wise man. Discuss how we as men are doing/want to improve in each area.

• He is willing to both receive and give wise counsel and instruction (Prov. 31:1)
• He is a protector and defender (Prov. 31:8-9)
• He respects and values women (Prov. 31:10-11 and v.28)
• He takes responsibility and is worthy of respect (Prov. 31:23)
• He honors his wife above all other women (Prov. 31:28-29)

3. After the above discussion, go around the circle and share your action step for this week to allow God to work to grow you into the right person.
4. How are we guarding against sexual temptation? Does anyone need to confess sexual sin? (Prov. 5:3, v.8)
5. If you're married, are you pursuing intimacy with your spouse well? If you are single, how are your boundaries to protect God's design for sex in marriage? (Prov. 5:15-20)

Girls
1. Read Proverbs 31. When it comes to finding your spouse or improving your marriage, have you been spending your time/energy trying to fix the "right" person or are you working on becoming the "right" person who God has called you to be?
2. Dave listed 5 points from Proverbs 31 that are characteristics of a wise woman. Discuss how we as women are doing/want to improve in each area.

• She is a diligent worker (Prov. 31:13-19, v.24, v. 27)
• She is generous and compassionate (Prov. 31:20)
• She lives with joy (Prov. 31:25)
• Her speech is full of wisdom and kindness (Prov. 31:26)
• She has the right priorities (Prov. 31:28-30)

3. After the above discussion, go around the circle and share your action step for this week to allow God to work to grow you into the right person.
4. How are we guarding against sexual temptation? Does anyone need to confess sexual sin? (Prov. 5:3, v.8)
5. If you're married, are you pursuing intimacy with your spouse well? If you are single, how are your boundaries to protect God's design for sex in marriage? (Prov. 5:15-20)

Action Step: Re-read Proverbs 31 and Proverbs 5 this week.  Write down your own action step from the text specifically dealing with an area of your life where God is working to grow you into the right person

Wisdom With Our Words - October 20th

Proverbs has a lot to say about how we use our words. Wise people are careful with their words and use them to speak life. Various New Testament writers say the same thing. For example Col. 4:6 says that "our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt." So, what does it mean that our speech should be "seasoned...?" What are some practical ways we can season our speech in order to be people who speak life with our words?

Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Prov. 13:3, Prov. 17:27, Prov. 18:6 and Prov. 18:21. Wise people are careful with their words. How are you doing with your words? What do your words reveal about your heart? Would people know you love Jesus by the way you use your words?
2. Read Col. 4:6. What does it mean that our speech should be "seasoned?" (Dave said by: Telling the Truth, Expressing Gratitude, Offering Praise, & Speaking Blessing)
3. Choose one of these ways to practice using your words to bring life in group tonight:
a. Express gratitude: Go around the circle and everyone share one thing they are grateful for!
b. Encourage: Do a honey roast! Go around the circle and encourage one person at a time with the ways you see God working in them or affirming their gifting etc. (for big groups consider splitting up girls and guys)
4. Share one way your are going to use your words to bring life this weeks!

Action Step: Think of one specific way you can use your words/speech to bring life to those around you this week.

Iron Sharpens Iron - October 13th

Scripture makes it clear that good and wise company is a necessary component to cultivating wisdom in our lives. Proverbs gives us incredible insight into the characteristics of good and wise company, the kind of company we need in our lives if we want to grow in wisdom. But also the kind of company we should strive to be for others.

Questions:
1. Read Proverbs 13:20. Sarah reminded us that good and wise company is a necessary component to growing wisdom in your own life. How have you seen Proverbs 13:20 be true in your life?
2. How are we doing in being good company to each other as a small group?

• Do we fear God? (Proverbs 16:6)
• Do we speak the truth in love? (Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:6, )
• Are we able to hear and receive Godly truth from each other life? (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 25:11-12)
• Do we carry each other's burdens well? (Mark 2:5, Proverbs 28:13)

3. Are your people (your close circle) outside of small group good company?

• Do they fear God? 
• Do they speak the truth in love?
• Are they able to hear and receive Godly truth in their own life? 
• Do they help carry the burdens of others?

4. What is one area you personally are committing to work on to be better company?


The Righteous Give - October 6th

How do we best steward our resources? By gaining them righteously, using them wisely, and giving them generously. Threading the needle between prosperity and poverty gospel readings of Scripture, Proverbs offers a blunt but generous set of teachings on the intersection of wealth and possessions in God's economy.

Questions:
1. Have different people read Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 10:2-4, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 11:28 and explain in your own words. Why is it important to remember these are principles not promises?
2. Austin said, "wealth is complicated, but generosity is simple." What from Jesus' life and ministry supports this statement (hint: Matthew 19:24, but there's so much more!)? Has this statement proven true in your life? Why or why not?
3. What is stewardship? How is it different than charity?
(Austin's Answer: Well I’d say that stewardship is understanding that everything you have, no matter how hard you’ve worked for it, is God’s and not yours, and that you are to use whatever you have (wealth, talents, resources) to make the world more like God’s kingdom. And so in this sense Willard distinguishes stewardship from charity, and prioritizes stewardship, because stewardship’s goal is the creation of a community where charity is less and less necessary, because charity is only necessary when stewardship has failed (I mean that more culturally than individually).)
4. Where do you need to grow in living like everything is God's? How are you doing gaining righteously, using wisely, and giving generously?
5. Austin said, "if you want to take seriously stewarding your resources for the blessing of others, then the most important thing that you can do is contribute financially to your church." So are you tithing to your church? Why or why not?

Action step: Ask a friend for feedback as to whether you're stewarding your resources well.

An Ode to Prudence - September 29nd

We should spend more time understanding what will not change than trying to anticipate what will change. This is a fundamental lesson of Proverbs, and in Proverbs 8 we learn it is not prudent people who are naive and sheltered, but foolish people. Because prudence makes holy play possible.

Questions:
1. Read Proverbs 8. What does this text teach us about wisdom?
2. Read Proverbs 8:12. Why is prudence such an important characteristic of wisdom?
3. Would you say your life is marked by self-control or self-expression/self-assertion. How are you welcoming discipline and boundaries into your life so that the fruit of the spirit, self-control, can grow?
4. Is there anywhere you're being resistant to discipline because it is violating your desires?
5. How can Christians live a life of both prudence and fun?
6. Bonus For Groups With Parents: How are you heeding the direction of  Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, & 23:13-14 and being a loving, yet disciplined parent?

Action step:  Ask a trusted person to identify an area of your life where you lack self-control.

Walking in Wisdom - September 22nd

Proverbs is a book about wise living. God wants his people to walk in wisdom rather than live lives of foolishness and folly. So, how do we become wise people? Where does wisdom come from and how do we practically learn to walk in it in all areas of our lives?

Questions:
1. What does it mean that Proverbs are principles not promises? Why does it matter that we keep that in mind throughout this series?
2. Read Proverbs 1:1-7. What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?
3. Read Proverbs 1:7. What does it look like to have a healthy fear of God vs. unhealthy fear? How does fear of God affect the way you live? (Dave talked about healthy fear being a reverence of God that causes us to run towards him in obedience and confidence.)
4. What does it mean to live by the Spirit of God? Read Galatians 5:16-25. Do you need to confess anywhere you are giving into your flesh (foolishness)?
5. Where are you seeking wisdom in your life right now?

Action step:  As you read through Proverbs during this series, ask God to show you the area(s) of your life where you need more wisdom... Then pray that God would help you grow in wisdom in those areas.

In this series, we'll be exploring some modern trends by seeking to graciously and carefully understand them in light of Scripture. Austin challenged us by saying, "rather than approaching culture with an attitude of either contemptuous judgment or an attitude of naïve acceptance, we want to instead approach culture with a posture of critical curiosity, believing that culture (just like all creation) is fallen and confused, but also that it is nevertheless filled with glimpses and echoes of the good news of the gospel. Because while the world may be hostile to God, God is not hostile to the world...because God loves the world." We hope you have great discussions and learn how to better engage with the world like Jesus would.

Remember to find time to practice confession/accountability in your group. These get honest questions are a great resource.

Technology: Eliminating the Human- September 15th

The story of the Tower of Babel reminds there are things we can do that we nevertheless should not do. Using this story as a source of wisdom, we discuss how Christians might use or not use modern technology. Technology is good when it produces connection, attention, and creation, but bad when it produces isolation, distraction, and endless consumption.

Questions:
1. Read Genesis 11:1-9. Spend time discussing the story. What does it teach us?
2. Where have you seen technology be used for good?
3. Is your involvement with technology harming your connections, attention, and creativity? Why or why not?
4. What changes with technology should you make in your life to be more of the human God created you to be? Where are you taking the easy way instead of the better way?
5. For small groups with parents: how you are handling technology with your kids?

Action step:  Conduct a technology audit.

Note: Next week we will start a new series on Proverbs!

Hype (The Rise & Fall of Nothing)-September 8th

Hype is the rise and fall of nothing, and we live in a hype culture wherein big, exaggerated promises of the next thing that is going to change everything fill our lives. But Jesus was, if anything, an anti-hype man who lived a mostly obscure life. Because life's basic-ness is beautiful, and we don't need to live high on hype.

Questions:
1. In what ways are you living on the high of hype?
2. Read Luke 3:21-23 and Luke 4:1-2. How do these passages reveal the obscurity of Jesus' life? What other stories in the gospels can you think of that point to Jesus living a quiet life?
3. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 and Matthew 6:1. In our culture, how would you describe a life of quiet faithfulness? (Austin mentioned accepting the beauty of the basics)
4. How can your life better reflect the example Jesus sets and the descriptions given above in order to live a quiet life? How can you rebel against hype culture in areas like your career or social media? (Remember, Jesus did not think he was too important to live a quiet and obscure life.)

Action step: Make it your ambition to live a quiet life. (Bonus action step from Sydney: what is one thing you are going to do this week to rebel against hype culture?

Politics-September 1st

Politics is such a "hot button" topic. Some Christians feel that the church should be very engaged in the political process. Some feel the church should stay out of politics altogether. Should Christians care about politics? If so, how do we do so in a God-honoring way?

Questions:
1. Dave posed the question, "Should Christians care about politics? Should Christians be political?" What was your answer prior to today's sermon?
2. Read Romans 13:1-7. What does this text teach Christians about being political?
3. How do you engage with people who think differently than you in a God honoring way? Read Rev. 7:9-10.
4. How can our small group better care for the needs of our city?

Action step: Take time this week to specifically pray for our country and our political leaders at the local, state, and national level.

The Age of Anxiety- August 25th

One of the only things almost everyone agrees on is that we're living in the midst of a mental health crisis. And far from belittling our anxiety or outsourcing treatment of it solely to "the professionals", God understands our anxiety and wants to help. A less anxious life is the byproduct of having a mission in life greater than the self.

Questions:
1. What role have you seen the Church (and also Vista specifically) play with mental health?
2. Do you believe God is Lord over the psychological universe? What role have you allowed God to play with your mental health?
3.  What is your relationship like with introspection? Do you need to confess that you lean towards rumination (sitting in introspection in an unhealthy way)? *this is an opportunity tell the truth*
4. Read Matthew 26:36-39. Austin reminded us that Jesus himself experienced anxiety. How does this story encourage/challenge you?
5. Are you living with a mission greater than yourself? What changes do you need to make in your life to remind yourself that you are!

Action step: Live with a mission > your self.

Safety/Protection- August 18th

There's no question that safety and protection are at the forefront of people's minds these days. The world is sometimes dangerous and hostile, so it's easy to get consumed with staying safe. The question we must ask as Christians is, "How does God want us to live?" Or, to put it another way, "How can we live with courage in a dangerous world?"

Questions:
1. Why is fear such pattern of this world? How have does fear and the desire for safety affect your life?
2. Have you had a time when you felt like God's mission and your safety were in competion? Share about it. (Matt. 10:16 Rom. 12:2)
3. How are you focusing on the power and presence of God in your life? (Deut. 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 94:14, Matt. 28:19:20, Heb. 13:5-6)
4. Where do you need God's power right now?

Action step: Commit Joshua 1:9 to memory.  Focus this week on the power and the presence of God.
 
Everything Sucks- August 11th

Why do we feel like everything is getting worse when most things are actually getting better? In short, entitlement, and entitlement is a huge psychological, sociological, and spiritual problem because it makes us forget everything is a gift.

Questions:

1. Austin defined entitlement as, "believing that you have a right to something or believing that something is owed to you." How have you seen entitlement play out in your life? Is there anything you feel like God owes you?
2. Read Luke 17:1-10. What does this text teach us?
3. Read Psalm 100:2-3. Austin said that God doesn't owe us anything. We aren't entitled to anything. Do you believe this? Why or why not?
4. What was the last gift you were given? How do you respond when you received that gift?
5. If you believed every good thing you have is a gift, how would that affect your life/happiness? 
6. How can you practice being grateful? 

Action step: Live entitled to nothing and grateful for everything.

In this series, we are taking church-y sounding words and concepts, and explaining what they really mean, why they really matter, and how they’re unexpectedly interesting, profound, and helpful.

For the summer, small group questions will be generic. Plug in the word or phrase talked about in this week's sermon. Feel free to add to your time with our get honest questions.
 

1. Prior to today’s sermon, what did you think about the word or phrase __________?
2. After hearing today’s sermon, how did it change your understanding of the term ________?

June 2, 2024 - “Fulfill Your Ministry"

Main Text: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 2 Timothy 1:1-7, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
 
1. What was your favorite/most challenging takeaway from the Apostle series?

2. When Paul encountered Jesus, his life was turned around! When you encountered Jesus, what changed for you? Maybe this was recent, maybe this was 30 years ago, but it's good to remember and share how Jesus changed your life!

3. Read 2 Timothy 1:1-5 and Acts 16:1-3. How does Paul, Lois, and Eunice model investing in the next generation? How are we also taking seriously the call to pass down our faith to the next generation? Who are you investing in?

4. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7. Where do you need to believe God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment? What is a gift the spirit has given you that you need to fan into flame? Maybe spend some time as a small group talking about your gifts. Check out this resource on spiritual gifts. (If spiritual gifts peak your interest and maybe your group wants to spend time studying them over the summer reach out to Sydney for more resources!)

5. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. Why is scripture so important? How are you doing spending time in scripture? Is scripture serving as the ultimate authority for your life and faith?

May 19, 2024 - “Aufhenbung > Schadenfreude (Book Release)"

Main Text: John 17:20-23, Romans 2:1-11
 
1. Austin talked about how we all have a "them." "Them" are the people who you really don't like, whether that be personal or political. Austin also said that being a Christian robs us of the ability to justify our hate. What did you think about that?

2. Read John 17:20-23. Why does disunity make the gospel unbelievable? How is the Church (big "C" Church) doing at making the gospel believable through unity? How is Vista/our small group doing at making the gospel believable through unity?

3. Read Romans 2:1-11. What is Paul trying to get at here? Austin said, "while most of us accept that we’re sinners, we also like to think of ourselves as better than most other sinners because while we do sin, we don’t do the worst sins." Do you fall into this temptation? How does the statement "your sin is not special" challenge you?

4. Understanding that we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), how can we be people who are for others (even THEM), instead of people who are against others (action step)? Remember there's another way than anger/hate and that is Jesus!

May 12, 2024 - “Enduring Storms and Avoiding Shipwrecks”

Main Text: Acts 27, Phil. 3:14
 
1. Dave talked about enduring storms. These are the trials we go through that are out of our control. Are you going through a storm currently?  

2. How can we as a small group learn from Paul’s wisdom in how he approached the storms in his life? Below are the points Dave made about how Paul handled storms. Is there a specific one you could be better at?

• Paul remained focused on the goal and the prize. (Phil. 3:12-14)
• Paul learned contentment (II Cor. 12:10, Phil. 4:11)
• Paul chose to live with Joy and gratitude (II Cor. 7:4, Phil. 4:4)
• Paul placed complete confidence in Christ (Phil. 1:6, Phil. 4:13)

3. How can we as a small group improve in being better supporters for each other in the storms? How are we already doing a good job at this?

4. Dave then talked about avoiding shipwrecks. These are the trials we go through that could have been avoided (bad decisions/sin). Below are the points he made to avoid shipwrecks:

• Pay attention to the warning signs
• Don't waste time and opportunity
• Listen to wise godly people
• Chose what's right over what is popular  
• Don't put trust in the wrong things

With these points in mind, are there any actions you need to take to avoid a shipwreck? Do you need to confess a current shipwreck situation?

5. Spend time praying together, believing with and for one another that God is with you in the storms and shipwrecks!

May 5, 2024 - “A Raving Madman”

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 1:1-9, 15-24, 7:2-7

1. Austin described how there was a season where Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth seemed like a massive “L” (L = Loss).

• What were some of the dynamics in Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth which caused him so much pain and insecurity? (Betrayal, Rejection, etc.)

• Has anyone ever experienced a situation that made you feel the ways Paul described in 2 Corinthians? (Drowning – 2 Cor. 1:8, relationally malnourished – 2 Cor. 7:2, bombarded by conflict and fear inside and out – 2 Cor. 7:5)? Would anyone be willing to share your story?

• Paul also described God as the God as the God who comforts the depressed (2 Cor. 7:6)? Have you ever experienced God in that way? If so, explain.

2. What is the “Cursus Honorum.” (Course of Honors)? How does Paul turn the cursus honorum on its head in 2 Corinthians 11:21-33? (Not only did Paul not make it up the wall first, receiving the wall crown, but he was let down the wall in a basket to keep from being killed)

• Corinth was a status seeking culture much like our culture today. Austin said: “few things tell you more about someone than what impresses them.” What impresses you? What does that say about you?

• Philippians 2:2-11 shows us Jesus’ path to downward mobility. How can we, as a small group, rebel against the status game? How can we lay down our status for the sake of serving others?

3. Austin’s action step was: “Make sure someone knows the truth and the whole truth about you.” And he said: “healing comes from telling the truth.”

• Are you ok with letting others know you’re not, ok?

• Who knows everything about you?


April 28, 2024 - "Engaging Culture"

Main Texts: John 17:14-18, Acts 17:16-34

1. What are some ways you’ve seen the church interact with culture? (Dave said: Ignore to avoid, fight to shame, join to avoid offending, engage to reach)

• Of those categories which of those ways have you typically responded to culture?

• What role does fear play in some of the responses above?

2. Dave quoted Ed Stetzer who said: "A church becomes missional when it remains faithful to the gospel and simultaneously seeks to contextualize the gospel, so the gospel engages the worldview of its hearers. The apostle Paul sets for us an excellent example of this. He sought to understand the people he was reaching and relate to them in their cultural context. His approach was controversial then, and it still is."

• What are some of the tensions involved in remaining faithful and contextualizing the gospel?

• What are the cultural issues you see requiring the most wisdom and discernment to know how to respond faithfully?

• Can you think of any historical examples where the church either responded faithfully or unfaithfully to a given cultural issue? Are there any ways their response can be instructive for us?

3. Dave’s action step was: Look for ways you can use the culture in which you live to point people to Christ. How can you/we do that?


April 21, 2024 - “Gotta Serve Somebody”

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-23

1. Austin laid out several of the problem categories where modern people have problems with Paul: sex, slavery, misogyny, freedom. What's your impression of Paul's teachings on these issues?

2. Paul was inconsistent on issues he thought were of lesser importance (eating/abstaining from certain foods with certain groups) because his chief concern was making sure his behavior didn’t cause anyone to miss out on the gospel. Have you ever been in a situation where you either engaged or abstained from something for gospel reasons? How do we know what issues are ok to be inconsistent on for the greater good of someone hearing the gospel?

3. Paul thought the deepest form of freedom was found in repressing and losing our sinful selves so that we can serve Christ by serving others. We moderns tend to think the deepest form of freedom is found in expressing and asserting our most authentic selves. Do you agree with this assertion? If so, how are you navigating this tension? How do you repress your sinful self without losing your whole self?

4. If having the freedom to be yourself (individualism) is best, then why are the worlds freest countries so mentally unwell?

5. The Action Step was: Find ways to serve someone/something besides yourself. How can we do this as a group rather than just individually?


April 24, 2024 - The Man and the Message

Main Text: Acts 13:26-33

1. Paul taught that Jesus was the fulfillment of Israel’s story (the Old Testament). Dave said scripture is a means to the end of revealing Christ as Israel’s messiah.
•What are some potential pitfalls when we don’t interpret the Scriptures with Jesus as its fulfillment?
•Read the scriptures Dave referenced. (Romans 1:1-4, 2 Timothy 2:8)

2. Paul taught that the law was insufficient to provide salvation.
•Has anyone ever struggled with believing that we must earn our salvation?
•What are the consequences of trying to earn your salvation?
•Read the scriptures Dave referenced. (Romans 8:1-4, Galatians 3:10)

3. Paul taught that in Christ salvation was available to all people. Many of the earliest Jewish Christians struggled to believe that believing Gentiles could be fully welcomed/included in the Kingdom of God.
•Is anyone familiar with some New Testament examples of gentiles being treated as second class citizens in the Kingdom of God? (Acts 15:1-2, Galatians 2:11-14)
•Are there any types of people that you struggle to welcome/include that Jesus has made welcome?
•Where does the Church (global and Vista) need to faithfully live into the reconciliation Paul taught about in Ephesians 2:13-16?


April 7, 2024 - The Zealot's Turn

Main Text: Acts 9:1-18

1. What do you think has made Paul both one of the most famous and infamous people in history?

2. What is the tradition of Jewish zealotry and how was Paul shaped by it? How did that affect his view of Jesus prior to his conversion? (Phineas – Numbers 25:10-11, Acts 7:58 – 8:3, 9:1-2)?

3. What are the blessings and curses of being a zealot: i.e. someone who desperately wants to please God? What is the zealot’s turn? (becoming very harsh in the name of holiness, and fixated on church discipline and accountability -- typically for others -- Romans 10:1-4)

4. Has anyone made the zealot’s turn in their life? What were the consequences and what’s the way back to mercy? (Luke 18:9-14)

5. God has not chosen us because we are good, we’ve been chosen because we are God’s, and he loves us. Do you struggle with feeling like you’re not good enough for God? How does that affect the way you see/treat other people?

6. How can we help one another to keep from obsessing about whether we’re good enough, accept that we’re not, and be ok with that? (It's always good to think about the action step communally rather than just individually)

Sunday Recap Questions - The Last Week

Note from Joel: These questions are just scaffolding to hopefully launch you into good conversation. You don't have take them in order, you don't have to "finish" all the questions. The questions are written chronologically from the sermon, therefore, if you only/always choose the first two questions you may miss the gospel tie in's that typically come at the end of a sermon.  A best practice is to make sure you have looked at the questions prior to your group meeting and made a plan about how to facilitate a great discussion.

March 31, 2024 - Seeing Jesus More Clearly

Main Text: John 20:1-18

1. Has anyone had an experience like Mary Magdalene where a personal encounter with Jesus helped you see Him more clearly? If so, share your experience.

2. Have you had a season where you didn’t feel seen and known by Jesus? What’s the way out of a season like that? Bonus question: John’s gospel is all about being seen and known: What are other stories in John where Jesus is revealed to be the One who sees and knows? (Nathaniel Jn. 1:47-48, Woman @ Well, Jn. 4:7-18, The Paralytic, Jn. 5:1-9)

3. Dave invited us to see Jesus more clearly by obeying what he has asked us to do. Is there anything you feel like God is calling you to do right now? (Many of us think that doing comes at the end of a process: Hearing then feeling, then believing, then doing. Is that always how it has to be?)

4. How do we see Jesus more clearly through community? Has anyone had this experience? If so, share with us.

5. Dave mentioned Jesus’ use of familial language in John 20:17. What are the implications of the creation of a new family though the Gospel?


March 24, 2024 - The Cup the Father Has Given Me

Main Texts: John 18:1-11

1. Read the text together. Was there anything new or interesting that stood out to you about this scene in the garden?

2. Are you tempted to lean towards an overly liberal betrayal like Judas or an overly conservative betrayal like Peter?  

3. Austin said being in control makes you prone to betrayal. How does this prove true in your life?

4. Austin talked about the Christian faith boiling down to letting go of our sense of control and trusting in the one who has it all. What areas of your life are challenging you to surrender control and trust your heavenly father?

5. Austin ended with answering the question: "Why trust God in the first place?" Reflect on this question and Austin's answers (why not? and Jesus' life, death, and resurrection)


March 17, 2024 - He's Still Here

Main Texts: John 14:15-17, 16:7-8

1. What has been your tendency? To fail to acknowledge the person and work of the Holy Spirit or to over-emphasize the person and work of the Holy Spirit?

2. What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit was experienced prior to Jesus’ resurrection/ascension? What about after Jesus’ resurrection/ascension?

3. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit as Helper, Teacher, Counselor, Consoler, and/or One who comes alongside you in your life?

4. What does it mean to say that the Holy Spirit has always been Temple focused and that has not changed (1 Cor. 3:16)? What are the implications of that reality for the Jesus people? (1 Cor. 6:18-20, 2 Cor. 6:14-18)

5. What would it look like for our small group to slow down and pay attention to evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives? Has anyone seen evidence of the person and work of the Holy Spirit in their life recently?


March 10, 2024 - Foot Washing

Main Text: John 13:1-17

1. What are some modern-day examples equivalent to foot washing?

2. What are some situations in your life when you’ve served someone into order to get something in return?

3. Tell us about at time in your life where you only came to understand some of what God was up to in hindsight. Is there a situation in your life right now you’re finding difficult to navigate because you don’t understand what God is up to?

4. What are some of the things that make it difficult for us to receive grace? (Peter initially rejected Jesus’ offer to wash his feet – Jn. 13:8-10)

5. What are some examples of leadership you’ve seen exhibited in following Jesus faithfully and serving others fully?


March 3, 2024 - Sitting and Doing

Main Text: John 12:1-8

1. Consider the characteristics Judas displayed in the story: contempt, self-righteousness, pride/selfishness, criticism? Which of these characteristics do you struggle with the most? In what situations do they tend to reveal themselves?

2. Consider the characteristics Mary of Bethany displayed in the story: love/devotion, humility, generosity, action. Are there any of these characteristics God is growing in you? If so, how is that happening? Have you had an opportunity to display any of these characteristics extravagantly recently? If so, when?

3. When we think about “sitting” and “doing,” which comes more naturally for you? How can we make sure our lives reflect a healthy amount of both sitting and doing? What ways, can our small group create space for sitting and doing?

4. Bonus question: John 12:8 – “For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” is often quoted as a reason to not be generous because the poor will always be with us. However, Jesus is quoting from Deuteronomy 15:11. Given the original context what do you think Jesus is and isn't saying?

Note from Joel: These questions are just scaffolding to hopefully launch you into good conversation. You don't have take them in order, you don't have to "finish" all the questions. The questions are written chronologically from the sermon, therefore, if you only/always choose the first two questions you may miss the gospel tie in's that typically come at the end of a sermon.  A best practice is to make sure you have looked at the questions prior to your group meeting and made a plan about how to facilitate a great discussion.

Sunday Recap Questions – 1/7/24
“The State of the Church”

1. What are the five actions of the Vista Discipleship Pathway? (Worship, Connect, Give, Serve Go.)

2. Which of the actions of the Discipleship Pathway come more naturally or are more difficult for you? Why?

3. How can the Discipleship Pathway be practiced together rather than individually? (Vista’s vision for Small Groups is that they would walk the Discipleship Pathway together)

•Take the Discipleship Pathway Assessment HERE.

4. Austin mentioned that he sensed God inviting us into both “gratitude” and “drive” as two potentially defining characteristics for us as a church in 2024. What was your experience with gratitude and drive in 2023? How can we grow individually and as a group in our gratitude and drive?

5. What might God be saying to us as a small group as we enter the New Year?

Sunday Recap - Advent 2024

Dear Small Group Leader,

During Advent note that the questions will be the same each week. This is similar to what we did last summer during the Psalms when we posted Bible Study questions specifically based on the genre of Scripture we were covering. In this case you'll see questions based on studying prophetic literature. This is a great way to learn and teach how to study the Scriptures. If you would like the questions from the other genre's (Wisdom/poetry, gospel, apocalyptic, etc.) just let me know. These questions require you to dig into the text, so make you you re-read the text before diving in. Let me know if you have any questions.

COMA Questions for Prophetic Literature (COMA = Context, Observation, Meaning, Application)

Read the text as a group:
Dec. 3rd: Isaiah 9:1-7
Dec. 10th: Isaiah 11:1-9
Dec.17th: Isaiah 35:1-10

Context
•Are there any clues about the circumstances in which the prophecy was given or written?

•Are other bits of the Old Testament mentioned or alluded to in the passage? What part do these ‘memories’ play in the text?

Observation
•Are there repetitions or multiple instances of similar ideas? Do these repetitions make a particular point, or point to the structure of the passage? (It’s ok if the answer is no)

•Paying attention to when the prophet is speaking and when God is speaking, what does the passage tell us about God’s plans? What does it tell us about God’s character?

•What is the main point or points?

Meaning
•Are there specific instructions/commands given to the reader? Does this passage mention any consequences for not following God’s commands?

•Does the text have a sense of expectation about something happening in the future? What is to be expected and when? How should this motivate action in the present?

•Does the passage point forward to Jesus? Is the gospel anticipated or foreshadowed in some way?

Application
• How is your own situation similar to or different from those being addressed?

• How does this passage challenge (or confirm) your understanding?
 
• How does this passage lead you to trust God and his promises in Jesus?

• How does this passage call on you to change the way you live?

Sermon Recap - November 26, 2023 - Made for More

Main Text: Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭21 – READ THE MAIN TEXT AGAIN AS A GROUP

Questions:

1. Do you believe Jesus offers abundant life in relationship with Him over worldly possessions or comfort, etc? Why or why not?
2. When you think about God, what thoughts come to mind? Do these thoughts align with the actions and heart of Jesus? Discuss how they do or do not align with who Jesus is.
3. Which of the following practices, also called the Spiritual Disciplines (Witness, generosity, service, community, scripture, fasting, solitude, prayer, and sabbath) are you strongest in? Which practices could you improve in or begin practicing?
4. What things keep you from a deeper relationship with God? Of these things, what changes can you make to allow space for relational growth in, and with, God?
5. What is the M.O.R.E. (Making Our Relationship Evident) Jesus is calling you to? How are you going to act on that?

Sermon Recap - November 19, 2023 - In Defense of Something Like a Tithe

Main Text: Malachi 3:1-12 – READ THE MAIN TEXT AGAIN AS A GROUP

Questions:

1. Recall the intro when Austin talked about how our view of money is affected by psychology. He gave two examples:
•A Gallup poll showing that every economic class felt rich if their income was doubled.
•Data showing millennials have the highest income and lowest poverty of any previous generation despite their feeling like they have the worst financial situation of any previous generation.

2. Why would a God who needs nothing ask us to give him something? (Remembrance – Ps. 24:1 & Mission)

3. What do you think of the notion that the Church is the center of God’s action in the world and therefore is the greatest social good anyone could contribute to?

4. Austin shared a C.S. Lewis quote: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.” Discuss.

November 12, 2023 - 1 Peter 5:1-10

Questions:

Read the main text as a group

September 17, 2023 - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Questions:
1. How has our modern struggle with identity, authority, freedom and belonging led to so much confusion about sex?
2. What is the reality behind Paul’s body positivity in 1 Cor. 6:12-20? Why do our bodies and what we do with them matter?
3. Austin used a quote from The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman: “Freud is asserting that true happiness is sexual satisfaction, and therefore the way to be happy is to engage in behavior that leads one to be sexually satisfied...The acceptance of Freud’s basic insight that sexual desire is constitutive of identity is therefore an anthropological, philosophical, and political watershed. To concede this point means that debate about the limits of sexual expression become almost pointless because any attempt to corral sexual behavior is then rendered an oppressive move designed to make the individual inauthentic.”
Unpack the Trueman quote.

• Do you agree that Freud’s assertion has become widely accepted?
• What do you think about how Trueman described the consequences of limiting sexual expression in a culture that believes sex = happiness?
• Are there ways the church has tried to limit sexual expression in unhealthy ways? If so, what has that looked like and how do those ways contrast the way Paul attempts to limit unhealthy sexual expression in 1 Cor. 6?

4. If Jesus lived the most authentic, adventurous, fully human life and died as an unmarried virgin, how should that shape our view of sex/sexual expression?
5. How can we as individuals/small group/neighbor love people more fully/freely knowing our identities aren't centered around sex?


September 3, 2023 - Proverbs 14:12, Galatians 5:22-25

Questions:

1. Dave spoke about the pervasive loneliness, anxiety, and depression in our society. How do those realities corollate with living on your own?
2. How can we faithfully live into the tension of living in the uniqueness God has made you with while also denying yourself/walking as Jesus walked?
3. Recognizing that we are not our own, we belong to God and to one another, how can we practice what Dave preached together as a small group? (rule following, self-denial, self-control, service to others, becoming like Jesus)


August 27, 2023 - Matthew 16:21-26

Questions:

1. What do you think of the idea that the key to living happily is thinking of yourself less? (Recall the self-consciousness/neurosis scale)
2. Austin mentioned the “Great De-Churching”; what role does individualism play in that reality?3. Self-care has largely consumed our culture, and the sermon this week raises important thoughts around our collective obsession with self-care and our therapeutic age. What do you think about these ideas? What does true and lasting self-care look like for followers of Jesus? What does unhealthy self-care look like? What does unhealthy self-denial look like?
4. There are three commands in Matthew 16:24: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. How do each of those relate to individualism?
5. How can we live out this week’s action step “For every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ?” What are some other tangible ways we can fight against our rugged individualism as individuals, families, small groups?

August 20, 2023 - Ephesians 5:22-33

Questions:

1. What did you grow up believing about marriage/family? What, if anything, has changed?
2. How does the fact that the Bible begins and ends with marriage speak to the significance and meaning of marriage?
3. What are some of the ways marriage reflects the gospel? What role does covenant play in that reflection?
4. Why do you think society is apathetic to marriage today? Does the Church bear any responsibility for the worlds view of marriage? If so, how can we repent and repair?
5. How can we hold together the profound meaning of marriage and the calling and examples of faithful singleness (John the Baptist, Paul, Jesus)? If there are singles in your group, allow them to vocalize how we can encourage and love them well.

August 13, 2023 - Genesis 12:1-4a

Questions:

1. What comes to mind when you think of the words identity and authority?
2. Austin gave the example of the shift of identity as seen from external sources (the Lion King) to internal (Frozen). What are some factors contributing to the shift of the source of our identity?
3. Now that we live in a time of unmatched freedom to discover and express ourselves, what is making us so exhausted? Do you feel exhausted, and if so, how does the search for authority contribute to your exhaustion?
4. What are some areas of your life God is calling you to leave so that you can join His rebellion to reestablish the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven? “Leave your father’s house…” (Gen:12:1a)
5. Considering the shift in the source of Abraham’s authority, what are some practical steps you can take to shift the source of your identity away from yourself to the identity God has given you? “Go to the land that I will show you…” (Gen. 12:1b)
6. This morning Austin shared the following quote: “You have an identity, not because you have invented one, or because you have a little hard core of selfhood that is unchanged, but because you have a witness of who you are. So what you don’t understand or see, the bits of yourself you can’t pull together in a convincing story, are all held in a single gaze of love. You don’t have to work out and finalize who you are; you don’t have to settle the absolute truth of your history or story. Because in the eyes of the presence that never goes away, all that you have been and are, is still present and real; it is held together in that unifying gaze.” (Rowan Williams)

How can acknowledging/remembering God’s single gaze of love upon us guard us against making the inward turn?