Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Context:

Epiphany is a season of revelation, where the Savior, the light of the world, is unveiled to the nations. The story of the magi highlights their dedication and sacrifice as they sought the newborn King, Jesus. These astrologers traveled great distances, bringing costly gifts and kneeling in worship. Their actions help us to ponder what worship really is.

Icebreaker:

What’s the most effort you’ve ever gone through to give someone a gift or surprise them? How did they react?

After the icebreaker, read Matthew 2:1-12.

The Magi probably came from modern-day Iraq to worship Jesus. That’s a journey of around 500 miles. Note that the Magi were not followers of Yahweh, the God of Israel … and yet they followed the star. King Herod was also not a follower of Yahweh. How do Herod’s and the magi’s responses to Jesus differ? What can we learn from this contrast?

Verse 11 says the magi “fell down and worshipped him.” What does this teach us about the posture of worship—physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

The magi brought costly gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh). Though there is undoubtedly a lesson regarding how we approach Jesus in worship, the greatest treasure present at the Savior’s side was the souls of the magi. Reflect on St. Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Think about how you spend your time, talents, and resources. What might it look like to “worship Jesus” in the ordinary aspects of life? How can we guard against worshipping other things (e.g., careers, entertainment, possessions) instead of Jesus?

Close with prayer, thanking God for revealing Jesus to the world. Ask that we, like the magi, may continue to seek God diligently, offer our best, and worship wholeheartedly.

Context:

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to a church facing conflict. In 2 Corinthians 5:14–6:2, Paul reminds the church that their hope and new life come not from human strength or eloquence but from God’s work in Christ, who reconciles the world to Himself and makes believers a new creation.

Icebreaker:

If you could step into any famous painting or piece of art, which would you choose and why?

After the icebreaker, read 2 Corinthians 5:14–6:2.

In Michelangelo's “The Creation of Adam,” there’s a small gap between Adam’s and God’s fingers. How does this image compare to the sin-created gap between humanity and God?

In Christ, we are a "new creation"! In the waters of baptism, we died with Him and were raised with Him! Alleluia! But what does it mean? How have you experienced this “newness” in your life? In your failures? In your sin?

Paul writes in verse 19 that God is “not counting people’s sins against them.” Why is this message essential for us to embrace personally? How does it shape our relationships with others?

Paul faced criticism and opposition in Corinth. How can his example encourage you when sharing your faith or facing challenges as a Christian? Verse 20 calls us “ambassadors for Christ.” What does this look like in your daily life? How can you be a “voice from the edge” sharing God’s hope in ordinary moments?

Paul entrusted the church with the ministry of reconciliation. What practical steps can your Life Group take to bring healing and hope to your community?

Close with prayer, asking God to help us be a community that forgives, loves, and has mercy. Ask God for strength so the church would be good ambassadors for King Jesus.

Context:

Advent is a season of preparation, not just for Christmas but for the lifelong journey of faith in this world. Zephaniah 3:14–17 invites us into the profound reality that joy is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of God amidst it. 

Icebreaker:

What’s a moment in your life when joy and sorrow were mixed together? (For example, a bittersweet goodbye, a tough challenge with a surprising blessing, or even a funny moment during a hard time)

After the icebreaker, read Zephaniah 3:14- 17 aloud. What words or phrases stand out to you in this passage? How does this text convey the seriousness of judgment and the beauty of God’s joy over His people? Consider the examples of Paul (Philippians 4:4–7) and John the Baptist (Matthew 11:2–6). How do their experiences show that joy is not dependent on circumstances? What does it mean that joy is found in “the presence of the Lord”?

How can you cultivate a sense of joy in Christ’s presence, even during times of pain or struggle? What does it look like for the church (working corporately, in small groups, and individually) to create a space where people feel supported in their sorrows and encouraged in their joys?

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love.” How does this promise resonate with you today? Where do you need to hear God’s voice of rejoicing or experience His calming love?

As we approach Christmas, how can you share the message of joy in Christ’s presence with someone struggling? What practical steps can you take this week to be the presence of Christ in their life?

Close with prayer. Share your sorrows and joys. Embrace the eternal presence you have because of Jesus. Be encouraged to be present in the lives of others who need comfort.

Context:

This week’s text and homily invites us to reflect on Advent as a season not just for preparing for Christmas but for preparing for Jesus. John the Baptizer stands at the edge of the wilderness, calling us to repentance and readiness for the One who is to come.

Icebreaker:

What’s a time when you experienced both terror and wonder at the same moment?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 3:1-10 aloud.

What emotions or thoughts does the idea of the wilderness stir in you?

How does the wilderness setting of John the Baptizer's ministry challenge our comfort zones as we prepare for Jesus?

How does John’s urgent call to repentance apply to your life today?

What does the “fruit of repentance” look like?

Repentance often involves accountability. Who can help you stay accountable to live in a way that honors God?

John connects repentance with baptism. How does your baptismal identity shape how you live, especially during Advent?

John’s message reminds us that Jesus is not just a gentle, sentimental figure but a mighty King who rules over all. How does this reality bring both comfort and challenge to your faith?

How can acknowledging Jesus’ kingship influence your relationships, priorities, and decisions?

John calls his listeners to prepare for the coming of the Lord. What distractions or habits might keep you from thoroughly preparing your heart for Jesus?

Close in prayer, asking God to deepen your faith, grant you repentance, and fill you with hope as you await the return of Christ.

Context:

As we enter the season of Advent, we begin a new series called “Voices from the Edge,” and start in the rarely preached-on book of Revelation. In Revelation 21, we are reminded of who we are as the Bride of Christ. John’s vision offers us a glimpse of the church in her glory, adorned as a bride for her bridegroom. This vision not only stirs our hope for Christ’s return but also reminds us of our identity and calling in the present.

Icebreaker:

Share about a wedding you’ve attended or been part of that stood out to you. What made it memorable? How did it reflect love, joy, or commitment?

After the icebreaker, read aloud Revelation 21:1-5.

What stands out to you about John’s vision of the new heaven and the new earth? How does this imagery impact your understanding of God’s promises? 

John’s vision depicts the church as the Bride of Christ. What does it mean to you that you are part of this Bride? How does this identity shape the way you live and serve in your daily life? The church can sometimes lose its “beauty” as a bride and become downright ugly when argumentative or hateful. How have you seen the church as “Bridezilla?” How do we avoid that mentality and instead embrace the selfless love of Christ? 

Discuss the statement: “You can’t make yourself a bride. You are a bride because someone loves you.” How does this truth help us rest in Christ’s love rather than striving to earn it?

What does living as part of the Bride of Christ look like today? Make as many connections to marriage as you want (where appropriate). How can your group encourage one another to live in this identity?

As we close, pray, thanking Christ for his love, which makes us his Bride. Ask for open eyes to see where he is making all things new and hearts ready to reflect his love in the world.

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Start With Context:

Jesus and His disciples are leaving the temple, and the disciples comment on its grandness. Jesus, however, shifts their focus to a sobering reality: the temple will be destroyed. This moment leads to a discourse about future trials, persecution, and the call for endurance in faith. Mark 13 is often referred to as the "Olivet Discourse," where Jesus discusses events that will unfold before the end times. In this passage, Jesus prepares His followers for the challenges they will face, encouraging them to stand firm and be "all in" despite the uncertainties and opposition they will encounter. 

Icebreaker:

As you think about the world today, the wars that rage, the ups and downs of the stock market, and everything else that may cause concern – what worries you most? What aspect of faith helps to put your anxiety in check?

After the icebreaker, read Mark 13:1-13 aloud.

When you think about Jesus predicting the temple's destruction, how might that have impacted the disciples, who saw the temple as a symbol of God's presence? How do you react when things you believe to be permanent or sacred are threatened or fall apart?

In Mark 13:5, Jesus warns His disciples, "See that no one leads you astray." What are some ways people can be led astray in their faith today? What practices or habits help us stay grounded in the truth of Christ?

Jesus warns of false prophets, wars, and natural disasters. How can you stay grounded in your faith and Scripture when your world seems chaotic?

Mark 13 13 says, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." What does endurance look like in your faith journey right now? Share an example where you had to endure a difficult time and how your faith played a role in it.

End the meeting with a time of prayer. Pray for the strength to endure, trust in God's sovereignty, and for hearts that put their hope in Jesus, even when the road is hard.

Start with Context:

In this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple, warning against the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and highlighting the sacrificial giving of a poor widow. He contrasts the pride and pretense of the scribes, who enjoy public recognition and material wealth, with the humble and sincere devotion of a widow who gives all she has. The widow's offering, though small in monetary value, is presented by Jesus as far greater in significance because of the heart and sacrifice behind it.

Icebreaker:

Can you share about a time when you received a big or small gift that meant a lot to you? Why was it so significant?

After the icebreaker question, read Mark 12:38-44 aloud.

Jesus critiques the scribes for seeking honor and exploiting others. Where do we see this today? When have you fallen into the trap of wanting recognition for your good deeds?

The widow gave two small coins, everything she had to live on. What do you think motivated the widow to give all she had? Jesus says she gave “more than all” the others. How is this possible from a financial perspective? What is Jesus teaching us about generosity and sacrifice?

Have you ever had an experience where you gave something significant to you, whether time, money, or resources, in such a way that it cost you something? What motivated you? Where do you struggle to trust God in providing for you if you give to others?

How does this passage challenge your view of giving and generosity? How can we encourage a culture of humble and sacrificial giving in our church community?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for showing us what true generosity looks like through the example of the widow. Help us to give with hearts full of love, trusting in Your provision. May our actions reflect Your grace and humility in the world. Guide us as we seek to be generous in all areas of our lives, and may our giving glorify You. Amen

Start with Context:

Mark 12:28-37 takes place during the final week of Jesus’ life, shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The religious leaders—scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees— have been questioning Jesus, trying to trap Him in theological debates. A scribe, impressed by Jesus' wisdom, asks Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” This question was commonly debated in Jewish circles since the Law contained 613 commandments. Jesus responds by quoting the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, emphasizing love for God with all one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and then adds a second commandment from Leviticus 19:18: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commandments summarize the whole Law, prioritizing love over legalism. After the icebreaker, read Mark 12:28–37 aloud.

Icebreaker: What is one way someone has shown love to you recently that made an impact?

In Jesus' day, they were considered authorities on religious matters and often served as teachers, lawyers, and advisers on legal and theological issues. They were trained scholars who specialized in copying, interpreting, and teaching the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). What prompted this subject matter expert to ask Jesus which commandment was the greatest? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by rules or expectations (whether religious or otherwise)? How does Jesus' answer simplify the focus of our faith?

Jesus names loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength as the most important commandment. What does it mean to love God with your “whole” self? What does that look like in everyday life—at work, at home, or with friends?

Why do you think Jesus pairs loving God with loving others? How are the two connected? Time to get vulnerable: where have you struggled to love others? How do you overcome that?

Close with prayer, asking God to empower all Christians to love Him fully and to love others in practical, meaningful ways.

Mark 10:23-31 continues Jesus’ encounter with the rich man, following his sad departure after being challenged to give up his possessions. Here, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the difficulty of becoming detached from worldly things. He ends with a promise that those who sacrifice for the gospel's sake will receive manifold rewards in this life and in the future. After the icebreaker, read Mark 10:23-31 aloud.

Icebreaker: What’s one thing you would have difficulty giving up, and why?

Jesus makes a striking statement about how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. What are your initial reactions to this? What do you think Jesus means by comparing a rich person entering heaven to a camel passing through the eye of a needle? Why do you think He used such a vivid image?

The disciples are astonished and ask, “Then who can be saved?” Why do you think the disciples reacted this way? Jesus responds, “With man, it is impossible, but not with God.” How does this statement change how we view salvation? What does it reveal about the nature of God’s grace?

Reflect on your life: are there areas where you feel attached to material possessions or status that might hinder you from fully following Christ? Is there anything else you’re holding onto that might impair you following Jesus (unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.)?

What might God call you to let go of or reprioritize to trust Him more fully?

End with a prayer asking for God’s help in letting go of things holding us back from following Him. Consider using Martin Luther’s words in the prayer: “Everything I’ve held in my hands, I’ve lost. Everything I have put into God’s hands, I still have.”

Start with Context:

This week’s passage is the final section of the letter, focusing on the power of prayer, the role of faith in healing, and the importance of community in the life of believers. James also emphasizes the role of the community in lifting one another up, confessing sins, and seeking spiritual healing.

Read James 5:13-20 aloud.

James instructs us to pray in both suffering and joy. Why is it essential to bring both our struggles and celebrations to God in prayer? Can you remember when prayer was the first thing on your mind in struggle or celebration? What about when it was the last thing on your mind?

James discusses “the prayer of faith.” This prayer places 100% hope in Jesus as the source of life and healing. How does this kind of prayer differ from simply asking for things?

James writes in verse 16 about “confessing our sins to one another.” The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (XIIB 12) says, “Here, the reference is not to the confession made to a priest but is the reconciliation of brothers to each other. Confession should be mutual.” This doesn’t replace confession and absolution with penitent and pastor but refers to mutual consolation. Do you find it hard to admit fault to others? Who have you found to be trustworthy in consoling you and pointing you in the right direction?

James refers to the “prayer of a righteous man having great power.” Martin Luther writes: “God intends to test you to see whether you can hold on tight, and to teach you that your prayer is not displeasing to Him or unheard, simply because His answer is delayed and you are permitted to go on seeking and knocking.” How does that statement land with you?

As he ends, James says we are called to restore those wandering from the truth. What does this look like within our church or community? Discuss the balance between holding others

accountable and showing grace in love. How can we do this in a way that reflects Christ’s character?

Conclude by asking God for whatever you might need and the endurance to keep asking, even when it seems God is silent.