Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Context:

The Corinthians had trouble grasping the resurrection of the body. Some doubted how the dead  could rise, while others saw the physical body as something weak and temporary, not worth redeeming (an ancient Christian heresy). Paul makes it clear: the resurrection is real, and God will transform us into something new, glorious, and incorruptible. Our hope is not just in a spiritual afterlife but in a fully redeemed, eternal existence with Christ. Paul uses triumphant language, pointing to the moment when the last trumpet will sound, signaling the final victory over death. This is not something we earn; it is an  inheritance, a gift from God. The key takeaway: Because of Christ’s resurrection, death has lost its  sting. We live not in fear but in victory.

Icebreaker:

What is something you used to be afraid of as a child, but no longer fear?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 aloud.

What stands out to you in this passage? What stood out to you from this week’s homily? (Previous homilies can be watched at christlamesa.org/media)

What are some fears or doubts you have about death or the life that is to come?

Why do you think Paul calls this a “mystery” (v. 51)? What makes resurrection hard to understand or believe? Paul says we will be changed “in the twinkling of an eye” (v. 52). What does that tell us about  God’s power over death?

What does it mean that “death has been swallowed up in victory” (v. 54)? How does that change how we view death? How can you use this to give comfort to those who are dying and know Jesus, and how might you use this to help people see their need for Jesus?

Many people live in fear of death or the unknown. How can the truth of this passage help us face our mortality with faith instead of fear? What does it mean to live victoriously now, knowing that Christ has defeated death? What does that look like in our daily lives?

Paul concludes by saying that because of the resurrection, we should be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (v. 58). What does that look like practically in your daily life?

Close with prayer, thanking God for the victory He has given us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Friendly Reminder: Easter 2025 Schedule!

Context:

In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul offers a powerful hymn that illustrates Christ’s descent from the highest position of divinity to the lowest place of humanity, all for the sake of our salvation. The story of Jesus’ humility, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, is not just an example for us to follow but a model of how God works in and through His people. Jesus’ story—emptying Himself and then being exalted—is the story that shapes our own lives as believers, urging us to live with humility, sacrificial love, and an outlook of service.

Icebreaker:

Think of a time when you had to put aside your own preferences or pride for the good of others. How did it feel, and what was the outcome?

Read Philippians 2:5-11 out loud.

What stands out to you in this passage? What stood out to you from this week’s homily? (Previous homilies can be watched at christlamesa.org/media.) In verse 6, Paul writes that Jesus was "in very nature God" and yet He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. What does this reveal about Jesus' character and His mission? Verse 7 says Jesus "emptied Himself." What does it mean to "empty yourself"? How does that look today (serving, loving, giving, etc.)?

Jesus' humility led to His death on a cross, the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Paul calls us to adopt the "mindset of Christ" (verse 5). What does having the same mindset as Jesus mean, especially in relationships with others? How do we find it challenging to live out humility in our own lives? What are some barriers we face?

End by thanking God for Christ's humility and the way He emptied Himself for us. Pray for strength to follow His example, asking the Holy Spirit to transform your hearts so that you may serve others with the same selfless love. Ask for the grace to live in a way that reflects Jesus's humility and exaltation in every area of life.

Context:

Isaiah 43:16–21 was written to the Israelites in exile, a people who had seen their homeland destroyed and their future seemingly erased. God, through the prophet Isaiah, reminded them of the past—the Exodus, where He made a way through the sea—but then issued a startling command: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” This was not a call to ignore God’s past faithfulness, but rather an invitation to trust Him in the present and anticipate His new work in their lives. The passage makes us ask: “Are we clinging too tightly to the past—whether it be failures, disappointments, or even past victories—that we fail to see what God is doing right now?”

Icebreaker:

Think about a time when you were completely surprised by something good—a blessing you didn’t expect. How did that experience shape your faith or perspective? Have you ever been so focused on past successes or failures that you struggled to see what God was doing in your life now? What happened?

Read Isaiah 43:16-21 out loud. What stands out to you in this passage? What stood out to you from this week’s homily? Previous homilies can be watched at christlamesa.org/media.

Why do you think God reminded Israel of the Exodus but told them not to dwell on the past? How can remembering past experiences with God strengthen our faith? How can it sometimes hold us back? Is there something in your past—good or bad—that might be preventing you from seeing what God is doing now? Anything that may be holding you back?

God says, “I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” The world and our lives can often feel like wildernesses, but God is still working and providing. Where have you seen God’s provision in the wilderness or wasteland of your life or this world?

The passage ends with God’s people declaring His praise. How does recognizing God’s past and present work lead us into worship? What is one way to intentionally praise God this week for what He is doing, even if you don’t fully understand it yet?

Close with prayer, asking God to show you where He works in your life right now.

Next step: Check out the Examen Prayer resource at christlamesa.org/resources. This is a helpful tool for being more aware of God’s presence in everyday life.

Context:

Jesus tells this parable in response to the Pharisees and scribes who grumble that He welcomes sinners and eats with them. It is one of three parables about lost things—a lost sheep, a lost coin, and now a lost son—each ending with a celebration of what was found. The story is often called “The Prodigal Son”, but a more fitting title might be “A Man Had Two Sons.” Both sons misunderstand their father, one by running away and squandering his inheritance, the other by staying and resenting his father’s grace. The father, however, pours out his love on both, upending expectations and demonstrating the radical nature of God’s mercy.

Icebreaker:

Have you ever received an unexpected second chance at something? How did it change your perspective?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 15:11-32 aloud.

What does the younger son’s request reveal about his heart? In what ways do we sometimes seek freedom without responsibility or blessings without relationship? Have you experienced a “far country” moment in your life, a time when you ran from God?

“While he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him." What is shocking about the father’s response? What is the most challenging thing for you as you read this response? What is the greatest blessing for you as you think about your own “prodigal” moments?

How does the older son’s reaction contrast with the father’s? In what ways do we sometimes act like the older son—resenting grace given to others?

Jesus leaves the parable open-ended. What do you think happened next? How would you finish the story in your own life? What would joining the father’s party look like to rejoice in God’s grace for all?

Close with prayer, asking for strength to “stay close” and not wander to a distant land, and mercy when God extends grace to others after they’ve wandered.

Context:

Isaiah 55:1-17 is a beautiful invitation from God, offering abundant life to His people—not based on their effort or merit but purely out of His grace. This passage comes at the end of a section that speaks to the exiled Israelites, assuring them that God has not forgotten them. It builds on the theme of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53:1-12, who bears the sins of the people.

Icebreaker:

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? What made it so special—was it the food, the company, or the occasion?

After the icebreaker, read Isaiah 55:1-9 aloud.

How do you see people today (or yourself) spending resources on things that don’t truly satisfy? What are some examples of “spending money on what is not bread”? Jesus also uses meal imagery (e.g., the Lord’s Supper, “I am the bread of life”). How do you see this connecting to communion and what Jesus promises in that sacrament?

Isaiah 55:5 speaks of nations being drawn to the Lord. What does this say about the scope of God's salvation? How does this shape our view of outreach and evangelism?

What does “seek the Lord while He may be found” mean? How do we actively do this in our daily lives? What gets in the way of our “seeking”?

In Isaiah 55:8-9, we see a shift to discussing God’s thoughts and ways. When have you struggled to understand God’s plans or timing? (In this discussion, try not to justify or defend God but listen to those sharing.) How does trusting that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours bring comfort, especially in times of uncertainty? Looking back, where have you seen things work out?

Close with prayer requests. Consider ending with this prayer: “Lord, You invite us to come and feast on Your grace, to receive freely what we could never earn. Thank You for Your faithfulness, even when we turn away. Help us seek You while You may be found, and trust that Your ways are higher than ours. In Jesus' name, Amen.”

Context:

This passage takes place during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where He will ultimately be crucified. Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him, but Jesus remains undeterred. Jesus laments over Jerusalem, the city that has repeatedly rejected God's messengers, expressing His deep desire to gather its people under His protection like a mother hen with her chicks. However, they have refused His invitation, leading to their spiritual desolation. Jesus’ words foreshadow both His coming rejection and the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

Icebreaker:

What is something that you have been determined to do, even when others tried to talk you out of it? How did it go?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 13:31-35 aloud.

When the Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod, He refuses to be intimidated (vv. 31-33). He is determined to follow the will of the Father because He knows how the story ends. How does Jesus’ courage challenge us in our faith journey? What fears hold us back from following fully? (e.g., I’ll serve as an usher, but I would never consider going on a mission trip because that’s outside of my comfort zone; I may give $20 a week, but out of fear, I can’t think of giving 10% of my income because that’s too much)

Jesus compares Himself to a hen longing to gather her chicks (v. 34). What does this maternal imagery tell us about His heart for His people? Why do you think the people of Jerusalem rejected Jesus’ invitation to be gathered under His care (perhaps a helpful comparison: why do so many unhoused people not want to live in a homeless shelter)? In what ways do people today reject or resist Jesus’ invitation to receive His love and protection?

Jesus was willing to suffer for the sake of those who rejected Him. How does this shape our understanding of what it means to be “poured out” in love for others? Who in your life needs to experience Christ’s love, even if they have resisted it? How can you demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and perseverance toward them?

Close with prayer, naming people you want to see “gathered under Jesus’ wings.”

Context:

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness follows His baptism, where He was publicly affirmed as the Son of God. Immediately, the Spirit leads Him into the wilderness for forty days, paralleling Israel’s forty years of wandering. Unlike Adam, who succumbed to temptation, and Israel, who failed in the wilderness, Jesus remains faithful. The devil challenges His identity and mission, offering Him shortcuts to power, provision, and glory. Yet, Jesus overcomes by relying on God’s Word.

Icebreaker:

What is one food, habit, or distraction that you find hard to resist? Why is it so tempting?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 4:1-13 aloud.

The devil tempts Jesus with three things:

• physical satisfaction (bread),
• power (authority over kingdoms), and
• spectacle (jumping from the temple).

Each time Jesus is tempted, He responds with Scripture. What does this teach us about the role of God’s Word in overcoming temptation? Have you ever experienced a time when recalling Scripture helped you resist a temptation or endure a trial?

These temptations offered Jesus a way to claim His kingship without the cross. Why is suffering often part of God’s plan for our growth? How can we shift our perspective to see trials and temptations as opportunities to grow in faith rather than obstacles? In what ways do we sometimes seek shortcuts to God's promises rather than trusting His timing and plan?

What small next steps do you need to take in combatting your temptation, knowing that God is on your side? How can your Life Group/other Christians help?

Close with prayer, inviting everyone to pray for strength in their areas of temptation, asking God to pour out His grace and help them remain faithful, just as Jesus was. Close our prayer time by remembering God’s promise from Deuteronomy 31:8 -  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Context:

This passage is known as the “Transfiguration of Jesus,” a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. It occurs after Jesus predicts his persecution and follows Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ. The Transfiguration is a foretaste of the glory in the Kingdom of God. It also deepens the understanding of Jesus' identity as God’s Son, the Chosen One.

Icebreaker:

What’s the most awe-inspiring or 'mountaintop' moment you’ve experienced, physically or spiritually?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 9:28-36.

What stands out to you in this passage? How does the presence of Moses and Elijah enhance our understanding of Jesus' mission and identity?

The passage mentions that Jesus' appearance changed, and His clothes became dazzling white. Then, a voice from the clouds says, “Listen to Him!” How does the voice from the cloud affirm Jesus' identity and mission?

Have you ever had a "mountaintop" experience in your faith journey where you felt incredibly close to God? How did it impact you? Peter wanted to stay in this mountaintop experience… but that wasn’t the plan. What does moving down the mountain look like and letting that experience carry you daily?

What does it look like to "listen to Him" in our daily lives? What practices help you stay attuned to Jesus' voice? Where have you heard, maybe not the audible voice of God, but sacred echoes?

End with a prayer thanking God for revealing His glory through Jesus and asking for His help to live out the truths discussed.

Context:

In Luke 6:27-38, Jesus turns the world's standards upside down, teaching that God’s mercy must define the way we live and interact with others. This passage calls for loving one’s enemies, acting generously without expecting anything in return, and forgiving freely. Disciples are to reflect God's nature through their actions—acts of mercy, grace, and love—even toward those who reject or mistreat them.

Icebreaker:

What’s a time when you did something kind for someone who didn’t deserve it or didn’t return the favor?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 6:27-38.

Reflect on Verse 27: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” How do Jesus’ words sit with you? How do they challenge the way the world teaches us to handle conflict? What might it look like to actively “do good” for someone wronged you? How do you do this while still maintaining boundaries to protect your heart or your safety?

Verses 29-30 describe how we should respond to personal insults, theft, or being asked for something. How do these teachings challenge your instincts when someone wrongs you or asks for something you’re unwilling to give? Jesus doesn’t call us to be passive victims but to act with generosity. Why is it important to “give freely,” as Jesus describes here?

In Verse 31, Jesus teaches the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Do these words shape your life and interactions (be honest)? What might this look like in situations where we are tempted to judge or criticize?

In Verses 37-38, Jesus speaks about mercy, forgiveness, and giving without judgment. What do these verses tell us about God’s character? How can you show mercy to someone who may not deserve it or who you may have been holding a grudge against? Who has shown you mercy when you didn’t deserve it?

End with prayer, thanking God for the day, and asking for whatever you need in the week ahead.

Context:

Luke 6:17-26 presents what is known as the "Sermon on the Plain.” This sermon differs from the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew, with Luke’s version focusing on societal and economic reversals brought about by the kingdom of God.

Icebreaker:

What has truly surprised you or “flipped your world upside down” in the last several months or in 2024?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 6:17-26.

Before going further, reflect on and discuss this:

The most important feature of the Beatitudes is that they are Christological. All God’s blessings are found in Christ, and Christ is the source of every blessing. Therefore, it would be a misuse of the Beatitudes to suggest that they are principles or guidelines that inform people of the way they should live so that God will reward their efforts with blessings. That would turn the Beatitudes from the Gospel into Law. Instead, the purpose of the Beatitudes is to instill and strengthen faith in Christ alone.

Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” In contrast, the woes are directed at the rich, well-fed, and comfortable. In our world, where comfort and wealth are seen as signs of success, how can we remain focused on eternal priorities while living in an affluent society? Do we need to be poor in order to be God-pleasing people? (Hint: no)

Jesus mentions that those who are hated, excluded, and rejected because of Him are blessed. How can we find comfort in this promise when we face opposition or persecution for our faith? Have you ever experienced rejection or exclusion because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

In what ways do you see yourself in either the blessed or woe categories in this passage? Is God calling you to change how you use your resources, time, or energy to align with His priorities and topsy-turvy Kingdom?

End with prayer, thanking God for the day, and asking for whatever you need in the week ahead.