Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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.

Here is our Christmas 2024 Schedule!