Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

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. 

Start with Context:

James 3:13-4:10 shifts from discussing controlling the tongue to distinguishing between heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom. This passage offers practical insights into the destructive nature of selfish ambition and the necessity of humility in our relationship with God and others.

Read James 3:13-4:10 aloud.

James compares and contrasts earthly and heavenly wisdom. He says earthly wisdom is marked by envy, selfish ambition, and disorder (v. 14-16), but Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, and results in a harvest of righteousness (v. 17-18). With this in mind, how can you tell if someone (including yourself) is operating out of earthly wisdom or godly wisdom? Can you think of an example of when you have operated out of each?

James points out that quarrels and fights come from desires that battle within (v. 1-2). These desires lead to envy, strife, and distance from God. Additionally, he says that seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures puts us at odds with God (v. 4). This aligns with the warning that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (v. 6). How can you see this lesson at work in everyday conflicts? How does pride play a role in distancing us from God and others?

The passage ends with a powerful call to submit to God, resist the devil, and purify our hearts. Humility before God is key to receiving His grace and drawing closer to Him. What does it look like to submit to God practically in daily life? How can humility transform our relationships with others and with God?

Share where you would like to put this lesson into practice in your everyday life.

Conclude by asking God to help everyone seek His wisdom, embrace humility, and resist the pull of worldly desires. Pray for strength to apply these principles in daily life.

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Start with context:

James 3:1-12 deals with the power of the tongue and the importance of controlling our speech. James warns about the dangers of unrestrained speech and highlights the inconsistency that can arise when our words are not aligned with our faith. He uses vivid imagery to illustrate the destructive potential of the tongue and the need for it to be governed by wisdom and grace. This passage follows his discussion on the need for wisdom and the appropriate conduct of believers.

Read James 3:1-12 aloud.

James begins by addressing teachers (those who have authority and instruct others on Christian doctrine and disciplines) specifically. Why do you think he starts there? Without being judgmental, who have been some people in authority who are poor examples regarding the use of words? Who are some good examples?

Reflect on the metaphors James uses, such as the bit in a horse's mouth and the rudder of a ship. How do these images help us understand the power of our words?

One of the most prolific lines in James 3 is found in verse 9: “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” How does this inconsistency reflect our inner spiritual state?

Reflect on how words have impacted you in life (positively or negatively). With that in mind, how can you be more mindful of our speech in various settings (e.g., at home, at work, in church)?

How can we seek wisdom and grace in our speech? What practical steps can we take to improve communication and ensure it reflects our Christian identity?

Conclude with a prayer, asking for God’s help in controlling your tongue and using it to bless others. Pray for wisdom, grace in your speech, and growth in reflecting Christ’s love through your words.

Start with Context:

James is focused on practical Christian living and how faith is expressed through actions. James, the cousin of Jesus and a leader in the early church, wrote this epistle to address issues of faith and practice among believers. His letter emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by works, and he challenges Christians to live out their faith with integrity and sincerity.

Read James 2:1-10, and James 2:14-18 aloud.

James begins chapter 2 with a lesson on favoritism. Why is partiality a severe issue within the church? How does this reflect the values of the kingdom of God? Where have you been tempted to show favoritism (a very human thing!)?

Reflect on how James describes the treatment of the rich and poor. How does this teaching challenge or align with your own experiences and observations?

In James 2:14-18, James argues that faith without works is dead. What does James mean by this, and how does he use examples to support his point? Consider Martin Luther’s words: “We are saved by faith alone, but faith never comes alone…”

How does James’ teaching on faith and works challenge us? How does it encourage us?

Reflect on areas where you might struggle with balancing faith and works. How can you address these areas in your life?

Close with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and strength to overcome favoritism and to live out your faith with integrity and action. Pray for each other’s needs and for continued growth in living out the teachings of James.

Recommended reading: “The Screwtape Letters.” Recommended movie: “Nefarious.”

Start with Context:

Ephesians 6:10-20 is the final section of Paul's letter, where he shifts focus to the theme of spiritual warfare. Paul uses the metaphor of armor to describe the resources and strength believers have in their battle against the spiritual forces of evil. This passage is grounded in the earlier exhortations to live out the implications of being a new creation in Christ, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's power.

Read Ephesians 6:10-20 aloud.

Spiritual warfare is an abstract concept. It’s not so much seen as it is felt. This warfare manifests itself through temptations, doubts, and conflicts that challenge our faith and integrity. On an extreme level, spiritual warfare can manifest itself through hearing voices, seeing visions, haunting dreams, etc. As a group, discuss the concept of spiritual warfare. What do we learn from Ephesians about the nature of our struggle and the spiritual realm from these verses? Is there a time when you felt like you were in a spiritual battle or “under attack”?

Though spiritual warfare may be different than regular warfare, St. Paul still encourages armor, albeit a different armor than we might wear if we were actually fighting a battle. Talk about the individual components. Discuss how each piece of the armor (truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God) can be practically applied in your daily life. How have these protected and equipped you in the past?

How can understanding that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces change our perspective on the challenges we face?

Reflect on which piece of the armor of God you feel most challenged to apply in your life. Why?

Identify specific ways to put on each piece of the armor of God. For example, how can you practice truth-telling and righteousness in your interactions?

Conclude with a prayer asking for God’s strength and protection as you seek to live out these principles. Pray for each other’s specific needs and challenges.