Welcome back! Most of our groups have been either taking the summer off, or have only met occasionally. And LOTS of you have been traveling! I hope everyone is back safe and sound and ready for a new season of lifegroup to begin.
Are you ready for new people to join your group? That tends to happen when we celebrate doing life together at our Super Tailgate Party, happening on September 8. More info after the group discussion, below!
Mark 9:14-19 NLT
When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him. “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked. One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
When have you felt helpless in life? Describe what that time was like.
At the time, how did you think God felt about your situation and what did you think He was doing?
How would you describe the strength of your faith during that time?
Why are prayers of courage often difficult to pray?
Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
-2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
Jesus asked two seemingly harsh questions. Why do you think he speaks this way?
Mark 9:20-24 NLT
So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
“When the evil spirit saw Jesus…” Do you think this was a coincidence? Why would the spirit start his attack at this moment?
Why do you think Jesus asked about how long the boy had been this way? Shouldn’t he know?
How did Jesus respond to “if you can…?” How is Jesus’ ability to act related to your ability to believe?
Why do we sometimes have the same problem with limited faith that the boy’s father had?
Jesus said, “Everything is possible if a person believes”. Does Jesus’ statement lead us to conclude that people can have anything they wish by faith? Why or why not? If not, what does this statement mean?
How can we resist the temptation to set limits to what God’s power can do?
What did the father say when he recognized his limited faith? Is this a contradictory statement?
On Sunday, I made the case that “doubt doesn’t disqualify your faith.” Do you think that lines up with this story?
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
-Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
What is the significance of this passage? How does this help us have the courage to ask for God’s help to trust him with our lives?
Think about the words “grace,” “saved,” and “faith.” Why are all three necessary to bring about new life?
We’re shaking it up this year by moving this event to River Park, where we had our Easter service! As always, our aim is to celebrate doing life together, and to invite people in to lifegroups… Including yours!
Each group will have a tent to theme up in your own unique, imaginative way. Groups will decorate, dress, and cook to their theme! It is always a TON of fun. (my favorite is the karaoke part.) So, you should start talking about it with your group right now, and plan to bring your lawnchairs for a fun time bringing the LIFE to the park!
Also, have you seen my “building blog?” it is another post topic on this same blogsite. You can easily access it at stevedusek.com, or by tapping the image above. I am posting building updates there from time to time, so I can proactively answer your questions, and give you behind-the-scenes details. I hope it is helpful!