MESSAGE: You’re Going The Wrong Way WEEK#1

SERIES: Jesus Story: Preparations

COMMUNICATOR: Pastor Stephen Masters

CHECKIN’ IN: How is your week? What was one of the highlights? Share wins (things God did that moved his mission forward and you closer to Jesus). What did you put into practice from last week’s Devotional & Discussion? 

THINK, DISCUSS, LIVE: These questions work well individually or in a group setting to  encourage spiritual growth, engage in biblical community and live it in the world around you.  

1. Have you ever gone the wrong direction while driving? Where were you going and where did you end up? Share that experience.
2. A famous author stated: “God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to keep you that way. He wants to make you more like Jesus.” Discuss what this phrase means to you. Which part brings you comfort and which part will necessitate changes in how you live? 
3. Read Isaiah 40:3,5; Matthew 3:1-4; Luke 1:16-17; John 1:29. From these passages, what are some of the descriptors that we learn about John the Baptist? What was his purpose? What was his main message? What made him different from the other religious leaders? 
4. How do you define repentance? What is its purpose in the life of a Jesus follower? Is repentance something you do once or is it necessary to make it a regular practice? 
5. How do you think most people believe God looks at their sin? Read Romans 2:4. What does this verse say about the character of God? Why do you think this is? How does this truth about God bring you comfort and encouragement? 
6. Repentance is the change of heart, mind, and actions toward God. How does Matthew 3:8 add an extra layer to repentance? What will tell you and others that you have repented? What could that look like in your life?
7. Why does Paul say he rejoices that the church in Corinth was made sorrowful? Read 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. What is the desired result of this godly sorrow and what is the unfortunate result for those who choose not to respond in repentance? 
8. Read Romans 12:2. Why does Paul want us to not copy the behaviors and customs of this world? Where do you think life change starts? How do we put ourselves into a position so we can change the way we think? How can we specifically help each other change the way we think? 
9. Who are the people you will trust with your life? Meaning you trust them enough to share your life struggles, your sin areas, your fears and or your hang ups? What makes those people so trustworthy? 

1. TRUTH DEMANDS A RESPONSE! What is one action step you will take this week in response to our discussion or nudge from the Holy Spirit? Be specific. _______________________________________________________________

2024 TRANSFORMATION CHALLENGE: We have created some resources to help you grow. Check out the Experience God page. Go to canvas.church/experience-god or Experience God on the Canvas App., read the “Make Me Better” section, start a new discipline, try a new Bible engagement tool, or help someone go further on their faith journey. Let us know how it’s going. 

INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PRAYER OPTIONS: 

• • Prayer Question: “What’s going on in our lives that we can involve Jesus?”
  • Ask:  What was one praise and one challenge you experienced this week? Celebrate the praises and pray for the challenges. 
  • Ask if anyone has a need or knows of a need, you can also offer “unspoken” prayer requests. 

• Pray for the person on your right, it can be out loud or in silence, if in silence nudge the person next to you letting them know you are done. 

• Prayer Clusters: Groups of two or three (by gender) and share your week together. Pray together and for each other. Send them a text, or leave a message letting them know you have prayed for them this week. 
• Have someone in your group keep an active list of the requests and the answers for both the updates and to celebrate the answers. 

Are you interested in the Bible and in helping Life Groups benefit from the weekend message? We have a team for you! Canvas members like you create these discussion guides each week. If you are interested in joining the team, please email rickz@canvas.church