Buhler MB Church

Mark 5: 21 – 43 (Matthew 9: 18 – 26; Luke 8: 41 – 56) For Further Discussion Is this a story you are familiar with? What stands out to you about this story? What would it look like for you to have the faith of the woman or Jairus? How might this story impact your walk with Jesus?

John 2: 1 - 11 For Further Discussion Is this a story you are familiar with? What stands out to you about this story? Does turning water into wine at a wedding seem like an appropriate first “sign” for Jesus to do? Why or why not? How might this story impact your walk with Jesus?

Matthew 4: 1 - 11; Luke 4: 1 - 13 For Further Discussion Is this a story you are familiar with? What stands out to you about this story? Why was it important that Jesus be tempted but not succumb? How might this story impact your walk with Jesus?

Matthew 3: 13–17 (Mark 1: 9–11; Luke 3: 21 & 22; John 1: 31–34) For Further Discussion Is this a story you are familiar with? What stands out to you about this story? Why was it important that Jesus be baptized? How might this story impact your walk with Jesus?

Luke 2: 41-52 For Further Discussion Is this a story you are familiar with? What stands out to you about this story? Is it important for us to have some grasp of Jesus being both fully God and fully man? Why or why not? How might this story impact your walk with Jesus?

Psalm 50 For Further Discussion Why does God have the right to speak against and rebuke superficial, ingenuine worshipers? How does a person’s life show or reflect a true, sincere relationship with God? Why might we be tempted to pare down our God relationship to routine and rote rituals? What are some ritualistic practices today that people might do but may not reflect genuine God honoring (relat...

Psalm 105: 5-7; Philippians 3: 10-14; Hebrews 12: 1-3 For Further Discussion How have you seen God work over the past year? What are some things you would like to see in the next year? How can we encourage one another to keep focused on Jesus this year?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Matthew 2: 1-12 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teach...

Luke 2: 8-20 For Further Discussion Is it really important to get all the details of Jesus' birth exactly (historically, culturally, etc.) right? Why or why not? What stands out to you about the angel's announcement? (vs. 10 – 12) Why do you think the announcement of Jesus' birth was made to the shepherds? Who might the angels visit today with this announcement? What can we take from the shepherds...

Luke 2: 8-20 For Further Discussion Is it really important to get all the details of Jesus' birth exactly (historically, culturally, etc.) right? Why or why not? What stands out to you about the angel's announcement? (vs. 10 – 12) Why do you think the announcement of Jesus' birth was made to the shepherds? Who might the angels visit today with this announcement? What can we take from the shepherds...

Luke 1: 26-38 For Further Discussion How would you react if an angel visited you? How did Mary react? Is it important that Jesus was born of a virgin? Why or why not? How do you react to (feel about) the statement: "Nothing is impossible to God"?

1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17; 2 Chronicles 6 For Further Discussion Is it important that the Messiah (Jesus) come from the lineage of David? Why or why not? What does the Davidic covenant reflect about God’s grace? What other characteristics or attributes of God does His promise to David reflect? How might this promise of God to David inspire hope for us – even in difficult times?

1 Samuel 16:1-13 For Further Discussion Why are we often swayed by outward appearances? What are examples of snap judgements or stereotypes we make from appearances that we should not? How can we help each other to avoid doing this? How would you paraphrase or re-explain verse 7? What does this idea indicate about God? Can we change our hearts or does God have to do it?

1 Samuel 16:1-13 For Further Discussion Why are we often swayed by outward appearances? What are examples of snap judgements or stereotypes we make from appearances that we should not? How can we help each other to avoid doing this? How would you paraphrase or re-explain verse 7? What does this idea indicate about God? Can we change our hearts or does God have to do it?

Guest Speakers: Joanna Chapa and Heide Quiring

John 6 For Further Discussion What does bread symbolize or illustrate in this passage? What do you think it means that Jesus is the “bread of life”? How are manna and Jesus as the bread of life similar? How are they different? Is it helpful or is it strange to think about the allusion of “eating” Jesus? What might it look like to regularly “eat” Jesus’ flesh and drink His blood? Hint: it’s not lit...

For Further Discussion What is it that you need to sacrifice? Which portrait of Jesus resonates with you the most? How can his teachings be hard and challenging, but also a burden that is light and a yoke that is easy? Ephesians 2:9 and Galatians 6:9 are about works. What kinds do you enjoy (thoughts, behaviors) and what kind do you avoid? For Further Study Ephesians 2:10; Mattew 25:37-40; Colossi...

For Further Discussion How does the idea that eternal life has started now strike you? Does it make sense that God should be our desire, our treasure? Is this idea new or foreign to you? After hearing this series and/or reading the book, how are you feeling about your own relationship with God? Does real communing with God seem too lofty or unattainable? What suggestions or tips can you share with...

Luke 15: 31 – 32; John 15; Romans 5: 10 – 11; 2 Corinthians 5: 18 - 19 For Further Discussion Which of the 4 postures has affected your religious life? Who or what might have shaped your vision for or understanding of relating to God? Do you agree with Jethani’s idea regarding fear and control being the basis for the four postures? How does the idea of life “with” God strike you? Is it a large or...

Genesis 1: 26 – 29; Psalm 50; Luke 15: 25 – 32; Philippians 3: 7 - 11 For Further Discussion Do you feel like you generally understand the posture of "life for God"? How do you react to the idea that a servant focused or mission centered life is not the best way of relating to God? What gives your life significance? What gives your life value to God? In the midst of your sins, whatever they may be...

Luke 15: 11 – 32; John 6; James 1 : 17 For Further Discussion Do you feel like you generally understand the posture of "life from God"? Do you think we sometimes re-create God in our own image? What might that look like? Have you ever felt disappointed when God didn’t give you what you asked for or respond in the way you wanted? How did you react? How did this affect your relationship with God? Ho...

Numbers 20: 1 – 13; Matthew 7:22; John 5:39 - 40 For Further Discussion Do you feel like you generally understand the posture of “life over God”? If someone unfamiliar with Christian faith asked you, "What is the Bible?" how would you answer? What role does the Bible play in your life? How is a relationship with God different from living out Christian values? Is it possible to live according to Sc...

Job; Isaiah 29: 13; Matthew 23: 2 – 4; Matthew 23: 23 – 28; John 9: 1 - 3 For Further Discussion Do you feel like you generally understand the posture of "life under God"? Have you ever considered that we as humans attempt to manipulate God? What kinds of good behavior did you grow up thinking would result in God’s approval? What did your view of God lead you to expect when you failed to behave ap...

Genesis 1 – 3; John 1 For Further Discussion Are you experiencing joy, peace, love, freedom in your relationship with God? What might be reasons you are or are not? Jethani said, “All human religion is just a system of control predicated by fear.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Are you content with your relationship with God? Are you satisfied with the way you relate to God?