Shepherd of the Valley Messages

Icebreakers 1. Be honest, do you speed? 2. What is an activity that is particularly restorative or restful for you? Scripture Questions Read Genesis 2:2-3. 1. Why do you think Scripture includes God resting on the seventh day? 2. What is the significance of God making the seventh day holy? Read Mark 2:23-28, specifically verse 28. 3. What does Jesus mean by Sabbath was made for man not man for the...

Opener 1. What’s something you’ve tried to grow—plants, a project, a hobby—that didn’t go quite the way you hoped? 2. Looking back, what’s one challenge in your life that God used to grow something good in you? Discussion Questions 1. In Genesis 2, what do the two trees represent? How do we see those two choices show up in the Biblical story or in our own lives? 2. Paul con...

Opener When you were growing up, what is one spiritual habit or practice you remember from your home (positive or negative)? If someone walked into your home for a week, what would they say you “talk about most”?   Discussion  1. God Our Creator We often live as if we are “self-made.” Where do you feel that pressure most in your life right now? Psalm 139 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully...

Opener 1. Have you ever missed something that was right in front of you, only to have someone point it out? What happened? 2. When do you feel most aware, attentive, or present in your everyday life? What helps you slow down enough to notice what is going on around you? Discussion 1. Read 1 Kings 19:11-12. Elijah expected to encounter God in dramatic displays of power, but God came in a gentle whi...

Opener 1. Have you ever received directions from someone and then realized later you misunderstood what they meant? What happened? 2. Think of a time when you had an important decision to make. What were some of the things you considered before moving forward? Discussion 1. Read Acts 15:1-29, paying particular attention to verse 28. What stands out to you about the way the early church made decisi...

Opener 1. When you wanted to do something as a kid, did you have a specific parent you went to first to ask for permission? What made you choose one over the other? 2. What are the different names, titles, or nicknames people call you depending on the setting (e.g., at work, at home, by old childhood friends)? What does the various names say about your relationship or role in that environment? Dis...

Opener : When you think of famous movie endings, what do you think of? What made that ending so impactful. Discussion : 1. Read John 14:25-30. If you were in the room when Jesus was saying these words what would your impression be? What would be your understanding of the Holy Spirit? 2. Read Acts 1:8. What is your understanding of the type of power we receive from the Holy Spirit? Is there a gap b...

Opener 1. Choose one word that describes: Your week. Your relationship with God. 2. What is a word or phrase that you used to – or still do – mispronounce? Discussion Questions 1. Read Proverbs 12:18. The sermon described words as being like “swords” that can deeply wound others. Why do you think words can impact us so powerfully? Have you experienced words that hurt—or healed—you for...

Opener : What’s one gathering or celebration from your life that you still remember fondly? What made it meaningful? Who is someone that naturally brings joy, warmth, or encouragement into a room? What makes their presence impactful? Discussion Questions : 1. In Luke 5:27–32, what stands out to you about Levi’s response to following Jesus? Why do you think his first instinct was to throw a party a...

One at a Time In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us guidance on how to treat people who mistreat us. In short, his teaching is to go the extra mile and meet people with radical generosity. Today, we can love one at a time by going above and beyond for the person in front of us. For The One Vision : Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we walk with each one in our communities so that together we expe...