Shepherd of the Valley Messages

What’s on the Table

Share a story of a time you welcomed a stranger or had a memorable dinner guest.  How have you understood hospitality? Is it something you’ve connected to your faith?  Read Luke 10:25-42. What do each of these stories teach us about hospitality?  What makes it challenging to welcome someone to “our table”? How can we practice hospitality?  Why do you think hospitality is such a major theme in Scripture?

What We Talk About When We Talk About Community

–Describe your favorite community growing up? What made it positive for you? –What elements keep communities together? What elements fragment communities? –Read Genesis 2:18. Why do you think Christian community can (at least at times) feel optional rather than essential? What’s at risk with this thinking? –Read John 16:11; John 16:20-21. What is the difference between a community based on unity verse affinity? Live it out - Ponder who you might be keeping at arms length because of an ann...

Family Rhythms

-What‘s one of your favorite family traditions either growing up or presently? -What resonated with you from the message this week? -Read Acts 2:42-47, What are some rhythms the people of the early church practiced? -How is a life of following Jesus in today’s church similar and different than in the early church? -What are some intentional practices you can incorporate to ensure God is at the center of your family or your community? Click the “Discussion Questions” above for full study ...

Growing Together

-We tend to overestimate our ability in some areas and underestimate it in others. Where do you think you rank in terms of driving? (80% of people think they are in the top 10%) -What resonated with you from the message this week? -Do you ever struggle with feeling inadequate in the area of your faith? How do you respond when it seems like someone younger is more mature in their faith than you are? -Read Matthew 4:18–20. What do you think compelled Peter to follow Jesus despite Peter’s lac...

It Takes a Community

-Who (outside your family) helped or poured into you in a significant way? -What resonated with you from the message this week? -Describe your first experiences being part of a church community. How did it feel? What made it feel safe? What kept you coming back? -Read Deuteronomy 6:1–12. Why and how does God want people to teach his instruction (law) to the next generations? Where does that process start according to the passage? What might be a modern day take on this? Click the “Discuss...

Weight of Our Words

- Describe a funny euphemism or turn of phrase used by someone close to you of another generations - What resonated with you from the message this week? - Describe a time when a passing comment you made either really helped or really hurt someone close to you. - Read Ephesians 4:29–32. What kinds of messages do our words send, directly or indirectly? How might this passage help in our relationships with the next generation? - Who in your life can you positively influence with your words t...

Our North Star

- What family trait or tradition has been passed down in your family? Are there any you’d like to pass on to the next generation? - What resonated with you from the message this week? - Read 2 Timothy 1:5. What does sincere faith look like to you? Has someone modeled that to you? - Read Judges 2:8–10. What should a previous generation do for the next generation? - Whose faith do you want to impact? How can you model contagious faith?

Worship

This week’s discussion is from the workbook The Sabbath Practice” by John Mark Comer. Download the Worship Discussion Guide and refer to this week’s sermon for context (in lieu of mentioned video). In what ways is it easy for your practice of Sabbath to become "sabbish," more of a day off than a day of worship? How do you enjoy God? What practices, disciplines, or activities bring you genuine joy in God? What "false gods" are you tempted to worship, which, while they may be very good thing...

Rest

Where are you most tired? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? What is the greatest drain on your energies? What is the strongest force of resistance in your life (external or internal) that attempts to keep you from Sabbath rest? What are the hardest things for you to say no to on the Sabbath? For more Rest Discussion Questions, follow the workbook from "The Sabbath Practice" by John Mark Comer.

Stop

This week's discussion is from the workbook The Sabbath Practice" by John Mark Comer. Download the Stop Discussion Guide (group questions on pp. labeled 11 & 13) and refer to this week's sermon for context (in lieu of mentioned video). Questions from "The Sabbath Practice" workbook. What’s your current understanding of the Sabbath? Is the Sabbath a part of your life currently or not? What stuck out to you from that teaching? Was there a Scripture or thought that especially resonated with ...

Rhythms of Grace

Do the words of Matthew 11:28-30 resonate with you? Would you describe yourself as often feeling worn out?  What might it look like to take upon Jesus’ yoke? What sorts of things might he place on us?  How can we rest in God’s grace and walk in God’s wisdom?  What do you know about spiritual practices? Have you tried any before? What hesitancies might you have concerning spiritual practices?

No Other Way

Ice Breaker: Share a high from the holiday season. (Bonus points if you also share a low). Read Matthew 11:28-30 in more than one translation. What connection do you see between Jeremey’s banana illustration and our lives? How does the invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 align with the concept of "No Other Way," emphasizing the need for integration, reintegration, and avoiding the disintegration of our lives? Live it out: What truth from Matthew 11:28-30 will serve as a daily reminder in your ...

Everlasting Father

When have you made a mountain out of a mole hill recently?  What’s the antidote to this? Isaiah 9:6 tells us that a son (Jesus) will be called everlasting father. Brainstorm some attributes about “Everlasting Father” that make this promise good news for us.  How might a view of ETERNITY help us in our current reality?  How might a view of God’s compassion help us in our current challenges?  With the turn of the new year, what is one way you will keep a new view of our everlasting father?

Prince of Peace

Mighty God

Discussion Questions: What is your favorite underdog story? Why? Read Isaiah 9:4–6 Why do you think Isaiah linked the coming of the Savior (verse 6) with the story of Gideon (verse 4). What does Gideon’s story teach us about trusting God’s strength even when it defies conventional wisdom? From Gideon to David and Goliath to Mustard seed faith to Feeding 5,000, why do you think God’s pattern is to use what looks Mini to do Mighty things? What current scenario are you tempted to doub...

Wonderful Counselor

1. Why are proximity, truth, and grace important in community. 2. Tell about a time somebody met a need you didn’t know you had. 3. When did Jesus meet a need you didn’t know you had? 4. Read John 1:14 MSG, talk about what it would be like to have Jesus living in your neighborhood.

Emmanuel

Discussion Questions: 1. Do you agree with the idea that we try to be like God instead of being with God? How do you see that show up in your life? 2. Read John 1:1-5 what does this passage say about Jesus? 3. Do you have an experience of when God was with you? If so, share about it. 4. How can we focus on being with God during advent?

For The Why

For The Valley & For The World

Discussion Questions Who in your life has modeled generosity for you? How so? How would you describe the difference between a contract and a covenant? (refer to Genesis 22 if needed) Why does this distinction matter as disciples of Jesus? Share about a time you gave or received generously. What was the impact on you? What did you better understand about God, yourself, or others? Where in your life do you sense God asking you to grow in whole life stewardship? What's one step you coul...

For Not From

Discussion Questions Describe a time in your life when you felt anxious about not having enough of something. Read Matthew 9:19–21. What is the difference between the treasures in heaven and on earth? Give some examples of each. How has your heart been connected to your treasure in your life? Read Matthew 6:22–23. These verses are connected to the last, how? How might what we put our focus or heart on affect the whole of our lives? Read Matthew 6:24. Describe a time when you tried to...

Spiritual vs Religious

Discussion Questions | Download Full Discussion Guide What religious practice is especially meaningful to you? Explain. Tell about a time you felt peer pressure, or a desire to “fit in”. What did you do? What is your understanding of the words religious and spiritual? Has anyone ever said to you that they are “spiritual and not religious”? What do you think is meant by that? Proverbs 20:27 states, “A person’s spirit is the lamp of the Lord that God uses to search out all their inner...

Control vs Relationship

Discussion Questions | Download Full Discussion Guide If you could have more control over one aspect of your life, what would it be? If you had unlimited money and could go on a trip for 48 hours, where would you go? Read Mark 2:13–17. How does Jesus act towards Levi, the tax collector, in this story? What is his motivation? How do the Pharisees react to Jesus in this story? What is their motivation? How might the story have been different if Jesus’ words were “follow the rules” vs. ...

Tolerance vs Love

Discussion Questions | Download Full Discussion Guide Do you embrace or avoid hard truths? Share about a time where someone told you a truth that you needed to hear (It can be as light-hearted or as serious as you like). How did you receive it? Read John 1:14. What does it mean to be full of grace and truth? How did Jesus embody this? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. Where have you seen someone model love like this? How does this posture differ from being tolerant? When was the last time y...

Judgment vs Discernment

Discussion Questions | Download Full Discussion Guide Why do you think the church has the reputation for being judgmental? Is this a fair label or not? What is the difference between judgment and discernment? What do both of these things look like? What is the right place for discernment? Read Matthew 7:1–5. Can you think of a time you judged someone or something before examining yourself? Practically, how can we practice and improve in this area? In what ways do we create an “us vs....

Christianity vs Kingdom

Discussion Questions | Download Full Discussion Guide Read Matthew 16:13–18. Jesus promises to build his church upon Peter’s statement about his identity. What else does he promise in this passage? How have you seen these promises at work in the Church? Have you ever felt the Church, or people in it, misrepresented God or let you down? How did you respond? In Matthew 6:10 Jesus teaches us to pray for the Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. How would you articulate the relation...

When Scripture is Neglected

Discussion Questions | Scripture Toolbox Handout What are your first memories of engaging with the Bible? Read Deuteronomy 6:4–9 and Deuteronomy 8:10–14. Why do you think it was important that the Israelites surround themselves with the scriptures? Why do you think that might still be important today? Read Matthew 7:24–28. Jesus’ instruction was to put his teaching into practice. Describe a time that remembering Jesus’s teaching helped you. Read Ephesians 6:10–18. Paul encourages us to re...

The Art of Receiving

Discussion Questions Read Luke 7:36–50. What reasons might the sinful woman have had for her actions? What reasons would someone have to reject her anointing? Although there may have been many reasons to reject the woman’s anointing, Jesus received it. What does this show us about humility and vulnerability? “The art of receiving is not complicated. It comes down to being aware of our own needs. It’s about opening our eyes, then being vulnerable enough to ask and receive” (The Art of N...

Sacred Listening

Discussion Questions Read John 11:1–44. What do we learn about Jesus in verses 5 & 6? Explain why He delayed going to Lazarus and his family. Describe the relationship Jesus has with Martha and Mary. How did Jesus demonstrate a posture that was calm, curious, creative and compassionate? What impact do you think this situation had on Martha and Mary’s faith? How did Jesus minister to them in this situation? How might it have equipped them to minister to others? Has your faith been imp...

Motives

Discussion Questions Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–7. What does Paul say love is? What does Paul say love is not? Choose one of the qualities of love and share how it might be displayed in a practical way toward a neighbor. Respond to 1 Peter 1:22. What enables us to love others sincerely? What does deep, sincere love look like, and how can you tell the difference between love that’s sincere or not? When have you experienced sincere love? When people are in relationship with others, they nat...

The Distance Between Us

Discussion Questions Read Luke 10:30–37. What barriers or gaps do you see in this parable? What do you learn from the Samaritan’s example? Read Luke 5:27–32. What gaps does Jesus bridge? What does Jesus’ example teach us about why we should bridge gaps with others? What are some reasons people may fear their neighbors? What fears or concerns do you have about any of your neighbors? Do you think anyone is uncomfortable with you? Discuss the following myths and how they impact you. ...

Neighbor Isn’t Just a Metaphor

Discussion Questions Read aloud Luke 10:25–37, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. What do you think factored into the priest and the Levite not stopping for the injured man? What would keep you from stopping to help someone like a stranded motorist? Why did the Samaritan stop? What does his example teach us about loving others? How does this story answer the question, “And who is my neighbor?” (verse 29) On a scale of 1–10, how well are you doing at wholeheartedly loving God? At lovi...

The New Language of Blessing

Discussion Questions Who has the most calming voice in your small group? Ask them to read Ephesians 1:3. What are your greatest blessings right now? Consider your life as a whole and the significant words spoken over you. What are the most noteworthy messages you have received from others? Maybe a coach that inspired you? Maybe an authority figure who said something that stung? How did those words impact you? Change you? Change your direction? Reorient your plans? Using the full range ...

Chasing the Blessing

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you have been so focused on a task that you missed something happening around you. Read Genesis 25:29–34. In what ways did Esau “despise” his birthright? Why might have Jacob felt the need to take advantage of Esau’s disregard for the value of his birthright? Describe a time when you have underestimated the value of something. Read Genesis 27:1–45. Jacob means trickster or heal catcher. In what ways does Jacob live up to his name? How does th...

The Curse in Reverse

Discussion Questions Describe a project that required more than yourself to accomplish. How did it go? What were the strengths and weaknesses of working with others?  Read Genesis 11:1–4 and 12:1–3. Chapters 3–11 of Genesis show the unraveling of humanity and the world as a result of the curse. How would you explain God’s plan to reverse the curse? Why do you think God chooses to Bless humanity again after the mess they’ve made of the world?  Read Galatians 3:13–14. What is the signifi...

#Cursed (actually)

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you felt like something or someone was cursed. Read Genesis 3:1–14 How did their actions directly relate to what God lists in the terms of the curse? How are those relationships still broken today? Why did God say “where are you Adam?” How is he still calling to us today? What areas in your life have you experienced the brokenness of the curse and how is Jesus reshaping you to reverse the curse?

Blessed to Rest

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you felt truly rested. Read Genesis 1:21–2:3. This is the only time in scripture God blesses something that is not a human being. Why do you think this language of blessing might be used on the day of rest? Read Number 6:22–27. Why might God want all the people to be marked by his name using a blessing? How has God's blessing upon someone else helped you grow in your faith? Read Matthew 5:3–11. In Jesus “blessed list” we find several circumst...

Lead Others

Discussion Questions In your life, who sent you the best letters or cards? What made them so special to receive? Read Titus 2:1–10. Paul uses the examples of first century family relationships to demonstrate the need for living a life different from the culture. What values does Paul list in these examples? What would you list if you were writing this letter today? There are three “so that” statements in this section. How are these reasons for a different life relevant to our culture t...

The Leading Factor

Discussion Questions What was an “I forgot to put my oxygen mask on first” moment for you? In other words, when was a time you neglected your own health for that of someone else? What is challenging about being led? What does it look like to let God lead in your life? Read 1 Timothy 6:11–12. What does it look like for you to “take hold of the eternal life”? Confession Gracious God, we confess that we are prone to lead our lives our way. The result is that we wander from you, your w...

Live In Service

Discussion Questions Describe a time when someone served you in a Jesus like manner. Read Philippians 2:1–11. Paul tells the Philippians to be like-minded with one another and have the same mind as Christ. How can we be like-minded with each other and be like Jesus? What does that look like in your life today?  What does Paul say about Jesus in these verses? How did Jesus humble himself? What does it look like for us to live humbly? Read Philippians 2:12–18. In verses 12 and 13 Paul ...

New

Discussion Questions When have you learned to do something old in a new way?  When was the last time you made a change in your life? What led to that change?  What does it mean for Christ to have supremacy in our lives? Why do you think Paul focuses on that in Colossians? How can we grow in the knowledge of God? How does that change us?  What are some old ways you need to take off and some new things you need to put on?

Live In Light

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you have been in the dark and couldn’t see what was around you. Read Ephesians 2:4–10. What do you notice about God’s motive and purpose in saving you? Read Ephesians 4:1–7. The word “worthy” has the same root as our word “axiom” (a statement so obviously true it needs no proof). How can living in this authentic Christ-like way draw your friends and neighbors to the light? What attributes listed here would you like to grow in? Read Ephesians ...

Your TURN

Discussion Questions What is something you used to believe as a kid? Paul talks about a false good news the Galatians (and even Peter) believed. Share a few things you think our culture says is “good news” or good that leaves us empty, lost, or moving in the wrong direction. Read Galatians 2:20-2; 5:1. How does TURNING TO Jesus lead to a life of freedom? What part of the fruit of the Spirit might God want to grow in you that will lead to MORE freedom in your life? Live It Out Per...

Love Never Fails

Discussion Questions How do you know someone loves you? Share a few examples. Read John 13:34–35. Why do you think Jesus chooses love as the characteristic of his followers? Are there examples? Read 1 Corinthians 13:7–8a. Do you agree or disagree that love never fails? Does knowing Christ’s love always wins help you love more fully? Why or why not? Read 1 Corinthians 16:13–14. Finish this statement 2 ways: “This week I will ______ with love.” Try to be as specific as possible. Identi...

Love Is Kind

Discussion Questions Describe a time when someone has been nice to you. How would you articulate the difference between being nice and being kind? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Romans 2:4, Ephesians 2:4–10, and Titus 3:3–5. What can we learn about God's kindness towards us from these passages? Read Galatians 5:22–23 and Colossians 3:12–14; kindness is listed in each of these passages. What are some examples of how this type of biblical kindness can impact your sphere of influence?

Love Is Patient

Discussion Questions Describe a time you encountered an act of service done without love. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–3. In what ways can compelling speech, knowledge, and possessions, when leveraged without love, be harmful in the church? What are some examples of how you have seen these things used with love and how it has increased the Kingdom? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. What do you notice about these two lists? How have you seen these attributes at work in the ministry of Jesus? Whic...

Shame Off You!

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you experienced a moment of shame. Read Romans 5:1–7 and 5:18. What does Jesus do to shame according to these passages? How does this work in your life today? What does Jesus give us in place of shame? Take note of the words in Romans 5:1–3. How can we help others experience “shame off you” moments of grace?

Simple Gospel

Discussion Questions Who first shared the gospel with you? What was your initial reaction? Read Romans 10:9–13. In your own words, what does it mean to believe in Jesus? Thinking about your friends and family who may not believe in Jesus, what do you think is the hardest thing for them to believe? Is there something holding you back from proclaiming, and living, that Jesus is Lord?

Mind the Gap

Discussion Questions Share about a time that you were AWARE of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Don’t overlook the small things! Read Acts 15:36 and Acts 16:6–10. Notice how Paul’s plans were rerouted by the Holy Spirit. When have you experienced a time that a reroute started as a frustration and turned into something good? What are some of the GAPs that keep us from other people? Acts 17:16–34 shows us how Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, bridged the gap between people an...

Strangers Nextdoor

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you were in a culture that is different then your own. Read Acts 8. In what ways did God use the persecution of the first Christians to grow his Kingdom? How did Philip demonstrate openness to being used by the Holy Spirit? How can you demonstrate that same openness here and now? What qualities in the Ethiopian eunuch helped bring him to faith? How can we look for those same qualities as we share the good news with our friends, neighbors, fam...

In Our Coming & Going

Discussion Questions Describe a time when you were surprised with good news. Read Acts 1:1–10. What do you notice about Jesus’ instructions? What can we learn from them in our own faith lives here and now? Acts 1:8 gives us a roadmap for the gospel’s outward movement. What are your Jerusalem (those near you and culturally like you), Judea (those a little further but still like you), Samaria (those near you but unlike you culturally), and the ends of the earth (those far from you and ve...