Canceled Christ Part One: Judas

“Cancel Culture” is not a new phenomenon. Since sin entered the world there has been a fierce battle for what is deemed as true and right. This has been no more clearly seen than during Jesus’ final days, when one of His most trusted followers, Judas, attempted to “cancel” Jesus in one of the most brutal betrayals in history. Judas reminds us that even with the most compelling evidence, the finest teaching, and the best example, we cannot change our own hearts. That without a posture of repentance, our vice can become our downfall.   ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been canceled (by a friend, family member, co-worker, classmate)? Share your story.

Read: Matthew 26; Luke 22; John 6:70-71; John 11-12; 1 Corinthians 7:10

Discuss:

1. Define “cancel culture.” What has surprised you most about this phenomenon? In what ways have you been touched by this reality (whether directly or indirectly)? How do you think “canceled culture” could affect Christians in the future?

2. Cancel culture is nothing new. Can you share some Biblical examples of people being canceled? Who was Judas Iscariot? What foundational biases did he have with the other disciples? What inherent biases do you have? How have you dealt with them in your life?

3. How does Matthew 26 give us insight into Judas’ character? Why was he frustrated at the woman with the expensive ointment pouring it on Jesus? Was this a fair frustration? Why or why not?

4. If you had to pick out a traitor among the 12 disciples, which one would you have leaned toward? Why? Why do you think Judas made a deal with the chief priests to betray Jesus? How much money was 30 pieces of silver? How does this prove Judas’ desire for control over situations?

5. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas displays implicit hypocrisy. Describe the hypocrisy in Judas. How does “cancel culture” demonstrate the same cycle (bias, control, and hypocrisy)? How do biases become a desire for control? How does control lead to hypocrisy? How have you seen this cycle in your own life? How does “cancel culture” thrive in a society confused about truth and deprived of forgiveness?

6. How do we overcome the parts of Judas in us? How is worldly sorrow different than godly sorrow? What is repentance? How does compassion overcome bias; humility overcome control; and repentance overcome hypocrisy?

Pray: Pray that God would reveal to you the spaces in your life where you might be “canceling” Jesus. Pray that you would be quick to run to repentance and faithful in forgiving those around you. Ask God to give you the eyes to see people through compassion and not bias.

Memorize/Meditate: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

City on a Hill Part Five: Called to Share

As the world grows dimmer and moral decay continues to rise, our natural response is to fight or to flee. But for Christians, this is not a time to retreat, but to engage; to carry the enormous influence of the gospel as the “salt of the earth” in a tasteless world and the “light of the world” to people overwhelmed by darkness. Don’t run! Shine in your home, neighborhood, school, workplace and community. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been stuck in darkness without a light? Share your story.  

Read: Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 26:17-18; 1 Peter 2; Colossians 4:6

 Discuss:

1. Describe different Christian reactions to the current state of the world? What would you consider to be a healthy view of the world? Why do so many Christians view the world from a personal perspective and not a missional perspective?   

2. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus begins his illustrations of salt and light by making a statement about identity (“You are the salt” and “You are the light”). Peter repeats this same idea in 1 Peter 2:8-10. How does gospel identity motivate gospel mission? Describe your identity in Christ.

3. What does salt do? How was salt used in the first century? If believers are the salt of the earth, what does this imply about the earth? What are some ways that a church on mission looks like the “salt of the earth”? What does Jesus say about salt that is no longer useful? In what ways do we cease being “salt”?

4. Following Jesus’ analogy of salt and light, describe some differences between salt and light. What is the purpose of light? As Christians, where does our light originate? Describe what it looks like to be the “light of the world”? What hinders Christians from shining as the light of the world? What situations or circumstances cause you to “dim your light”?

5. In Colossians 4:6, Paul exhorts believers to season our speech with salt. In what ways should our speech be different than the world? In 1 Peter 2:11-12, Peter calls Christians to act as sojourners and guard our conduct. How should our conduct differ from the culture around us?

6. Our call to be salt and light is all about helping people see God and His glory. Who are the people around you that God may be calling you to illuminate with the gospel? What are some ways that you can better shine the gospel?

Pray: Take time to thank God for bringing you out of darkness and into the light of Christ. Pray that God would reveal areas of your life still stained by darkness and places where you might be hindering the work of light through you. Ask God to empower you to live as salt and light before those around you. Pray that God would give you the boldness to share His gospel.

 Memorize/Meditate: Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12

City on a Hill Part Four: Connected in Community

We are taught from an early age to be independent, do it on our own, be our own person…individualism over collection…fighters for independence. As a result, we live in an increasingly fragmented and isolated society. But Scripture paints a different picture for the church. Christianity was not meant to be lived in isolation but as people interwoven by the person and work of Christ. A city on a hill is filled with the light of many people shining together as one collective body. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Describe a moment where you experienced what you would consider “real” fellowship. What made this fellowship so honest, vulnerable, and authentic?

Read: 1 John 1-4; Acts 2; John 15-17; Galatians 6:1-10; James 5:16

Discuss:

1. Have you ever felt lonely? Share your story. Describe loneliness. Why do you think that in one of the most connected societies in history, people are experiencing isolation and loneliness? How does the gospel overcome isolation and loneliness? Why is it important for us to understand that Christianity is profoundly corporate?  

2. John writes to correct growing heresies. Describe the heresies that were finding their way into the church during John’s day (1 John 1:6,8)? How are these heresies still evident in our culture today? How do we naturally respond to walking in darkness?  Have you ever withdrawn or “saved face” when you were walking in spiritual darkness? Share your story.

 3. What is the difference between relationship and fellowship? How can we have a relationship with God and yet not fully enjoy fellowship with God? What gets in the way from fellowship with God? How have you seen this in your own life?  

4. John describes both his historical knowledge of Christ (1 John 1:1-2) and personal experience (1 John 1:2-4). How does our personal experience with Christ bring us into a common fellowship together? How is this type of fellowship different than mere cultural fellowship? Name some places in culture where people attempt to find common fellowship. 

5. How does Biblical community make our joy more complete? In what ways have you experienced joy in church community?

6. How does Biblical community guard us from sin and deception? Describe what it looks like to confess our sins to one another? Does this idea scare you? Why are we reluctant to share our faults with one another?

Pray: Pray that you would grow in fellowship with God and people. Ask God to surround you with people that will bring you joy and guard you from sin. If you are struggling with sin or are living in deception, confess your sin to God and to godly people who can walk with you.

Memorize/Meditate: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

City on a Hill Part Three: Glory

The very existence of the church has a much higher purpose than any of us realize. In the church, we who search, strive, and fight for our own glory are together being restored to our Divine purpose to showcase God’s glory to the world. We are called to live in such a way that when people think of us, of the church, they don’t praise us, they glorify our Savior. This means that our urgency, our passions, our love, and our service, should point a searching world to the God of glory. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever observed or experienced something that you would consider “glorious”? Share your story. Why would you describe this as “glorious”?

Read: 1 Peter 4:1-11; Psalm 8; John 17; Ephesians 3; 1 Corinthians 1, 10

Discuss:

1. Glory is a very hard thing to define. How would you define the term “glory”? What makes God so glorious? Describe how glory is the perfect harmony of all of God’s attributes (love, mercy, grace, etc…)? How does God’s creation, including you, serve as a reflection of God’s glory? How did Jesus perfectly reflect the glory of His Father?

2. In what ways do we attempt to make ourselves the centerpiece of glory? Can you give a few examples from your own life where you made glory about you? What types of things can hinder us from radiating God’s glory to the world?

3. What role does pursuing excellence play in displaying God’s glory to the world? In what ways are you pursuing excellence at home, work, school, church and in your relationships? Describe how God’s glory is being reflected through your pursuits for excellence? In what ways do we easily fall into mediocrity? How important is mindset to the way we see God’s glory in our pursuits (1 Peter 4:7)? How does the right mindset affect our prayers?

4. What is the meaning of the phrase “love covers a multitude of sin” (1 Peter 4:8)? Clearly this doesn’t mean we hide sin or sweep sin under a rug. Can you give some examples of what this looks like among Christians? What does it mean to love one another earnestly? How can we demonstrate this kind of love to others? How does this type of love draw people to God’s glory?

5. How can you use your spiritual gifts to minister to people in your family, in your small group, in your church, or in your community? What holds people back from serving the body of Christ? Would you consider most churchgoers to be consumers or contributors? Why? How would you describe yourself?

6. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” What does this look like to live out in every area of your life? How does living this way showcase God’s glory to the world?

Pray: Pray that you would have a clearer view of God’s glory at work in every detail of your life. Ask God to reveal to your passions that have the potential to pull you away from fully living for God’s glory. Pray that our church would be a beautiful reflection of God’s glory throughout the region.

Memorize/Meditate: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

City on a Hill Part Two: Unity

 We live in a world caught up in the whirlwind of division. From politics to race, relationships to religion, we see tension rising and discord growing. But when we understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, all of the things that make us different begin to pale as we are unified under a banner that overwhelms cultural differences. On the cross, Jesus didn’t merely purchase our redemption, but also our spirit-filled harmony together as one church with one voice beautifully displaying His glory to a world of deep division. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been a part of a beautiful display of unity? How about a moment of deep division? Share your story.

Read: Romans 14-15; Psalm 69:9; John 17; Ephesians 2

Discuss:

1. What do you view as the most divisive issues of our day? How does our culture perpetuate division? How have you experienced disunity in our current culture? Why do you think unity is so difficult to find in our day? What were some of the divisive issues of the first century?

2. Describe how unity is different than conformity. Read Romans 14:1. What were some of the disputable things that the Romans were divided over? How can we have disagreements without division? What are some of the things we might disagree over in the church? What does it look like for the church to “with one voice glorify God” (Romans 15:6)?

 3. Who does Paul consider the “strong” and the “weak” in Romans 15:1-2? How is this counter-cultural? In what ways is unity fostered building up one another instead of merely putting up with each other? Who have you “put up” with? Have you ever experienced unity in spite of differences?

4. In what ways is Christ the ultimate example of unity? How should Christ be the unifying force of the church? How does division get in the way of God’s work in the church?

5. What role does Scripture play in our unity? What examples do you see throughout the Scripture of God’s people dwelling together in unity? How about in disunity? Describe the connection between unity and hope.

6. How does unity display God’s glory to the world? Do you believe our church is displaying God’s glory through our unity? Why or why not? How might you be participating in the disunity of the culture or church? What can you do to produce greater unity in the church?

 Pray: In a day where there is so much division and toxicity, pray for unity in the church. Ask Him to remove anything that hinders unity so that His name would be glorified above all through us together.

 Memorize/Meditate: May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6

City on a Hill Part 1: The Church

There is no doubt that the landscape of Christianity is changing. For many, it seems that the church has gotten lost in the culture. But as the gap between Christianity and the culture is widening, so also are enormous opportunities for the church. Opportunities to shine as a “city on a hill that cannot be hidden.” Only when the church is filled with people who are being so shaped by the gospel that they outlive the culture can we become the force that Christ intended. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been a part of a team that experienced a losing streak? Or have you ever lost a family game over and over again? Share your story.

Read: Matthew 5:14-16; 16:15-18; Acts 2:42-47; Acts 10-11

Discuss:

1. In what ways have you observed the changing landscape of Christianity in America? Why do you think it has changed? What role have Christians and the church played in this perspective? In what ways does our current situation present us with enormous opportunities for gospel impact?

2. Jesus called us to be a “city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.” Describe what a city on a hill looks like? How should the church personify this picture? As you read Acts 2:42-47, how did the early church reflect Christ’s desire for His church to be the “city on a hill”? How should the church be different than the culture? In what ways does the church today reflect a new way of living to a world that is radically different than them?

3. Describe the context of Acts 11. What shift was happening in Christianity at that time? How did this fulfill Christ’s commission to “go into the world”? How did God use unexpected opportunities to expand the gospel (suffering and persecution)? What are some unexpected opportunities you have experienced in your Christian journey?

4. What does Barnabas teach these new believers in Antioch (Acts 11:22-23)? Would you say we still need these two truths today? Share your observations.

5. Unbelievers renamed the disciples “Christians.” Was this a compliment or insult? How do you see Christians described in our day? 

6. Multiple times in Acts 11, we are told that the church was growing (Acts 11:21,24,26). Should the church be constantly growing? Why or why not? How is growth deeper than mere numbers? In what ways did Antioch become a sending church for the Apostle Paul (Acts 13)? How do you feel about the growth at Crossroads? What is your hope for future growth?

 Pray: Pray that God would use us in a season of unexpected opportunities to make profound gospel impact.  Pray that our testimony (Christians and the church) would be so profound throughout our region that God would be glorified through us.

 Memorize/Meditate: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  Matthew 5:14-15

Dangerous Prayers Part Three: Send me

What kind of person is God looking for in the midst of a world in crisis, a nation divided, and people frustrated? A person who has a clear vision of God’s majesty and glory is keenly aware of their own brokenness, and whose heart stands surrendered to God’s calling. God isn’t looking for worthy people but ready people. Ready and willing to pray “Here am I. Send me.” strong. With deepest questions and in darkest moments, He shines through us. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Name a place you’d love to be sent to and a place you’d never want to be sent to. Why?

Read: Isaiah 5-6; Proverbs 24:10-12; John 17:18; 20:21

Discuss:

1. As you consider your prayer life, would you say your prayers revolve more around what God can do for you or what you can do for God? Why? What types of attitudes do Christians have about the world? Have you had any of these attitudes? Share your story. When was the last time you had a spiritual conversation with an unbeliever?

2. Describe the context of Isaiah 6. What made the “year Uzziah died” so difficult? Describe the scene of Isaiah’s vision. Look at Isaiah 6:1. What do you think is the significance of God’s robe filling the temple? What could a long train represent? Describe the seraphim. What did they sing to one another? Why is it repeated three times? How is holiness different than every other attribute of God?

3. Isaiah is confronted by his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of Israel. How does a correct view of God lead to an honest view of self? How have you seen this in your own life? How was Isaiah atoned in this chapter? How does this paint a picture of our forgiveness?

4. How does Isaiah respond to God’s call to go? How is this different than Moses or Jonah? What keeps us from feeling like we are “sent” by God? Sometimes God sends you where He has you. Where does God have you right now that He has commissioned you to? Where could God be sending you?

Pray: Pray that you would have the eyes to see where God is “sending” you right now. Ask God to give you the eyes to see and ears to hear the open doors that He might be giving you right now to proclaim the love and grace of God. Pray to have boldness to share your story and the skill to be effective.

Memorize/Meditate: And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Dangerous Prayers Part two: Break me

Brokenness is not something we sign up for and certainly not something we pray for, but it is necessary if we are going to be useful. Brokenness creates a yielded heart open before God, emptied of pride and self-sufficiency so that we can be ready for gospel impact. When broken, we are whole. When weak, He is strong. With deepest questions and in darkest moments, He shines through us. ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever broken something that you couldn’t put back together? Share your story.

Read: Nehemiah 1; Psalm 51; Proverbs 24:10-12; Isaiah 57; Matthew 5:3; Luke 19:41-44; Romans 9:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4

Discuss:

1. Describe the differences between punishment, discipline and consequences. What role does brokenness play into each of these? What makes our culture resistant to brokenness? Name some of the characters of Scripture that were broken for God’s use. How does this contradict the common phrase we say “God will never give you more than you can handle”?

2. Why were the Jews scattered and what was happening in Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah? How do these details remind us that God is faithful in keeping His word to His people? Describe Nehemiah’s job in the King’s court: How was Nehemiah uniquely positioned to ask the right questions regarding his fellow Jews living in Jerusalem?

3. Nehemiah’s brokenness begins by asking the right questions. What news do the men of Judah report to Nehemiah? Describe the details of “great trouble and shame” (1:3)? What makes the news about the walls in Jerusalem so devastating? What do the walls represent to the city? What does Nehemiah’s reaction (1:4) reveal about his character? His affection for the Lord? His affection for his people? What do you see in your neighborhood, workplace, and community that correlates to Jerusalem’s situation?

4. Nehemiah prays in the midst of his brokenness. He begins by confessing the sinfulness of himself and God’s people. How does being broken over sin help us move forward in faith? What sin are you broken about in your own life? How about in the lives of our region? How does brokenness renew our devotion to Christ?

5. Usually when something is broken it loses its value. But in the Scripture pain leads to a platform for ministry. How does brokenness fuel a sense of urgency and call us to be a part of the solution? How does the greatest ministry come from our greatest misery?

Pray: Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. Pray that God would give you the eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand the brokenness in you and around you. Don’t be afraid to ask the difficult but necessary questions.

Memorize/Meditate: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Dangerous Prayers Part one: Search Me

Most of us pray safe prayers, “Lord help me, bless me, provide for me, care for me.” But when we understand that God knows our every fear and frustration, motive and movement, we not only grasp the vastness of His heart for us, but we also begin to fully comprehend the depths of our need for Him. Only then do our prayers move from the safety of “Help me”, to the life-changing prayers of “search me and change me.” ~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever done anything dangerous? Share your story. How does reward encourage the risk of danger?

Read: Psalm 139; Jeremiah 17; Hebrews 4:14-5:10; 1 John 1:1-10

Discuss:

1. What would you consider “safe” prayers? Have you ever prayed “safe” prayers? What keeps us from praying bold, faith-filled prayers? Describe the context of Psalm 139. Who is David and what are some of the things that David accomplished in his life?

2. Psalm 139 is filled with deep theological truths. In the opening six verses of Psalm 139, there are eight different Hebrew words that tell us about what God does. As you read through Psalm 139, what attributes of God’s character stands out to you? How does each of these observations demonstrate God’s knowledge of you personally? How does it make you feel to know that God knows everything about you and is present at all times in your life?

3. In Psalm 139:19-22, David turns from focusing on God’s character to asking God to slay the wicked around him. What is an imprecatory Psalm? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like God needed to do more?

4. This Psalm ends in a way you wouldn’t expect. David makes a sudden shift from focusing on his enemies to focusing on himself. In what ways is our greatest threat not what happening “out there” but what’s happening “in here” (our hearts)? In what ways are our hearts deceitful?

5. What fearful thoughts and sinful tendencies currently overwhelm your mind and occupy your activity? How does surrendering our thoughts, even hidden thoughts, and confessing our sins, even our hidden sins, help us live righteously and eternally focused? How would this type of prayer change the way we view and live in our culture? If Christians prayed this way, what impact would it make in our church and community?

Pray: Ask God to search you, reveal your fears, and uncover your sins. Pray that you would see that your greatest threat is not what is happening “out there” but what is happening “in you.” Pray that you would have the courage to take the step that God is asking you to take right now.

Memorize/Meditate: Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

Christmas Feels: Anger & Awe

When Jesus came to earth every person had to respond to His presence in some fashion. Unfortunately, runaway emotions can get in the way of our ability to respond, because Christ’s work can become blurred by the confusion of how we feel. We get so consumed with protecting our own kingdoms that seem to be constantly under attack, that we fail to see His Kingdom as our ultimate pursuit. So, our emotions must always be put into check by the awe and wonder of a Kingdom that beckons us to deeper purpose and greater living.~ Pastor Dave

Open: Have you ever been angry with someone or something at Christmas? Share your story.

Read: Matthew 2:1-23; Proverbs 14:29-30, 15:1, 18, 16:32, 29:11; Ephesians 4:26-27; James 1:19

Discuss:

1. How have you observed anger displayed recently? Is anger in and of itself wrong? Why or why not? How does the incarnation show us that it is possible to be both good AND angry? What makes anger go wrong?

2. Who is Herod? How did he become King? Why does Christ’s birth make him so angry? “Angry is when someone or something has invaded our perceived kingdom.” Do you agree with this statement? What are the things that make you most angry? How does anger reveal what’s going on beneath the surface of our hearts?

3. How do the chief priests and scribes demonstrate apathy and passivity concerning the news of Christ (Matthew 2:4-6)? How did this apathy become anger later in the gospels? How can apathy be another way anger is demonstrated?

4. Who are the “magi” or “wise men”? What are some of the misconceptions concerning them? How does awe serve as the anecdote to anger? In what way has your view of God (Jesus) affected your anger?

5. Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Paul tells us that we should not stay angry, i.e., “do not let the sun go down on your anger” and gives us a spiritual reason for why: “and give no opportunity to the devil”. Why would Satan love for us to allow our anger to linger and stick around? What does anger do to us when we allow it to linger? Any examples in your own life?

6. What are some ways that we can deal with our anger? What is the value of being “slow to anger” (James 1:19)?

Pray: Pray that you would be so in awe of Christ, that your heart would settle and your faith would be strengthened by the fact that no matter what is happening around you, God is accomplishing His plan.

Memorize/Meditate: Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27