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Copy of The God Experiment Slide-Title Only

The God Experiment | Week 2

 

The God Experiment Week 2

 

Welcome to Week Two of The God Experiment! During these 12-weeks, we are personally testing the extreme nature of God and talking about it with others.  Building on Pastor Josh’s weekend message, we will be unpacking his content and taking it further. Feel free to use this guide or change it to fit the dynamics of your unique huddle. Reminder: While people can journey at their own pace, Monday (January 10) starts Week Two of The God Experiment. Pastor Josh will be teaching on the weekends and huddles will be written on this schedule. In this discussion, we will be unpacking Revelation 4. For study help or explanations, we found THIS link to be helpful.  

Icebreaker: Getting the conversation started. 

  1. In your daily readings, do you have any “ah-ha” moments, questions, or challenges to what you’ve been reading? Maybe share something you wrote in the “Seek and Simmer”section for this week – pages 43 & 44. (Reminder: Major themes of Week One include God’s goodness and forgiveness.)
  2. Optional: Need something lighter to open your huddle? Try this…What was a meal or side dish that you were forced to eat growing up?

Focus Questions: Going deeper together.  

  1. Pastor Josh opened his weekend’s message on the theme of eternity. Do you remember your earliest thoughts of eternity? How has that changed over the years? (Note: If you are leading a huddle of not-yet believers or skeptics, think about asking a more general icebreaker: People have different views about eternity. What are your thoughts on this?)
  2. In Isaiah 6, we get a front row seat to the prophet Isaiah getting a greater glimpse of God. Has God ever given you a greater glimpse of who He is? If so, what do you think God was trying to show you through that experience? 
  3. Turn to Revelation 4. Similar to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, the apostle John is invited to get a glimpse of God in heaven. As we read John’s description, be looking for what detail or aspect stands out to you the most. (Ask for a volunteer to read Revelation 4:1-11.) 
  4. What detail or aspect of John’s description stands out the most to you? (Pastor Jeff’s favorite: The encircled rainbow in verse 3. A circle rainbow?! Amazing!)
  5. In verse 3, John uses the phrase “had the appearance of” and in verses 6 he writes the phrase “what looked like.” He even had to take his best guess at what the four living creatures looked like in verse 7. In many ways, John was finding it difficult to explain all that he was seeing. What does this teach us about God?
  6. In this season, why do you personally need to hear these truths today?
  7.  Pastor Josh taught us this weekend that when God gives us a glimpse of Himself, we benefit with a renewed purpose (Remember Isaiah? “Send me!”). What purpose or Kingdom assignment can we gain from this incredible picture of God in Revelation 4?

Final Challenge: This week we are discovering that God is all-powerful, all-places, and all-knowing (pg 54-62 of The God Experiment)! Matthew 7:7 and James 4:2 call us up to boldly ask for God to show up and show off. Believe it today, ask for it today, and experience it this week. 

Close by praying for one another and gathering names/contact information for your weekly report. 

 

 
   
   

 

 
   
   
   
   

 

 




Copy of The God Experiment Slide-Title Only

The God Experiment | Week 1

 

The God Experiment Week 1

 

Welcome to week one of The God Experiment! Over the next 12 weeks, we will be personally testing the extreme nature of God and talking about it with others.  Building on Pastor Josh’s kickoff message in this study, we will be getting you and your crew set up for the adventure ahead. Reminder: While people can journey at their own pace, Pastor Josh clarified that Day ONE of The God Experiment is Monday, January 3. He will be teaching on the weekends and huddles will be written on this schedule.  

Icebreaker: Getting the conversation started. 

  1. Would you describe yourself as a cautious person or an “all-in/caution to the wind” type person? How do you know? 
  2. With this in mind, what would it look like for you to go “all-in” on The God Experiment? 

Focus Questions: Going deeper together.  

  1. Optional: In your daily readings, do you have any “ah-ha” moments, questions, or challenges to what you’ve been reading?
  2. Turn to page 19 of The God Experiment. Read Proverbs 25:2 and the next five paragraphs together (ending with the bolded sentence on page 20).
  3. The first month of The God Experiment is all about experiencing the character traits of God. What aspect of God’s character do you feel you have experienced the most in your life? What aspect are you longing to experience in this season? (If you have “not-yet believers” or skeptics in this group, feel free to customize this question a bit.)
  4. Let’s take time today to focus on one aspect of His character: His goodness. Read Lamentations 3:22-26 together. 
  5. This passage comes after a long lament (writing of complaint to God). In the midst of a difficult season for the author, what truths about God is he anchoring his heart to?
  6. In verse 24, we see the author preaching to himself. (Reread) What does “the Lord is my portion” mean to you? Why is this important?
  7. What do we experience when we “wait quietly” for Him (v26)? What could God produce in our lives if this became a regular practice?

Final Challenge: Press in and push the limits this week as you dive into the daily readings of The God Experiment. Experience it yourself and look for ways to remind others about who He is. 

Close by praying for one another and gathering names/contact information for your weekly report. 

 

 
   
   

 

 
   
   
   
   

 

 




ADVENT 2.2

Advent | Joy

 

Advent Joy

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. Building on Pastor Josh’s message in the Advent series on joy, we will be diving into a chapter mentioned this last weekend – Hebrews 12. 

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on Hebrews 12:1-17.  

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

ADVENT 2.2

Advent | Love

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Advent Love

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. Building on Pastor Josh’s message in the Advent series on love, we will be diving into one of the most famous chapters of all time – 1 Corinthians 13.

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on 1 Corinthians 13. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional BONUS Questions

  1. Look through the descriptions of love in verses 4-7. List the things love “does.” Then list the things love “does not do.” 
  2. In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between our culture’s understanding of love and a Biblical understanding of love described in this passage?
  3. After verse 7, Paul launches into talking about spiritual gifts. Love is the backdrop of all the spiritual gifts. Great faith, acts of service, and miracle-working power produce very little without love. When you consider your own spiritual gifts, how can love fuel them to produce greater Kingdom results? (Leaders tip: If spiritual gifts are a new concept for your huddle, turn to 1 Corinthians 12. You can also search Spiritual Gifts Test in your App store and challenge everyone to take a quick assessment.)
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

ADVENT 2.2

Advent | Peace

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Advent Peace

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. Building on Pastor Josh’s message in the Advent series on peace, we will be diving into Paul’s letter to the Romans on peace in Romans 5.

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on Romans 5. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional Bonus Questions

  1. In verse one, justification (God removing condemnation and the penalty for sin through Jesus) leads to peace (or reconciliation) with God. In your opinion, why does Paul make a connection between sin, our standing with God, and peace? Is a lack of peace always connected to sin?
  2. In verse 12-18, what are the similarities and differences of Adam and Jesus? 
  3. As disciples of Jesus, we are bearers of peace and are called to declare peace over obstacles, chaos, and fear. What opportunities do you have to declare peace over your life this week?
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

ADVENT 2.2

Advent | Hope

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Advent Hope

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. Building on our kickoff message in the Advent series on hope, we will be diving into 1 Peter 1.

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on 1 Peter 1. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional Bonus Questions

  1. This passage was written to first century Christians enduring fierce persecution. How would v.1-12 help Christians in these situations? 
  2. Is rejoicing in trials an unrealistic expectation? If not, what would it look like in our lives?
  3. In what ways does your hope for the future change your daily life?
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   

 

 

 

Faith that Moves Graphic

Faith That Moves | Week 5

 

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. With Pastor Josh’s message on the danger of unbelief, we will be diving into Hebrews 3.

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on Hebrew 3. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional Bonus Questions

  1. What does it mean to “harden your heart?” What does a soft heart look like? Why does this matter so much to God?
  2. In what area of your life, do you need greater faith – a faith that God can move mountains and do the impossible?
  3. How can we fire up faith in our lives this week?
 

 
   
   

 

 
   
   
   
   

 

 




Faith that Moves Graphic

When God Seems Far Away

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. With Pastor Jeff’s message When God Seems Far Away, we will build on that message by diving into 2 Corinthians 4. This is the Apostle Paul’s instruction to the church in Corinth to not lose heart and to persevere under difficulties.

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on 2 Corinthians 4. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional Bonus Questions

  1. Satan is hard at work to blind the minds of unbelievers from God’s truth (v.4). As disciples of Jesus, what are some of the best ways to help them see the light of Jesus?
  2. Reread verses 8-12. What effect did these sufferings have on the way people see Christ in Paul? Why is pain necessary to spiritual growth?
  3. Paul closes the chapter by calling all followers of Jesus to focus on eternal things. What area of life are you most tied to earthly things? What can we do to help shift our focus to eternal things?




Faith that Moves Graphic

Faith That Moves | Week 3

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. On the heels of baptism Sunday at Lakeland, we will be taking a closer look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3. 

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on Matthew 3. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional Bonus Questions

  1. For those that have taken the step of “believer’s baptism” (a baptism where you made the decision to be baptized because of a personal faith in Jesus), share your baptism story. Why was this an important decision in your faith journey? 
  2. John the Baptist carried with him a message of repentance. How did this prepare the way for the Lord? If you had to explain repentance to someone who had no experience of Christianity, what would you say?
  3. Reread Matthew 3:8. What a sobering reminder! Beyond our words and religious activities, God is interested in the condition of our hearts and faith that is lived out. How are you aligning your heart with God’s heart this week?  
  4. In your opinion, why was it important for Jesus to be baptized (even though He was sinless)?




Faith that Moves Graphic

Faith That Moves | Week 2

The Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method uses eight foundational questions meant to encourage, connect, discover, apply, and multiply. It is being used by God’s people all over the world. DBS is making new disciples of Jesus and training them to guide others in the discovery of Biblical truth. Based on Pastor Josh’s teaching this weekend, we are diving into the whole chapter of James 4 in our Impact Communities. 

Connection: Let’s follow up from last week.

  1. What wins did you have this past week?
  2. What wins are you hoping to have this coming week?

Discovery Bible Study on James 4. Leaders, see optional bonus questions below to get into the Bible passage even more. 

  1. What do you like about this passage?
  2. What is confusing about this passage?
  3. What does this passage say about God?
  4. What does this passage say about us/humanity?
  5. How do we obey this passage?
  6. Who else needs to hear this passage?

Optional Bonus Questions

  1. According to James 4:2-3, why do we find it difficult to trust God with areas of conflict? How have you seen this play out in your own life?
  2. Why do you think James is emphasizing so much the need to avoid arguments and to resolve conflicts? Why is this so important?
  3. Reread verses 13-16. All of us are just one heartbeat away from eternity. If you lived your life in light of that reality, in what ways would your life be different this week? Have you been putting off doing something you know you should do? Share one example.




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