Discussion starters: 

1. How do you feel when you get something wrong?

   • Are there common emotional reactions that you’ve noticed in yourself? 

   • Are these emotional responses the same or different when others get things wrong?

2. Read John 21, and particularly consider the way Jesus reinstates Peter in what he was asking him to do. What stands out to you in this interaction? 

3. Spend some time looking at the colour-wheel of your life (open here), to consider your own life and something God may be highlighting to you. Steve suggested that on this colour wheel,  

   • Where your relationship with GOD and OTHERS intersects determines what you do with your RESOURCES. 

   • Where your relationship to SELF and GOD intersects determines DIRECTION. 

   • Where your relationship with SELF and OTHERS intersects determines life RHYTHMS. 

4. is there somewhere that you are living out of alignment? (This may be brought to your attention by one of the questions below, or simply as you reflect on this area) 

5. What might it take to step back toward love in this area of life? 

—-

1. GOD: Knowing God as Father, trust, freedom to express, honesty, feeling of acceptance / resistance 

+ Do I experience God as embracing of me, or disappointed in me?  

+ How honest am I able to be with him?  

+ Are there barriers to trust I don’t know what to do about?   

2. OTHERS: Your closest relationships - partner, family, key friendships  

+ Is there anyone I’m avoiding or withdrawing from?  

+ Where am I expecting someone else to carry something I won’t face in myself?  

+ Am I becoming more open and loving, or closed and self-protective?  

3. SELF: Your inner life - Emotions, anxiety, self-talk, shame, joy, peace  

+ What do I do with difficult feelings?  

+ Where do I feel shame, and how does it shape my behaviour?  

+ Am I becoming more integrated and free, or more divided and hidden?  

4. RESOURCES: energy, abilities, possessions, money: generosity, contentment  

+ What role does money play in my sense of security or worth?   

+ Am I living with a posture of grasping or trusting?   

+ Am I intentional and joyful in giving of what I have, or reactive, or reluctant?  

5. DIRECTION: Desires, calling, priorities, what you’re aiming toward  

+ Do I live with a sense of quiet contentment, or quiet dissatisfaction?  

+ What desires keep surfacing that I’m ignoring or suppressing?  

+ Am I making decisions based on a sense of purpose, comfort, or fear?  

6. RHYTHMS: Work, rest, sleep, phone use, habits- what your days actually look like.  

+ What consistently drains me, and what currently restores me?  

+ Am I living at a sustainable pace, or always falling behind and catching up?  

+ Where do I resist work, or rest, or my responsibilities, and why? 

Discussion starters:

On Sunday we had the joy of hearing from Hannah and Janelle, and witnessing their baptisms, then Steve shared some of the areas where his faith has changed as he has grown. If you have questions from what Steve shared, you may wish to raise these first, then turn to condier changes in your own life with these questions:

1. Where has your faith actually changed over time, and where has it stayed exactly the same?

2. What part of following Jesus currently feels like “life-giving water”, and what part feels blocked, dry, or avoided?

3. When you think about trusting Jesus (not just believing in him), what feels hardest to surrender right now?

4. Where might your faith have become more about comfort or control than about actually following Jesus’ way?

5. If your life were a “river,” where do you sense an obstacle right now? As you consider this obstacle, are you trying to force through it, avoid it, or let God reshape your path around it?

DISCUSSION STARTERS

1. Paul gives a simple instruction in Romans 15:7. What reflections arise from your experience and observation of the church’s practice of this? 

2. What reasons cause a person to be marginalised in society and church?  What motivates us to do this, and what benefits do we feel by this action?  What is the impact upon those labelled or excluded?

3. Jesus prioritised ‘mercy’ as central to his teaching and actions in bringing the kingdom of God.  Consider Matthew 5:7; 9:9-13; 12:7; 23:23 and Luke 18:13 with Matthew 21:31. Why do you think he considers this as central for life and faithfulness?  What is it to be merciful?  How do you find doing it yourself – giving and receiving; struggling and flourishing?

4. As we traced the progression of inclusion through the book of Acts, what do you think of the metaphor of a stone of mercy thrown into a pond by God in the person of Jesus, the impact of which is ever widening circles of inclusion?  What are the strengths and potential pitfalls of this picture?  How wide should the circles of inclusion go? 

5. What do you feel God is saying to us today through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40?  (You might also factor in the background of Lev 21:16-23; Dt 23:1, and Isa 56:3-8).

6. In Peter’s struggle to change described in Acts 10 & 11, what actually helped him to shift?  What does this suggest to you about how we might grow in our inclusion of people we ‘other’? 

7. What do you think ‘inclusion’ actually looks like in practice?  When can we mistakenly think we are being inclusive, but actually the person in view doesn’t feel this? 

8. What actions might help our church community respond well to both the warning against exclusion, and the joy of merciful inclusion, motivated by the gospel? 

9. Karl Barth, in The Humanity of God, wrote: “This much is certain, that we have no theological right to set any sort of limits to the loving-kindness of God which has appeared in Jesus Christ. Our theological duty is to see and understand it as being still greater than we had seen before.”.  What is your response to this statement? 

Discussion Starters

1. Watch this video from Circle of Security Parenting.  https://vimeo.com/145329119 What reflections do you have on ‘being with’ and ‘shark music’? 

2. What does ‘NOT being with’ look like in parenting and other relationship responses? 

3. Applying the idea of ‘being with’ and ‘shark music’ to our relationship with God our Father – what feelings do you have in relating with God as ‘child’; what do you believe are God’s feelings and responses to any ‘shark music’ he experiences with us? 

4. In 1 Samuel 15 the prophet announces to Saul that the Lord has torn the kingship of Israel from him and given it to another (David).  Against Saul’s plea for mercy, in verse 29 Samuel makes an absolute statement that God never changes his mind/regrets/repents (depending upon your English translation).  Yet this is flatly contradicted by the writer in verses 11 and 35 of this same chapter, where the same Hebrew word is used to say God does in fact do this.  What do you think the writer is teaching us about God, and about how different people understand and represent him?  What lessons does this have for us today?

5. Trace the progression of relationship between Israel and God depicted in Hosea 6:4-7; 7:13-16; 9:17; 11:1-9.  How are we taken into the internal emotional life of God through these provocative expressions, and what do we learn about God’s changes here?

6. Reading Isaiah 55:6-9; Malachi 3:6-7 and Jeremiah 18:7-10, in what ways is God different to us, and in what ways does God change and not change?

7. Compare how Joel (Joel 2:12-13), Moses (Numbers 14:17-20; and especially Jonah (Jonah 3:1-4; 3:8-10; and 4:1-4) respond to the common refrain of God’s unchanging mercy causing him to change and be merciful to people who have angered him.  What should we take from these responses for our own relationships with God?

8. What questions are you left asking after this study?  How might you go about wrestling with them? 

1. Our beliefs about God, ourselves, and other people are shaped by past experiences, family, culture, or pain. What are some beliefs you’ve inherited or absorbed that you’ve had to re-examine in light of Jesus? Are there any you have left unexamined?

2. The father in Mark 9 says, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Where do you currently feel tension between what you say you believe about God and what you emotionally struggle to trust Him with?

3. The idea of the “extended mind” suggests our environment shapes our spiritual life. What habits, media, routines, or environments in your daily life are currently shaping your mind toward or away from God?

4. Romans 12:2 calls believers to be “transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Practically speaking, what could it look like to intentionally renew your mind and become more open to God changing you and your beliefs?

• Reads Acts 15:1-22

• Dicken suggested that many theological arguments aren’t just about theology, but also driven by fear, identity, and social pressures. In Acts 15, the debate over circumcision was connected to Jewish identity and survival.
  What modern Christian debates do you think are shaped by deeper emotional, cultural, or political fears beneath the theology? How can recognising those hidden motives change the way we engage with disagreement?

• How might we discern the difference between faithful compromise for the sake of love, and unhealthy compromise that loses Christian distinctiveness? Can you think of situations where Christians might reasonably apply truth differently?

• When have you encountered Christians or churches that made you uncomfortable or skeptical? What did that experience reveal about your own assumptions, fears, or limitations?

• Dicken suggested that encountering people different from us can act like a “mirror,” exposing blind spots and expanding our understanding of God’s kingdom.
  What kinds of people or perspectives are hardest for you to listen to openly? What practical habits could help us remain humble and teachable without abandoning core convictions?

• How can Christians pursue unity and humility while still making meaningful truth claims about theology, ethics, and discipleship?

1. About 50 days after Jesus was resurrected the Holy Spirit breaks out onto Jesus followers in a spectacular way. This is described in Acts 2 (v1-3) as a rushing wind, (or violent wind, or a mighty wind) which fills the whole house and tongues of fire resting on the Apostles.

   When you read this description, what feelings does it evoke in you?

2. The people who witnessed this event were discombobulated (i.e. confused) by it. The apostle Peter explains these events quoting the Prophet Joel 2 :28-32 

   "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams, even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my spirit in those days and they will prophesy." 

   What does it mean for Christian people to prophesy?

3. If you think the Holy Spirit wants you to tell someone something, how do you verify that you are being prompted by the Holy Spirit?

4. It says in the first sentence of Acts 2 

   "All of them were gathered in one place" 

   "them" in this context is probably the 12 disciples (they had previously elected Matthias to replace Judas). Does this communal context have implications for the way we Prophesy? Do we prophesy as individuals or a community? 

5. Are there any dreams which the Holy Spirit might be prompting us with for the people we know in 2026 and beyond?

6. How do we support the young people at GBC if they have a vision from the Holy Spirit?

Read John 3:1-20

1. Nicodemus was highly educated, widely respected, and deeply religious, yet Jesus told him he needed to be “born again”. What do you think Jesus was challenging in Nicodemus' understanding of himself and his relationship with God?

2. Jesus says that seeing and entering into God's kingdom comes through being “born of water and the Spirit” rather than through status, achievement, or heritage. What does this suggest about what it means to become part of God's family?

3. If being born again is the beginning of a new life with God, what practices or habits help us learn to live and grow up as members of God's family?

4. Looking at your own life, where do you sense God inviting you not merely to know more about him, but to trust him more deeply and join in his transforming work here and/or around the world?

DISCUSSION STARTERS:

1.  In Romans 12:1 Paul radically changes ‘worship’ or ‘service’ of God for the church.  How is this different from what we see in the First Testament for Israel – consider who, how, what, when, where, why, focus, means, outcomes etc

2. In Romans 12:2 Paul describes the ongoing transformation which sustains such worship, and the consequences for us in daily life.  What is he saying?  What does this look like in your life at opre4sent?

3. If the primary focus of corporate worship is in fact encountering God and one another in ways which edify, equip, and encourage us to live lives in service of God each day (compare e.g. 1 Cor 14:26; Eph 4:11-16; Rom 15:2; 1 Cor 3:10-17 and ‘building one another up’) how might we better connect our Sundays & Life Group gatherings to our scattering through the week as worshipful service?  What might you receive and give to assist us all changing our church for mission through integrating our routines?

4. In Romans 12:3-8 Paul pictures our ‘body life’ as church.  What is he imploring us to understand and do in these verses?  How do you think about yourself as part of the group and what roles might you play united together alongside others in your weekly activities? 

5. What practical actions can you take to enable our church’s better working as a supportive team activating our body life, changing our church for mission through the diverse involvement of all?  What might assist or hamper you in taking these steps?  How might you assist or hamper others in doing the same?

6. In Romans 12:9-13 Paul urges serving others in outward-focussed activity empowered by God as our new pattern of life, giving practical examples of what authentic love looks like in action.  What is the key characteristic in living in this way? 

7. How might we build better collaboration with others in generous serving love in all places, changing our church for mission through outwardly focused partnerships?  Why might supporting our existing passions and networks rather than generating buy-in for disconnected projects facilitate genuine partnership?  How could we identify the strengths we currently have within our church community to address needs in the world, in synergy with other partners?

Changing well in the garage, in the garden, and as we go.

2 Peter 1:3-12

1. Peter says that God has given us "everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). What do you think Peter means by this? How might this shape our understanding of spiritual growth?

2. Peter tells believers to "make every effort" to add these qualities to their faith (vv. 5–7). How do God's provision (vv. 3–4) and human effort (vv. 5–7) fit together in the Christian life?

3. Looking at the list in verses 5–7, why do you think Peter begins with faith and ends with love?

4. Peter repeatedly encourages believers to keep growing. How is Christian growth similar to the growth of a garden? What might God be growing in you at this season of life?

5. (Optional: If your Life Group has established high-trust relationships): How have you seen God growing another member of the group? Or how have you seen God at work growing your church or community of faith?

6. Peter writes to remind believers of truths they already know (v. 12). What truths about God do you most need to be reminded of at this season of life? How can remembering these truths help prevent us from becoming "nearsighted or blind" (v. 9)?

7. The sermon suggested three reminders:

   • God has already given you what you need for a good and godly life (the garage).

   • God is growing you (the garden).

   • God goes with you (as you go).

   Which of these reminders speaks most strongly to your current circumstances and why?

   8. What words of thanksgiving or prayer arise from your Life Group discussion today?

1. What might it look like to find one’s identity in Christ?

2. Since you turned toward Jesus, in which areas has your thinking changed? Could you share an example?

3. Have you noticed any signs that the Holy Spirit has been at work in you? Would you tell us about what you notice?

Changing Well – Philippians 4:4–7

Life isn't always easy, and following Jesus doesn't mean we always feel joyful. Paul wrote these verses from prison, reminding us that rejoicing in the Lord is about trusting God, even in the middle of suffering. God welcomes our doubts, our questions and our prayers, and he longs to meet us with a peace that goes deeper than our circumstances.

Discussion questions:

1. When you hear "Rejoice in the Lord always", what comes to mind? What do you think Paul is inviting us into?

2. Have you ever gone through a season where it felt difficult to trust God or even to pray? What helped, or what are you still wrestling with?

3. Do you ever feel pressure, from yourself, other Christians, or church culture, to always seem "okay" or positive? How do you think the Bible speaks into that?

4. What might it look like, practically, to bring your honest emotions to God this week instead of hiding them?

(Optional note for Life Group leaders: Some of these questions may touch on deeply personal experiences. Please only share what you feel comfortable sharing, and create space for others to do the same. If you'd rather reflect quietly, that's completely okay too.

If it fits your group, consider ending with 15 to 30 minutes of personal reflection or prayer. Whether your prayer is full of hope, questions, frustration or even silence, God welcomes your honest heart.)

Discussion Starters

1. Where in your life or your families lives has felt like a "detour" from God's plan? What do you think God used that path for in your life?

2. What are some roads we tend to avoid because they're uncomfortable, inconvenient, or don't fit with our own plans? How might Jesus respond?

3. How can we be more intentional about "mission" in everyday life?

4. The samaritan woman met Jesus in the middle of her everyday routine, and her shame. Not after her life was put together. Is there an area of your life where you're waiting to "fix yourself" before fully engaging with God? What would it look like to meet Him there instead?

Discussion starters:

1. Our future resurrection is a sign that God is renovating (not evacuating) this world. What are some areas in your day-to-day life where you are tempted to evacuate, and might seek to renovate instead?

2. Think of the skills and talents has God blessed you with. What it might look like for you to use them in the future age, and how might you also use those talents to serve people here and now?

3. Can you recall a situation in which you were helped by someone who didn't get to see the fruit of their work?

4. What sort of work are you doing that you might not get to see the fruit of? (Remember work does not have to be about employment)

5. Prayer exercises:

   Ask that God might use the work you give him for good, even if you don't see it.

   Pray for God’s work in Myanmar (where Gordon Baptist's giving is focused in partnership with Baptist World Aid): especially for an end to the civil war, for the safety of the thousands of refugees, and for churches and aid groups who operate under very dangerous conditions.