These questions are a follow-up from the Sermon “Fruitful Children” on October 27th by Rev. Chris. 

Read John 15: 1-11

1. What do you think Jesus means by the word “abide” and how is that illustrated through the image of the vineyard and the gardener in this passage? Why did Jesus choose this illustration when talking with his disciples? 

2. How does the image of pruning help us understand what God’s intent is with allowing us to go through difficult seasons? How do you react in times of pruning? Does this passage help you think differently about-facing affliction? 

3. Jesus mentioned that when we bear fruit, we prove to be his disciples. What does bearing fruit look like and how does it glorify God (John 15:8)? What fruits of the Spirit are present in your life (Galatians 5: 22-23)? Have the inner graces of the Spirit within you produced outward fruit? 

4. What is the connection between abiding in Christ and experiencing joy (John 15:11)? Is your joy complete? If not, why?

This Preachers Blog is based on Rev. Kim Salo's sermon titled "What is the Spirit Saying to the Church" from Sunday, Oct. 20.

1. Read John 10:1-5,27-30. How do we know if a voice we hear is from Jesus, or some other source, whether in print, TV, social media, or spoken in our hearing? 

2. When you are with someone and pray for them, what are some of the ways your prayer is guided? Which gifts of the Spirit have you used in vocal prayer for someone?

3. Which of the gifts of the Holy Spirit have you experienced as directed to your church?Think of prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge, miracles, healings, wisdom, discernment of spirits.

4. Why is the church's gathering for worship the ideal time to exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Why is it potentially dangerous to prophesy apart from the church body?

This week's Preacher's Blog is by Rev Susan Salo and is based on her sermon of October 13th, "Give Thanks".

Luke 17:11-19
1. It is said 10 men were healed but only one was saved. Discuss.
2. How does thanking God make a difference in your own everyday life? 
3. The tenth leper came back to Jesus, fell at Jesus' feet and thanked him. How is this worship?
4. Jesus told the leper his faith had made him well. How? Did the other lepers who were healed have faith as well?
5. Why do you think Jesus told the lepers to go show themselves to the priests? What would change for them if they were declared healed?

Based on the sermon of the same title by Lynne McCarthy, October 6/24

1. Read the passage in 1 Corinthians 12 that lists the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Then consider, have you heard any of the three gifts (wisdom, word of knowledge, discernment of spirits) being used publicly? What was your reaction?

2. From the sermon, what struck you about these gifts? Which one would you ask God’s Spirit to give you? Why?

3. Has the Lord prompted you in any way to ask for a spiritual gift, as you began to learn about them? What was your response?

4. In your group or privately, ask the Lord to provide you or members of your group with one of the gifts.

The following questions are a follow-up from the Real Lives Service on September  29th.
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Read Proverbs 3: 5-8

1. What is the connection between trusting God and obeying God? What does it mean to trust God with all your heart?
2. Do you merely agree with the Bible, or do you obey the Bible? How do you respond when God’s Word contradicts what you want to be true?
3. When was the last time you took a risk to obey Christ? When was the last time your life looked starkly different from the life of someone who does not trust Jesus at all?