Welcome to The Chair at CRC.
"Going deeper in our relationship with God"

Sunday, December 18, 2022

  1. Read Luke 2:8-12.
  2. Do you feel like it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of Christmas and miss the glory of the Lord in the process? Explain a bit.
  3. The angel said about the news of Jesus being born that, “it’s good news that will cause great joy for all the people…” Who are some people who you are praying for to receive this “good news?”
  4. Spend time in prayer as you prepare your heart to receive all that Christ longs to give you this Christmas season.

Sunday, December 11, 2022

  1. Read Luke 1:26-38.
  2. Why do you believe Mary was so troubled by the angel’s greeting? “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
  3. What does this text show you about the character of God?
  4. Do you struggle with feeling like you are unqualified to serve God? If so, how do you deal with that?
  5. Pastor John pointed out that Mary’s story doesn’t get easier after she encounters the angel – but it actually gets harder. If someone were to come up to you and say, “Life has gotten progressively more difficult after giving my life to God.” How could you use this text to assure them that God has not abandoned them?
  6. Spend a moment in prayer for whatever or whoever God has laid on your heart.

Sunday, November 13, 2022

  1. Read Philippians 4:4-10 – prior to reading spend time praying for the Spirit to teach you according to the Father’s will.
  2. If you were to rate where you’re at on the “Peace Scale” from 1-10, where would you rate your current season of life? Remember peace is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit.
  3. What requests have you been lifting up to God recently? Also, what requests have you been holding back?
  4. We were challenged to “think more…not less.” Take a moment and consider your position in this world. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), you are created in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and your life has a purpose (1 Pet 2:9). 
  5. Take a moment to pray and marvel over who God is. Lift up any requests you have to him because he cares for you (1 Pet 5:7).

Sunday, October 30, 2022

  1. Read 2 Peter 1:1-11.
  2. Do you ever struggle to believe that you have everything you need to live a godly life through the Holy Spirit (verse 3)? Think about that for a moment…
  3. When you look at verses 5-7 in 2 Peter 1, what do you think you need to ask God for more of as it relates to you and your ONE?
  4. Have you been through a season of being ineffective and unproductive in Christ (verse 8)? I think we all have. If so, can you relate to the analogy of the tree that hasn’t been cared for (pruning in particular)?
  5. Take a moment and pray as the Spirit leads you over your ONE and your relationship with them. If you feel prompted, reach out to them.

Sunday, October 23, 2022

  1. Read Luke 9:23 & Luke 14:28-33.
  2. When you consider the cost of being a disciple (follower/apprentice of Christ), what stands out in those verses? What's exciting, fearful, etc?
  3. When you consider having a ONE, have you considered "the cost?" (what it will cost you emotionally, time-wise, etc.)
  4. Who is your ONE? Spend time in prayer for them. Pray that God would continue to open doors in your friendship with them. If you don't have a ONE, spend time praying about those who God has placed around you that you could befriend. "Grow where you're planted."

Sunday, October 16, 2022

  1. Read Luke 15:1-7.
  2. In verse 4 Jesus says, “Doesn’t he (the Shepherd) leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” Take a moment and consider Jesus’ pursuit of you in your life when you were lost. If you’re in a group, talk about it with others.
  3. We watched a two-part video in service about a boy named Malachi. He was diagnosed with cancer and given about 17 months to live. If you had 17 months to live, how much different would the “Who’s Your One” initiative be for you?
  4. Do you have a ONE? If so, who is it? Take a moment and pray for them. After praying, reach out to them (text, call, schedule coffee, etc.).

Sunday, October 9, 2022

  1. Pray and specifically ask God to reveal to you his heart through his Word. Read Luke 5:17-26.
  2. Consider your current friendships. Are any of your friends in need of a relationship with Jesus?
  3. What is the name or the names of your friends who are in need of a relationship with Jesus? Write them down. If you don’t have anyone, take a few moments and pray about the people God has placed around you. Who of those people may God be calling you to befriend? Then write the name(s) down.
  4. The friends of the paralytic sought to meet their friend’s physical need by bringing him to Jesus. In doing that, Jesus met the paralytic’s spiritual need first, then he met his physical need. In your friendships, do you see the spiritual need of your friends as such a great importance?
  5. Spend time praying for God to stir your heart up for those who are lost around you. Then pray over each name that you had written down. After praying, consider reaching out to them (perhaps for coffee, lunch, hanging out watching football, etc.) and pray that God would open a door (or a roof) for Gospel-conversating to come up.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

  1. Peter said, “Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17b) What are some ways that you may have been standing in God’s way (either recently or in the past)?
  2. Pastor John talked about people who we deem almost unreachable. Are there people who in your heart you have lacked the hope of salvation for? What people or people groups are they?
  3. In Acts 10 and 11 God reveals a word to Cornelius and Peter. Can you name a time where God put something on your heart and it was later confirmed? If so, how did that change the way you see God?
  4. We want to be a church that prays, “Lead us to the people and places you are already at work in.” Who are some people that God may be calling you to join him in reaching?
  5. Take some time and pray for those individuals and pray for compassion to reach them as God desires.

Sunday, September 11, 2022

  1. Read Acts 15:1-2, 5-11, 12-19.
  2. In what you just read, what was ‘the drift’ that the church leaders were tempted with?
  3. What are some ways the church has made it difficult for people who are turning to God?
  4. Pastor John mentioned the remedy to this is “Joining with God.” What are some ways that you can join with God in the work that He longs to do in this season?
  5. Spend time in prayer and discernment regarding what it is that God may be calling you to join Him in.

Sunday, July 17, 2022

  1. Read Luke 18:1-8.
  2. What is something or who someone that you have persistently prayed for that you may have grown weary praying for recently?
  3. Is prayer something you schedule or simply something you get to if you have time in this season?
  4. Spend time praying for God to stir your heart for something or someone he may be calling you to persist for in prayer in this season.

Sunday, May 1, 2022

  1. Read John 4:4-26.
  2. Consider something you have recently been invited to. What are some felt emotions that were present when you received that invitation?
  3. The text shares that Jews did not associate with Samaritans. Who are some people groups that some might say of us that we don't associate with?
  4. This Samaritan woman went back to the town to share this news of Jesus and "left her water jar." Perhaps she thought the water jar would have been an added weight. Are there any "added weights" that may be slowing you down from joyfully inviting others to meet Jesus?
  5. Take time and pray for the Holy Spirit to stir within you a culture of invitation.

Sunday, April 24, 2022

  1. Read Mark 6:1-6 / Rom 12:10
  2. The Bible calls us to honor God, our parents, and those in authority. Have you ever found it difficult to honor someone How could you honor someone regardless of differences you may have?
  3. Talk about a time when you’ve seen honor build someone up. Explain what happened if you’re able to.
  4. What are some ways you can be more intentional about honoring God and others in your life?
  5. Spend time in prayer regarding the topic of honor. Ultimately, the best honor flows from a heart that honors and reveres God above all.

Sunday, March 20, 2022

  1. Read Psalm 88.
  2. Can you recall a time where you really wanted to pray something but felt restricted due to fear of how God may respond to such a prayer? Talk about it as a group or consider it to yourself.
  3. Regarding culture in the church, what do you believe has held us back from allowing for the type of Psalm 88 prayers in our gathering?
  4. Pastor John mentioned the difference in responding to someone saying, “At least…” or “Me too.” Who in your life right now could God be calling you to respond with a “me too” type of love to?
  5. Spend time praying for that person and consider reaching out to them.

Sunday, March 13, 2022

  1. Read Psalm 61.
  2. What is a recent tragedy that you have had to live through?
  3. What is your natural response to tragedy (i.e. run from God, hide, anger, etc.)?
  4. Verses 1-2 in Ps 61 show David being completely vulnerable with God. In the tragedy from question 2, have you been able to share your heart in vulnerability with God? (I understand that being vulnerable with God can be difficult, consider looking at the following verses as you consider the love of God for you in Christ Jesus: 1 John 4:18, Romans 8:35-38, Ephesians 3:18-19, Psalm 5:11-12)
  5. Take a couple moments and spend time thanking God for his love, protection, and care for you. Share your whole self with him (i.e. “God, when this happened I felt ___________”).

Sunday, February 27, 2022

When reading Matthew 7: 21-23; one naturally looks inward at our own salvation. Jesus makes a distinction between those who are rejected because they rely on their works and those that are welcomed because He knows them.
1. Think of a close relationship in your life. Compare and contrast this relationship with your relationship with Jesus.
2. It can be a frightening thought to have Jesus say "depart from me you evil doers." Having confidence of our salvation can bring immense peace. Read 1 John 4: 7-19. According to scripture, how can we have confidence before Christ on the day of judgement?
3. What are ways that you can bear witness with others to show your relationship with Christ?
4. Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will teach us and remind us of His words. What words has the Holy Spirit used to turn your life around?

Sunday, February 13, 2022

  1. Read Hebrews 12:1-13.
  2. Is there a particular sin that is currently hindering you or weighing you down?
  3. How do you view God’s correction in your life?
  4. Are you determined to finish the race, regardless of what it may cost you?

Sunday, February 6, 2022

  1. Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7.
  2. Pastor John shared this in regards to “Cultural Christianity”, “Simply adhering to Christian values and norms, without a white-hot pursuit for Christ, a desire for reaching the next generation, and the lost world all around us – leads to rotten fruit on dying trees.” What are some tendencies that point toward us not being a white-hot Believer, but one who may be more of a “cultural Christian”?
  3. As you seek to build a deeper desire for the things of God in our lives personally, what area of life do you feel God is calling you to start at?
  4. Why do you believe the church has become so accepting of mediocrity, even with those who have been in the faith 20+ years? How can we as a church encourage people away from mediocrity in their Christian walk?
  5. Before that can happen, it’s vital that God is pouring into us first. Examine your current relationship with Christ and share with him everything. Then take some time and pray over who God may be calling you to pour into. Parents, your children should be at the top of that list. However, often times, we have margin for others as well. Consider who that person (or people) may be, pray for them, and reach out to them (the text may read, “Hey Steve! God put you on my heart and I’d love to meet up sometime soon. When could we get some coffee?).

Sunday, January 30, 2022

  1. Take a moment and pray. Then read 2 Corinthians 5:13-21.
  2. In verse 14 Paul says, “Christ’s love compels us…” In what ways has Christ’s love motivated you to live your life differently?
  3. Pastor John mentioned how different our lives would look if Christ’s love was the motivation that we pulled from in our relationships. Think of the current relationships you have in this season of life. What particular relationship could change the most if you pulled from Christ’s love more fervently?
  4. 2 Cor 5:17 reads, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Take a moment and list some of the radical transformation that God has accomplished for you. Start listing the ways in which you can see the fruit of the new creation bursting through in your life.
  5. We have been given the ministry and message of reconciliation as a church. In what ways may God be personally calling you to help partner with the church to continue to expand the ministry of reconciliation to the lost?

Sunday, January 2, 2022

  1. Read Acts 6:1-7
  2. In your own words, what does it mean to be a “leader?”
  3. What are the lies the enemy tells you in regards to leadership in your life?
  4. What are some truths that God and his word tell you in regards to the leader he calls you to be? (Prov 11:14, Matt 20:26-28, Luke 12:48)
  5. Leading often starts with seeing a need and meeting a need as we see in Acts 6. What needs are around you that God could be calling you to step up and meet for his glory?

Sunday, December 12, 2021

  1. Read Philippians 2:12-18
  2. Paul addresses the Philippians as “Dear Friends.” The original language defines this as “Beloved, dear, favorite, worthy of love.” When you’re overwhelmed do you see yourself as “beloved” or “worthy of love”? Think/talk about it a bit.
  3. Pastor John mentioned, “Your anxieties do not disqualify you from God’s work in our lives” (Phil 2:12-13). What lies have your anxieties or fear told you as it relates to God’s work in your life?
  4. In Phil 2:14 we are told to “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” What things have caused you to grumble or argue in this season? Do you need to reach out to anyone because of this.
  5. The body of Christ plays a HUGE role in going from “Overwhelmed to Overflowing.” Take a moment and thank God for the Believers who he has placed in your life to spill over into your life.

Sunday, November 28, 2021

  1. Read Philippians Chapter 1.
  2. How have you experienced the joy of the Lord throughout your week thus far?
  3. Our theme on Sunday was, “Finding joy in the trenches of life.” Do you feel as if you’re in the trench of life this season? Share with the Lord or your small group about it.
  4. Are you actively serving God and his local church at any capacity in this season? If so, how has that service blessed you? If not, what has been holding you back?
  5. Paul shared this deep tension about being torn between living in Christ or dying in Christ. When you consider both – does it bring you comfort knowing there’s really not a bad option when you’re secure in Christ?
  6. Spend time thanking God for the joy of being able to live in Christ, as well as the security to know that whenever that time may be, you will die in Christ and be with him for all eternity.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

  1. Read 1 John 5:11-13. Why do you think it is important to have assurance of your salvation in Christ (if you don’t think it’s important, why is that)?
  2. How could you see knowing that you have eternal life helping you when you are struggling with a certain sin(s)?
  3. Pastor John mentioned the assurance of eternal life produces a “joyful freedom” within us to live for God in submission to his reign. Do you feel life in God is ‘joyful freedom’? Expound on that.
4. Throughout the letter of 1 John, he mentions evidences of genuine faith. Some include:
1. Has a lifestyle of sin become something you continue to enjoy? (1:6; 3:6; 5:18)
2. Do you follow God’s commands? (2:3-4)
3. Do you love other believers? (2:9-11; 4:8, 4:20)
4. Do you love the world? (2:15-17)
5. Does God’s commands constantly seem burdensome? (5:3)
6. Do you experience answered prayer? (5:14-15)
Spend time answering these questions honestly, and asking God for a peace to continue to grow in your relationship with him, his church, and the lost world.

Sunday, November 14, 2021

  1. Read 1 John 5:1-5 and pray that God would reveal his heart to you.
  2. Do you struggle to see God as a father? Take a moment and talk to God like you would talk to a loving father.
  3. Do you see God’s commands as burdensome? Why or why not? (Matthew 11:30)
  4. How are we able to overcome sin patterns and temptations in our life? (1 John 5:4-5)
  5. Spend a few moments crying out to God and thanking him for being a father who loves to spend time with his children.
  1. Read Hebrews 12:1-13.
  2. Is there a particular sin that is currently hindering you or weighing you down?
  3. How do you view God’s correction in your life?
  4. Are you determined to finish the race, regardless of what it may cost you?
  1. Read Psalm 61.
  2. What is a recent tragedy that you have had to live through?
  3. What is your natural response to tragedy (i.e. run from God, hide, anger, etc.)?
  4. Verses 1-2 in Ps 61 show David being completely vulnerable with God. In the tragedy from question 2, have you been able to share your heart in vulnerability with God? (I understand that being vulnerable with God can be difficult, consider looking at the following verses as you consider the love of God for you in Christ Jesus: 1 John 4:18, Romans 8:35-38, Ephesians 3:18-19, Psalm 5:11-12)
  5. Take a couple moments and spend time thanking God for his love, protection, and care for you. Share your whole self with him (i.e. “God, when this happened I felt ___________”).
  1. Read Psalm 88.
  2. Can you recall a time where you really wanted to pray something but felt restricted due to fear of how God may respond to such a prayer? Talk about it as a group or consider it to yourself.
  3. Regarding culture in the church, what do you believe has held us back from allowing for the type of Psalm 88 prayers in our gathering?
  4. Pastor John mentioned the difference in responding to someone saying, “At least…” or “Me too.” Who in your life right now could God be calling you to respond with a “me too” type of love to?
  5. Spend time praying for that person and consider reaching out to them.
  1. Read Psalm 88.
  2. Can you recall a time where you really wanted to pray something but felt restricted due to fear of how God may respond to such a prayer? Talk about it as a group or consider it to yourself.
  3. Regarding culture in the church, what do you believe has held us back from allowing for the type of Psalm 88 prayers in our gathering?
  4. Pastor John mentioned the difference in responding to someone saying, “At least…” or “Me too.” Who in your life right now could God be calling you to respond with a “me too” type of love to?
  5. Spend time praying for that person and consider reaching out to them.
  1. Read Mark 6:1-6 / Rom 12:10
  2. The Bible calls us to honor God, our parents, and those in authority. Have you ever found it difficult to honor someone How could you honor someone regardless of differences you may have?
  3. Talk about a time when you’ve seen honor build someone up. Explain what happened if you’re able to.
  4. What are some ways you can be more intentional about honoring God and others in your life?
  5. Spend time in prayer regarding the topic of honor. Ultimately, the best honor flows from a heart that honors and reveres God above all.

Sunday, October 31, 2021

  1. What are some things that we can learn from Cain’s example about how not to treat one another? What might it have looked like for Cain to love Abel instead or hating him (Gen 4:6-7, Heb 11:4)?
  2. Why may John tell us to not be surprised when the world hates us? How might this change the way we interact with nonbelievers, the political realm, etc?
  3. How might following Jesus’ example of ‘laying down our life’ look practically today (1 John 3:16)?
  4. What are some things that you could do this week to love others in actions and in truth (1 John 3:18)?

Sunday, October 24, 2021

  1. What was your initial reaction to John’s statement: “Do not love the world or the things in the world?”
  2. John breaks the love of the world down into three categories: The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Which specific temptation is most severe for you in this season of life?
  3. According to John, what does having a love for the world indicate regarding your relationship with God?
  4. What are some practical things you could put in place to help fight against worldly temptations (think vertical and horizontal relationship[s])?
  5. The sermon series has been entitled “Uncommon Love.” Thus far (John 1-John 2:17), what makes a follower of Jesus’ love seem “uncommon” compared to the love of the world?

Sunday, October 17, 2021

  1. Does Christ being our advocate encourage you to pursue him when you sin? Why or why not?
  1. Why is it not possible for Christians to live a lifestyle of sin and disobey God?
  1. How has walking with God changed your heart and life? How have you noticed the difference in your life (or maybe others have noticed)?
  1. Why do you think John goes out of his way to emphasize our love for other Christians so much? (Read John 17:20–23.)
  1. How has your love for other Believers changed since you first gave your life to Jesus?
  1. How does being a part of a body of Believers impact your life?

Sunday, October 10, 2021

  1. Take some time and read 1 John 1:1-10.
  2. John emphasizes in 1 John 1:1-4 that he and others heard, saw, and even had physical contact with Jesus, the “word of life” (1 John 1:1). Why might it be important that John and others heard, saw, and touched Jesus, and didn’t just communicate a story someone else told?
  3. Is it possible to have faith in God, yet continue living in sin? Why or why not?
  4. How does “walking in the light” inspire you to live your life before God and others? (See John 3:19–21.)
  5. Why is repentance such a critical part of the Christian life? What is the result of a life that is unwilling to repent? (See 1 John 1:6–10.)
  6. Pray and get real with God. Pray these words from Psalm 139:23-24. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Sunday, October 3, 2021

  1. Spend some time (at least 2 minutes) reading and meditating on Romans 12:1-2.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
  1. Do you feel like you have offered all of yourself to God or have you just given him “contributions” in your relationship with him? Are you more like the pig or the chicken (as it relates to a bacon and egg breakfast) in your sacrifice to God? If you feel like you are simply making contributions here and there, take time and confess that to God and someone close to you in the faith (1 John 1:9).
  2. Pastor John mentioned that “Surrendering (to God) is a War.” In what ways has surrendering to God seemed like a war to you in this season of life? In what ways do you discern that the enemy (or your flesh) is attacking you in your efforts to surrender to God?
  3. On a scale from 1-10, what would you rate the measure of your surrender to God in this season? Spend some time crying out to God in full surrender. Thank him for bringing you to this moment with him. Remember that you are eternally loved and cared for.
Romans 8:37 “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”