Disciple

Ice Breaker
Have you ever been a first-hand witness to something unusual or amazing that excited you to share with others? What was their response?

This week’s message: The Life and Light
1 John 1:1-10
 
Big Idea: Our faith is real, tangible, and shareable.

Discussion Questions

• Think back to when faith became real to you - not just something you heard, but something you experienced. What made the difference?
• In verses 1-2, John emphasizes what he has seen, heard and touched – this is a real, historical Jesus. Why is it critical that our faith is grounded in someone objectively real, rather than a religious concept?
• If you are not experiencing joy in your walk with the Lord, how might deeper fellowship with other believers restore that joy? (vv.3-4)
• There is absolutely no darkness in God (v. 5). How does this help us understand his fundamental character and nature?
• John makes it clear that our words and actions must agree (vv. 6, 8 and 10). In what ways do we deceive ourselves, justifying our own sin?
• Verses 7 and 9 are the remedy to the problem. What does it mean to walk in the light? What are the blessings of walking in the light?
• Christ died (on purpose!) to secure your salvation. What would it look like to lean into God’s faithfulness to forgive rather than your own performance?

Further Application
Take some time this week to examine your heart. Confess sin and practice walking in the light of Christ.

Westover Life

• Pray for the upcoming VBS (July 13-17) and Winshape (July 27-31)

Group Needs
Collect Prayer Requests. Identify needs that the group could meet. Assign someone to follow-up with those absent.
 
Additional Prayer Focus Areas
Choose a Westover leader, a Westover-supported missionary, and an Event to pray together for.
 
Group Life: This week, our group will gather or scatter by …

Ice Breaker
Was there a home in your neighborhood that was the hangout place? What was it about that home or family that made it so inviting?

This week’s message: The Garage Door
Matthew 5:14-16
 
Big Idea: Healthy homes shine as lights in their communities.

Discussion Questions

• In Matthew 5:14, Jesus does not say you might be or might become the light. How does this clarify how you view your everyday life?
• How do you view your distractions and daily routines? Are they divine callings or tasks to be accomplished?
• Read John 8:12. How does your ability to shine depend on receiving light from God?
• Using Matthew 5:15 and the sermon’s open garage door illustration, when is your life most open and visible to others? When is it most closed? What would it look like for you to be more intentionally open in a way that reflects Christ?
• In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says the goal is that others would glorify God – not us. What are some ways we unintentionally seek recognition for ourselves instead of pointing people to God?
• Read Psalm 37:1-7. How do these verses encourage your faith to shine in an ungodly world or in difficult circumstances?

Further Application
Who in your everyday life needs to see the light of Christ through you this week? Share the name in your group so that others can pray alongside you.

Westover Life

• Pray for Mars Hill (June 14) and Project Serve (June 20)
• Pray for the upcoming VBS (July 13-17)

Group Needs
Collect Prayer Requests. Identify needs that the group could meet. Assign someone to follow-up with those absent.
 
 Additional Prayer Focus Areas
Choose a Westover leader, a Westover-supported missionary, and an Event to pray together for.
 
Group Life: This week, our group will gather or scatter by …

Ice Breaker
Are there any family traditions, habits, or traits that stopped with you? Have you started any new ones?

This week’s message: The Open Door – Making the Home a Missional Launch Pad, Acts 16:14-15

Big Idea: Your home is useful to God’s mission.
 
Discussion Questions

• Would you describe yourself as private or public with your faith? What barriers keep you from sharing your faith more?
• How did you come to faith in Jesus Christ? Who did the Lord use? Have you ever thought that it was Christ who opened your heart like he did Lydia?
• What are some creative ways we could be using our homes and possessions for the Gospel? Is it always a matter of just giving things away? 
• How does obedience with your time, talents, and treasures positively impact those around you beyond just receiving your gifts? (Philippians 4:17)
• Is there someone you want to share the Gospel with that we can be praying that God opens their heart? Share their first name.
• We are not called to be an end point, but a distribution center with our faith. How can this thought change the way you think about the role of your home for the Gospel? (2 Tim. 2:2)

Further Application
Review the Freedom House donation list and make a plan to bring things for the truck next week. Perhaps your small group would like to go in together on some of the items.

Westover Life

• June 14 Mars Hill
• June 20 Project Serve
• June 21 Freedom House at Westover

Group Needs
[Collect Prayer Requests. Identify needs that the group could meet. Assign someone to follow-up with those absent]
 
Additional Prayer Focus Areas
Choose a church leader, a Westover-supported missionary, and an event to lead your group to pray for this week.
Consider stopping by the Global Wall to grab a Global Yearbook or Global Intercessor.
 
Group Life: This week, our group will gather or scatter by …
[i.e., Fellowship, G@H, Serve the body]