community group notes
INTRODUCTION
When pain makes it feel like God is late or silent, Jesus invites us to see that our circumstances are not proof of His absence but an opportunity to deepen our belief in who He truly is.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Have you ever had second thoughts about the goodness of God because of pervasive pain and suffering in the world?
2. Read John 11:17-21. Mary and Martha believed Jesus could help but doubted His timing – how does delayed help from God challenge our faith today?
3. Read John 11:15. What might God want you to learn about Him through a painful or confusing season?
4. Read John 11:35. Why do you think Jesus chose to enter fully into grief before demonstrating His power, and what does that reveal about God’s heart?
5. Where might pain or disappointment be tempting you to assume God is absent, and what would it look like this week to trust His presence instead?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
“I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." John 11:15b (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
In week one of our series, Jesus confronts a religious system that had drifted from its God‑give mission. This serves as a reminder that protecting traditions must never replace the heart of His purpose—to seek and save the lost.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is one tradition (church, family, or cultural) that has been meaningful in your life? Why?
2. Read Mark 11:15-18. What are modern examples of churches or believersunintentionally making it harder for outsiders to come to God?
3. The sermon warns that Scripture used without compassion becomes legalism. Where have you seen “truth without humility or empathy” harm people spiritually?
4. Where might you personally need to refocus on the heart of Jesus’ mission — to “seek and save the lost” — rather than preserving comfort, tradition, or personal preference?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." LUKE 19:10 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week we looked at the story of Judas and how hopelessness, sin, and misplaced trust can lead us to believe there’s no way back. Judas walked closely with Jesus for three years, yet in a moment of crisis, he chose betrayal over trust. His story reminds us that sin convinces us we know better than God and that our failures define us. But the truth is this: our sins are not greater than Jesus’ sacrifice. As we discuss together, let’s consider where we may be tempted to give up hope—and how Jesus still offers redemption and
restoration.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Matthew 26:14–25; 47–50; 27:1–5. What stands out to you most aboutJudas’ story?
2. Judas walked with Jesus for years but still allowed sin to take root in his life. Why do you think it’s possible to be around Jesus but not fully surrendered to Him?
3. In his sermon, Lance defined sin as anything that hurts God or people.How does that definition change the way you think about sin in your own life?
4. Judas believed his failure was final. Have you ever felt like you went too far, failed too much, or disappointed God beyond repair? What led you to feel that way?
5. When crisis hits, we can spiral into shame, isolation, or hopelessness. What usually causes you to spiral? What helps you stop the spiral?
6. The disciples all scattered when Jesus was arrested, yet Judas’ story ended differently. Why do you think Judas responded differently than the others?
7. In his sermon, Lance said, “Don’t write the end of your story when God wants to make something new.” Is there an area in your life where you’ve been tempted to believe it’s over? What would it look like to let God be the author instead?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” PSALM 139:16 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Although Peter failed Jesus deeply, Christ lovingly restores him. Jesus shows us that God is the God of second chances, and the One Who transforms our failures into new beginnings.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What’s a memorable “second chance” you’ve received in life—big or small—and how did it change you?
2. Read Mark 14:29-31.Where do you see yourself in Peter’s overconfidence followed by failure?
3. Read John21:15-19. What does this moment teach us about how Jesus deals with our failures?
4. Where do you need a “second chance” from God right now, and what step will you take this week to move toward Jesus instead of away from Him?
CHANGING YOUR MING
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" JOHN 21:19 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Jesus teaches that all power and influence are given by God for a time, and that followers of Jesus are called to steward that authority humbly – using it to serve others rather than advance their own interests.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When you think about “power” or “authority”, who is the first person or role that comes to mind? Why?
2. Read John 19:1-11. What stood out to you about the interaction between Jesus and Pilate, especially Jesus’ response to Pilate’s claim of power?
3. How does Jesus’ statement that power is “given from above” challenge or change the way we normally think about authority, influence, or success?
4. Where do you see that God has given you influence – whether through a position, relationship, or your voice? How easy or hard is it for you to recognize that influence?
5. What is one specific way you can steward your God-given influence this week to serve others rather than advance your own interests?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." JOHN 19:11 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week we looked at the powerful moment where Jesus stood in the place of Barabbas. One was clearly guilty, the other completely innocent—yet Jesus chose to take the punishment that Barabbas deserved. This story reminds us of a deeper truth: sin has real consequences, and all of us fall short. But through Jesus, we are offered freedom, forgiveness, and a new life. As we discuss together, let’s reflect on what it means that Jesus took our place—and how that truth should impact the way we live.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Mark 15:6–15. What stands out to you most about the exchange between Jesus and Barabbas? How does this moment highlight the contrast between guilt and innocence?
2. Lance talked about how sin feels good in the moment but leads to consequences. Why do you think we continue to choose sin even when we know the outcome? Read James1:14-15. Have you seen or experienced this kind of impact from sin? What did it affect?
3. Barabbas was set free because Jesus took his place. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus stood in your place? How should that change the way you view your life?
4. The crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus. Why do you think people (including us) sometimes choose what is wrong even when truth is clearly in front of us?
5. In the message, Lance asked: “If I believed He stood in my place, would I still live this way?”How would your daily decisions change if you fully lived in that truth?
6. There were two groups mentioned: those who have never surrendered to Jesus, and those who have but still struggle with sin. Which one do you relate to more right now, and what step do you feel God calling you to take?
7. Jesus didn’t just forgive sin—He took our place and paid the full price for it.Because of that, we are invited not just into forgiveness, but into transformation. What is one area of your life where you need to move from simply asking for forgiveness to truly living in repentance and change this week?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Our thoughts are powerful—they shape how we see ourselves, others, and even God. But when unhealthy or untrue thoughts take root, they can quietly pull us into guilt, shame, and spiritual paralysis. Today, we’ll talk about what to do when guilt from the past keeps replaying in our minds—and how God’s grace invites us into freedom.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What’s a song or sound that tends to get “stuck” in your head once you hear it—and why do you think it lingers so long?
2. In his sermon, Justin talked about irrational guilt as connected to past regrets. Have you seen how a past regret can affect your present and future?
3. Read Colossians 2:13-15. How do these verses describe the power of grace?
4. What is one recurring regret, thought, or voice from your past that you need to intentionally surrender to God’s grace this week—and what would it look like, practically, to remind yourself of the cross when that thought shows up?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week’s trap is the Disease to Please - the tendency to live for the approval of others rather than the approval of God. Like being stuck in a trailer we chose to hide in, many of our struggles aren’t caused by our circumstances but by the thoughts we allow to control us. As we discuss together, let’s consider how renewing our minds can lead us out of these traps and into the freedom God desires for us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read Romans 12:2. Was there a specific mind trap from this week’s message that you recognize in your own life?
2. Read Galatians 1:10. The Disease to Please often disguises itself as kindness or responsibility. In what ways can people-pleasing feel “right” while still pulling us away from God’s truth?
3. Why do you think living for approval can quietly trap us instead of obviously hurting us? Is there anyone in your life that has helped you or will help you recognize when your motives are off?
4. King Saul feared people more than God, and it cost him his purpose. Are there areas in your life where fear of others’ opinions may be influencing your decision more than obedience to God?
5. Paul shows us that security comes from identity, not approval. What does it look like for you personally to embrace your identity in Christ rather than earning validation from others?
6. For every mind trap, God offers a corresponding truth. What is one thought you want to replace this week with God’s truth?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
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. ROMANS 12:2 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Self‑doubt loses its power when we stop focusing on our current limitations and start trusting the God who is with us, equips us, and works even through our failures.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What’s something you avoided for a long time simply because you thought you couldn’t do it — but once you tried, it turned out better than expected?
2.Read Judges 6:1-12. Gideon could only see his current reality and not his God‑given capacity. Where do you see that same pattern in
your own life right now?
3. Read Romans 8:28. Does this verse encourage you? If so, how? How does this verse help you increase your confidence in God? What about risk? What about leaving comfort?
4. How would your approach to decisions or risks change if you genuinely believed failure couldn’t derail God’s work in your life?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week’s Mind Trap is Unlovable. We tend to think that God’s love for us is based on our performance.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Did you grow up going to church? If so, what was your experience? If not, what did you think of church?
2. Have you ever felt like God’s love was based on the good or bad things you did? Do you still believe that? Why or why not?
3. Read Luke 15:11-31.Do see yourself as the younger or older son in the story? Why?
4. Why is it so easy to fall into the trap of trying to earn God’s love?
5. Read Ephesians 3:17b-19. What do you think it means to be "rooted and established in love”?
6. Have you ever experienced God’s love before? What happened?
7. How can this group pray for you this week?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
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. ROMANS 12:2 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
Entitlement traps us in distorted thinking and strained relationships, but Jesus shows a better way through humility—an honest awareness of ourselves and a willingness to serve others.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is a small, everyday thing that you know you sometimes take for granted?
2. Jesus told the parable in Luke 18 because some people were “confident in their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.” Where do you notice entitlement showing up most easily — in you or in culture around you?3. Read Philippians 2:1-11. Philippians 2 calls us to the “same mindset as Christ Jesus” — valuing others, looking to their interests, and serving. What part of Jesus’ mindset is most challenging for you to practice in daily life — valuing others, selflessness, serving, empathy, etc.? Why?4. What recent complaint of yours might reveal an underlying sense of entitlement? How could humility reshape your perspective?5. At the end, the sermon defined humility as: Awareness — being honest about weaknesses without self‑deprecation; Action — practicing service, kindness, and courtesy.6. What is one concrete action you can take this week to practice Jesus‑style humility in a relationship, workplace, or family situation?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5 (NIV)