Community Group Guide
> Why We Gather
At The Springs Church, we desire for community groups to be a place where we BEHOLD JESUS, BECOME LIKE JESUS, and BELONG IN COMMUNITY. This means that our primary goal for groups is to gather around the transforming presence of Christ. As we gather around the transforming presence of Jesus, we believe by faith that we will be incrementally transformed into His image and likeness. With that in mind, let's begin in prayer by asking the Holy Spirit to lead our time together, move on our hearts, and help us behold Jesus, become Like Jesus, and experince the gift of belonging in community. Let's pray.
> Announcements
- Thanksgiving Potluck on Wednesday, November 18th at 6:30 PM. We'll provide drinks and paperware! We ask that you bring a dish, side, or a dessert!
> Give Thanks
Take a few moments to briefly share about anything that you are thankful unto the Lord for? Perhaps you've witnessed God answer a prayer or experienced a moment that strengthened your faith. Feel free to share any recent occurrences that have encouraged you or instances where you've felt God's presence at work in your life.
> Scripture Reading
Have someone read Acts 3:1-10
> Discussion Questions
Fulfilling the prophecies about the Kingdom of God. This story is the first account of a miraculous healing by the disciples after Jesus died and rose again. This healing demonstrated that the same work Jesus did in his earthly life was continuing among the church by the power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples understood this as a confirmation that God was fulfilling his promises from the prophets to bring renewal and transformation through the Messiah. We will consider some of these passages to see what this healing pointed to. Some of these promises began to be fulfilled in the church and others are still waiting to be fulfilled completely. Theologians refer to this as the Kingdom being both “already and not yet.” Our goal is to explore the joy of what God has promised for the Church of Jesus Christ. In particular, there are three main prophecies that refer to the lame being healed. Let’s explore as many as we have time for.
Have someone read Isaiah 35:4-10.
Reflection Question: What are some promises or images that stick out to you from the passage? What stirs your affections for God?
Reflection Question: What are some promises that you see fulfilled in the church? Which promises do we still long to see God fulfill?
Have someone read Micah 4:1-7.
Reflection Question: What are some promises or images that stick out to you from the passage? What stirs your affections for God?
Reflection Question: What are some promises that you see fulfilled in the church? Which promises do we still long to see God fulfill?
Have someone read Zephaniah 3:14-20.
Reflection Question: What are some promises or images that stick out to you from the passage? What stirs your affections for God?
Reflection Question: What are some promises that you see fulfilled in the church? Which promises do we still long to see God fulfill?
> Confession and Prayer
Reflect and Pray: As we sit with this passage, ask God to bring to mind anything you need to confess or need prayer for. Take a moment to share and pray for one another. Feel free to split up into pairs depending on the group size.
> Leader Form