THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. This week, we handed out the EPIC GUIDEBOOK. This complimentary resource will help you walk through and prepare for the coming weeks with EPIC cards that offer a glimpse into each upcoming sermon. Use these cards with your family, friends or small group to engage with each character and see God’s attributes through their stories. Take time to look up the passage and prepare your heart for the coming week. Each card offers a couple of questions you can ask to reflect on how you see this attribute of God in your life. If you missed getting a guidebook, they will be available at Next Steps.
GROUP VALUES. This September, we’re focusing on the value of an invitation. One way to invest in others is to INVITE them to attend church with you. We began a new sermon series this weekend, covering major characters and stories from the Christian faith that point us to Jesus. Who will you invite to attend this series with you?
GROW AS A LEADER. As you return to regular small group rhythms this fall, focus on creating space for everyone to participate in discussions. Some group members may feel rusty after the summer break or hesitant to share after time away. Don’t skip the icebreakers to help people re-engage. And give people time to think before answering questions. Your patience and encouragement in these early weeks will help rebuild confidence and deepen relationships as the season progresses.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the first week of our new sermon series, EPIC. Over the coming weeks, we’ll journey through the story of God’s people, beginning with Abraham and see how God’s plan of redemption unfolds throughout the Old Testament.
ICEBREAKER
What’s your favorite TV or streaming series, and what makes you keep watching episode after episode?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Genesis 12:1-4 aloud.
What stands out to you about God’s command and promise to Abram (later called Abraham) in this passage?
What emotions or thoughts might Abraham have experienced in this moment?
How would you describe Abraham’s response to God’s call?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Aaron Buer began our EPIC series by exploring God’s call to Abraham and what it means to trust God. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
We often want detailed plans and guaranteed outcomes before making major decisions. How does this cultural tendency conflict with the kind of trust God asked of Abraham?
Pastor Aaron explained that God gives us clear direction, but sometimes an unclear destination. What are examples of clear biblical directions God has given us as his people?
Abraham had to say goodbye to his country, people and security to follow God’s call. What are some things in our lives that we might need to be willing to leave behind to fully trust and follow God?
God promised to bless Abraham, and the purpose of the blessing was to be a blessing to others. What has God blessed you with that you can use to bless others?
Abraham wrestled with doubt, yet he is named in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11. Doubt is not the opposite of faith. How does this perspective shape how you understand your struggles with doubt?
When God made a covenant with Abraham, God took responsibility for both sides of the agreement. How does this foreshadowing of the gospel and what Jesus would do for you affect your understanding of God’s love for you?
What is one specific area of your life where you sense God asking you to trust him more fully, even without knowing the exact outcome? What could trust look like in that area this week?
WRAP UP
This week, we learned that God wants our trust and that he often calls us to follow him without revealing the complete destination. What challenged or encouraged you from this conversation or the sermon?