THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Each year in July, we focus the GIVING TABLES on SCHOOL SUPPLIES. These supplies are earmarked for our Kids Hope partner schools. New pencils, notebooks and other supplies help students start the year off right! Here’s how you can help: from July 13-28, drop off new supplies at the weekend services or the church offices Monday–Thursday, 9 am-12 pm. Find the list of supplies needed at www.adabible.org/givingtables/
GROUP VALUES. This July, we’re focusing on FORMATIVE CONVERSATIONS. Formative Conversations are discussions that shape us in the character of Jesus. They can happen at times we don’t always expect, even within a small group. Our desire is for small group discussions to foster opportunities for Formative Conversations. Make it a habit to pray before your group meets and ask God to help your group be ready.
GROW AS A LEADER. Ready to deepen your community and meet your group where they are? Check out Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Thriving Small Group Culture by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits. In this book, the authors provide a proven strategy to foster meaningful, lasting connections in a small group.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the seventh week of our sermon series, GOD IS. This week, we look at a miraculous interaction between Jesus and Simon Peter.
ICEBREAKER
Share about a time when you felt stuck (literally or figuratively) and how you got out of that situation.
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Luke 5:1-11 aloud.
What does Jesus’s response to the crowd’s desire to hear God’s Word reveal about his character?
What does Simon Peter’s response to Jesus’s instruction reveal about his attitude towards Jesus (verse 5)?
What call does Jesus extend to Simon Peter and the others, and how might this relate to God’s faithfulness in using ordinary people for his purposes?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Brad Holmes continued our God Is sermon series by discussing God’s trustworthiness. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
In our society, how do people typically respond when they feel stuck or exhausted in their personal or professional lives?
Who has been a good example of persevering through exhaustion by believing in God’s promises and trusting in God’s faithfulness? What about them inspires you?
How can we cultivate trust in God’s faithfulness even when we’re exhausted?
Peter initially doubted Jesus’ fishing advice due to his expertise. In what areas of life do you struggle to trust God’s guidance over your knowledge or experience?
What could help you grow to trust God and his Word more instead of just relying on your knowledge or experiences?
The sermon mentions Peter’s realization of his own sinfulness in the presence of Jesus. How can acknowledging our sins draw us closer to God rather than push us away?
Peter’s life dramatically changes when he chooses to follow Jesus. How can we help each other be open to God’s call to change, even when it’s confusing or challenging?
Peter was initially focused on the fish, but Jesus’s invitation refocused Peter’s entire life on following Jesus. Is there an area of your life where you sense God redirecting you to keep your focus on following Jesus? If so, what is it, and what practical steps can you take to keep your focus on Jesus?
How can our group help each other lean into trusting God’s faithfulness this week?
WRAP UP
This week, we discussed God‘s trustworthiness when we are tired, stuck and confused. What from this conversation or the sermon encouraged or challenged you the most, and why?