THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
Bring your costumed kids for candy + fun at our children’s ministry TRUNK OR TREAT. Join us at the Cascade, Kentwood or combined East Paris/Knapp Street at Knapp Street Campus for the perfect non-scary night of celebration for our community on October 27 from 6:30-8 pm. We are also looking for CAR HOSTS. Invite your small group to decorate cars and hand out candy. Bring your own candy or we’ll provide. Visit adabible.info to sign up to attend or host a car.
GROUP VALUES
This October, we are focusing on the value of SERVING. Scripture teaches we are created, called and gifted to serve in the church. Serving is also our monthly spiritual practice focus in Beyond the Weekend. Read our October 2 devotional HERE and discuss ways your group can begin or continue serving in the church.
GROW AS A LEADER
Have you checked out Right Now Media? We provide our leaders access to this great library of small-group content. We recently published a new video series on the site called “The Gospel and Your Story.” If you need access, please reach out to your staff contact. We’d love to connect you to this great resource.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to our new sermon series REBUILD. This week, we look at Nehemiah’s response to distressing news and his prayer to God in Nehemiah 1.
What is some good news you’ve received recently?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Nehemiah 1 aloud.
What news does Nehemiah receive in this passage?
What emotions does Nehemiah exhibit?
What actions do you see Nehemiah take in response to this news?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Jeff Manion began our new series called REBUILD by looking at the news Nehemiah received and his response found in Nehemiah 1. As a group, name his main points.
Which part of the sermon most encouraged or challenged you, and why?
Nehemiah recognizes that his people’s situation in Jerusalem “isn’t the way it’s supposed to be.” What situations do we encounter today that aren’t supposed to be this way?
Nehemiah begins his prayer by recognizing God’s character. What aspects of God’s character have helped you turn to him during breaking points?
Nehemiah owns his part in the problem. Are you more likely to pass the blame and not own your part in a situation, or do you recognize your part and confess it, and why?
Is there a situation where God is calling you to own your part and ask for his forgiveness? If you are comfortable, share with the group and commit to praying for each other this week.
Part of God’s character is showing mercy, restoring and welcoming people home. How have you seen this to be true in your life?
Nehemiah asks God to help him be part of the solution. Where might God invite you to be part of the solution, and what do you sense he may desire to do through you?
Is there anything else about the sermon you wanted to talk about?
WRAP UP
Today, we looked at the hard news Nehemiah received and his response in Nehemiah 1. What is one thing you’d like to do differently this week based on our discussion?