DON'T MISS THIS. Next week, September 12/13, is WELCOME WEEKEND. We're kicking off the fall with a brand-new series, and we want your people there for it. Welcome Weekend is a fun, low-pressure space to invite your friends and family—whether they've never been to church or just haven't been in a while. Join us for the Spaces sermon series, fun activities at every location, and more! Learn more HERE.

 GROUP VALUES. This week, we focus on OUR STORIES. The theme of our stories recognizes the role that our testimonies play in our discipleship journey. When we share our story, we are reminded of God’s rescue in our lives, and our faith is strengthened. When we listen to other people’s stories, we see how far-reaching and powerful the saving work of Jesus is. It is through our stories that we find encouragement, that others learn about God’s character, and we feel compelled to respond in praise. Consider how you can share one piece of your story with each other this week.

 GROW AS A LEADER. As we continue through the Saved series, take some time to visit Ada Bible's Salvation Resource to deepen your understanding of what Scripture teaches about SALVATION and ensure you're tracking with the framework we're using throughout the series. This can be a helpful tool as you prepare to lead conversations and answer questions that may come up in your group. You can find it HERE.

 *NOTE: The Sermon Discussion Guide is pausing as we enter our Spaces sermon series and the accompanying group curriculum. The Sermon Discussion Guide will return for the weekend of October 24/25. Please contact your ministry director for copies of the Spaces curriculum or with any questions.

ICEBREAKER

What's a place or a moment in time that made you feel like you could really rest?

THIS WEEK'S TEXT

Have someone read 1 John 3:1–3 aloud.

According to this passage, what does John say we already are?

What does John say will happen when Christ appears?

What should this hope lead us to do (verse 3)?

THIS WEEK'S SERMON

This week, Pastor Jeff Manion concluded our SAVED series by exploring the future reality of salvation, our glorification. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s main points and big ideas.

Our culture offers many ways to try to fix ourselves—therapy trends, self-help books, morning routines, and new habits. Why do you think so many people still sense something isn't right, no matter how hard they work? 

Even after trusting Jesus, most of us still wage a war within—wanting to obey Jesus but still wrestling with sin. Where have you felt that tension in your life?

Have someone read Revelation 21:1–4 aloud. How does this picture of heaven compare or contrast to the picture you’ve had of heaven, whether from cartoons, movies, or things people have said?

Jesus's resurrected body could be touched and could eat, yet was also transformed and eternal. What do you find most surprising or hopeful about the idea that your resurrected body will be physical, in a physical world?

 Have someone read Romans 8:22–23 aloud. Paul says we groan as we wait for our bodies to be made new. What kinds of groaning—physical, emotional, or relational—have become normal for you lately?

 The hope of future glorification is meant to give us hope in present suffering, not to make us dismiss it. What's one specific way you could hold on to the hope of glorification in your current groaning?

The hope of glorification is meant to fuel our sanctification. The more we look forward to being made like Christ, the more we love him—and the easier it becomes to loosen our grip on the lesser loves competing for our hearts. What's one lesser love God might be asking you to loosen your grip on in light of this hope?

WRAP UP

Throughout this series, we looked at a bigger view of salvation. We have been saved (justification), we are being saved (sanctification), and we will one day be saved (glorification). How did this sermon series expand your view of salvation, and what do you most need to remember going forward?