OCT 5 : HEAD

How does the word ‘wrath’ sit with you? What comes to mind when you think of wrath in terms with the God of love? Read Romans 2:1-4, and share other words within the passage that are uncomfortable to read. Discuss why these words or phrases make you feel this way.

OCT 5 : HEART

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Ned referenced Luke 18:9-14, demonstrating how we often minimize our sin by comparing ourselves to others. Do a heart check: Pause to think and be aware of how we do this in our daily lives. Who is it really helping or hurting when we do this? How does God’s ultimate sacrifice and forgiveness give our hearts room to heal from the way judgement has bruised our hearts? Pray into this.

OCT 5 : HANDS

We were challenged on Sunday to consider the following: Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. What is your greatest time of need? Make a note in your phone, planner, on a sticky note on your steering wheel, or some other prominent place to remind yourself to talk to God about this need daily. He will show up.

OCT 12 : HEAD

Re-read the following scripture from this week’s message: Roman’s 2:17-29. In verse 24 what do you think of the word blasphemy? Now read Isaiah 52:5. Blasphemy is clearly not just a verbal, but also present in our actions as we represent Christ in our world. How does this fit in with the rest of the verse, specifically righteousness?

OCT 12 : HEART

Consider where you put stake in your actions: creating standards of ‘rightness’ for yourself or for others. A true Jew is one whose heart is write with God...rather it is a change of heart produced by God’s spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not people. Romans 2:29 NLT Meditate on what it would look like to seek God’s praise in these areas. What would change?

OCT 12 : HANDS

Take a moment to consider or write down some areas in your daily like where blasphemy is present. Use your meal group time to share as you feel comfortable and pray for one another’s needs. Go one step further to personally take this to God: what is the root of this struggle. Remember, ‘and true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law but rather it’s a change of heart produced by God’s spirit. - v. 29

OCT 19 : HEAD

Re-read Roman’s chapter 4, which was covered in this past Sunday’s sermon. Consider verses 7-8, where Paul specifically names who are the blessed ones. Think to yourself if you believe these things about your faith in Christ. Your transgressions are forgiven, sins are covered, and your sins are never counted against you. Is this difficult to believe? Where do you struggle to find balance in living for God vs. living by rules or practices that let us appear to others like we live well. Can there be balance?

OCT 19 : HEART

Where does the promise of Abraham’s inheritance sit in your heart? Is it inspiring? Hard to believe? Uncomfortable? Hopeful? It can be tough to realize in our own lives that our God is one who can, through his great love, lead us by faith into things we never imagined. Consider the closing thought that Pastor Brad left us with: What is preventing you from living faithfully for God?

OCT 19 : HANDS

Pastor Brad gave us a message that we can be thankful and blessed by: that our righteousness in Christ comes with our faith. Abraham’s blessing didn’t come after completing his works were completed, but rather in that very first moment that he agreed to put his faith in Christ. Share with one another your ‘first moment’ stories. Believe as you share these stories that this was the moment you were made righteous before God.

OCT 26 : HEAD

Lectio-Devina is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's Word. It involves reading a passage of scripture several times, focusing on what stands out to you. Using a computer or smartphone Read Romans 5:1-11 in the NLT translation. Have someone else in the group read it in NIV. Finally, have someone read the scripture in The Message Version. Share with one another what stands out to you.

OCT 26 : HEART

Romans 5: 3-5 encourages us to know that we’re not without hope even in the midst of trials. God’s Holy spirit WILL fill our hearts with love. Maybe seeing God’s goodness is a struggle because you are in the waiting place. Perhaps you feel like you’re in a hopeless place. However, the practice of remembering the times that God has showed up for you inspires hope. Take time to remember stories from your life of ways you’ve experienced the sweetness of God’s love and hope. Share these! There is power and inspiration from sharing. As scripture says: boast about it!

OCT 26 : HANDS

Choose an area of your life where you need the reality of God’s hope. Big or small, God wants to prove himself and the power of his sacrificial love to you. Commit to presenting your ‘sufferings’ (struggles) to Him in prayer and faith. As this past Sunday’s sermon reminded us: Hope is only possible if you’re in relationship with Jesus. Go to Him and practice trusting and resting in Him.

NOV 2 : HEAD

Read back through the text and identify the places you notice Paul highlighting similarities between Adam and Jesus. Then go back through and notice where Paul is contrasting Adam and Jesus. What is he trying to highlight through this?

NOV 2 : HEART

Consider these questions from Timothy Keller’s book Romans for you - How can we make such a confident claim in light of the enormous power of death and sin now in the world (Romans 5:12)? How can one persons sacrifice bring about such incredible benefits to so many or; how can that one act really change my future and present condition (5:17)? What does this great contrast (death coming through Adam and life through Jesus) stir within your heart? As you look at your own life and history, in what ways can you see that Adam was a good and fair representative for you? Keller asserts that Adam’s sin is our sin too. He says, “Adam was perfectly designed to act as you would”.

NOV 2 : HANDS

As we read this scripture we also notice that twice Paul says, “How much more” to show Christ's work can overwhelm all the effects of Adam’s work. Take some time to consider 1 or 2 of your “Adam like” behaviors. While holding these ways we are similar to Adam, listen to the following song and meditate on the ways Christ has redeemed the Adam in us. www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLelQGoQlqs

NOV 9 : HEAD

Do you truly believe that you don’t have to sin? What difference does/would it make? (Romans 6:6, Roman’s 6:11, 6:14).

NOV 9 : HEART

Our freedom from the grip of sin is made possible through Christ’ death and resurrection and yet we still act as slaves to sin everyday. Often times our actions follow our attitudes, and if we’re honest, our attitude toward our sin is defeat, the attempt to overcome in our own strength, or to lessen or ignore its presence. Consider when sin shows up in your life. In what area is sin fighting particularly hard at the moment? In what ways can you invite God to bring you freedom? Don’t leave God out of it!

NOV 9 : HANDS

Reread verse 13. In what ways can you use your whole body or self as an instrument to glorify God? Remember that you are also a part of God’s spiritual body the church. In what ways can you invest in this body to bring glory God? Take some time this week to further explore your spiritual gifts and ways you might naturally invest in the body through taking this short assessment --> CLICK HERE.

NOV 16 : HEAD

Read aloud and consider the two excerpts from Romans 6:15-23: For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (v.23) and Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.(v.18) We are presented with seemingly conflicting messages of freedom and slavery. How can you reconcile these concepts within this passage?

NOV 16 : HEART

Do you truly trust the boundaries God has set for freedom?

NOV 16 : HANDS

Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.(v.16) Who are we following? Sometimes we need a very tangible reminder to help us remember that we are free, and that we have the choice in our path. We are not bound to sin! For example, some people will tie a length of yarn around their finger as a visual cue. Others might hide a small rock in their pocket; a reminder to themselves each time they reach for their keys or wallet. Brainstorm as a group ways to physically remind yourself of the path you want to take.

NOV 23 : HEAD

Re-read Romans 7, the scripture from this past Sunday’s sermon. Pay attention to the cycle that is happening as Paul continues to portray the tension between sin in death, and life in Christ. Why does Paul continue to remind us that we fall short and are stuck in sin, and that our only hope is found in Jesus? What happens if we forget one or the other truth?

NOV 23 : HEART

Can you feel what Paul is feeling in this passage? Does his angst and entrapment to sin find echo in your heart? Why is it liberating to be able to be honest about your wretchedness and certain about your forgiveness?

NOV 23 : HANDS

Lectio read Romans 5:1-5 Message Translation

NOV 30 : HEAD

Our sermon from two weeks ago, the war within, makes this week’s sermon on the adoption into God’s family an interesting contrast. Re-read Romans 7:14-25. Stop there. If you check with your group members, this probably doesn’t make anyone feel very warm and fuzzy. Now continue reading into Romans 8:1-11. Discuss how this changes our outlook on our internal war with sin.

NOV 30 : HEART

Think of your family of origin and pick three or four words that would describe your family. What areas of your family (and yourself) reflect your adoption into God’s family. What areas of your family life (and your life) need redefinition?

NOV 30 : HANDS

Have everyone take a piece of paper and quickly draw a simple family tree going back a generation or two. Now, have everyone write: Abba’s Family at the top of the tree. Read Romans 8:14-17. As a group discuss the words that would describe being adopted into God’s family.

DEC 7 : HEAD

Welcome to the Christmas season! The following passages help us enter into this season as they highlight the aching that lies within each of us for the reality of Christ on Earth. Read Romans 8:22-23 as a group. Then read Luke 2:21-35, regarding the arrival of Christ, our messiah. Pay attention to the way Simeon was in a place of waiting or longing for the birth of the Messiah. This time of year often inspires hope, anticipation, generosity, and ‘goodwill toward men.’ Talk about how this is true for each of you.

DEC 7 : HEART

Sehnsucht (German pronunciation: [ˈzeːnzʊxt]) is a German noun translated as "longing", "yearning", or "craving", or in a wider sense a type of "intensely missing". However, Sehnsucht is difficult to translate adequately and describes a deep emotional state. Sehnsucht represents thoughts and feelings about all facets of life that are unfinished or imperfect, paired with a yearning for ideal alternative experiences. It has been referred to as “life’s longings”.] It is sometimes felt as a longing for a far-off country, but not a particular earthly land which we can identify. Furthermore there is something in the experience which suggests this far-off country is very familiar and indicative of what we might otherwise call "home". In this sense it is a type of nostalgia, in the original sense of that word. At other times it may seem as a longing for a someone or even a something. What are you longing for this Christmas season?

DEC 7 : HANDS

This week our ‘hands’ request is simple: pray. As a group, lift up your hopes, wishes, longings, cares and heart for one another and God’s people. Pray for Christ to be a tangible thing for God’s children to experience through the Holy Spirit this season.

DEC 14 : HEAD

Re-read Romans 8:18-30 from this past weekend’s sermon. Pay attention to the tension between the hope in what we have and the groaning at what is not yet here.

DEC 14 : HEART

Consider The Message translation’s take on Roman’s 8:26-28 ‘Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.’ Where in your life could you only ache? Only sigh or groan? Looking back, are you able to identify how The Spirit was near you?

DEC 14 : HANDS

Brainstorm ways that you can tangibly reconcile the balance between God’s kingdom being fully present and yet to come. Ex: examine a relationship in your life and rely on God’s Holy Spirit to help you reflect his heart. Ex: Commit to journaling through a difficult issue.

JAN 11 : HEAD

This past weekend pastor Brad presented us with a celebratory message. The Gallery is five years old! Whether you are new or seasoned, do you find yourself to have the spirit of thanks and celebration for what we have as a church? Share the ways that you've seen God move in our church.

JAN 11 : HEART

We must remember how important the 'church' actually is. Sunday's sermon told us of all the ways we could be better off without church. But, the fact of the matter is that all creation cries out for us to be doing life together. As we move forward, take some time to be prayerful about the ways you are committing your life to the body of people that make up The Gallery. What passions or desires is God placing on your heart that can only be fulfilled by doing life with one another? (ex: ministry opportunities, meal groups, serving, lending more of your time to help others, etc).

JAN 11 : HANDS

Consider our mission statement: Love - Listen - Respond - Repeat. Take a moment, on paper our out loud as a group, to describe the ways that you are living out these values with God and with others.

JAN 18 : HEAD

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JAN 18 : HEART

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JAN 18 : HANDS

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JAN 25 : HEAD HEART

This week we're doing the 'heart' first. Our topic this past Sunday was a deep thinking, heavy sort: predestination. While this may be a dividing line, we want to claim that regardless of our beliefs we can find unity as a body. Pray together for closeness, connectedness, peace, and grace for the ways that we have been made differently and think differently. Pray for our pastor, Brad, and his ability to communicate this topic well in the weeks to come. Let this be the heart that carries you through all conversation.

JAN 25 : HEART HEAD

As a group, quietly re-read chapters 9 & 10 of Romans. Jot down or make note of any verses that seem to relate to the question of predestination. Read them aloud. Which seem to resonate with you the most? Which cause the most discord? What parts of the Calvinist or Armenian beliefs seem to challenge who you know God to be?

JAN 25 : HANDS

Together as a group come up with one or two questions that you'd like Pastor Brad to answer this coming Sunday as he re-addresses this topic. Use scripture and your discussion to come up with ideas.

FEB 1 : HEAD

Take some time in your group to read Romans 10:1-13. How does this tie into the below description of corporate election and predestination, which Brad shared in church on Sunday? What questions are you left with? How were you challenges? Read the below paragraph as a reminder: The relationship of corporate election and predestination could be compared to a ship (i.e., the church, the body of Christ) on its way to its future and final destination (i.e., conformity to the image of Christ). The ship is chosen by God to be his very own vessel. Christ is the chosen Captain and Pilot of this chosen ship. God desires that everyone would come aboard this ship and has graciously made provisions for them to do so through its Captain. Only those who place their trust in the Captain of the ship are welcomed to come on board. As long as they remain on the ship, through a living faith in the ship's Captain, they are among the elect. If they choose to abandon the ship and its Captain through unbelief, they cease to be among the elect. Election is experienced only in union with the Captain and his ship. Predestination tells us about the ship's future direction and final destination that God has prepared for those remaining on it. God, out of his immense love, invites everyone to come aboard the ship through faith in the ship's Captain, Jesus Christ.

FEB 1 : HEART

Pick one person from your group to slowly read through Romans 10:10-13 a total of three times. The group members should make themselves comfortable and relaxed. The first time you read through the text just listen. During the second reading pay attention to the words or phrases that stand out to you. After reading the passage a third time allow some space to ponder what this passage is speaking to you. Why did the particular words or phrases stand out to you? What does this tell you about God? Yourself? Salvation? After sitting with these questions take some time to share with the rest of your group members.

FEB 1 : HANDS

After the discussion simply take some time to pray for one another. After listening to these sermons and reviewing the scripture passages today what do you feel like God is inviting you into? Where did you notice nudges to more fully live into Romans 10:1-13?

FEB 8 : HEAD

What comes to mind when you hear the word confession? (discuss). Often times confession has a negative connotation, such as in a court of law the confessing of crimes. Romans 10:9-10 refer to confession as a proclamation “with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” Share times in your life where you have practiced a type of confession (marriage vows, being honest about a struggle in your life, etc). There is something powerful about speaking what is happening internally. In what ways was this powerful for you?

FEB 8 : HEART

Have someone read the following outloud: As you listen to the following scripture close your eyes. Are there any images that come to mind as you hear affirmation that you can let go and trust God with your salvation: “The word that saves is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest. It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between him and me!” If an image came to mind, share with your group what you saw regarding the trust of surrender.

FEB 8 : HANDS

This week as you close your time, and throughout your personal prayer this week, practice confessing these truths at the beginning of your prayer time: Jesus is Lord. I need God and I can trust Him. There is nothing that I can confess to You today that would change my salvation and relationship with You, Lord.

FEB 15 : HEAD

Each of us who are in a relationship with Christ have been ‘witness’, or have seen, the goodness of Jesus. When we share stories of his goodness or hear these stories, we are bringing the good news. Who are the people in your life, along your journey in relationship with God, that have ‘shared the good news’ with you? Was it well received? How did this impact you?

FEB 15 : HEART

Listen to the following song together (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DqlLAVm0cg). We know from story after story in scripture that God’s love is extravagant! I don’t know about you, but even just thinking about the amazingness of God’s love makes it feel impossible to keep to myself. It is from this place that telling of the goodness of Jesus becomes authentic. God’s love should be our motivation, rather than obligation. This love is for anyone; jew and gentile alike!

FEB 15 : HANDS

Looking back on your own experiences, how does this shape your view of bearing witness to others about the goodness of Jesus? Often when we think of witnessing we imagine a formal, sit-down discussion of biblical proportions. However, sharing your heartfelt stories of God’s work in your life can feel more organic and authentic. Take time this week to remember God’s love and movement in your life. Relisten to the song! Ask the Holy Spirit to bring you boldness, and to put on your heart people who need to hear or experience His love. Challenge yourself to do this over the week, and share any experiences you had when your group meets next.

FEB 22 : HEAD

Discuss the following questions (taken from Romans 10:14-15):

- How, then, can someone confess belief in Jesus if they don’t know who He is and what He’s done?

- And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

- And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?

- Do you feel ‘sent’?

FEB 22 : HEART

Last week’s discussion challenged each of you to be prayerful and aware of anyone who may need to hear or experience God’s love through you. Take some time to think about this past week, and share of any moments where you were able to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in this way.

FEB 22 : HANDS

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Take this week to encourage your own self perception as one who is sent to deliver the good news. Think about your area of influence: at work, places you consistently visit, as a parent or spouse at home, friendships, etc. How do you represent God in these places?

MAR 1 : HEAD

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MAR 1 : HEART

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MAR 1 : HANDS

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