Emphasis: Being Like Jesus: Gospel Fluency Through the Psalms

SPRING OVERVIEW:

Lent, the season where the Church traditionally prepares for Easter, has been celebrated by Christians around the world for centuries. Many people, if they celebrate Lent at all, use it primarily as a time to give up some less-than-healthy habit. But the season includes so much more! This season we will be participating in practices, prayers, and services all designed to encourage reflection and repentance. We want to invite you to join your journey through Lent with us.

Participant Guide By Week

Rose: something positive that happened this last week?
Thorn: something challenging that happened this week?
Bud: something you are looking forward to?

Read John 18:1-27

1. What do we see about who God is from this passage? (think character, attributes, etc…)

2. What do we see that God has done, is doing and will do from this passage?

3. What does this passage say about who you are?

4. How do we live in response to what we find in this passage?

Rose: something positive that happened this last week?
Thorn: something challenging that happened this week?
Bud: something you are looking forward to?

Read John 17:1-26

1. What do we see about who God is from this passage? (think character, attributes, etc…)

2. What do we see that God has done, is doing and will do from this passage?

3. What does this passage say about who you are?

4. How do we live in response to what we find in this passage?

Rose: something positive that happened this last week?
Thorn: something challenging that happened this week?
Bud: something you are looking forward to?

Read John 16:16-33

1. Consider the experience of the disciples? What do you think it would be like hearing and experiencing this preparation from Jesus?

2. What’s your own experience or reaction as you read this passage today?

3. From this passage what do we learn about what God has done, is doing and will do?

4. What do we see about who God is from this passage? (think character, attributes, etc…)

5. How does this give you hope and courage to follow Jesus this week?

Rose: something positive that happened this last week?
Thorn: something challenging that happened this week?
Bud: something you are looking forward to?

Read John 15:18-16:15

1. What do we see about who God is from this passage? (think character, attributes, etc…)

2. What do we see that God has done, is doing and will do from this passage?

3. Where do you find yourself in (or out of) step with the realities and teachings of Jesus here?

4. In light of this passage in John, how will we seek to keep in step with the Holy Spirit this week?

Rose: something positive that happened this last week?
Thorn: something challenging that happened this week?
Bud: something you are looking forward to?

Read John 15:1-17

1. Read Galatians 5:22-23. Examine your own life, what actual fruit are you bearing or not bearing (love, hate, joy, anxiety, self control, out of control) ?

2. What does this tell you about what you are believing or where you are abiding?

3. What do we see that God has done, is doing and will do from this passage?

4. Read John 15:11. How will we abide in Christ this week?

Rose: something positive that happened this last week?
Thorn: something challenging that happened this week?
Bud: something you are looking forward to?

Read John 14:15-31

1. What do we see about who God is from this passage? (think character, attributes, etc…)
2. What do we see that God has done, is doing and will do from this passage?
3. Where do you find yourself in (or out of) step with the realities and teachings of Jesus here?
4. Read Galatians 5:25. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit encourage you? How do we seek to keep in step with the Holy Spirit this week?

1. What did your church tradition teach you about Lent? What are your feelings about Lent?

2. Think of a time you felt the need to renew your spiritual life. How did you handle it?

3. Reflect on Mark 1:15. What does the Lenten theme of repentance presume about our relationship with God? Why is this good news?

4. What does Prof. McCaulley identify as the three broad groups of people Lent is for? Which category do you fit into?