Why is gathering as a church community essential for spiritual growth? In this sermon, we explore the biblical foundation of gathering, based on Ephesians 4:11-13, and how it strengthens our faith through deeper knowledge of Christ and shared experiences.

Jesus once said, “Where our treasures are, there our heart will be also.” What does it mean to steward our finances in a way that honours God? Discover what it means to love God wholeheartedly with all that we have – including to live with financial wisdom and spiritual integrity.

Jesus once said, “Where our treasures are, there our heart will be also.” What does it mean to steward our finances in a way that honours God?

Discover what it means to love God wholeheartedly with all that we have – including to live with financial wisdom and spiritual integrity.

Title: The Spirit of Knowledge, Assurance and Power
Text: Ephesians 1:15-23

The Holy Spirit longs to speak to us and direct us. Who is the Holy Spirit and what role does He play and how is He relevant to our lives?

General Questions:

1. Ephesians 1:15-23 highlights the roles of the Holy Spirit to help us know God, to assure us of our future and to connect us to the power of God. Which of these roles do you personally associate most and least with the Holy Spirit? Has your understanding of the Holy Spirit deepened through the sermon? Why do you think so?
2. What is the difference between knowledge versus wisdom and revelation? Do you have any experiences when you received revelation from God which illuminated what only existed as head knowledge previously? How did that experience change your thoughts and actions?

Perspective Questions:

1. Do you think you know more about God than you know God? Why? Are there specific areas or truths about God that you know but struggle to apply and put your faith and trust in?
2. Pastor Jeff mentioned that we will live radically different lives, with reckless abandonment, if we have full assurance of our future. Do you agree? What is your level of faith and assurance in God’s promises? How would you view your time, talent, money and even your life differently if you have set your eyes on eternity?
3. Believers have the Holy Spirit and access to God’s power through the Holy Spirit. The power available for believers is not some of God’s power but is described in Ephesians as an incomparably great power – the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Have you experienced the power of God in your life? What do you think hinders us from tapping on God’s power?

Application Questions:

1. Do you desire to receive wisdom, revelation and power from the Holy Spirit? What are some changes you can make in your routines to be available to listen and be fully engaged with the Holy Spirit?
2. We should desire not just to hear God but be ready to obey Him when He speaks. Think about an area of your life where you want to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how God can work in you and through you.

Title: Focus 1 2025 – The Spirit of Truth and Glory
Text: John 16:12-15

The Holy Spirit longs to speak to us and direct us. Who is the Holy Spirit and what role does He play and how is He relevant to our lives?

General Questions:

1. What are other names or roles given to the Holy Spirit (provide reference Bible verses e.g. “Advocate” John 14:16)? Which one(s) matter most to you?

Perspective Questions:

1. Should believers worship in spirit or truth or both (see John 4:23-24)? Who is the ultimate source of truth (see John 1:1-15)?
2. Scams and frauds erode trust among members of the society. How does knowing that the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Truth helps us to rely on Him more? How can yielding to the Holy Spirit help believers to identify blind spots and become more Christ-like (see Psalm 139:23-24)?
3. John uses “He” to describe the Holy Spirit. “He” reveals and glorifies Jesus. Why must Jesus be glorified (John 3:14- 18)? How does this bring glory to the Father (see John 1:14 and 17:1-5)?

Application Questions:

1. As an LG, how can we support one another to yield more to the Holy Spirit in truth?
2. How then can we grow in truth, so that we will indeed know that the truths that the Holy Spirit teaches us are consistent with who Jesus is?
3. How can we follow the Spirit and thus allowing Him to glorify Jesus through our speech and deeds, in our family and workplace, so as to arose their interests to the Good News?

Like a trellis in a vineyard that supports a vine’s growth and fruitfulness, spiritual habits are needed for a thriving relationship with God. Discover how we can sustain these habits and enjoy our personal time with God!

As we step into 2025, let’s start this year with the main thing – God. Join us on this two-part series on how we can focus on Jesus who is the pioneer and perfector of our faith.

As we step into 2025, let’s start this year with the main thing – God. Join us on this two-part series on how we can focus on Jesus who is the pioneer and perfector of our faith.

Title: Focus 2025 – When He Speaks
Text: Ezekiel 47:1-12

The Holy Spirit longs to speak to us and direct us. What can we do in order to position ourselves to listen to the Holy Spirit when He speaks?

General Questions:

1. How often do you hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you? Why do you think this is the case in your life?

Perspective Questions:

1. As we host the Holy Spirit, we need to grow in our surrender to the Spirit’s leading in our lives. How have we been surrendering to the Holy Spirit (e.g. ankle-deep, waist-deep)? What hinders us from surrendering to the Holy Spirit? In which areas do we need to grow in our surrender to Him?
2. We do the ministry of the Spirit without the fruit of the Spirit. How true is this of us? What contributes to this experience? What does this reflect about the health of our relationship with the Holy Spirit?

Application Questions:

1. As an LG, how can we support one another to be more conscious of the Holy Spirit?
2. It is not so much about us having more of the Spirit than it is about allowing the Spirit to have more of us. What are some ways we can be more aware of what the Holy Spirit is doing and participate in His work?

Series: True Spirituality in Christ: A Book Study on Malachi
Title: Awaiting God’s Promises
Text: Malachi 3:13-4:6

At times, our efforts to be faithful to God and serve Him may not reap the results we desire to see. Sometimes, we even wonder if it is worth it especially when those who do not follow God seem to lead better lives. What perspectives can we hold on to in order to remain faithful as we await God’s promises?

General Questions

1. At times, our unmet expectations cause us to feel discouraged and wonder if it is worth it to be faithful to God. Share about a time where you had such an experience and what helped you through it.

Perspective Questions

1. We can sometimes erroneously conclude that God is unjust when we try to make sense of God’s apparent failure to perform according to our expectations. What are some ways we can avoid reaching such ‘wrong’ conclusions about who God is when we experience a mismatch between reality and our expectations?
2. What are some helpful perspectives to hold on to when we do not seem to reapthe results of our faithfulness to God inthe here and now?

Application Questions

1. What is one practical step you can take to remember your hope in God’s promises as you journey with Him?
2. Our Christian journey is a marathon, not a sprint. What are some ways we can help ourselves to last the marathon as we await God’s promises?

Series: True Spirituality in Christ: A Book Study on Malachi
Title: Giving God His Due
Text: Malachi 3:6-12

True spirituality requires whole-hearted obedience, especially in the area of tithes and offering. How can we truly give God what He is due?

General Questions

1. What are some heart attitudes that may hinder us from tithing or being generous with our resources?
2. Was there a particular season when you experienced God’s provision and faithfulness? Share this with your lifegroup.

Perspective questions

1. Why should believers continue to tithe regularly even though we are not under the old covenant?
2. What are the benefits of living a generous life?

Application questions

1. What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you in the area of tithing and giving in this season of your life?
2. What is one way you can become more generous with your finances and other resources?

Title: Embracing His Refining
Series: True Spirituality In Christ
Text: Malachi 2:17-3:5

How should we respond when God is seemingly inconsistent with His character that’s revealed in the Scripture and when we are supposed to live by faith and not by sight? True spirituality is reflected by trusting God in His refining work and His timing even when it does not appear reasonable in our human mind to do so.

General Questions:

1. The fourth dispute God has against the Israelites is their complaint towards God’s seemingly inaction towards evil and injustice. What are some of the What are some instances of injustice and/or suffering we have encountered in our lives?

Perspective Questions:

1. How do we usually respond to the times of refining around us? How can knowing that God is refining us and that evil would ultimately be judged shape our perspectives and responses to these circumstances?

Application Questions:

1. How can we respond to God when we are experiencing God’s refining and discipline? How can we help each other to see this discipline as a treasure from God rather than something undesirable in our lives?
2. As a LG, how can we support one another in responding to God when our members (ourselves included) are undergoing suffering or experiencing injustice in their lives?

Series: True Spirituality in Christ: A Book Study on Malachi
Title: Staying Steadfast in our Commitment
Text: Malachi 2:10-16

Our faithfulness in obeying God and to our loved ones, especially that of our spouses, reflects our faithfulness and steadfastness to God. The question is then, how is this so and how can we remain faithful and committed to God?

General Questions:

1. The third dispute God has against the Israelites is their unfaithfulness shown through acts such as marrying foreign wives and divorcing their wives. What are the outcomes when Israelites marry foreign wives? Similarly, what are the consequences of divorce? How do these acts show their unfaithfulness towards God and to one another?

Perspective Questions:

1. If you are single and looking for a life partner, how important is it to you to marry someone of the same faith and hold similar convictions about following Christ? Do you consider singlehood as an option if you are unable to find a believing spouse instead of looking for a non-believer? Why?
2. God shows his faithfulness to us by keeping his promises, his unchanging character and his forgiveness when we sin. How can we similarly be faithful to God and to one another, in our marital relationships and in the community of God? Why is it so important for us to learn to be faithful in our relationships?

Application Questions:

1. For singles, what are the ways you can apply the message in your search for a life partner?
2. Married couples will face temptations, difficulties and challenges in their marriages. What are some of the common challenges from your own experiences or from others? What are some ways married couples can safeguard and ‘bullet proof’ their marriages before issues arise?

Series: True Spirituality in Christ: A Book Study on Malachi
Title: Bearing His Tough Love
Text: Malachi 2:1-9

God disciplines us out of love yet when we experience God’s rebuke, we feel not love but rejection from Him. How can we accept God’s discipline without giving into despair so that we remain in His plan?

General Questions:

1. Recount a time where you were disciplined or punished (in school, at home, or at work). What made this incident different from abuse or bullying?
2. What is the role of the priests in the Old Testament? What does that mean for us as believers of Jesus today?

Perspective Questions:

1. In the sermon, Larry mentions that our identity as a royal priesthood calls us to have:
   a. A reverential fear of God (Upwardly)
   b. A life of integrity in speech and action (Inwardly)
   c. Godly influence over people around us (Outwardly)
   Which of these areas do you think is healthiest in your life? What are some attitudes or habits that help you in this particular area? Conversely, which do you struggle with the most? What are some obstacles you face that hinder you from growing in this area?
2. God allows us to reap what we sow to reveal what we are sowing. What are some ways that can help us discern God’s discipline when we sow on the wrong things?

Application Questions:

1. Experiencing God’s discipline can be painful and cause us significant distress. What are some biblical truths and perspectives we can hold on when we go through God’s discipline so that we do not give into despair?
2. It is difficult to point out to others the sin that they are carrying in their lives. Why should we as a community of God still choose to do so biblically in a loving manner?

Series: True Spirituality in Christ (Book Study on Malachi)
Title: Bringing Our Best to Him
Text: Malachi 1:6-14

It is human nature to do our maximum for those we love. Parents strive to give their children the best life they could afford; workers who love their jobs put in long hours of hard work without complaint. Yet Christians often struggle to bring their best to God. Why is this a problem? Why do we urgently need to examine our heart behind our hesitance to give our utmost to Him?

General Questions:

1. Name the most honourable person you have encountered. What traits or actions of the person make him or her honourable? How was the person being honoured by you or others?

Perspective Questions:

1. God is looking for the honour owed to Him. How does the perspective of God as our Father and Master help us to treat Him with honour? Which do we need to be reminded of today?
2. In Malachi 1:6-11, the people showed contempt to God by offering defiled sacrifices. What are some ways believers today also offer less than our best to God? How does this reflect the value we place on what Christ had done for us on the cross?
3. Ps Daniel also shared that our best comes i) at a cost (see 2 Samuel 2:24) and ii) from the heart (see Mark 12:41-44). What are some obstacles you face that hinder you from giving your best to God?

Application Questions:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one or two areas that you have dishonoured God in. Repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Share with your LG to seek prayer and support.
2. Write down one or two areas that you would start to honour God by bringing your best to Him.

Series: True Spirituality in Christ (Book Study on Malachi)
Title: Trusting in God’s Love
Text: Malachi 1:1-5

Difficult times in life may cause us to doubt God’s love for us. Eventually, we can become increasingly apathetic or ungrateful towards God. What are some perspectives that can help us navigate difficult times and difficult emotions so we can remain faithful to God?

General Questions:

1. Take time to reflect on what the Lord has done for you that enabled you to experience His love. What happened and how did your appreciation for God’s love change from that experience?

Perspective Questions:

1. Ps. Timothy shared 3 reasons why Israel questioned God’s love for them:
   1. Disappointment from unmet expectations
   2. Economic difficulties
   3. Jealousy of neighbours
   Which of these do you find more relatable in your recent struggles? How does the perspective of God’s love help us in such circumstances?
2. How can we be honest with God about our trials, doubts and fears, and also exercise trust in Him?

Application Questions:

1. What are some habits you can start to become better at remembering Gpd’s love and being grateful to Him?
   What are some habits you can stop (e.g. complaining, comparing) that takes the focus away from God and encourages a tendency to fear, doubt or get discouraged?
2. Is there a recent incident in your life that is causing you to question or doubt God’s love? Share with your lifegroup and ask them to pray along with you to trust God’s love.

Series: Abide
Title: Abiding As God’s Special People
Text: 1 Peter 2:9-12

Our church’s focus for this year is Abide. What does it mean to abide as God’s special people?

General Questions 

1. When getting to know new people, what are some important aspects of yourself you wish they would know about you? Why are these aspects important for others to truly know you?
2. As God’s special people, we have the privilege of belonging to God. Beyond that, we also have the responsibility of living out holy lives. Sometimes we over-emphasize one at the expense of the other (privilege vs responsibility). Which do you tend to lean towards and which do you tend to neglect? 

Perspective questions 

1. What is the relationship between knowing our identity as God’s special people and living holy lives?
   
2. Why is the habit of repentance so important for believers in living as God’s people? How does abiding in Christ enable us to live a lifestyle of repentance? 

Application questions 

1. What are some rules that you can implement or maintain in your lives so that you can have a strong ‘trellis’ or support structure for your spiritual growth?
2. What are some internal victories that you are working towards, or would like to work towards? Entrust these areas to God in prayer as a lifegroup. 

Series: ABCD
Title: The Next Step to Disciple
Text: 1 Timothy 3:1, 2 Timothy 2:2, 1 Peter 5:4  

God calls all of us to make disciples. We make disciples as it is a noble task and it extends God’s influence. Divine rewards also await those of us who disciple others to follow Jesus.   

General Questions: 

1. Why do you think discipleship is important? What may happen if believers stay on the sideline as just church goers? On the other hand, if the church focuses on building disciples of Christ who will disciple others, what difference do you think the Church will make in the world?
   
2. The bible describes the role of a spiritual mentor as noble – an honourable and admirable task. Share about a personal experience where you were blessed by a spiritual mentor who guided you in your spiritual growth journey. If you are already in Step D, share how you have been blessed and have grown in your journey as a disciple maker.   

Perspective Questions: 

1. God strengthens and equips those who desire to serve Him. The character and attitude of a disciple maker are more important than one’s competency. What do you think are the attitudes or character traits that God looks for in a disciple maker? 
2. God promises divine rewards for those who rise up to disciple His people. However, we may still go through challenging times in our disciple-making journey. What perspectives can we hold on to in order to persevere in our journey of making disciples? 

Application Questions: 

1. Which stage of the ABCD discipleship journey are you at? If you are in Step C, how do you think you can step up to Step D to play a part in discipling and mentoring other people to follow Christ? What are the ways that you can disciple others in your life group, church ministry, family and marketplace?

   If you are already in Step D, is there a renewed understanding and vision of your role as a disciple maker? How do you think you can expand your sphere of influence – to disciple more and disciple better to further extend God’s influence? 

Series: The Next Step
Title: To Belong
Text: Romans 12:3-5

In every season, we all need to grow and mature in our faith. In belonging to a local church, we are to view ourselves with humility and view others with necessity.

General Questions:

1. Look at the ABCD Grow journey (https://grow.hopesingapore.org.sg/grow). Which stage are you at currently?
2. Think back on a time where your church community supported you during a difficult time or helped you to grow in your faith. Share how this incident shaped your view on the importance of belonging to the local church.

Perspective Questions:

1. What are some common dangers when a believer measures himself against worldly standards? How would Paul’s instruction to measure ourselves against the Gospel (v3) strengthen our relationship with God?
2. Although our faith is personal, Paul makes it clear that we need one another in the body of Christ (v4-5). What are some myths about interdependent living that some believers may have regarding belonging to a church?

Application Questions:

1. How willing and open are you to share your life with others in your LG? How involved are you in the lives of others in the LG? What is one small step you can take to do so?
2. A united church is not a homogenous/uniform entity. We need diverse skills to meet many needs. What is one individual gift you can contribute to the LG or church?

Series: Love my Block/Community
Title: Shine His Light
Text: Matthew 5:14-16

We are called to be the salt and light of the Earth. How do we shine God’s light wherever we are placed?

General Questions

1. Share about a time when you were a pre-believer or a new-believer and you were attracted to the Christian faith because of the behaviour of another believer. 

Perspective questions 

1.  What are some distinct qualities and traits that Christians ought to have that non-believers, who may be brought up well or from other faiths, do not? 
2. How does the Gospel enable believers to live out qualities and traits that non-believers may not be able to display?  

Application questions 

1. How can believers ensure that we are continually growing in character and being renewed and transformed in our minds?
2. What are some ways we can shine God’s light in our schools and workplaces? How can we do the same as a lifegroup through block pastoring? 

Series: Unchanging
Title: The Power Of The Holy Spirit
Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

*No discussion guide for this week due to decentralised sermon preaching.

Series: Unchanging
Title: Connection with the Holy Spirit
Text: Ephesian 5:18-20, Luke 11:5-8, 11-13

Speaking in tongues should not be sought for its own sake. At the heart of it, it is about desiring the gift of the Person of the Spirit and desiring to connect with God through the Spirit.

General Questions:

1. How is your hunger and desire for the Holy Spirit in your life? What was your response to the Church Health Survey on how regularly do you pray in tongues? Has the desire for the Holy Spirit grown since you received Christ, or have you become more passive in seeking to rely on and be filled with the Holy Spirit?
2. What is your understanding of the role of Holy Spirit in your life? What are your personal encounters with the Holy Spirit as a partner from God, who guides, teaches and empowers us? Share a personal experience or example of how the Holy Spirit has helped you.

Perspective Questions:

1. Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Describe your experience and how has that experience changed your spiritual life. Did you continue to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit after that experience?
   If you have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, what are the reasons? Have you personally asked God? Pastor Jeff mentioned that desire and faith are necessary to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Are these or other reasons hindering you?
2. Do you consider yourself as someone who value spiritual things, and are you conscious of the spiritual realm? Why do you think so?

Application Questions:

1. Do you go through life conscious of the Holy Spirit? What are the changes that you can make in your life to listen and be familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit? What is the next step for you?
2. Think about various aspects of your life – your personal being, family and ministries. Are there areas in your life that you require the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf? Pray together with your mentor or with your LG for breakthrough in those areas.

Series: Galatians – Freedom in the Gospel Part 3
Title: The True Meaning of Being a Christian
Text: Galatians 6:11-18

Paul ends the letter to the Galatians with his concluding summary unlike any other letters he wrote to emphasise the importance of believers’ faith in Christ alone and not appearances.

General Questions:

1. When looking at people outside the church, what are some markers/characteristics you look out for to differentiate believers and non/believers?

Perspective Questions:

1. The Judaizers were using circumcision – works of the flesh – as a marker for receiving salvation. What are some things modern believers might depend on to be secure in their faith? What then does true dependence on the spirit looks like?
2. The gospel is good news because of God’s grace to forgive us all even when we are unworthy. It is different from other religions where you are earning your salvation. How does knowing God’s grace for us drive our desire for holiness? How can knowing God’s grace for us make us complacent? What can we do to protect ourselves from such complacency?
3. Living a life of holiness is difficult. Although we cannot attain holiness through the flesh, we need to believe that holiness is possible for all of us. Why can we be sure that holiness can be attained?

Application Questions:

1. How can we encourage each other to live by the spirit? What are some practices we can incorporate into our lives to walk more in step with the spirit? What are some challenges to implementing them into your lives?
2. A Christian is to live by the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit. The Spirit is meant to be our source and our direction. What can you do to become more sensitive to the Spirit’s direction? What can you do to rely more on the Spirit’s power in your live?

Series: Galatians: Freedom in the Gospel Part 3
Title: The True Meaning of Doing Good
Text: Galatians 6:1-10

The true meaning of doing good comes from restoring others gently with humility and meeting the practical needs of others with perseverance.

General Questions

1. Think about a time where a fellow believer did good to you by restoring you gently or met a practical need you had. Share how you were impacted by that.

Perspective questions

1. Being prideful is one of the things that Paul warns the restorer to be careful of when we are restoring another believer. What are signs that you are falling into the sin of pride while restoring another believer?

2. ⁠Paul encourages us to restore each other in gentleness. How is gentleness expressed in the context of correcting another?

3. Doing good to others may not seem difficult to most of us. But doing good to others consistently and persevering to do so may be challenging. What are some ideas to help ourselves persevere in doing good when the going gets tough?

Application questions

1. Doing good to others means speaking the truth in love and restoring others gently with humility. To what extent are we open and humble enough to receive correction from fellow brothers and sisters? Have we invested in building strong relationships in order to give and receive restoration when we sin? If not, what is one small step we can take to do so?

2. What is one specific way you can do good by meeting the needs of someone this week? Allow the Holy Spirit to direct you in how you can love someone through meeting a practical need.

Series: Galatians: Freedom in the Gospel Part 3
Title: The True Meaning of Living in the Spirit
Text: Galatians 5:13-26

In Christ, we have been set free but this freedom is not a license for us to do whatever we want. Instead, believers are to live righteously and this can only be achieved through living in the Spirit. What does living in the Spirit truly entail? How can we do so?

General Questions

1. We have immense potential and power in the Holy Spirit. Why do you think we often overlook or under-estimate the power of living in the Spirit?

Perspective questions

1. At times, we struggle intensely against our fleshly desires. But the battle is not won by us trying harder, but by yielding ourselves completely and allowing the Spirit to take control. How does this perspective change the way we view our struggles against sin?

2. ⁠The works of the flesh can result in a destruction of fellowship, relationship and holiness. Conversely, the fruit of the Spirit produces godliness in us. As we ponder on the contrasting lists, consider which areas we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to help us in.

3. The Holy Spirit will convict not condemn, illuminate not impose, guide not guilt trip us. He is not an impersonal power but a personable person. How does knowing this help us to live in the Spirit daily?

Application questions

1. What is one practical action we can take in our daily lives to be led by the Spirit?

2. As a church, we are meant to be outward looking and to love and serve others around us as we live in the Spirit. As a lifegroup, reflect on how we have been doing in this. What is one thing we can do together to express our love and service to others?

Series: Galatians: Freedom in the Gospel Part 3
Title: The True Meaning of Being Free
Text: Galatians 5:1-12

The true meaning of freedom comes through faith in Christ and obedience to the truth.

General questions

1. What does it mean to be free in Christ? How is it different from how the world defines freedom?

Perspective questions

1. During your walk in Christ, have you felt pressured to do something in order to maintain your salvation? E.g., spiritual disciplines – going to church, doing quiet time, ministry. What was it and how has your perspective changed?
2. How does faith in Christ and obedience to the truth enable us to live in freedom?
3. There is a difference between feeling guilty and being stuck in feeling condemned. When we sin, how can we grapple with the guilt we face yet not be stuck in condemnation?

Application questions

1. What is one area you struggle to obey God in? Commit these struggles to God as a lifegroup and pray that your passion for righteousness will increase and surpass the desire to sin.

Title: Abiding in Christ
Preacher: Ps Edmund Chan
Text: Matthew 4:19

In the pursuit of purpose and success, we are often caught up in accomplishment, acquisition, and admiration. However, even with all these successes, we are faced with a lingering emptiness.
Learn what forms our security, identity, and integrity, and brings complete satisfaction to our soul.

Title: Global Harvest
Preacher: Ps Jeff
Text: Acts 13:1-3, Acts 14:21-23

We are global christians with a global vision because our God is global. He loves globally and redeems globally.
But, how far are we willing to go for Jesus?
Let’s learn how to abide in Christ for the harvest.

Preacher: Ps Samuel Phun
Text: Judges 2:10

God is raising up the next generation and it starts with us. As time passes, culture will change, requiring us to be equipped to reach out to the younger generation.

Learn how we can become disciple markers and love them intentionally.

Title: The Other Side
Preacher: Ps Daniel Wee
Text: Luke 10:30-36

Many opportunities happen by chance. Some even turn into divine encounters where we get to show the love of Christ to someone.
However, we often let these opportunities pass us by because we don’t like disruption, unfamiliarity, and inconvenience.
Learn how we can overcome barriers in reaching out to our community and be filled with compassion to cross over to the other side.

Title: Abiding for Holiness
Preacher: Ps Benny Ho
Text: James 1:13-18

Have you gone through trials and observed your faith fading? In those trials, who do we trust – God, Satan or ourselves? Testings aren’t temptations but opportunities to strengthen our faith in Him. Learn the key to live in holiness and how we can become fighters of our own faith.

Title: Faith That Moves Mountains
Series: Therefore, Go

A sermon by guest speaker Pastor Joseph Sachariah.

Series: Therefore, Go
Title: The Good News for All People
Text: Acts 11:19-21

The Antioch Church had humble beginnings but eventually became a key missionary base to the surrounding regions. What can we learn from the Early Church from the beginnings of the Antioch

General Questions:

1. What caused the news about Christ to take hold among many who heard it? What does this passage show us about the early church’s understanding of God’s role in evangelism? How does this influence our understanding of evangelism today?

Perspective Questions:

1. Having certain preconceived notions or even stereotypes of people from different cultures can contribute to our hesitance in bringing the gospel to them. How does know that God is a global God help in addressing our reservations?
2. The early church demonstrated that it was possible to live for Christ and His purpose in all circumstances. What are some personal circumstances (e.g. poor health, stretched finances) we are currently facing that can hinder us from living for Christ (including preaching the gospel to others)? What is God encouraging us to surrender to Him today? What would living for Christ amid these circumstances look like?

Application Questions:

1. The hands and the heart are connected. What is one practical step you can take to develop our heart for missions? What is one step the LG can consider embarking on together?
2. Think about the different relationships and interactions we have in our lives. Which of these are cross-cultural? How can we build bridges with these people that God has placed in our paths?

1. If an electronic device is broken, do you prefer to repair or buy a new one? In an affluent society, we are used to discarding rather than fixing stuff. How does this mindset influence our view of relationships and marriages?
2. In today’s society, people do not like the idea of commitment. What do you think are the reasons why people may shy away from commitment in marriage? What does it reflect about what these people value?

1. Why do you think God values marital faithfulness so much? What does it reflect about Him and His desires for us?
2. Why is accountability in our marriage important? Are there specific boundaries we may need to set to safeguard our marriage? Are there pastoral leaders whom we can choose to be accountable to?

1. For married couples, it is difficult for us to die to self and love our spouse sacrificially without God’s empowerment. What is one challenge in your marriage that you need to ask the Holy Spirit to empower you in? Think of a specific example and commit to allowing God to change you.
2. For couples, what is one practical step you need to take together to strengthen your marriage? Some possible ideas include:
   – Taking up a love challenge (e.g. 40 Day Fire Proof Love Challenge)
   – Setting aside a “date night” weekly
   – Praying for one another regularly
3. For courting couples and singles, drawing close to God before marriage will prepare us to weather storms in our future marriages. What are some practical action steps we can take to draw close to God?

Series: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Title: Mad but Staying
Text: Song 5:2-6:3

It is normal for a relationship to experience conflicts and difficulties. How then can we navigate through these conflicts and stay in the relationship biblically despite conflicts and difficulties?

General Questions:

1. Conflicts are bound to arise in any relationship, and especially so in a marriage, where two people come together and share their lives closely and intimately with one another. For married and courting couples, what are some things or issues that trigger conflict in your relationship? How do you usually deal with these conflicts? What can you learn from the practical ways to handle conflict from the sermon?
2. For singles, we will encounter conflict in other relationships with our family and friends. How do you usually respond when you encounter conflict in these relationships? What can you learn from the practical ways to handle conflict from the sermon?

Perspective Questions:

1. Do you agree that community is important to support us in our relationship? Do you have such a support system? If not, what are ways that you can build the support system? Conversely, how do you think you can be open and guided by the Holy Spirit to speak into the lives of others, as part of God’s community?
2. Divorce rates are on the rise, and irreconcilable differences arising from inability to resolve conflicts and differences are often cited as reasons for divorce. What do you think are some reasons that couples find it hard to stay in a marriage? How do you think we can practically apply biblical values such as love, forgiveness, and thankfulness and in our relationship? What are the values that you hold on to that help you tide through challenging times in your marriage?

Application Questions:

1. For married couples, how is the level of intimacy (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual) in your relationship? Have past unresolved conflicts driven a wedge in your marriage? From this teaching, what do you think you can do to restore the intimacy in your marriage?
2. For courting couples and singles, what are the practical tips and values from this teaching that you can apply in your relationships and consider if you are ready for the commitment of marriage?

Series: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Title: True in Waiting
Text: Songs of Songs 4-5:1

Our views on love and sexual intimacy are often unavoidably influenced by the values of the world. Many might even think that the Christian faith has a restrictive or regressive view on love and sexual intimacy. But, in fact, the Scripture does celebrate love and sexual intimacy in the book of Song of Songs. What is God’s design for sex? How should God’s people view it?

General Questions:

1. Did your family talk about sexuality? Where did you learn about sex?
2. Do you find sex too sensitive or private a matter to be discussed in church? Why should we talk about sex in the church?

Perspective Questions:

1. Why did God create sex? In your own words, describe God’s design for sex. How then does this look like in the lives of singles? How about married people?
2. What are some challenges or common views in the world about sex that makes it difficult for you to obey God’s design?

Application Questions:

1. What are some avenues or individuals where we can and should speak openly about sex? What is lacking in these relationships that stops you from doing so?
2. Has the church been a good representation of God’s design for sex? What can we do to make sure we shine God’s glory in this area?

Series: Finance
Title: The Heart of Tithing
Text: Various passages

Holiness should permeate to all aspects of our lives, including how we view and treat our finances through the practice of tithing. What does the Bible say about tithing? How does the spiritual habit of tithing aid us in our spiritual life? How can we practice biblical tithing given all our contemporary challenges and concerns?

General Questions:

1. If a working adult cites personal financial commitment as why he does not buy insurance coverage, what would be your advice to him? Would you give the same advice to a believer who is not tithing regularly?

Perspective Questions:

1. From Leviticus 27:32, we see that tithe is “holy to the Lord”. What message is a believer sending when he does not tithe?
2. Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants”. Our church is built on others who had contributed to God’s Kingdom with their time and tithe. What do you think are the ways our tithe can resource God’s work both locally and globally?
3. How has tithing faithfully increased your dependence on God? Think back on your past experiences and share how this has helped you in your spiritual journey.

Application Questions:

1. For some of us, tithing might be such an ingrained practice over the years that we may think little of it. Take time to reconsider the reason you are tithing. As you do so, share what God has placed in your heart about your personal reason for tithing faithfully.
2. Are there some good practices in tithing that some LG members can share? How can we build a safe space for us to be accountable to one another about our tithing?

Series: Focus 2024 – Disciplines for an Abiding Life
Title: Seeking God through Prayer and Fasting
Text: Joel 2:12-13, Ezra 8:21-23

In the Bible, the people of God fasted and prayed to indicate or express the inner conditions of their hearts. Today, we are not required to fast and pray. But we can still benefit from this spiritual discipline when we practise it from the heart. What is the value of sincere fasting and praying?

General Questions:

1. Share about a previous experience with fasting. Why did you choose to fast? How did it go? How did you experience God through the period of prayer and fasting?

Perspective Questions:

1. In our struggles with different sins, what might lead us to depend on our willpower and wisdom, instead of taking the fight spiritually? How does the way we deal with sin reflect our relationship with and understanding about God?
2. What hinders you from fasting (apart from medical conditions)? What do these hindrances reveal about our understanding of the purpose and impact of fasting? How has the sermon addressed these hindrances, if any?
3. Think of different ways in which you might fast. How does fasting set us in the posture to allow God to change our hearts?

Application Questions:

1. What are some steps we can take to help us practice fasting (examples given below)? How can the LG support one another in fasting?

E.g.
• • Ensure we have sufficient rest and hydration, and our other meals are proper nutritious meals
  • Adjust the timing of meals, such as planning for a slightly later breakfast and an earlier dinner, and fasting over lunch
  • Schedule a fast

Series: Focus 2024 – Abide
Title: Quality Time with God
Text: Psalms 119:33-40

What are the right attitudes we should have when we spend alone time with God so that our Quiet Time is also Quality Time?

General Questions:

1. Spending quality time with God helps us grow in intimacy with Him. What does intimacy with God mean? What does it look like? Describe a person who has a close and intimate relationship with God.
2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the most), how would you rate your desire for intimacy with God? Why?

Perspective Questions:

1. Is intimacy with God free or does it come at a cost? What are the ‘costs’ we may need to pay in order to spend quality time with God? These may be challenges we face, or distractions we need to put aside.
2. How often do we turn to God and His Word as our first solution, rather than as the last resort? Have we lost sight of our ‘smallness’ before God? To what extent do we trust that God’s Word and ways are far better than our own or that of the world’s?

Application Questions:

1. What are some habits that you need to STOP? What are some habits that you need to START?
2. How can you spend quality time with God today?
3. How can we help each other grow in this spiritual discipline?

Series: Focus 2024 – Abide
Title: Spirit-Filled Gathering
Text: Ephesian 5:18-20

Gathering for fellowship is one of the key spiritual habits that enables us to abide in Christ. So how should a Spirit-filled community look like? What does a Spirit-filled gathering look like?

General Questions:

1) Personally, what are the reasons that you commit yourself to regular gatherings, such as life group (LG) meetings and church services? What are your personal values and convictions concerning gathering as a spiritual family? How have you been blessed and benefitted from these gatherings?

2) What do you think are the differences between Christian fellowship gatherings and other social groups? Are there similarities? Do you think LG should be different from other social groups? Why?

Perspective Questions:

1) Do you think your LG meetings are Spirit-filled? What are the areas that you think your LG has gone well? Which areas
(mutual edification, gratitude filled, being other-centred) do you think your LG can grow in?

2) The LG is made up of imperfect people who are growing in their faith. What should our attitude be when the LG is going through challenging circumstances (e.g. conflicts within the group, lack of commitment from members)? How do you think by coming with the right attitudes of wanting to edify one another, with gratitude and with a desire to prioritise needs of other above ours, help and give us a new perspective when there are challenges in the LG? Personally, what differences do you think you can make if you come to LG gathering with these attitudes?

Application Questions:

1) The verses in Hebrews 10:24-25 were intended to encourage believers in Hebrews who were going through persecution to persevere in gathering so that they may encourage one another. What can we learn from Hebrews 10:24-25 when we face challenges in coming to LG or when we see other LG members struggling to gather?

Hebrews 10:24-25 “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

2) What are the practical things that you can apply as a LG to build the LG to be a spirit-filled gathering? Which of the following practical pointers do you think your LG can do more in your gatherings?

Practical points:

· Build culture of affirmation in our gatherings.
· Activate prophetic ministry in our gatherings.
· Allocate time for people to share testimonies.

Series: Focus 2024 – Abide
Title: Fear of God – Worship

We have the honour of having Pastor Ian & Eeleen Wong from Kum Yan Methodist Church, who are known for their passion for God and worship. As part of our Focus key series on holiness, let us encounter God not only as a loving Father but also come before Him with reverence and awe. May we come to behold God in His holiness and majesty, and respond in holy fear.

Series: Focus 2024 – Abide
Title: When Sin Came In
Text: Acts 5:1-8

The church is an imperfect community that is set apart for God. Yet our call to be holy is often threatened by the presence of sin within the community. How should we as a church respond to sin so that collectively, we remain holy before God?

General Questions:

1. Describe fear as an emotion. How can this be reconciled with the idea of the fear of God?

Perspective Questions:

1. Read Acts 1 – 4 (or 2:42-47 and 4:32-37). What are some characteristics of the early church? How is what Ananias and Sapphira did potentially damaging to the spiritual health and credibility of the community?
2. “My sin affects you even if you are not aware of it.” Do you think this is true? Why? How does the personal sin of someone in the community affect the community at large? Give some examples.
3. How can we reconcile removing sin from the community and welcoming sinners into it?  How should our expectations of believers and non-believers differ?

Application Questions:

1. Often, we can only help one another to be holy when we know what one another is struggling with. What hinders you from being open with your struggles to the faith community? How can you help one another to be vulnerable?
2. Sin should be dealt with swiftly before it spreads to affect others in the community. How can we approach the sins of others without compromising on either grace or holiness?

Title: When God comes in
Passage: Exodus 19:10-25

There is a right kind of fear that we should have, which is essential to fulfilling God’s call to holiness. The God who came down to dwell among us is awesomely and perfectly holy. Therefore, approaching God is a very serious matter that must take place on God’s terms.

General Questions:

1. What has been your views on holiness? From the sermon, what does it mean to be holy for God?
2. God is a personal God, but He is also a holy God. How have Jesus bridged these two aspects of God?
3. What is the relationship between abiding in Christ and having the right kind of fear for God?

Perspective Questions:

1. Consider the concept of holiness and reverence shared in this sermon. How do they challenge your perspective on living as a Christ follower in the world today?
2. How would approaching God’s presence with reverence in your daily lives impact your relationship with God?

Application Questions:

1. What are the practical ways in which we can maintain a distinct Christian identity while actively engaging with those around us? How can this impact our witness to non-believers?
2. What are the specific actions or changes you can make this coming week to be careful and serious in areas such as worship, devotions, tithing etc? How can your lifegroup journey with you and keep you accountable in these areas?

Series: Focus 2024 – Abide
Text: John 15:1-8

It can be hard to abide in something when we live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. We tend to abandon old things when we get tired of them and we chase after new things. Yet God calls us to abide in Christ, to remain united with Christ, and to hold onto Christ.

General Questions:

1. Do you find it a challenge to abide or remain in the same thing over time? Why or why not? What is one thing you have abided or remained in (e.g. a job, a marriage)? What makes you stay?

Perspective Questions:

1. When we abide in Christ, God prunes us so that we can grow spiritually. Describe a pruning experience you had with God. What happened, how did it feel, and how have you grown? What is an important attitude to have when we experience God’s pruning?

2. When we abide in Christ, God makes us fruitful to His glory. Knowing that fruitfulness depends on God, how do we make sense of the fruit, or the lack thereof, that we see in our lives?

Application Questions:

1. How is God wanting to prune your life today? How can you allow God to complete the pruning process?

Series: Focus 2024

In 2024, as we abide in Christ, let’s focus on holiness and harvest.

Perspective Questions:

1. As we review the resolutions we have made for the new year, how much of our resolutions have to do with growing in holiness?

Application Questions:

1. What are some steps we can take to grow in holiness?

2. By God’s grace, we are able to influence people beyond our generation, socio-economic status and ethnicity. What are some opportunities or platforms we can utilise to reach people who are different from us?

Series: Promise Keeper
Title: Against All Expectations
Text: Matthew 2:19-23

God always keeps His word, but He often does so in ways that defy human expectations. The question is, will we still trust Him when He does not act according to our plan or schedule?

Perspective Questions:

1. What is a promise of God that you always hold on to? Is it found and based upon the Word of God or based on fine-sounding inspirational philosophies? If it is based on the Word, what are some assumptions you have about how God will fulfil them? What will help you to persist in believing and holding on to them when expectations and reality do not match?

2. What are some past experiences or weaknesses that cause us to doubt that God delights to work through us? How have these affected our confidence in God? What assumptions about God do our doubts reveal? What do these assumptions show about our understanding of God’s character? How does learning that God works through people the world despises help us in addressing these assumptions and doubts?

Application Questions:

1. Who are the people in your life that you tend to despise or shun away from? What assumptions do we have of them that cause us to despise them? How can you look back at the example of Christ and be encouraged to bring the message of salvation, hope and love to them this Christmas? What is something you can do to bring them one step closer to Christ this season?

Series: Promise Keeper
Title: In The Face of Evil
Text: Matthew 2:13-18

Jesus, the promised King and Saviour, arrived on earth not to cheers and applause from men, but to murderous threats on His life. What can we learn from Jesus’ difficult childhood that will help us to hold onto God’s promises even in the face of evil?

Perspective Questions:

1. Evil stems from human selfishness – humans do what they want even when it violates God’s will and hurt others. In this sense, all of us are capable of evil. What then, can help us to resist evil and live righteously?

2. When bad things happen to good people, we are understandably confused and even angry. In such times, what are some promises from God that we can hold onto that can help to deepen our faith?

Application Questions:

1. Who can you think of needs to know that God is a faithful God even in times of trouble and uncertainty? How can you bring this truth to this person?

2. God kept His promise to send Jesus to the Cross to die for the sins of the world. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can be right with God and live with Him for all eternity. This is our hope, even if we have to struggle through life! How can we tell those who feel hopeless and helpless that the King has come for them to save them and give them the hope of an eternal life with God?

Series: Galatians – Freedom in the Gospel
Title: Children of the Promise
Text: Galatians 4:21-31

In Christ, we are children born through God’s promise and born by the power of the Spirit. How does understanding who we are in Christ affect our resolve to resist the way of law and persist in the way of grace? 

Perspective Questions:

1. In verse 21, Paul accuses the Galatians of wanting to be under the law. What are some reasons why believers would want to put themselves under some kind of law? What are the pitfalls of doing so?

2. Many people see the Christian faith as a set of rules and regulations.  We know this is not true, why then do we give that impression? What then is the true heart of Christianity and how is it practised in our lives?

Application Questions:

1. Over the whole series, we have been tracing Paul’s argument that we can be right with God only by faith in Christ. Paul uses several approaches to make his case – he appealed to the Galatians’ experiences with God (Gal 3:1-6), scriptural arguments (Gal 3:7-14), relatable illustrations from daily life (Gal 3:15-4:7), his pastoral heart for them (Gal 4:8-20), and creative analogies from Scripture (Gal 4:21-31). 

   Which of these approaches are you most familiar with? How can you use some of these approaches to help believers in your community live more by faith?

2. How can we resolve to live as children of the promise i.e. to resist the way of law and persist in the way of grace? 

Series: Galatians – Freedom in the Gospel
Title: Struggle of Love
Text: Galatians 4:8-20

Often, love is a struggle because it is a challenge to love when things go wrong, especially in ministry. What can we learn about the struggle of love from Paul’s passionate appeal to the Galatians in their spiritual crisis?

Perspective Questions:

1. Paul was deeply troubled when he saw the Galatians becoming law-centred instead of Christ-centred. He tried hard to correct their doctrinal error so that they would hold onto their freedom in Christ. 

   How concerned are we that we and other believers have the right understanding of the Gospel?  

Application Questions:

1. Paul argued that following Jewish customs to make ourselves right before God is akin to worshipping false gods – we are depending on “weak and miserable forces” (v9) besides Christ for salvation. This does not mean that all religious practices are bad or evil. In fact, some can benefit our spiritual life. How then, can we ensure that when we participate in religious practices, we are not becoming legalistic?

2. Paul is willing to engage in tough conversations out of love and concern.  How can the LG be a safe space to correct and strengthen one another?  How can we positively influence others through our speech and actions?

3. Having zeal in itself is not enough – it is important to have zeal for the right purposes (v18).  How can we discern which purposes are right or wrong? How can we guard against selfish motives that cause us to pursue our own interests instead of God’s?

4. Sometimes, love is a struggle. We need to invite the Holy Spirit to partner with us to expand our hearts and help one another to enter His Kingdom. Will you ask the Spirit to reveal a couple of names whom He wants you to love, even when it is difficult?

Series: Galatians – Freedom in the Gospel
Title: New Realities
Text: Galatians 3:26-4:7

Paul’s opponents saw the importance of the sacrifice of Christ in providing atonement, but they did not believe the Cross was important enough to discontinue the Law. On the contrary, Paul saw the Cross as changing everything. What is the new reality that believers have in Christ?

Perspective Questions:

1. In Christ, we have a new status as children of God (3:26-27). What was our previous status (Read Eph 2:1-3; Rom 5:10)? What does this drastic change in status show about God’s character and attitude towards us? 

2. In Christ, we have a new liberty (4:1-7). Yet some may still think that subjecting themselves to policies or rules can make them better Christians. Can you think of such examples? What do you think is the consequence of living by rules instead of living by grace? 

Application Questions:

1. How can we maintain the unity that we have in Christ? 

2. How can our LG be more welcoming to people who are different from us?

Series: Galatians – Freedom in the Gospel
Title: Purpose of the Law
Text: Galatians 3:15-25

How does knowing the purpose of the Law of Moses affect how we treat it?

General Questions:

1. Our society is governed by rules and laws. What do you think are the benefits and drawbacks of having laws in general? Do you consider yourself to be someone law-abiding? If so, why do you obey laws?

2. Why do you think God gave His people the Mosaic Law, knowing that imperfect human beings will never be able to obey Him perfectly? What role does God’s Law play in your life personally?

Perspective Questions:

1. From the Scriptures, we learn that the promise is superior to the  Law.  What do you think are reasons why some people prefer to live by the Law instead of the promise of God? 

2. We may swing to two extremes when it comes to God’s Law – to adhere to it legalistically, or to ignore it and live a lawless life. What do you think will be the outcome of our life and faith if we swing to either extreme? What is the proper way to treat the Law? 

Application Questions:

1. One reason the Law was given was to make sins obvious. Are there areas or situations in your life that you know you have fallen short of God’s standards? How do you think God want us to respond when our sins are revealed?

2. What are some “laws” that govern your life today? How can you stop living by these “laws” and start living for the holy ideal that God calls us to in Christ?

Series: Galatians – Freedom in the Gospel
Title: Only Way to Be Right with God
Text: Galatians 3:7-14

Many of us grew up thinking that if we want something, we must work for it. But being right with God is not something we can work for because no one, except Christ, can perfectly live up to God’s standards. How then, can a person be right with God? 

Perspective Questions:

1. What is the key difference between believing and doing when it comes to being right with God? How would a person who relies on faith differ from a person who relies on works to obtain a right standing before God?

2. We may have been conditioned by the world to think that we would only be accepted only if we are strong and capable. But are these qualities that matter most to God? What does God really look for from His people?

3. How should we understand the relationship between faith and works? Read James 2:14-24. 

Application Questions:

1. How can we base our security not in what we can do but in what Christ has done for us?

Title: Key To Finishing Well
Text: Galatians 3:1-6

Saying the sinner’s prayer with faith is a joyous event, but it is just the beginning. Not only do we want to start well, we also want to end well. How can believers progress toward spiritual maturity and finish the race well such that on the final day of judgment, they will receive the promised salvation?

General Questions:

1. Do you remember how it felt when you first accepted Christ into your life as your Lord and Saviour? What did it mean to you that you have been saved? Share how you felt with the lifegroup.
2. Do you still feel the same way about your salvation? How has it changed over the years?

Perspective Questions:

1. What does it mean for a believer to finish their life well?
2. What are some signs that you may have forgotten that you are saved by grace alone? What are some indications that you may be trusting yourself instead of God for salvation?
3. What are some situations or ways of thinking that may lead us to rely on our strength instead of looking to God for His grace?

Application Questions:

1. What are some ways we can keep our eyes on the Cross and our faith in God?

2. What are some things you are believing in God to do in or through your life?

3. What are some past experiences with God that have taught you to depend on Him? As you face current challenges in your life, how can you apply the lessons you have learnt from past experiences?

How can we keep our emotions, especially our anger in check in this fast paced and stressful society?

Title: Alcohol According To The Bible
Text: Various

Drinking alcohol is socially acceptable for many people. Yet besides the commonly heard mantra “you can drink, just don’t get drunk,” what are some principles we can consider from the Bible that can guide our decisions about drinking?

General Questions:

1. What are your experiences with alcohol? Would you say you have a positive or negative impression of it? Why?

Perspective Questions:

1. The Bible neither prohibits nor encourages drinking. How does knowing this fact help us to relate with people who may disagree with us on the issue of drinking?

2. Just because the Bible does not condemn or commend drinking (for purposes other than medical) does not mean that it does not have principles that can guide us in deciding whether to drink or not. For example, consider passages such as 1 Cor 10:23-11:1. What is the key principle in this passage? How does this principle affect our approach to drinking? 

3. Some may ask, how about drinking when no one else is around? Many turn to alcohol to “drown their sorrows” or to take the edge off the stressful situations they are going through. What are principles from the Bible that can help us to better handle the pressures of life?

Application Questions:

1. Instead of turning to alcohol (or other forms of escapism), how can we cope with the pressures of life in a healthier manner?

2. In ethical issues such as drinking, asking the right questions can help us to arrive at wise, God-honouring decisions. Instead of asking, “Can I drink?” or “How much is too much?” what are wiser questions to ask?

Title: Wrestling with God
Series: Hearts On Fire – Focus Series 2
Text: Genesis 32:22-32

God is inviting us to wrestle with Him because He desires for us to have a deeper dependence on Him and to fulfill His purposes for us.

General Questions:

1. Have you seen people wrestling before? Describe it, what can it tell us about the process of wrestling with God?

2. Who is Jacob? What kind of person is he? What part does he play in God’s redemptive story shared in the Bible?

Perspective Questions:

1. Before Jacob wrestled with God, he was anxious at the thought of Esau coming to meet him although he had made plans to stave off Esau’s attack (Gen 32:7-8, 13-21). His great need led him to pray (Gen 32:9-12), remembering God’s promises and goodness to him, and asking God to save him. This was where God wanted Jacob – uncertain, helpless, and vulnerable; so that Jacob would realise that relying on God was the only way out. When were the times when you felt like you had done everything you could but you were still afraid or uncertain, and you could only look to God for help? 

2. It took many hours of wrestling and a broken hip to make Jacob yield to God (Gen 32:24-26). What would it take for us to trust God and submit to His purpose for our lives? God had to break Jacob’s hip – what would God have to “break” in us to make us realise that He is our only recourse and surrender to Him in trust?  

Application Questions:

1. We “win” in our wrestle with God when we choose to “lose” by surrendering to God and letting His purpose control our lives. In our walk with God, how can we “lose” to Him more? What are some truths from the Bible we can remind ourselves with that would help us to surrender to God in trust? 

2. Feeling fearful and vulnerable is no fun. However, recognising our fear and vulnerability may be necessary to recognising our need for God. Therefore, we should not neglect negative emotions, but deal with them. How can the LG be a place where people feel safe to confront their unpleasant feelings? 

3. With a broken hip, Jacob limped into his calling as the father of Israel. Likewise, God might have to break us before He could use us for His purposes, so that we learn to always rely on Him. How can we deepen our dependence on God as we live out His purposes for our lives? 

Title: Walking In The Light
Series: Hearts On Fire – Focus Series 2
Text: 1 John 1:5-10

Walking with God is really a commitment to follow a righteous God. This commitment comes with expectations to walk in the light as God is in the light. What does God ask of those who desire to walk with Him?

Perspective Questions:

1. What is your understanding of what it means to walk with God? How does the apostle John define it?

2. Why do some people not want to walk in the light (see John 3:19-21) or lie about walking in the light? 

Application Questions:

1. What are possible ways people can downplay their sins? How can we properly deal with our sins?

2. A benefit of walking with God in the light is we get to enjoy true fellowship with other believers. How can we place the sacrifice of Jesus at the centre of our relationships with one another?

3. How can the LG help one another to walk in the light?

Adulting is a long journey where every life station comes with its own complexities. Learn how you can live in God’s wisdom and purposes in your current season.

Adulting is a long journey where every life station comes with its own complexities. Learn how you can live in God’s wisdom and purposes in your current season.

Adulting is a long journey where every life station comes with its own complexities. Learn how you can live in God’s wisdom and purposes in your current season.

Adulting is a long journey where every life station comes with its own complexities. Learn how you can live in God’s wisdom and purposes in your current season.

Title: Step Out & Step Up
Series: A Brick In His House
Text: Haggai 1:1-11

Every now and then, we need to honestly reflect on our priorities. Have other responsibilities or endeavours crowd out the commitment to build God’s church?  

Perspective Questions:

1. Late Bible scholar Gordon Fee once said, “God is not just saving individuals and preparing them for heaven; rather, He is creating a people among whom He can live and who in their life together will reproduce God’s life and character.” What do you think of his quote? How does it reinforce or challenge your view of God’s purpose for His church? How would your view affect your priorities?  

2. The people in Haggai’s day chose to build their own homes instead of rebuilding God’s temple. What do you think cause them to make such a choice? What are some of their fears or concerns that you can identify with? What does God’s word have to say about them?

3. Most of us recognise the value of working hard. But being hardworking does not mean we have the right priorities. We can be working hard, but we are not producing fruit that honours God. What kind of hard work would God want to see from us? What are His promises to those who strive to honour Him?  

Application Questions:

1. What are some needs you see around you that God may want you to meet? What are some practical steps you can take to address these needs?

2. If you are feeling disillusioned or disheartened because of challenges you meet in serving, how can you bring to God all that is on your heart? How can you allow God’s word to heal or renew you?

Title: Step Out & Step In
Series: A Brick In His House
Text: Ephesians 6:10-20

Christ calls us out from our former lives to a relationship with Him and become part of His Church. Let’s explore the importance of belonging to a local church that we may be reminded of the privileges and responsibilities of belonging to a local church.

General Questions:

1. Do you belong to a local church and a life group? Why do you think it is important to be part of the local church?

Perspective Questions:

1. The church community is not perfect, and we may rub each other the wrong way. What are the challenges or hurts that you experienced in God’s community? What are the lessons that you learnt or areas that you have grown as a result? 

2. The church community does not wait for war to be ready – it is ready during peace time, it never lets its guard down. How do you think a church community can become complacent and unprepared? What does it take for a church community to be prepared?

3. The Bible warns us that we will face spiritual battles that could shake our faith and draw us away from God if we are not prepared. What are some spiritual battles that we may face? What is the danger in thinking that we can face such battles on our own? What is the advantage of facing spiritual battles with the community of God?

Application Questions:

1. How does knowing that we are supposed to watch one another’s back in spiritual warfare change the way we relate with our church community?

2. A life group is not just another social group, but one where Christ is at the centre of our relationship and the word of God is the foundation of our relationship. Besides learning the Word together, how do you think your life group be a Word-centred community?

In our pursuit of a romantic partner or career advancement, friendships could take a back seat. Hear our panel share their personal journey on friendships and how authentic friendships can be the missing ingredient we need to live a fulfilling life as young adults.

Just as how Jesus sent His disciples to preach the Gospel, He is sending us out to our schools and neighbourhoods. Learn how we can make a lasting impact in the community God has placed us in!

What do charts and graphs have to do with seasons?

This Sunday morning, Pastor Daniel Wee from Church Of Our Saviour shared some statistics about the Singapore church, and what it tells us about the season that the church is in. The time is now to preach the gospel in Singapore and reach the unreached. It may seem like a daunting task, but we remember the heart of our God for His people.

And we go forth, together ❤️‍🔥

God is a global God who loves and redeems globally. Discover how can we can be a church that is readily activated to go and reach the world for Christ.

Title: Fulfil God’s Mission For The World
Series: Church On The Go
Text: Romans 15:15-22

How can we participate in God’s mission for the world?

Perspective Questions:

1. Paul saw himself as a minister of Christ who was given the “priestly duty” (Romans 5:16) of sharing the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. Believers are also called priests (1 Peter 2:9). How would seeing yourself as a minister change the way you make decisions or realign your priorities?

2. God’s grace powered Paul “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles” (Romans 15:6). Jesus also equipped ordinary fishermen to be His disciples. What would help you to depend on God to do what He has called you to do?

3. Paul’s lifelong ambition was to “preach the Gospel where Christ was not known” (Romans 15:20). How is Paul’s ambition different from the ambition of those who are hungry for success or fame in the world? What can we learn from Paul’s ambition and apply it to our own goals?  

Application Questions:

1. What is holding you back from going on a Short Term Mission (STM) trip? Will you pray and fast with your mentor to ask God to guide you in exploring a STM trip in the next 12 months?

2. Take a look at the countries listed in Joshua Project’s 10/40 Window that have significant unreached people groups. Which country/countries stand out to you? Besides praying, what is one or two things we can do to advance the Gospel in these countries?

Title: Finding Freedom in the Truth
Series: Freedom In The Gospel – Part 1
Text: Galatians 2:15-21

Knowing the truth of the Gospel is not just an abstract, intellectual exercise. The freedom we find in the Gospel impacts our eternity and transforms our lives.

General Questions:

1. In Galatians 2:20, what does Paul mean when he says he has been crucified with Christ? Why is this so important to Paul?

Perspective Questions:

1. In what areas of life are we sometimes asked to justify ourselves to others? Why is the impulse to earn favour, or prove ourselves to others (and to God), so deeply ingrained in our hearts? What are the flawed perceptions and misunderstandings that may contribute to these inclinations?

2. How does knowing that “God accepts you because of what Jesus has done through the cross” differ from and challenge the world’s idea of self-acceptance? In what ways does this truth influence and change how we relate with ourselves? How about in terms of relating with fellow Christians around us?

Application Questions:

1. Think of an area in your life where you struggle to live in freedom, and instead are more inclined towards either legalism or licentiousness. How would this area of your life be different if you lived from a position of being loved by God and put right with Him? How can the LG support you to live in this freedom?

Title: Handling God’s Truth with Care
Series: Freedom In The Gospel – Part 1
Text: Galatians 1:11-2:14

God has revealed His truth to us through the Scriptures. We are being entrusted by God to reveal His manifest wisdom to the world. What an awesome privilege and great responsibility!

Perspective Questions:

1. Paul was certain that the Gospel he preached was from God because of his encounter with Jesus. How certain are you that what you believe is from God, and why? 

2. After Paul’s life-changing encounter with Jesus, he went to the desert and stayed there for years, probably to process how his new understanding of Jesus fit in with what he already knew from the Old Testament. What can we learn from Paul’s posture to make the most of our life-changing encounters with God?

3. Don’t judge a book by its cover. We trust that what is inside the book is a more accurate depiction of the book than its cover. What does a true believer look like? What are some markers of disciples of Jesus? (Read Romans 12 as conclusion)

Application Questions:

1. What are some things that you preach that you know you need to practise more? What is hindering you from practising it? How can you deal with the obstacles?

2. How can the lifegroup cultivate a culture where believers care enough about one another to warn or correct those who are inconsistent? What are some good handles to hold on to when dealing with such matters?  

3. Living in Singapore, we are taught to tolerate, and perhaps even accept, versions of “truth” that are different from what we believe. How can we preserve God’s truth before people with different beliefs?

Application Questions:

1. What are areas in your life where you had believed or tolerated half-truths or lies because it is difficult to follow God’s truth? How can you stop conforming to the patterns of the world and allow your mind to be transformed by God’s Word?

2. We usually fall easily for half-truths and lies that appeal to us. How can you overcome the tendency to listen only to what you want to hear?

Title: Determining The Truth
Series: Freedom In The Gospel – Part 1
Text: Galatians 1:8-10

In age where all kinds of ideologies, philosophies, and lifestyles compete for our attention and allegiance, how can we determine what truth is? How can we discern right from wrong, sound teachings from heresy? What should we look out for?

General Questions:

1. Would you consider yourself as someone who can tell the real from the fake when it comes to your Christian faith? Why do you say so? 

Perspective Questions:

1. We tend to associate the truth of a message with the accolades, achievements, or acquisitions of the messengers, instead of evaluating the message for what it is.  On the other hand, it is sometimes useful to know the background of the messenger to help us to evaluate the message. How do you think we can, based on the facts available, discern whether the message is true and can be trusted?  

2. What do you think is the difference between a “growing teacher” versus a “false teacher”? What attitudes should we adopt towards teachers or preachers who are imbalanced or make mistakes in their teachings, versus those who persistently propagate wrong teachings?

3. Do you see the Bible as the ultimate source of truth to guide all aspects of your life, or are there other sources of ‘truth’ or wisdom that you hold on to? For example, think about the usual things that you say when you encourage people around you – is it usually based on worldly wisdom or on God’s truth? What do you do when what you believe contradicts with God’s truth? 

Application Questions:

1. What are areas in your life where you had believed or tolerated half-truths or lies because it is difficult to follow God’s truth? How can you stop conforming to the patterns of the world and allow your mind to be transformed by God’s Word?

2. We usually fall easily for half-truths and lies that appeal to us. How can you overcome the tendency to listen only to what you want to hear?

Title: Called For Truth
Series: Freedom In The Gospel – Part 1
Text: Galatians 1:1-7

Believers are called to live in the freedom of grace. Yet many fall away though they initially received Christ with sincere hearts. Even those who remain in the faith can find it hard to stay the course. Why is this so?

General Questions:

1. In modern societies, some believe there is no absolute truth. What is the danger of such thinking? 

2. Share an experience when you acted upon a fact you believe is true but in turned out to be false.

Perspective Questions:

1. Believers are called to live in the freedom of grace.  What are some differences between living in freedom and bondage to sin?  What is some old way of thinking that believers may have that hinder our new freedom won by Jesus?

2. In Gal 1:6-7, Paul talked about a different gospel that perverted the gospel of Christ. List some of these alternative, counterfeit gospels in society today. 

3. Besides relying on Christ’s work on the Cross, some people go the “extra mile” to secure their salvation. Can you think of some examples? What is the danger of doing so?

Application Questions:

1. We are called to the Truth.  This means we must be familiar with the Truth. In John MacArthur’s book “Reckless Faith”, he wrote that “Federal agents don’t learn to spot counterfeit money by studying the counterfeits. They study genuine bills until they master the look of the real thing. Then when they see the bogus money they recognise it.”  How can we treasure the Word of God and study it daily so that we will not wander from it?

2. Disciple makers, what attitudes can we learn from Paul who fought for his precious Galatian converts to stay true to the Gospel? How can we live out these attitudes in our mentoring relationships?

Encounter God’s Presence in our worship service. Learn how we can wield praise as a weapon; to declare God’s power and nature in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

God’s word is powerful, transformative and carry the highest authority. Our response to God’s word matters.

How can we grow to not just be listeners of God’s word but be doers of the word as well?

Title: Prepare for Encounter
Text: 2 Kings 5:1-18

How can we prepare our hearts for an encounter with God?

Perspective Questions:

1. Contrast the faith of Naaman’s Israelite servant girl and that of the Israelite king. What are some faith lessons we can learn from both of them?

2. Contrast Naaman’s initial reaction to Elisha’s words (vv10-12) to that of his servants (v13). Which party had faith that would please God, and why?

3. Eventually, Naaman humbled himself to obey Elisha and as a result, he received healing (v14). What are some characteristics and signs of someone who has the attitude of humility in encountering God?

4. One key theme in the story of Naaman, an Aramean commander, is that the God of Israel is also the God of the world. How does this story teach us to encounter God as a global God? 

Application Questions:

1. How can we rekindle a simple faith in God? How can we avoid over-complicating matters, which may prevent us from exercising simple faith?

2. It is easy to pursue spiritual experiences or encounters without letting them transform our hearts. How can we take steps to ensure that we allow an encounter with God to enhance our walk with Him?

“Does this kid come with a return policy?”

“I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Am I good enough for my kid?”

Ever had these thoughts? You’re not alone. This Parents’ Day, we celebrate all there is to be a parent. Hear stories from people who have or are imperfect parents, and find out if the perfect parent really exists!

Title: No Offence, but…: Dealing With Offences
Text: Luke 17:1-4

It is inevitable that people around us will offend us. How should we respond to them in a Christian manner?