Better Together - theCHURCH of Arizona

Know the Unknowable (7-19-20)

July 19, 2020 • Blake Murchison

Questions: 1. Read Genesis 3:1-6. Do you trust God to define what is good and what is evil? Why or why not? Explain. 2. Is it possible that we have created a cultural Jesus and a cultural Christianity? 3. Would you define yourself as a true follower of Christ? Are you living with the eternal kingdom in mind or is your hope and trust in the man-made kingdoms of this world? 4. How do we change our hearts to be conformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ? 5. Read Matthew 28:19-20. The call of the kingdom, and following Jesus, is defined by the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Are you actively involved in making disciples? How?

Safe and Secure (7-12-20)

July 12, 2020 • Ron Everingham

Questions: 1. Read Exodus 14:10-14 and Isaiah 43:16-18. Do you find yourself longing for the “good old days”? What about the past do you desire? 2. Read Isaiah 43:19-21. Why is it so hard to be perceptive of the ways God is working for our good and His glory? 3. How can we allow uncomfortable and unknown circumstances to become a starting point for change? 4. As God takes us beyond the bounds of what we know is safe and secure, will you trust God? Why or why not? Explain. 5. Search your heart: In who or what do I place my safety and security? What would it look like to find my safety and security in Christ alone?

Contact Precautions (7-5-20)

July 5, 2020 • Brian Kinkade

Questions: 1. In what ways has our current pandemic strengthened your walk with Christ? In what ways has it challenged your walk with Christ? 2. Read verses 11-13. What are some ways we can lift up our voices to God for mercy? 3. Read verse 14. Do you find it easier to follow the commands of God or to believe in His promises? Explain. 4. Read verses 15-19. How often do you allow God’s goodness to lead you into praise and worship? 5. How can we as a community group choose to worship God this week, regardless of situation or circumstance?

Christ’s Side (6-28-20)

June 28, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. Read Philippians 1:21-30. What does it look like to live a life worthy of the gospel? 2. How can we as theCHURCH approach the world’s problems from the side of Christ? 3. What does it mean to “stand firm in one spirit”? Explain. 4. How can we become “one mind” striving “side by side for the faith of the gospel”? 5. What can YOU do this week to allow God and His Word to be your filter for the different sides taking place around you?

A Healed Life is a Healing Life (6-21-20)

June 21, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. When you “see the crowds” today, are you moved with compassion or are you moved by some other emotion? 2. What does it look like to be a “pre-responder” to the crowds in our society? 3. Do you see yourself as a laborer in God’s harvest? How are you currently making disciples of Jesus Christ? 4. Do you have a tendency to be more of a hider, hurter, or hater? What do you need to do to become a healer? 5. What would it look like to bring healing to those who are isolated, depressed, jobless, afraid, and broken?

Unified Diversity (6-14-20)

June 14, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. Read 1 Corinthians 12. Is unity possible even though the church is so diverse? Explain. 2. Unity is often mistaken for uniformity. How do we overcome this? What is a better understanding of unity? 3. How can people who are so different work together for the same purpose? 4. When it comes to unity, why do you think it’s easier to talk about something or feel a certain way, rather than actually acting on it? 5. How can YOU pursue and practice diverse unity here at theCHURCH? What is an easy next step to get connected?

Being Human (6-7-20)

June 7, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. What kind of approach or attitude do you have when considering racial injustice in our society? How can we align our hearts and our attitudes with Jesus? 2. Read Luke 10:25-37. Have you ever witnessed something that was wrong but didn’t know what to say or what to do in that moment? What could you have done differently? 3. Right now, what is it that is happening on the “other side” that you don’t understand? What is preventing us from moving towards those things we don’t understand? 4. What will it take for us to move towards others? What would it look like to allow someone else's pain to become your concern? Their healing to become your hope? Their joy to become your happiness? 5. What does it look like for YOU to love first? Respect humanity? Take no part in negativity? Make a difference?

You and Me Agree (5-31-20)

May 31, 2020 • Chad Allen

Questions: 1. Read Philippians 2:1-11. What does it look like to be “One Mind” as theCHURCH family? How can we agree, even when we don’t see eye to eye? 2. When it comes to relationships in the church, where do we tend to put our preferences before considering others? How do our preferences stand in the way of loving each other? 3. What does true brotherly love look like? How can we practically “count others more significant than yourselves”? 4. Love is the natural expression of loving Christ. When you look at your life this past week or month, are you growing in love and patience toward the people in your life? If so, in what ways? Explain. 5. What is one way YOU can put away your preferences and fight for others THIS week?

Gospel-Centered Community (5-24-2020)

May 24, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. Read Acts 2:42-47. What does a thriving Gospel-Centered Community look like and why do you think there are very few expressions of one? 2. Read Romans 12:9-21. How can we turn Gospel-Centered Living into Gospel-Centered Community? 3. When it comes to Gospel-Centered Community, what do you think is the difference between the church today and the New Testament church (Acts, Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, etc.)? How can we become a church that is more involved and engaged in each other's lives? 4. How is it possible to live others-centered when our world is so me-centered? What does this re-centering require? 5. What are some practical steps YOU can take to genuinely engage in Gospel-Centered Community? How can you practice this in your Community Group this next week?

Promises (7-26-20)

July 26, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. Read Psalm 91. Name some of God’s promises found in this passage. Explain. 2. Are there any prerequisites to obtaining the promises in Psalm 91? What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High? Explain. 3. What are some of the ways in which the enemy tries to discount the promises of God? 4. Does claiming God’s promises mean we will never suffer as Christians? Can you think of a time where God promises adversity? Explain. 5. What can you do to dwell in the presence of God this week? How can your Community Group challenge and encourage you in this?

Love first (5-17-20)

May 17, 2020 • Ernie Jaurique

Questions: 1. Read 1 Peter 1:22-23. What are the requirements of good, even great, friendships/relationships? Explain. 2. When Christians truly love one another how is life in Christ better and sometimes even easier? 3. What are some of the roadblocks to doing life together with other brothers and sisters in Christ? Why do you think it’s hard to get involved? 4. Read Rom. 12:1-2 How does allowing God to renew the way you think about others in His church help create a pathway to loving them the way Jesus loves you? 5. Right now the term social distancing is taking a toll on our world and the church especially. What are some ways we can be intentional and engaged in our relationships, while at the same time respecting others' space and not putting people in danger?