Say What??
Say What? Don't Worry 'Bout It
April 28, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 6:25–33
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. We heard how worrying begins with having a ‘bad feeling that something might or could happen.’ What are some things you tend to worry about? 2. Jesus said that by worrying no one can add a single hour to their life. If that’s true, why do you think we tend to worry? 2. We heard about God’s providence and how he will provide us with what we really need (which may or may not be what we think we need.) When we don’t get what we think we need, we can become discouraged and confused. But then after time passes and we look back, we can see how God provided for us by not giving us what we thought we needed. Share a time from your life like this. 3. What are some reasons you believe in the existence of God? How has believing in God helped you make sense of suffering in your life and the sometimes seemingly randomness of life? 4. Matthew begins and ends his story of Jesus by showing how Jesus is always with us. In what ways can that help you deal with worry? 5. Jesus said, “But seek first his (God’s) kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) Garry described how he still struggles with worry every now and then and how he’s working on shortening the time between him dealing with worry on his own and going to God for help. How quickly do you tend to go to God when you are worried about something? What would help you shorten that time? 6. So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:31-34) Share with your connection group or a friend whatever current worry you have and pray about it together.
Say What? One Ultimate Priority
April 21, 2024 • Russ Smith • Matthew 6:19–24, 1 Timothy 6:17–19
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. Have you ever had an investment turn out poorly? What happened? 2. Jesus talked about storing up treasures in heaven. What do you think about that? 3. Russ said, “Where you spend your time ends up being what you treasure, and what you treasure is likely where you’ll spend your time.” What do you think about this statement? 4. If you had to answer honestly, what would you say is your one ultimate priority in your life? 5. What are some ways you could give away some of your time? How about your talent? Your treasure? 6. Russ told a story of how a guy named Bill invested in him, and how Russ invested in a guy named Jon, and how Jon ended up being a pastor to Bill. Who is someone that invested in you? What did they do, and how did that impact you?
Say What? Poor, Poor Me
April 14, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 6:16–18
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. Have you ever had to fast for a blood test or some other reason? How long did you have to fast and what was your experience? What did you miss the most? (caffeine, carbs, candy, etc.) 2. In this message we heard how people fasted when they desired to see God move in a powerful way or work in a particular way at a particular time. Have you ever practiced fasting or observed others fasting? If so, what was your experience? 3. “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.” (Matthew 6:16) Jesus advises his followers not to appear somber while fasting but to maintain a joyful appearance. What do you think is the significance of this advice? 4. “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:17-18) In these verses Jesus mentions how when we fast in the right way, and with the right motive God will reward us. What is the reward? Is it God doing what you asked him to do or is it something else? 5. Garry shared his experience of a time when he fasted. Have you ever fasted? If so, what was your experience and what benefits or insights did you experience through your time of fasting? If not, why haven’t you fasted? 6. What else stood out to you from today’s message? Take some time this week to think and pray about fasting and whether it’s something you feel called to do. Maybe it’s to pray for a friend, the city, our country, TMP or something in your own life. Maybe start with skipping one meal. Or maybe skip lunch for the week. How you choose to do it is up to you. Of course, if your health doesn’t allow you to miss a meal, choose something else to abstain from for a time (TV, social media, etc.)
Say What? Here's How to Pray
April 7, 2024 • Sylvia Thomson • Matthew 6:9–15
Here are some questions to help you process this message: 1. Would you say you are an extrovert or introvert? (One word only!) 2. Let’s talk about prayer: Everyone has their own unique way of praying–none is better than the other and it’s important to respect each other's preferences. How do you pray? In your head? On paper? Out loud but privately while you drive or walk? Formally, eyes closed and hands folded on your lap? 3. What do you call God when you pray? Father, Jesus, Lord, God…or something else? 4. Who taught you how to pray? 5. How has your prayer life changed over time? 6. How have you experienced answers to prayer? Share any challenges you may have about prayer with your group. 7. Spend a few minutes praying for each other. It doesn’t have to be out loud–it can be awkward silence, too. :) 8. Read John 17:20-26, where Jesus prays for believers. Discuss what it means to be one with Jesus - what does unity look like in the church today? 9. Read Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul’s prayer for the early church. 10. Take time to pray for the church
Say What? Go To Your Room
March 24, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 6:5–8
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8) 1. If you were sent to your room as a kid, what led to you being sent there? 2. “And when you pray…” Jesus is assuming that those listening & following him (back then and today) are praying. When do you find you tend to pray? Regularly? Mostly as a last resort? 3. How does the idea of rewards influence your motivation for prayer? How can we ensure that our motivations for prayer are aligned with seeking God's will, rather than seeking personal rewards? 4. Garry described how the conversations he and his wife had during the chaos of the day were different from the conversations they had when they were alone with no distractions or interruptions. Discuss the idea of prayer as a personal and intimate conversation with God. How does the truth that you are able to talk with God (the creator of everything, including you!) anytime, anywhere, without an appointment impact you? 5. How does hearing someone pray using big fancy words and phrases make you feel? “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” Garry told how those words of Jesus took the pressure off because he came to the realisation that he didn’t have to use big words or fancy phrases when he talked with God. He could just be himself. How do those words of Jesus impact you? 6. How does knowing that God already knows what you need before you ask him, change your understanding of prayer? We heard in the message that the important part of prayer isn’t the requests, it's the relationship. Do you agree or disagree, and why? 7. What else stood out for you in this message? Take time this week to reflect on these words from Jesus and look at what changes or adjustments you might make in your own prayer practices to make them better.
Say What? Give a Hoot - Don't Toot
March 17, 2024 • Russ Smith • Matthew 6:1–4
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: What Jesus said in Matthew 6:1-4 is the background for this: "Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do - blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." 1. Russ told a story about Secret Santa leaving gifts for his friend. Has someone ever secretly given things to you? What happened? 2. Have you ever felt like maybe you were actually giving (your time, talent, treasure) so that you could be admired by other people? 3. Without revealing how you give (because then it wouldn’t be so secret), what are some ways we can give without making a show of it? 4. Russ mentioned this in the message–we give our time & talent & treasure because: It demonstrates that God has first place in my life. It reminds me that everything I have was given to me by God. It expresses my gratitude to God for all he’s given to me. What do you think about that? 5. If you’re not currently giving (your time, talent, treasure) at TMP, what would need to happen to change that? 6. There’s so much happening at TMP with our vision and mission because people are giving. We can thank God for that!
Say What? Love Who?
March 10, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 5:38–48, Romans 12:17–18, Romans 5:8
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. What is your favourite movie genre? (action, romance, fantasy) Why? What is it you like about them? 2. We heard how we have a natural tendency to escalate violence. Why do you think that is? How do you tend to respond when you experience some kind of injustice (falsely accused, betrayed etc) or you see injustice happening in the world (war, corrupt governments taking advantage of people etc)? 3. “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person…” (Matthew 5:38-39) What thoughts come to mind when you hear/read Jesus’ teaching? What did Jesus mean exactly? Are we to be doormats and never fight back or stand up for what is right? As followers of Jesus, what would standing up for ourselves or others look like? 4. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (Matthew 5:39-41) What principle do you think Jesus is trying to teach in these verses? How would these different scenarios show up in real life now? 5. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43-44) St. Augustine said: “Many have learned how to offer the other cheek, but do not know how to love him by whom they are struck.” Who is someone that you find hard to love? What would you have to do in order to begin praying for them? 6. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Do you find those words encouraging or crushing? Why? Of course, we by ourselves will never be perfect. We are only made perfect by what Jesus accomplished through his death and resurrection. As a follower of Jesus, when God looks at you he sees Jesus - the perfect sacrifice. This week set aside some time to reflect on how (in contrast to Liam Neeson who said, “I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you”), Jesus said, “I will look for you, I will find you and I will die for you.”
Say What? Eyes Wide Open
March 3, 2024 • Garry Firth • John 3:17, Matthew 5:31–37
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. When it comes to getting into the water, are you a ‘walker’ or a ‘jumper’? 2. Divorce is something that has impacted most if not all of us. How old were you when you first remember someone getting divorced? How did it impact you? 3. “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:31-32 NIV) How have you understood those words of Jesus? In what way did your understanding of them change? 4. What else stood out to you from this message? 5. What is some helpful, practical advice that you could pass on to a young couple who are planning on getting married or have recently been married that you’ve learned in your marriage or from someone else who is married? Take time this week to pray for your own marriage (if applicable) and the marriages of those people you know especially those who have just been married.
Say What? Lingering Desire
February 25, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 5:27–30, Genesis 3:6
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. How did you deal with anger this past week? Did you Stay, Pray or Go Away - not necessarily in that order? 2. What was it that first attracted you to your significant other (if applicable) or to your ‘first love’ in grade school? 3. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28) Jesus raised the bar and widened the circle. He raised it by redefining adultery and widened the circle to include everyone. What do you think about that? Why do you think he did that? 4. What are some examples of hyperbole that we use today? (My feet are killing me. I’ve told you 20,000 times. etc.) If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (Matthew 5:29-30) Jesus is using hyperbole - an exaggerated statement or claim NOT to be taken literally but used to emphasize an important point. What point was Jesus trying to emphasize in these verses? 5. The temptation to lust (have a very strong sexual desire for someone we shouldn’t) is all around us. (TV shows, movies, advertising, books, magazines, web sites, etc.) We heard that one way to keep from lusting is to bounce our eyes - to look but then to look away quickly. What are some other ways or other things we can do to help us from lusting and ultimately committing adultery in our hearts? 6. What else stood out to you in this message? Take some time this week to ask yourself what you might need to “cut away” to help you avoid the temptation of lust.
Say What? Ok I'm Angry - What Do I Do With It?
February 18, 2024 • Russ Smith • Matthew 5:21–26, Psalm 109:8–13
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. We all get angry sometimes. What’s your anger level like these days? 2. Jesus raised the bar and said that even being angry with someone is like murdering them. What do you think about that? 3. We keep bringing these messages back to this Big Point: We are not made right with God by anything we do, but by what Jesus has done for us. Where are you at with that statement? Stay. Pray. Go Away. (and not necessarily in that order) 4. Can you think of a time when you were angry and you decided to STAY? (example: Instead of unleashing a bunch of angry words, you told yourself “Stay!” and kept yourself from talking) 5. When in your life did you PRAY when you were angry? (example: You said “Lord Jesus help me now!” in an angry moment, or you went to God later and shared your anger with him) 6. What do you think about the idea of taking our anger to God in prayer because he can take it (while the people in our lives might not be able to, and perhaps they shouldn’t have to)? 7. Has there been a time when you decided to GO AWAY when you were angry? (examples: You walked away from a situation because you were angry, or you realized you needed to go fix a problem you had with someone.) 8. Is there anyone in your life that you need to go fix things with (example: apologize for something you said)? What’s stopping you from doing that?
Say What? Losing My Religion
February 11, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 5:17–20, Matthew 23:1–5, Matthew 23:27–28, Matthew 11:28–30
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. How would you define the word religion? What thoughts or images come up for you when you hear the words religion or religious? Are they positive or negative? Why? 2. In the message we heard this definition of religion: “Religion is a tiresome system of manmade dos and don’ts, woulds and shoulds impotent to change human lives but tragically capable of devastating them.” Do you agree or disagree? What has your experience of ‘religion’ been? 3. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:20) What feelings come up for you when you read or hear that? Do you feel like you have no chance of being on God’s good side because you don’t see yourself as being good enough or do you feel something else? 4. Read Philippians 3:5-9. In what ways does his story encourage you? In what ways do you see yourself in Paul’s story? 5. What else stood out for you from this message? 6. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG) That’s Jesus’ invitation to you. What would it look like for you to take him up on it?
Say What? Shake & Shine
February 4, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 5:13–16
Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life: 1. What’s your favourite Disney movie – animated or real? (Snow White, Little Mermaid, Moana, Toy Story, etc.) 2. Who are you? How would you answer that question? Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13) What thoughts come to mind when you hear that? Are you flattered? Insulted? Confused? 3. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13) What comes up for you when you hear that? What are some ways that we (the church) have lost our saltiness? 4. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5 14-16) What stands out to you in these verses? What do you think Jesus is referring to when people hide the light? 5. As salt (identity) we are to preserve culture and society (purpose) and as light (identity) we are to illuminate the darkness in the world (purpose). Brainstorm some ways you can do that as a group or an individual. Who is someone you could be salt & light to? Pray for that person and the opportunity to be salt and light.
Say What? How to Be Happy, Pt. 2
January 21, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 5:5–12
1. Garry shared his elementary school dream of living on a houseboat with his best friend and eating crab all day. What was a dream you had growing up? 2. When you hear that someone is “meek”, what thoughts come to mind? If someone called you meek how would you respond? 3. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matthew 5:7) - Garry defined mercy as showing compassion for people who are in need even though they don't deserve it. How would you define mercy? Do you find it easier to dispense mercy or to receive mercy? Why? 4. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8) - Think of someone you know whom you would describe as “pure in heart.” What are the distinguishing marks of that person’s life? 5. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) - What are some of the costs of being a peacemaker? What are some of the rewards of being a peacemaker? 6. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10) - Scottish theologian Sinclair Ferguson said this about the beatitudes and persecution: "When the beatitudes make up our character, the character of citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we as followers of Jesus will be persecuted for walking the radical, 'narrow way' that leads to life, in marked contrast to the broad way that leads to destruction." What reasons did Jesus give us to rejoice when we are persecuted? Reread the beatitudes and insert your name in each—“Blessed is _______” Then think of specific situations where you could put the beatitudes into practice in your life.
Say What? How to Be Happy
January 14, 2024 • Garry Firth • Matthew 5:1–4, 2 Corinthians 7:10
1. What does being happy mean to you? What is it that makes you happy? (vacation, fulfilling job, being with friends, etc) 2. Read Matthew 5:3-12. Which beatitude do you identify with the most right now? How does the blessing attached to it apply to your life? 3. We heard how true happiness isn’t found in what we have or don’t have. It’s found in knowing what God thinks of you. Do you agree or disagree? 4. Jesus mentions the ‘kingdom of heaven’. We heard how the kingdom of heaven is a spiritual kingdom. It’s where heaven and earth meet. Garry said it’s ‘God’s people, in God’s place, living under God’s rule and blessing’. How would you describe the kingdom of heaven? What is it to you? 5. What else stood out to you from this week’s message? If you haven’t done so yet, memorize Matthew 5:3-12. If you have and you’re willing, recite it in front of your group or a friend.
Say What? The Day God Talked About Everything
January 7, 2024 • Garry Firth • Mark 9:31, Matthew 5:1, Genesis 1:1
1. How has 2024 been so far? When do you typically put your Christmas decorations away and take the tree down? 2. What are some events or things that were so unbelievable, so inconceivable, so improbable that you found yourself thinking, ‘Say What?’ (9/11, a friend’s sudden engagement, a blockbuster sports trade, etc) 3. What is something Jesus mentioned that you’d heard before, but you didn’t know it came from the sermon on the mount? 4. Jesus talked about a lot of things in this sermon. What did you hear that stood out for you? 5. What are you looking forward to the most in this series? Why? Here’s a challenge: Commit to memorising the beatitudes over the next two weeks and see if you can recite them in your group.