Blessings Begin with the Word YES! - Genesis 12:1-5 and Hebrews 11:8-12

 

Study Guide for Week of February 9, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5 and hebrews 11:8-12

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• When was one time you sensed God calling you to do something or to change something in your life or to follow Him in some way?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Abram is known as the father of faith. God calls him to leave where he is and go to where God is going to show him. No details at all. God gives Abram a promise. The promise is that blessings will be his if he obeys the call from God. Abram obeys in faith. He is an example for all of us.

First Section: Genesis 12:1-3. God's call.

Second Section: Genesis 12:4-5. Abram's Response.

Third Section: Hebrews 11:8-12. Importance of Faith.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

Overcoming the Cancer of Disunity in a Marriage, a Family and a Church - Ephesians 4

Study Guide for Week of February 9, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• What causes conflict and lack of unity in relationships?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Paul is writing this book of Ephesians to a church in the city of Ephesus. One of the main focuses is on the spiritual warfare that we all face in our lives. For background read Ephesians 6:10-18. One of the key ways that satan and the demonic attacks us is through disunity. If there is disunity then there is no power and no strength to build the Kingdom of God or a strong healthy family or a healthy growing marriage. There are 3 basic divisions in this study.

First Section: Ephesians 4:1-6. Our own responsibility for unity with others.

Second Section: Ephesians 4:7-13. Our individual gifts and place in the body.

Third Section: Ephesians 4:14-16. How we can work together in truth and love.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

 

The Power of Worship in Times of Fear - 2 Chronicles 20

 

Study Guide for Week of February  2, 2025

This Week's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• What effect does fear have on people?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Jehoshaphat was the king of Israel and he was a dedicated follower of God. Note throughout this incident how he turns to God for help. Key concepts in this incident are fear, trusting in God and how God fights our battles. Make these things personal during the study. Ask how can you apply this in your own life? 

First Section: 2 Chronicles 20:1-12. This is the situation they find themselves in. They have no way to defeat this enemy. It is a fearful situation.

Second Section: 2 Chronicles 20:13-19. Here is God's word to them and their response.

Third Section: 2 Chronicles 20:20-30. Here is how they use praise and worship to enter the battle.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

Overcoming Discouragement - Joshua 1:1-9

 

Study Guide for Week of January 26, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• Why do people get discouraged?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Joshua is a young man and he has been Moses' assistant for many years. He has relied on Moses leadership. Now Moses is dead and God is calling Joshua to take Moses' place of leadership. Joshua will lead God's people into the promised land. That means they have to cross the red sea and they face many enemies who are living in the land. There will be dangerous battles ahead.

Imagine how Joshua must feel. The Lord speaks to Joshua and prepares Joshua for what is ahead. Notice how the Lord talks about 2 major issues. Fear and discouragment. These are weapons that satan uses to keep us from taking the next step in our lives. Take what the Lord says to Joshua and make it practicle in your life.

First Section: Joshua 1:1-4. Here is Joshua's call to lead. Notice how the Lord emphasizes that Moses is dead. This reminds us that there are times in life when we must move on to a new chapter in our lives. We must take a new step, a new direction into a new future.

Second Section: Joshua 1:5-6. The Lord's promise to be with Joshua wherever he goes and whatever he faces. Discuss how this promise of God being with us impacts your life.

Third Section: Joshua 1:7-9. The Lord's call to be strong and courageous and not to be discouraged or fearful. Discuss how this impacts your life. Discuss why knowing God's word and reading it and memorizing it is important to be strong and courageous.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

Take the Next Step - Luke 5:1-11

 

Study Guide for Week of January 19, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• What next step is God calling you to take in your life?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Luke chapter 5 tells the story of Jesus calling Simon Peter. Note that he did not think himself qualified but Jesus saw the potential in him. As you break down this story try to imaginge yourself in Peter position. Put yourself in his shoes.Try to experience and think what he was exriencing and thinking. 

First Section: Luke 5:1-3. The opening scene. Note the importance of hearing the word of Jesus (Hebrews 4:12).

Second Section: Luke 5:4-7. The miracle. Note Jesus' challenge to Peter and Peter willingness to take the next step of launching out to the deep water.

Third Section: Luke 5:8-11. Peter's response to the miracle. Note that Peter has 2 revelations. First, who Jesus is (Lord) and who he, Peter is, a sinner. Now Jesus challenges him to take the next step and follow and Peter takes the next step.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group

A Fresh Start - Joel 2

 

Study Guide for Week of January 5, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Joel 2:1-14

Crossroads Community Group Guide

A. Welcome: Welcome everyone, especially new people, and read aloud the purpose of your group.

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time (Optional): Spend a few minutes singing a worship song. Here is one you may want to use: I I Give You My Heart (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)

D. Video Message                                                                  

       

E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website        

F. Review:

1. How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

G. Opening Question (an icebreaker - a simple question to introduce the main theme):

• WhWhy is important to have hope no matter what happens? 

H. Background Information for this study: 

The book of Joel is a prophecy (a message from God) that God gave to the prophet Joel to declare to the people of Israel. The people had turned away from God and were following other gods or just going through the motions. God had sent a judgment upon the land. It was an invasion of locusts that was devouring all the vegetation and threatening to destroy their source of food and the whole country. 

In the midst of the judgment God sends the message to Joel to tell the people to return to God and He God will save them. 

Blowing the trupmpet was done as a warning

The day of the Lord refers to God's judgment.

First Section: Joel 1:1-11. A picture of God's judgment day.

Second Section: Joel 1:12. God's call to turn to Him.

Third Section: Joel 1:13-14. What it means to turn to Jesus and a description of God's character.

In this study be sure to make a practical application to each section. Make application to your life including what you will do to tell other people the message.

J. Word: Read the scriptures above by section. Read it in smaller portions aloud together several times. (The goal is for everyone to understand the Bible story or verses by retelling them in their own words; keep at it until everyone knows the story or verses.)

1. What key (important) words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

4. What jumps out at you and catches your attention?

5. What details can you add to what others in the group have said?

K. Discuss the following general questions together. (The goal is to use these general questions to guide a discussion. The leader should not speak for more than 30% of the time; let the group discover what God is saying to them.)

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

 
L. Commitment - Obedience - Application

(This is the key - have everyone answer this question.) 

1. What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study? 

M. Prayer Time:  Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex           

1. Pray for your group to multiply.
2. Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
3. Pray for the needs of the members of your group