Christmas Questions - Matthew 11:

 This Week's Scripture: Matthew 11:1-19

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):

• If you could ask God one question what would that question be?

H. Background Information for this study: 

John the Baptist was sent by God (John 1:6-8) to prepare the way for Jesus and His kingdom. John preached a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance means feeling sorrowful for doing wrong things and turning in a different direction and then beginning to live a new life. 

John the baptist pointed people to Jesus. He told people that Jesus was the one they were waiting for (the savior of the world). Now John has been arrested and put in prision soon to be beheaded. While in prision he has questions if Jesus really is the one. In times of suffering and when unexpected things happen we have questions for Jesus. 

First Section: Matthew 11:1-3 - John's questions in a time of suffering

Second Section: Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus' answer to John's questions.

Third Section: Matthew 11:7-19 Jesus' affirmation of John even despite John's questions

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?

The God of the Second Chance - Matthew 3:1-17

 

This Week's Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

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):

• It what ways have you be changed since you came to Jesus? If you have not come to Jesus yet why not? ?

H. Background Information for this study: 

John the Baptist was sent by God (John 1:6-8) to prepare the way for Jesus and His kingndom. John preached a message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance means feeling sorrowful for doing wrong things and turning in a different direction and then beginning to live a new life. 

When people confessed their sins (got real and admitted they failed) they were forgiven and then baptized. Once a person is forgiven they are called to live a new life. The old is gone and the new has come. Jesus himself gives us the power to change. It is a process of surrendering control to Jesus and letting Him change us.  

First Section: Matthew 3;1-4. John's message. Discuss what key words like repent, kingdom of God and prepare the way for the Lord mean.

Second Section: Matthew 3;5-6. The people's response. Ask what do you think the people were feeling that made them go out to see John. How did they feel when they repented and were baptized/.

Third Section: Matthew 3;7-12. Discuss what it means to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. What would that look like for us? .

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?

Trusting Jesus in Difficult Situations - The book of Habakkuk's Example of Invincible Trust

 Study Guide for Week of November 30, 2025

This Week's Scripture: The Book of Habakkuk 

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 qustions do people have for God in their lives when times are difficult?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Habakkuk is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. It is called Minor only because of its size (only 3 chapters) not because of its importance. In fact it is one of the most powerful examples of trust in God despite negative circumstance found in the entire Bible,

During Habakkuk's time the Israelite people had turned away from God and society has become corrupt and evil. Habakkuk is a follower of God and lives a good life. He has questions for God about why God allows these things to be that way and why God allows evil people to prosper. This is chapter one.

In chapter 2 God answers and explains that He is going to judge the people by bringing the Babylonians to punish the Israelites. Now Habakkuk is really confused because the Bablylonians are even more evil and violent than the Israelites are. So Habbakuk again asks why. God responds that in the future they too will be judged and that God's kingdom will cover the whole earth.

In chapter 3 Habakkuk expresses his trust in God even though he does not understand. He decides to wait on God's timing and trust God. In verse 17 of chapter 3 a deer's feet on the heights refers to being sure footed and not slipping. Be sure to make it applicable to today and our questions and situations we need to trust God in.   

First Section: Habakkuk 1:1-6. Habakkuk's question and God's answer.

Second Section: Habakkuk 2:1-14. God's promise to one day destroy all evil and establish His kingdom.

Third Section: Habbakuk 3:17-19. Habakkuk's decision to trust in God and God's timing.

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?

Removing Hinderances to Personal and Relational Growth - Ephesians 4:25-32

 

 Study Guide for Week of November 23, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

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 is it hard to forgive people who hurt you?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Paul is here teaching the new believers in Ephesus t0 get rid of certain behaviors. As you go through the lists Paul puts down here take your time and talk about each item and discuss ho each area effects the groupp members lives. Make it personal. Focus on the topics that seem most relevant to your particular group.. 

First Section: Ephesians 4:25-27. Lying and anger.

Second Section: Ephesians 4:28 -30. Stealing and unwholesome talk.

Third Section: Ephesians 4:31-32. Bitterness, rage, brawling (arguing), slander, being kind, comapassionate and forgiving.

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?

Healthy Relationships Start With a New Mind - Epesians 4:17-23 and Romans 12:1-12

 Study Guide for Week of November 16, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-23 and Romans 12:1-2 

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 is it hard to live a life of holiness and harmony with others?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Paul is here teaching the new believers in Ephesus that living the Christian life is a matter or dying to the old way of thinking and living a new way, the Jesus - like way. He uses the analogy of death to the old self and birth to a new self created to be like Jesus. Notice key words in these scriptures and discuss them with the group. 

First Section: Ephesians 4:17-19. The old life. Note the downward spiral that Paul describes.

Second Section: Ephesians 4:20 -23. The new life in Jesus. Notice the importance of the thoughts.

Third Section: Romans 12:1-2. How we can transform our lives. Discuss how to do this.

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?

Healthy Relationships Start with You - Ephesians 4:1-16

 

Study Guide for Week of November 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):

• Why is it so hard to live in unity with other people? 

H. Background Information for this study: 

These scriptures are an exhortation of the Apostle paul to the new Christians at the city of Ephesus. Notice what he emphasizes and the key words that he uses.  Discuss how to apply these principles to all relationships such as in the church; in marriage; in a family and in the workplace.

First Section: Ephesians 4:1-6. The charcter necessary for unity.

Second Section: Ephesians 4:7-13. The importance of growing and working together

Third Section: Ephesians 4:14-16. The goal.

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?

Join the Adventure - Acts 8:26-40

 

Study Guide for Week of November 2, 2025

This Week's Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

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 are some wrong ideas that people have about faith in Jesus and church?

H. Background Information for this study: 

Philip was one of the seven men the church chose in chapter 6 of Acts to distribute food fairly to the different groups of widows. In this incident Philip is used by God to reach one person with the good news of Jesus. An Ethiopian person would not be seen as equal in the eyes of a Jew of that day. A Eunuch (a castrated man) would not be accepted by a Jew of that day. The Jewish temple had a seperate area where non Jews were permintted to worship but they were not allowed in the sactuary itself.  

First Section: Acts 8:26-29. How God gets Philip and the Eunuch together. Note God's purpose in doing this.

Second Section: Acts 8:30-35. Philip explains the good news of Jesus.

Third Section: Acts 8:36-40. the result of Philip following God's lead.

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?