Study Guide for Week of November 20, 2022
This Week's Scripture: Psalm 23 and John 10:7- 18
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: 10,000 Reasons (or pick your own YouTube video that shows the lyrics.)
E. Five Minute Sermon:
E. Upcoming Events: Crossroads Website
F. Review:
- How did you do with what you want to apply from last week?
- 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 like Psalm 23 so much?
H. Background Information for this study:
Psalm 23 is probably the most famous of the psalms in the Bible. Children learn it; people read it at funerals and it is a source of comfort for many. Sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than any other animal - over 500 times. Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. Psalm 23 is all about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Is he your shepherd. verse one is the key verse since it establishes that relationship of shepherd and follower. Once that relationship is established then all of those great parts listed in verses 2-6 apply. If a person has not made Jesus their shepherd then the remainder of the Psalm does not apply.
Second Section: John 10:7-18. This section Jesus tells us why He is the good shepherd and what he has done for us. Contrast jesus with other "Shepherds" that people follow..
Section Three: Psalm 23:2-6. This section describes what it means to have jesus as your shpherd. break it down topic by topic and discuss each and ask how each part would work in our lives and situations..
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.)
M. Prayer Time: Break up into smaller groups of 3-4 - groups of the same sex
- 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
- Pray for your group to multiply.
- Ask each other how you are doing spiritually.
- Pray for the needs of the members of the group.
N. For Next time: Ask each person the name of someone they will invite to the group for next week.
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