INTRODUCTION
01 Pursue God
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Three Truths for Every Pursuit of God
Talking Points:
- The Pursuit is a 12-part series that will help you become a wholehearted follower of Jesus. In this lesson we’ll look at three things you need to know about the heart of God, and the good news it reveals about pursuing him.
- Some people feel unworthy or unlovable and so they think God is out of reach. But Jesus shows us the truth: God is for you, not against you. Mark 2:17
- God’s heart for you puts a whole new kind of life on offer, and Jesus called it “life to the full.” It’s the secret to deep friendships, healthy emotions, meaningful work, and joyful connection with God. John 10:10
- A ”full circle” pursuit of God includes three things: trusting Jesus, honoring God, and making disciples. This series will help you with all three of these things.
- God is not some far-away, uninterested deity. He wants to be found by you, and he has made the first move. Jeremiah 29:13
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Where do you put yourself on the continuum (far from God – close to God)? Explain.
- Read Matthew 8:2-3. Why is it significant that Jesus touched the leper? Have you ever felt cast aside or unworthy of God’s love? Share an example.
- Read Mark 2:17. Based on this verse, what type of person is Jesus after? Why do you think that is?
- Read John 10:10. What does a “full life” look like to you? Make a list.
- Read Jeremiah 29:13. What do you think it means to look “wholeheartedly” for God?
See Also:
02 Why the Bible?
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Why the Bible?
Talking Points:
- Before we can pursue the God of the Bible, we need to examine the Bible itself. How do we know that we can trust what it says? That’s what we’ll cover in this lesson.
- Ancient manuscripts and archeological digs have stacked up in favor of biblical reliability. The New Testament has more manuscript evidence than any other ancient work.
- The Bible contains 66 books written by 40 authors over the course of 1500 years, and yet it tells one unified story.
- The Bible is ultimately about Jesus, and the changed lives of his followers is the most compelling proof of its message.
- If you are willing to come to God on his terms and take him at his word, then Jesus promises that you’ll discover the truth. John 7:16-17
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Have you ever wondered about the reliability of the Bible? How big of an issue is it for your pursuit of God?
- Which of the three evidences above is most compelling to you, and why?
- Why is it surprising that the Bible tells one unified story? Do you agree that it is textually reliable?
- If Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead, what do you think his disciples would have done with their lives after his death?
- Read John 7:16-17. Are you interested in “doing the will of God”? Why do you think this is a prerequisite for discerning whether Christ’s teachings are true?
See Also:
03 Imago Dei
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How Imago Dei Changes Everything
Talking Points:
- Whether you believe in biblical Christianity or not, you have been fundamentally shaped by its ideas. In this lesson we’ll investigate one of those ideas and how it has impacted the values we take for granted.
- The Bible teaches that humans are created in God’s image (“Imago Dei”). This gives every human inherent dignity, and it’s the key to understanding God’s attitude toward the world. Genesis 1:26
- “Imago Dei” is the basis for blessing all of mankind in the most practical way: it opens the door to the freedoms we have come to expect. God invites all people to experience life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
- Being created in the image of God means you have the capacity for a real relationship with the God who created you. This relationship transforms your whole way of relating, so you are able to love your neighbor and yourself. Matthew 22:37-40
Discussion Questions:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Why is it important to have a framework for where humans derive value and purpose? How do you see our culture wrestling with these ideas today?
- Read Genesis 1:1-26. What is the significance of the wording in the creation account?
- What does it mean that we were created in God’s image? What doesn’t it mean?
- Read Matthew 22:37-39. What does it look like to love the way Jesus describes in this passage?
- Read Luke 12:6-7. How do you need to adjust the way you see yourself – or someone else – in this world?
See Also:
#InvestigateChristianity
- Where Did We Get the Bible?
- The Meaning of “Love” in Hebrew
- God and Math: Experiencing Faith
- God and Math: Exploring Beauty
- God and Math: Embracing Mystery
- Getting Right With God
- How Imago Dei Changes Everything
- Why the Bible?
- Three Truths for Every Pursuit of God
- What Is a Biblical Worldview?
- The Meaning of “Joy” in Greek
- What Happens One Minute After You Die?
- Why You Can Rely on the Biblical Canon
- The Imperfect Journey of Doubting Thomas
- The Shocking Testimony of the Women at the Tomb
- How Christianity Is Unique Among World Religions
- Three Longings Built into Every Heart
- 4 Assumptions of Modern Science
- Is There Really “No Evidence” for God’s Existence?
- 5 Proofs That Jesus Is God
- God Wants Your EQ
- Should We Believe in Miracles Today?
- 15 Things Not to Say to an Atheist
- What Happens One Moment After You Die?
- Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?
- Who Did Jesus Think He Was?
- 4 Views on Religion and Science
- 3 Angles on Faith and Reason
- The Dilemma of the Problem of Evil
- Don’t Just Follow Your Heart
- How Many Paths Are There to God?
- Are People Basically Good?
- The Meaning of “Love” in Greek
- If Everything God Makes Is Good, Where Did Evil Come From?
- What Is the Bible?
- Relativism and the Rejection of Absolute Truth
- The Complex Human Body as Evidence of a Creator
TRUSTING JESUS
04 What Is Sin?
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What the Bible Says About Sin
Talking Points:
- Sin is going your own way, trusting and acting on your own opinions and feelings instead of on God’s truth. Genesis 3:1-6
- Sin brings brokenness in every way, keeping us from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants for us. John 10:10, Galatians 5:19-21
- We’re all born into sin and therefore we all must be “born again”. John 3:3, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:23
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- On a scale of 1 (Mother Teresa) to 10 (Hitler), how bad of a “sinner” are you? How would someone else rate you?
- Why are feelings not the best barometer for good choices? How have some of your choices negatively impacted your life?
- Read Genesis 3:1-3. Why do you think the serpent started with a question?
- Read Galatians 5:19-21. Why do you think Paul takes the time to list out a bunch of sins? How have you and others justified some of these sins?
- Take an honest look at your own life and identify a few areas of brokenness that you need to address.
See Also:
05 Who Is Jesus?
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5 Teachings About Jesus in the Early Church
Talking Points:
- There is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Acts 10:36, Colossians 1:15-17
- Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. Acts 10:38, Luke 4:40-41
- They put him to death by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him to life on the third day. Luke 10:39-40, Luke 23:44-46, Luke 24:1-6
- Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:42, Romans 2:9,16
- Everyone who believes in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name. Acts 10:43, Romans 3:23-25
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- What, if anything, did you learn about Jesus when you were younger?
- Why is it important to believe that Jesus is fully God? How would it impact Christianity if he were something less?
- Why did Jesus take the time to do good and heal people? Have you ever seen God perform a miracle?
- Why is it important that Jesus rose from the dead? How would it impact the basic Christian message if he hadn’t?
- What questions do you still have about Jesus? Make a list.
See Also:
06 Saving Faith
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Getting Right With God
Talking Points:
- Out of love, God sent Jesus into the world to solve our sin problem. 1 John 4:9
- Saving faith requires both the right information and the right attitude (“repentance”). Acts 2:37-38
- We start a relationship with God by personally trusting Jesus for salvation. Romans 10:9
- We are saved 100% by grace the moment we trust Jesus for salvation. Ephesians 2:8
- God offers this free gift to everyone, no matter what you’ve done. Romans 3:22
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Read 1 John 4:9. How did God show his love? What was his purpose behind it all?
- Make a list of the “right information” we need to be saved. Explain what it means to have the “right attitude”.
- Read Ephesians 2:8. Why is it important to see grace as a gift?
- Read Romans 3:22. What does the verse say we have to do to receive the gift of salvation? Do you have a hard time believing that God loves you despite your past? Explain.
- Read Romans 10:9. Have you made a confession of faith in Jesus yet? If not, what questions do you still need answered? Are you ready to do it today?
See Also:
#TrustingJesus
- How Good is Good Enough?
- Resurrection Sunday (Mark 16)
- Holy Week – Palm Sunday
- 10 Sinful Responses to Sin
- The Trinity: God Is Three Persons
- Is It a Sin to Get “Buzzed”?
- Six Principles for Controlling Sinful Thoughts
- 5 Proofs That Jesus Is God
- Resurrection Evidence: 5 Reasons to Believe that Jesus Really Rose
- The Power of Easter
- Can I Believe in Jesus and Not Be Saved?
- Is There Such a Thing as the Unforgivable Sin?
- 7 False Teachings to Avoid
- Are You Ready to Get Baptized?
- After Death Is There a Final Chance to Be Saved?
- Does Baptism Save?
- What If I Can’t Identify My Defining Moment?
- Be Sure You’ll Get to Heaven
- Make Sure You Get Jesus Right
- The Difference Between Good Guilt and Bad Guilt
- Common Baptism Questions
- What Does It Mean to be “Born Again”?
- What Is True Repentance?
- What’s on Your Sin List?
- Getting to the Faith Moment
- Can Christians Lose Their Salvation?
- What Is the Atonement?
HONORING GOD
07 What Is Baptism?
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Everything You Need to Know About Baptism
Talking Points:
- Baptism doesn’t save you; we start a relationship with God by trusting Jesus and his finished work on the cross. Romans 3:22
- Jesus said to get baptized, and that’s the main reason we should do it! Matthew 28:19
- Baptism is an early act of practical obedience – and it’s one of the easier commandments. Acts 8:36
- Baptism is an act of identification – both with Christ and his church. Romans 6:3
- Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality. Romans 6:4
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- What has your understanding of baptism been up to now? Is there anything in this chapter that surprised or confused you? Explain.
- Read Matthew 28:19. Why do you think some people become Christians and yet never get baptized?
- Baptism is one of the easiest steps of obedience. Make a list of some of the harder things you’ll have to do as a Christian.
- Read Romans 6:3-4. What does baptism symbolize? What are you declaring to the world when you do it?
- Have you been baptized? If so, when – and was it for the right reasons? If not, are you ready to do it? Why or why not?
See Also:
08 Three Keys
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Three Keys for Christian Living
Talking Points:
- The Spirit leads from the inside out, empowering us to honor God every day. Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2 Peter 1:3
- The Bible guides us and shows us the attitudes and actions that honor God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Luke 6:46-48
- Other believers help us stay on the right track, both one-on-one and in the local church. Galatians 6:1-2, Romans 12:6-8
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Share a time when you relied on willpower to accomplish a goal – and it didn’t work. What led to your failure?
- Read 2 Peter 1:3. How does this verse encourage you in your desire to honor God with your life?
- Read Ezekiel 36:26-27. How has your heart been stony toward God in the past? What does a tender heart for God look like in your life and in others?
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why is the Bible worth our time? How does the Bible help us to live God-honoring lives?
- Read Galatians 6:1-2. In your opinion, what does it look like to bear the burdens of others? Share an example.
See Also:
09 Five Habits
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The Big “5” Spiritual Disciplines
Talking Points:
- Make a habit of talking to God, building a relationship with him like any other person.
- Read the Word devotionally every day, and set aside special times for a deeper dive.
- Connect to God’s people in three environments: large (church), small (group), and individual (mentoring).
- Giving should be periodic, proportionate, and a little bit painful.
- Jesus called it disciple-making, and it’s about personally helping someone pursue God.
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Name one good habit you had as a kid. Did you have a habit that was hard to break when you were young?
- Give yourself a grade on each of the five habits above. Which one are you most eager to improve? Why?
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17. What does prayer look like in your life? What have you learned about the power of prayer?
- Read Hebrews 10:25. How does community help us in our pursuit of God?
- Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do you think Paul meant by “excel in giving”? What could it mean for you today?
See Also:
#HonoringGod
- How to Read Scripture for Breakthrough
- How To Pace Yourself For Breakthrough
- How To Spot a Spiritual Fraud (Mark 12:38-44)
- The Ancient Secret of Spiritual Disciplines
- Proving His Authority: The Story of Jesus and the Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 1:21-28)
- Psalm 1 – A Psalm of Choice
- The Mechanics of Prayer: The P-R-A-Y Method
- Sanctification and the Christian Life
- The Big “5” Spiritual Disciplines
- Everything You Need to Know About Baptism
- Love Your Enemies the Jesus Way
- Be the Bigger Person the Jesus Way
- The Jesus Way of Saving Your Marriage
- Is it Wrong for Christians to Take Vows?
- Stop Playing Games with the Truth as a Christian
- Radical Sexual Purity the Jesus Way
- Anger Management the Jesus Way
- The Six Antitheses of Jesus
- The Letter of Jude
- Five Steps to Winning the War Within as a Christian
- Trust Your Instruments
- “Be This” In the Culture Wars
- God’s Plan for Dealing with Habits
- The Secret to Overcoming Anxiety
- 3 Metrics for Giving as a Christian
- Finding Your Place in the Body of Christ
- All About Walking by the Spirit
- How to Uncomplicate Your Prayers
- Am I Really Saved If I Keep Sinning?
- The Biblical Theme of Law
- A New Nature with Old Habits
- Covenants in the Bible
- Common Baptism Questions
- Is Christ at the Center or the Fringe?
- What if I Don’t Want to Read the Bible?
- Prayer: What? Why? When? Where? Who?
- The Sinful Nature vs. the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5
MAKING DISCIPLES
10 Why Make Disciples?
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- Use Lessons 11 and 12 (below) in a Training Workshop setting.
Why Make Disciples?
Talking Points:
- We make disciples because Jesus said so. Matthew 28:18-20
- We make disciples because Jesus envisioned a church where pastors equip and people do the ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12
- We make disciples because people need help on a personal level. Matthew 9:36-37
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Share about a person who has encouraged you in your pursuit of God. What did they do that was so impactful?
- Read Matthew 4:19. Why do you think Jesus picked fishermen instead of Pharisees as his disciples? Which group of people do you most relate to?
- Read Ephesians 4:11-12. What’s the pastor’s job in the church? What’s your job?
- Define “full circle” faith in your own words. Where are you on the circle?
- Do you think you can help someone else pursue God? Why or why not?
See Also:
11 How to Make Disciples
How to Use This Lesson:
- “The Pursuit” is designed to be a 10-week sermon series.
- At the end of the 10 weeks, Lesson 11 and 12 can be delivered in a Training Workshop format.
- For the workshop, direct attenders to Lessons 11 and 12 at pursuegod.org/go.
- Those who complete the workshop can be used as disciple-makers in your church.
How to Make Disciples
Talking Points:
- PursueGOD offers a simple 3-step strategy for conversational disciple-making.
- First, engage the person you’d like to disciple. Meet regularly to cover topics together as you build a relationship.
- Second, establish the person in the Christian faith. Complete The Pursuit together to learn the essentials of the Christian faith.
- Third, empower the person to become a disciple-maker. Help them get connected to someone else who needs a mentor.
Discussion:
- Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
- Engage, Establish, Empower – which one seems the most difficult to you? Explain.
- Describe the three mentoring principles in your own words. Which one resonates most?
- Describe the pathway for disciple-making in your own words. What’s the point to taking someone through a discipleship track?
- Do you feel qualified to make disciples? If not, what would qualify you?
- Make a list of a few people who might be interested in going through a discipleship track with you. Begin praying for those people.
- To finish your training, cover this full discipleship track with a training partner or group. Take turns leading each topic, and be sure to track your progress. Then start discipling someone on your list.
See Also:
12 Disciplemaker Essentials
How to Use This Lesson:
- “The Pursuit” is designed to be a 10-week sermon series.
- At the end of the 10 weeks, Lesson 11 and 12 can be delivered in a Training Workshop format.
- For the workshop, direct attenders to Lessons 11 and 12 at pursuegod.org/go.
- Those who complete the workshop can be used as disciple-makers in your church.
Disciplemaker Essentials
Talking Points:
- Ready to make disciples with the tools at pursueGOD.org? Remember these five important essentials, and then go out and start helping people pursue God!
- Commit to a real relationship. Discipleship is relationship, and none of this matters if you don’t care about the person you’re mentoring. John 15:12-17
- Share the right truth at the right time. Pay attention to the kinds of topics that they need to talk about, and don’t cram your favorite conversations down their throats. Luke 12:12, 1 Corinthians 2:14
- Just do your part, not God’s. You can’t make someone else pursue God; just walk alongside them and keep showing up, even if they don’t! Acts 8:29
- Point it all to Jesus. Remember, you’re not just helping someone become a better person; you’re helping them meet Jesus.
- Pray, pray, pray. Keep a prayer journal and make a habit of praying for the people you are mentoring – and let them know you’re doing it.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some ways you can show your mentee that your relationship with them matters more than the content you’re covering? Make a list.
- Share about a time when someone shared the right truth at the wrong time. How did it make you feel? How could they have timed it differently so you had ears to hear?
- What’s your part in a mentoring relationship? What’s their part? What’s God’s part? How does knowing this information take the pressure off of you as a mentor?
- For someone who hasn’t had their defining moment of faith, how do you know when it’s time to point them to Jesus?
- How would it make you feel to know that your mentor was regularly praying for you?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
See Also:
#MakingDisciples
- How Jesus Kept Peter on Mission (Mark 14:27-31, 66-71)
- How Well Do You Know Your Bible? (Mark 12:28-34)
- The Cost of Discipleship (Mark 8:31-9:1)
- Training the Twelve (Mark 3:7-19)
- Why Make Disciples?
- Discipling Through Topics 1-3
- Value #5: We’re On Mission With Jesus
- The Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple-making
- Discipling Through Topics 10-12
- Expectations in Mentoring
- Getting Rejected in Mentoring
- Disciple-Making Tips for Introverts
- How to End a Failed Mentoring Relationship
- Discipling Through Topics 7-9
- Discipling Through Topics 4-6
- The Tension Between Relationship and Mission as a Mentor
- Tracking Your Discipleship Relationships
- Pushing Past the Awkward in a Mentoring Relationship
- Am I Qualified to Baptize Someone?
- How to Power Through in Mentoring
- Here’s What You’ll Get Out of Mentoring
- Boundaries in Mentoring Others
- The Mentoring Law of Discovery
- Next Steps in Mentoring
- Methodolatry vs. Disciple-making
- You Were Born to Reproduce
- 7 Tips for Getting Started as a Mentor
- Help! I Don’t Have Anyone to Mentor
- How Long Should You Mentor Someone?
- The Maturity Myth
- Sharing the Right Truth at the Right Time