Present Tense
Lent & Easter, 2013
Daily Readings & Small Group Discussion Guide
Christian Church [Buckhead]
Before Abraham was, I Am. JESUS, JOHN 8:58
So here we go. The run to Easter Sunday begins. Traditionally the season that
takes us to Easter’s doorsteps is Lent. You know, the season of the fast, when we drop a habit (or two) as a way of intentionally creating a void. Suffering is the
goal, but we all know that 40 days without Facebook is not really suffering. I personally like what Joan Chittister said about the season: Lent is not a ritual. It
is time given to think seriously about who Jesus is for us, to renew our faith from the inside out. [The Liturgical Year, p.111]
There it is: a “time given to think seriously about who Jesus is.” That is my hope for you this season, that you would put yourself in a routine of reading and prayer
and thought, and that all of those behaviors would draw you closer in to the person and the work of Jesus.
To help you get there I have put together this guide for the Lenten season. It’s an
all-in-one packet. There are daily readings, journal questions, and small group discussion guides. (You may not be a small group leader, but your group may be
going through this series together. If so, you’ll be ready to go!) The daily readings
come from the Daily Office Lectionary, a traditional grouping of scriptures for this season. This means you’ll be reading with churches all over the world! The
Sunday readings are associated with the sermon series called Present Tense.
Grace & Peace,Derek Sweatman
Lent, Year C
Present Tense
Lent & Easter 2013
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Contents
Daily Readings
p. 5
Small Group Discussions
p. 33
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Daily Readings
Ins & Outs
1. The daily readings come from the Daily Office Lectionary. “Office” means work
or behavior or discipline. It’s something you do. The Daily Office Lectionary (D.O.L.) is a bible reading plan that was designed in 1500s as a way to help
people move through the scriptures at a sustainable pace. The heart of the D.O.L. is the Psalms. If you follow this reading plan, you’ll get through the
entire book of Psalms. The other readings are related passages from the First Testament, the Gospel writings, and the Epistles, or, Letters.
2. Each day is divided up into what’s called the Morning & Evening Offices, which
are based on the Psalm readings. The other passages can be read throughout the day at any time.
3. For the Psalms: Read these as prayers. Make them your own prayers. Don’t read them to learn, but repeat them as your prayers. This is what they were
originally for, and it’s how Jesus himself would have used them as well. 4. Journaling questions are included with each day’s readings. Take advantage
of those, and perhaps do them at the end of the day.
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The First Five Days
Ash Wednesday thru 2.17
Wednesday, February 13th
Ash Wednesday
Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 143 Psalm 32
Other Readings: Jonah 3:1-4:11
Hebrews 12:1-14
Luke 18:9-14
Evening Office: Psalm 102 Psalm 130
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Ash Wednesday, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the
sins of all who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may
obtain to you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for every and ever. Amen.
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Thursday, February 14th
Morning Office: Psalm 37:1-18
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:6-11
Titus 1:1-16 John 1:29-34
Evening Office: Psalm 37:19-42
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Friday, February 15th
Morning Office: Psalm 95
Psalm 31
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:12-16 Titus 2:1-15
John 1:35-42
Evening Office: Psalm 35
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Saturday, February 16th
Morning Office: Psalm 30
Psalm 32
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 7:17-26 Titus 3:1-15
John 1:43-51
Evening Office: Psalm 42
Psalm 43
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, February 17th
First Sunday of Lent
Morning Office: Psalm 63:1-11 Psalm 98
Sermon Texts: John 14:1-7 Daily Office: Deuteronomy 8:1-10
Psalm 25 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 Mark 2:18-22
Evening Office: Psalm 103
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Week One
February 18 - 24
Monday, February 18th
Morning Office: Psalm 41
Psalm 52
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 8:11-20 Hebrews 2:11-18
John 2:1-12
Evening Office: Psalm 44
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Week Two, from the Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan,
come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations, and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save, through
Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Tuesday, February 19th
Morning Office: Psalm 45
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:4-12
Hebrews 3:1-11 John 2:13-22
Evening Office: Psalm 47 Psalm 48
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Wednesday, February 20th
Morning Office: Psalm 119:49-72
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:13-21 Hebrews 3:12-19
John 2:23-3:15
Evening Office: Psalm 49 Psalm 53
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Thursday, February 21st
Morning Office: Psalm 50
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5
Hebrews 4:1-10 John 3:16-21
Evening Office: Psalm 59 Psalm 46 Psalm 60
Psalm 19
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Friday, February 22nd
Morning Office: Psalm 95
Psalm 40 Psalm 54
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Hebrews 4:11-16 John 3:22-36
Evening Office: Psalm 51
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Saturday, February 23rd
Morning Office: Psalm 55
Other Readings: Deuteronomy 11:18-28
Hebrews 5:1-10 John 4:1-26
Evening Office: Psalm 138 Psalm 139:1-17
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, February 24th
Second Sunday of Lent
Morning Office: Psalm 24
Psalm 29
Sermon Texts: John 10:1-10 Daily Office: Jeremiah 1:1-10 Psalm 121 1 Corinthians 3:11-23
Mark 3:31-4:9
Evening Office: Psalm 8 Psalm 84
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Week Two
February 25 - March 3
Monday, February 25th
Morning Office: Psalm 56
Psalm 57
Other Readings: Jeremiah 1:11-19 Romans 1:1-15
John 4:27-42
Evening Office: Psalm 64
Psalm 65
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Week Two, from the Book of Common Prayer
God, whose glory it is always to have mercy. Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast
faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, on God, for
ever and ever. Amen.
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Tuesday, February 26th
Morning Office: Psalm 61
Psalm 62
Other Readings: Jeremiah 2:1-13 Romans 1:16-25
John 4:43-54
Evening Office: Psalm 68:1-20
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Wednesday, February 27th
Morning Office: Psalm 72
Other Readings: Jeremiah 3:6-18 Romans 1:28-2:11
John 5:1-18
Evening Office: Psalm 119:73-96
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Thursday, February 28th
Morning Office: Psalm 70
Psalm 71
Other Readings: Jeremiah 4:9-10; 19-28 Romans 2:12-24
John 5:19-29
Evening Office: Psalm 74
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Friday, March 1st
Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 69:1-23
Other Readings: Jeremiah 5:1-9
Romans 2:25-3:18 John 5:30-47
Evening Office: Psalm 73
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Saturday, March 2nd
Morning Office: Psalm 75
Psalm 76
Other Readings: Jeremiah 5:20-31 Romans 3:19-31
John 7:1-13
Evening Office: Psalm 23
Psalm 27
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, March 3rd
Third Sunday of Lent
Morning Office: Psalm 93 Psalm 96
Sermon Texts: John 10:11-18 Daily Office: Jeremiah 6:9-15
Psalm 23 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Mark 5:1-20
Evening Office: Psalm 34
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Week Three
March 4 - 10
Monday, March 4th
Morning Office: Psalm 80
Other Readings: Jeremiah 7:1-15
Romans 4:1-12 John 7:14-36
Evening Office: Psalm 77 Psalm 79
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Week Three, from the Book of Common Prayer
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to ourselves. Keep
us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil
thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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Tuesday, March 5th
Morning Office: Psalm 78:1-39
Other Readings: Jeremiah 7:21-34
Romans 4:13-25 John 7:37-52
Evening Office: Psalm 78:40-72
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Wednesday, March 6th
Morning Office: Psalm 119:97-120
Other Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:6
Romans 5:1-11 John 8:12-20
Evening Office: Psalm 81
Psalm 82
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Thursday, March 7th
Morning Office: Psalm 83
Psalm 42 Psalm 43
Other Readings: Jeremiah 10:11-24
Romans 5:12-21
John 8:21-32
Evening Office: Psalm 85 Psalm 86
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Friday, March 8th
Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 88
Other Readings: Jeremiah 11:1-8, 14-20
Romans 6:1-11 John 8:33-47
Evening Office: Psalm 91
Psalm 92
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Saturday, March 9th
Morning Office: Psalm 87
Psalm 90
Other Readings: Jeremiah 13-1-11 Romans 6:12-23
John 8:47-59
Evening Office: Psalm 136
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, March 10th
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Morning Office: Psalm 66
Psalm 67
Sermon Texts: John 8:12 Daily Office: Jeremiah 14:1-9, 17-22 Psalm 119:105 Galatians 4:21-5:1
Mark 8:11-21
Evening Office: Psalm 19 Psalm 46
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Week Four
March 11 - 17
Monday, March 11th
Morning Office: Psalm 89:1-18
Other Readings: Jeremiah 16:10-21
Romans 7:1-12 John 6:1-15
Evening Office: Psalm 89:19-52
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Week Four, from the Book of Common Prayer Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be
the true bread which gives life to the world. Evermore give us this bread, that he
may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Tuesday, March 12th
Morning Office: Psalm 97
Psalm 99 Psalm 100
Other Readings: Jeremiah 17:19-27
Romans 7:13-25
John 6:15-27
Evening Office: Psalm 94 Psalm 95
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Wednesday, March 13th
Morning Office: Psalm 101 Psalm 109:1-30
Other Readings: Jeremiah 18:1-11
Romans 8:1-11 John 6:27-40
Evening Office: Psalm 119:121-144
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Thursday, March 14th
Morning Office: Psalm 69:1-23, 30-38
Other Readings: Jeremiah 22:12-23
Romans 8:12-27 John 6:41-51
Evening Office: Psalm 73
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Friday, March 15th
Morning Office: Psalm 95
Psalm 102
Other Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-8 Romans 8:28-39
John 6:52-59
Evening Office: Psalm 107:1-32
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Saturday, March 16th
Morning Office: Psalm 107:33-43
Other Readings: Jeremiah 23:9-15
Romans 9:1-18 John 6:60-71
Evening Office: Psalm 33 Psalm 108:1-6
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, March 17th
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Morning Office: Psalm 118
Sermon Texts: John 6:35 Daily Office: Jeremiah 23:16-32
Psalm 62 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Mark 8:31-9:1
Evening Office: Psalm 145
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Week Five
March 18 - 24
Monday, March 18th
Morning Office: Psalm 31
Other Readings: Jeremiah 24:1-10
Romans 9:19-33 John 9:1-17
Evening Office: Psalm 35
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Week Five, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the wills and affections of sinners.
Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you
promise, that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.
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Tuesday, March 19th
Morning Office: Psalm 121
Psalm 122 Psalm 123
Other Readings: Jeremiah 25:8-17
Romans 10:1-13
John 9:18-41
Evening Office: Psalm 124 Psalm 125
Psalm 127
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Wednesday, March 20th
Morning Office: Psalm 119:145-176
Other Readings: Jeremiah 25:30-38
Romans 10:14-21 John 10:1-18
Evening Office: Psalm 128
Psalm 129
Psalm 130
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Thursday, March 21st
Morning Office: Psalm 131
Psalm 132
Other Readings: Jeremiah 26:1-16 Romans 11:1-12
John 10:19-42
Evening Office: Psalm 140
Psalm 142
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Friday, March 22nd
Morning Office: Psalm 95
Psalm 22
Other Readings: Jeremiah 29:1-13 Romans 11:13-24
John 11:1-27
Evening Office: Psalm 143:1-11
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Saturday, March 23rd
Morning Office: Psalm 137:1-6
Psalm 144
Other Readings: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Romans 11:25-36
John 11:28-44
Evening Office: Psalm 42
Psalm 43
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, March 24th
Sixth Sunday of Lent / Palm Sunday
Morning Office: Psalm 24 Psalm 29
Sermon Texts: John 15:1-5 Daily Office: Zechariah 12:9-11
Psalm 1 1 Timothy 6:12-16 Matthew 21:12-17
Evening Office: Psalm 103
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Holy Week
March 25 - 31
Monday, March 25th
Morning Office: Psalm 51:1-18
Other Readings: Jeremiah 12:1-16
Philippians 3:1-14 John 12:9-19
Evening Office: Psalm 69:1-23
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Prayer for Holy Week, from the Book of Common Prayer Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for the human race you sent
your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer
death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility. Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection,
though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Tuesday, March 26th
Morning Office: Psalm 6
Psalm 12
Other Readings: Jeremiah 15:10-21 Philippians 3:15-21
John 12:20-26
Evening Office: Psalm 94
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Wednesday, March 27th
Morning Office: Psalm 55
Other Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17 Philippians 4:1-13
John 12:27-36
Evening Office: Psalm 74
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Thursday, March 28th
Morning Office: Psalm 102
Other Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-11
1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32 John 17:1-11
Evening Office: Psalm 142 Psalm 143
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Good Friday, March 29th
Morning Office: Psalm 95 Psalm 22
Other Readings: Genesis 22:1-14
1 Peter 1:10-20 John 13:36-38
Evening Office: Psalm 40:1-14
Psalm 54
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Good Friday Self-Guided Prayer Stations at the Building:
6:00 to 8:00am / 11:00 to 1:00pm / 5:00 to 7:00pm
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Saturday, March 30th
Morning Office: Psalm 95
Psalm 88
Other Readings: Job 19:12-27 Hebrews 4:1-16
Romans 8:1-11
Evening Office: Psalm 27
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as
revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
Sunday, March 31st
Easter Sunday / Worship Times: 9:30, 11:00, and 6:00pm
Morning Office: Psalm 148
Psalm 149 Psalm 150
Sermon Texts: John 11:25-26 Daily Office: Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 30 John 1:1-18 Luke 24:13-35
Evening Office: Psalm 113
Psalm 114
Psalm 118
Journaling: Write down your thoughts on the character of God as revealed in your readings today. What were one or two things
from your readings that spoke to you or challenged you?
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Small Group
Discussion Guide
1. This discussion is loosely connected to the Sunday morning sermon series
that runs from February 17 - March 31. We recommend taking good notes during each sermon to help you with discussion later in the week. If you miss
one or more of the sermons due to being out of town (or sleeping in), go to www.christianchurchbuckhead.com/media and catch up.
2. If you have iPad or a smartphone, no need to print anything out! Just open this doc as a PDF in whatever viewer you choose, and lead on.
3. Each session includes the following:
(1) SHORT COMMENTARY - We have provided a brief, one-paragraph set-up of the passage for the evening. These are designed to help familiarize you
with the message of each passage.(2) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - It almost goes without saying, but we’ve
provided some questions for you and your group use! Note: We have purposely designed these sessions to be more discussion and dialogue
than question and answer. There are not a ton of questions per session - maybe 6 to 10 at the most - and they are framed more as talking points
than the old Q&A that prompts the standard responses: God, Jesus,
Bible, Prayer, Serve, Give, Bring-a-Friend.
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Week 1
Way, Truth, Life
John 14:1-7
Commentary: Fear was growing in the hearts of the disciples. Uncertainty was
setting in, and there were doubts arising among the twelve. So Jesus spoke
words of encouragement to his friends, saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled.
Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. It if
were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” The
wording was meant to lift their spirits. But it wasn’t enough. Thomas spoke up,
saying, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
Jesus responds with one of the most famous riffs in all of scripture: “I am the
way, and the truth, and the life.” (v.6) When you read it over and over again, it’s
powerful. Jesus was saying, “My Father has sent me to bring the world back to
Him. I know the way. In fact, I am the way. And my way is true. You can follow me.
I will lead you towards the life God has for you.”
Other Scriptures: Psalm 25
Group Take-AwayWe can trust that the way of Jesus leads to life.
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Discussion Guide
Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts. It is no longer sufficient
to hold beliefs just because you inherited them.Tim Keller
Opening Discussion
Read the quote above and ask your group to share their thoughts. Some guiding questions might be: At what point in your life did you take ownership of your
faith? What was that process like? How is your faith different than that of your
parents?
Read John 14:1-71. In this story Jesus is trying to encourage his disciples. They are clearly rattled
and in need of comfort. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” (v.1) Does it seem odd to you that even the disciples needed comfort from Jesus?
What sorts of things do you imagine they struggled with when it came to their own faith and trust in their friend Jesus? How is this encouraging to you?
2. Read verses 5-6 again. What three things does Jesus say about himself in his response to Thomas? What do each of those mean to you? How do you
hear them? Does it make sense? Explain.
3. What is the promise that you hear in Jesus’ words in verse 6?4. The statement is ultimately about trusting him enough to follow him. What is
a current situation in your life right now where trusting Jesus is not easy?
Moving Forward Read, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in
your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” [Psalm 25:4-5] Close in prayer, praying for the various spiritual needs
that were mentioned during your discussion.
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Week 2
Door
John 10:1-10
Commentary: This text is not easy. It comes with many angles and ideas on
meaning. And one such angle is that God provides protection. Jesus was
teaching about his care and concern for our lives. His prop was the gatekeeper
of a sheep pen, the one who slept by the gate at night to protect the sheep. But
people are people, and when trouble would come, the gatekeeper would
sometimes run. Especially if the sheep didn’t belong to him. No reason to stick
around. And then Jesus said these words: I am the door. (v.7) In other words,
he’s not going anywhere. The door can’t run. And in this case, it doesn’t want to.
Jesus is in place, steady, and fixed on the front line of our lives. He is there to
protect. His image of thieves coming to coax and groom and confuse and steal is
easy for us to understand. It’s how the world works. Whatever God’s best is for
our lives, there will always be other options that beckon us to unhinge our trust
in God and take a chance on something else. As the door, Jesus stands as a
filter through which we discern truth from fiction, right from wrong, and safety
from danger. But he is also a guard.
Other Scriptures: Psalm 121
Group Take-AwayThe way of Jesus frees us to experience life as
God envisioned for us.
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Discussion Guide
When we sin and mess up our lives, we find that God doesn't go off and leave us. He enters into our trouble and saves us.
Eugene H. Peterson
Opening Discussion
Read the above quote and have your group share their thoughts. Some follow-up questions to ask might be: Is this statement hard for you to believe? Is this how
you normally picture God during times of weakness or failure? What speaks to you directly?
Read John 10:1-6; 7-9; 101. (vv.1-6) In this first section Jesus describes the system of safety for the
sheep: there’s a doorman who lets the shepherd in through the gate, and all others will have to break their way in, making them thieves. (vv.7-9) In this
section Jesus switches things up, calling himself the door. Not the doorman, but the door. What do you hear in these verses about God’s protection and
care? What sort of things do you see the thieves representing in the passage? What would they be coming to “steal,” as Jesus said?
2. How do you see God as a protector in your life? How does that work? What are some ways you’ve experienced God’s protection in your life? Have there
been situations when Jesus stood between you and the next bad decision,
and it worked? 3. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and have people share their thoughts and
personal experience with this, how escape has been provided.
Moving Forward Read, “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” [Psalm 121:7-8] Questions: Are there things we can about for you when it comes to
seeking protection and care from God?
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Week 3
Shepherd
John 10:11-18
Commentary: This passage is part of the previous one (John 10:1-10). In this
one, Jesus called himself the good shepherd. To the first century listener this
would strike a deep and relevant connection, for they would have certainly known
the differences between a good and bad shepherd. If we reach back into the full
passage, Jesus talked about how the sheep know the voice of their shepherd,
and that when he calls them, they listen and respond. (v.3) The personal
relationship of care and trust between shepherd and sheep is at the heart of this
teaching. In the first section (vv.11-13) Jesus gives the profile of a good
shepherd. In the second section (vv.14-18) he then says that he is the good
shepherd. And what does the good shepherd do? He gives his life for the sheep.
(v.11) He cares that much. In this passage we learn about the kind of
relationship God wants with us, one that is deeply personal, of voice recognition,
and one in which we can fully trust that God has our life in His hands.
Other Scriptures: Psalm 23
Group Take-AwayA relationship with Jesus is personal, one of
voice recognition, of presence and trust.
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Discussion Guide
There is something beautiful about a billion stars held steady by a God who knows what He is doing.Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz
Opening Discussion
Read the 23rd Psalm and have your group share their thoughts. Some guiding questions might be: How familiar is this psalm to you? Has this psalm ever been
a source of comfort to you? In what ways? What is the picture of God you see most in this psalm?
Read John 10:11-181. Read verse 14 again. A good shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know
their shepherd. Jesus gave us a picture of the kind of personal relationship he wants with us. Have your group share their thoughts on this. Some questions
might be: Does a personal relationship with God sound strange to you? Why? How would you get to know God anyway? What are some of your own
experiences in trying to grow in your relationship with God? 2. What do you think about when Jesus said that he know us? Is this a
comforting or frightening thing for you?3. In verse 16 we see that part of the relationship between shepherd and sheep
is one of voice recognition. How do you discern the voice of God? Is this hard
for you? Does it seem strange? Is it perhaps something else other than words that we need to be listening for?
4. Where in your life could you use God’s clear direction right now?
Moving Forward Read, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green
pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” [Psalm 23:1-3] After reading these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in
your group.
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Week 4
Light of the World
John 8:12
Commentary: This one is simple. Jesus promised that anyone who follows him
will have his path lined with street lights. There will be no darkness, which can be
translated as confusion, fear, and so on. There also exists a promise of an ever-
growing clarity on how to live in God’s world as God’s people. Jesus’ promised an
eternal guide through this life. His ways, his teachings, his grace, and so on, will
lead the way, casting light on the life ahead of us. “I believe in Christianity as I
believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see
everything else.” [C.S. Lewis]
Other Scriptures: Psalm 119:105
Group Take-AwayJesus promises to give clear direction and
wisdom for life’s journey.
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Discussion Guide
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see
it, but because by it I see everything else. C.S. Lewis
Opening Discussion Read the C.S. Lewis quote above and have your group discuss it. Some guiding
questions might be: What do you hear him saying? What does he mean? How has this been true for you as well?
Read John 8:12
1. What is the promise in this verse? Does it seem to good to be true? Are
there times when following Jesus feels like walking in the dark? 2. Is it okay to be in the dark spiritually sometimes? And when you’re in the
dark, how is Jesus still the light? 3. Share an experience or a time in your life when you really needed direction
from God, and, he provided it. How did that lead to life for you? 4. Read Psalm 119:105. How is this verse about clarity for life’s journey? Flesh
this out; what is the writer saying here? 5. What is an area of your life right now where you need some light?
Moving Forward Read, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” [John 1:4] After reading
these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in your group.
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Week 5
Bread of Life
John 6:35
Commentary: This I AM statement is preceded by the feeding of the 5,000,
which led to a group of people asking Jesus to perform a miracle for them. What
they wanted was something from Jesus. Jesus was a cog in the wheel and a
means to an end. A miracle worker, not the Messiah. After some back and forth
on this, Jesus finally responded, saying, “I am the bread of the life. Whoever
comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be
thirsty.” (v.35) He called their hand. He taught them something new instead, that
God isn’t a means to fulfillment in life, he is fulfillment. It is in him that we find our
true selves. “Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred,
loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ, and you will find
Him, and with Him everything else thrown in.” (C.S. Lewis)
Other Scriptures: Psalm 62
Group Take-AwayIn Jesus we find our true, intended identity.
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Discussion Guide
Our idea of God tells us more about ourselves than about Him.Thomas Merton
Opening Discussion A phrase that gets thrown around a lot in church circles is the idea of “growing
spiritually,” or, “growing in our relationship with God.” What do you personally
hear in those phrases? What do they mean to you?
Read John 6:351. What kind of hunger & thirst is Jesus talking about here? How do his words
here connect with his words in Matthew 5:6? (Read that verse) 2. Have someone read the passage leading up to this in verses 22-34, and then
have your group discuss Jesus’ bread of life statement in light of those verses. How does Jesus teach on the difference between simply finding all we
need in God alone and just getting things from God? How is this about finding
our identity in Christ? 3. How have you fed on the teachings of Jesus? In what ways have you grown in
your hunger and thirst for God and his ways? Are there places in your relationship with God that still feel starved? What are they? How are you
feeding them right now?
Moving Forward Read, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. he
alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” [Psalm 62:1-2] After reading these verses, spend some time praying
for the needs of others in your group.
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Week 6
Vine
John 15:5
Commentary: This is one the most famous metaphors Jesus used when
teaching on the importance of staying connected to him. The vine produces the
branches, not the other way around. Jesus was clear: our growth (in him) rests
on our willingness to stay “on the vine,” as it were. His words were frightening
too, that to disconnect from him is spiritual death, and that apart from him, we
can’t do anything. (v.5) In all, this teaching of Jesus was a reminder that we must
stay awake in our relationship with him, that we must remain present and active
as followers and seekers.
Other Scriptures: Psalm 1
Group Take-AwayA relationship with Jesus is supposed to be
dynamic, one in which we grow and change.
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Discussion Guide
A long obedience in the same direction.Eugene H. Peterson
Opening Discussion Pass out index cards and have each group member write down the three most
influential things that have helped them grow in their faith. After a few minutes,
have people share their responses. Take note of the similarities between the responses, and (perhaps) discuss those too.
Read John 15:5
1. What is the promise in this verse? What is Jesus talking about specifically? What image or images stand out the most for you?
2. Jesus’ words are a challenge for us to stay connected to him. What are the ways you do this? What sorts of behaviors do you practice as a way of staying
connected in your faith? When is it hard for you to do this? What sorts of life
situations make it difficult for you when it comes to your faith? 3. How do you get through the seasons like doubt, anger, or even boredom in
your faith? Do you find it easy or hard to keep going and stay connected? 4. Where are you now? Do you feel connected to Jesus or is he distant?
5. What ways can we pray for you as a group regarding this?
Moving Forward Read, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands
in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is a like a tree planted
by streams of water that yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not
wither.” [Psalm 1:1-3] After reading these verses, spend some time praying for the needs of others in your group.
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Week 7
Resurrection and the Life
John 11:25-26Optional Session / Celebration Evening
Commentary: This passage is a short conversation between Martha and Jesus.
It took place at the funeral of Martha’s brother, Lazarus. Death always levels the
field. It’s a look into everyone’s future. It’s also a present loss for those left behind
to live another day. Martha, and her sister Mary, had lost their brother. It shook
them to the core. They were sad, and from the looks of it, not very hopeful. But
not many people are in those moments. They want their friend or husband or
son or daughter back. And Martha knew that Jesus could have done something
if he’d only been there. (v.21) We know the ending. Jesus will raise Lazarus from
the dead. He will come back. A resurrection before the one of Jesus. But before
that took place, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” (v.25)
Again, like the bread of life statement, here is Jesus separating what he could
do (raise the dead) from who he was. What he can do is because of who he is.
Tonight: This session is designed as a celebration evening for our group. On the
following page is a plan for the evening. Enjoy.
Other Scriptures: Psalm 30
Group Take-AwayIn Christ there is resurrection and new life. The
old goes away. The new keeps happening.
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Celebration Guide
Notes: Close this season out with a dinner party! Make sure your whole group is
there. Ask everyone to bring something to share as part of the meal. The flow of the evening is as follows: dinner, some discussion, communion, and prayer.
DINNER: Again, make sure your entire group is helping out with this. Set up a
menu and have everyone contribute. During dinner, ask your group members to share one or two ways they’ve grown through this series of discussions. After
dinner, move on to the discussion piece below.
DISCUSSION: Begin by reading John 11:25-26. In this passage Jesus tells
Martha that he is the resurrection and the life, and that even though we die, we still live on! Some questions: What do you think eternity will be like? Do you ever
think about it? Does a statement like this one give you hope? Why?
COMMUNION: Close your time together by taking communion as a group. You’ll need cups, juice, and bread.
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All scripture finds its organic center and unity in Jesus. For this reason,
the biblical narrative has its beginning in the creation of the universe
through Christ, its middle in the earthly life and ministry of Christ, and its
end in the reconciliation of all things in Christ.
Leonard Sweet
Jesus: A Theography
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