This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.

This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.

First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).

• How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
• What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
• How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?

Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.

The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).

Scripture References from Message: 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 22-24; John 15:13, 16:33
Big Idea from Message: What looked like foolishness on Friday became the power of God on Sunday.

Paul wrote this letter to a group of Jesus followers who seemed to be giving their allegiance to various charismatic leaders. Why do you think Paul starts his argument to them by pointing them first and foremost back to the message of the Cross?

In verse 18, Paul uses the word folly/foolishness to describe how some people view the message of the Cross. Another way to translate this word is “doesn’t make sense.” Is there something about the Cross that “doesn’t make sense” to you or you have trouble accepting?

In verse 18, Paul says that the Cross “...is the power of God.“ In verse 24, he says, “Christ (is) the power of God.” What do you think is the connection between these two statements and how might they clarify what Paul means when he talks about “the gospel” in verse 17?

Look at John 16:33. How might the Cross and Resurrection be at the heart of Jesus' work of overcoming the world?

The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.

This week, consider the work of the Cross and Resurrection and how what might seem “foolish” to the world around you has become the life changing power of God at work in you. Also, take time to think about how the Resurrection life of Jesus, which is new life even in the midst of the old, broken world, is or is not flowing through you toward others and the rest of God’s good creation.