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:Jeremiah 7:9-10; Nehemiah 8:1-3
Big Idea from Message: What God repairs on the outside is ALWAYS meant to change to the hearts of His people.

Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 9-12 together as a group. When the work of rebuilding the walls was done, the people of God gathered to hear the story of God and his people read to and over them. Why do you think this is important for God’s work in the lives of his people?

Why do you think people wept when they heard the Law of God read to them? Relatedly, why do you think Ezra commanded them to rejoice and not weep on this holy day?

Has hearing/reading Scripture ever deeply moved you?

Read Nehemiah 9 together as a group. The chapter is a retelling of the story of God and his people; God’s faithfulness and the unfaithfulness of his people. Why do you think it is important that this is recorded here in Nehemiah?

How might God’s work or rebuilding done through Nehemiah and those who joined him in repairing the walls of the city be a part of God’s continuing story of faithfulness with his people?

Where have you experienced the faithfulness of God, even if you’ve been unfaithful toward him?

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 rebuilding that God has done in your own life and offer prayers of thankfulness to him for his saving work. Also, use the four questions from Curtis (below) to consider what continued work God wants to do in your heart and life:

1. Where am I spiritually coasting?
2. What has God restored in your life that you are currently enjoying, but not stewarding?
3. How often do I allow the Word of God (Scripture) to correct me?
4. What would obedience look like, not just emotions?