Group Discussion Guide
Stand-Alone Message
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.
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.
LOVING
First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
- 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.
LEARNING
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: Acts 27:9-26
Acts 27 tells the story of a storm that left Paul and his shipmates hopeless, but God had a plan. We’re reminded that our circumstances don’t change God’s plan even if we disregard the warnings ahead of time. Can you think of a time when your life felt chaotic or uncertain? How did you respond, and in hindsight, can you see how God was still at work?
One of the key takeaways was the question, “What did God tell you?” In Acts 23:11, Paul had already received a word from God about going to Rome. In the middle of a storm, it’s easy to forget what God said. Have you ever felt like you were in a storm and forgot God’s promises? What helps you hold onto what He’s said?
How does knowing you belong to God give you strength in hard seasons? What would it look like for you to walk more confidently in that truth?
In Acts 27:25, Paul says (literal translation), “I believe God,” not just “I believe in God.” There’s a powerful difference between the two. Believing in God is acknowledging His existence; believing God means fully trusting what He’s said, especially when circumstances say otherwise. Paul didn’t just believe God was real, he believed God would do what He promised: “It will be just as He said.” Where in your life do you need to move from general belief in God to specific trust in what He’s said? What’s one promise from God you need to cling to more confidently right now?
Looking back on the storms you’ve faced—or maybe one you’re in right now - how has your understanding of God's plan, presence, and promises grown or been challenged? What is God inviting you to believe more deeply or respond to more faithfully as a result?
Scripture References from Message: Acts 27:9-26
Acts 27 tells the story of a storm that left Paul and his shipmates hopeless, but God had a plan. We’re reminded that our circumstances don’t change God’s plan even if we disregard the warnings ahead of time. Can you think of a time when your life felt chaotic or uncertain? How did you respond, and in hindsight, can you see how God was still at work?
One of the key takeaways was the question, “What did God tell you?” In Acts 23:11, Paul had already received a word from God about going to Rome. In the middle of a storm, it’s easy to forget what God said. Have you ever felt like you were in a storm and forgot God’s promises? What helps you hold onto what He’s said?
How does knowing you belong to God give you strength in hard seasons? What would it look like for you to walk more confidently in that truth?
In Acts 27:25, Paul says (literal translation), “I believe God,” not just “I believe in God.” There’s a powerful difference between the two. Believing in God is acknowledging His existence; believing God means fully trusting what He’s said, especially when circumstances say otherwise. Paul didn’t just believe God was real, he believed God would do what He promised: “It will be just as He said.” Where in your life do you need to move from general belief in God to specific trust in what He’s said? What’s one promise from God you need to cling to more confidently right now?
Looking back on the storms you’ve faced—or maybe one you’re in right now - how has your understanding of God's plan, presence, and promises grown or been challenged? What is God inviting you to believe more deeply or respond to more faithfully as a result?
LIVING
The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.
This week, reflect on something God has spoken over your life - through Scripture, prayer, or past experiences. Ask yourself: Have I let go of that word in the face of fear or hardship? Reclaim that word from God. Write it down, speak it out, and take one practical step to live in alignment with that promise. Let your response to life’s storms be marked by trust in what God has already said.
This week, reflect on something God has spoken over your life - through Scripture, prayer, or past experiences. Ask yourself: Have I let go of that word in the face of fear or hardship? Reclaim that word from God. Write it down, speak it out, and take one practical step to live in alignment with that promise. Let your response to life’s storms be marked by trust in what God has already said.