Within this sermon series companion, you will find space each week for notes on the sermon and Scripture text, reflection questions, and prompts to discuss your reflections with others. When considering the reflection questions, the goal is not to answer everything or have all the “right” answers―instead, let these questions serve as a starting point for curiosity in your conversation with God and others. See the Appendix of this guide for more resources and opportunities to engage with this study.
We hope that all small group discussions are lively and enriching, but sometimes tough topics will be discussed. The Conversation Covenant* is an agreement to hold respect and grace toward all participants within a small group, no matter the conversation. Please adhere to the Conversation Covenant, or think about how to create one that fits your context.
I pledge:
*Adapted from https://conversational-leadership.net/conversation-covenant/
Below are a few resources to look into if you are interested in diving deeper into some of the topics covered in this series. If you need resources that more specifically address your own experience, demographic, or faith journey, please reach out to a Highrock pastor or to smallgroups@highrock.org and we will be happy to help!
This discussion guide is based on N.T. Wright’s Study Guide and Commentary on Mark. Here is the author in his own words:
“Read and reread the Bible passage to be studied. Each study is designed to help you consider the meaning of the passage in its context. The commentary and questions in this guide are based on my own translation of each passage found in the companion volume to this guide in the For Everyone series on the New Testament (published by SPCK and Westminster John Knox).
Each session features selected comments from the For Everyone series. These notes provide further biblical and cultural background and contextual information. They are designed not to answer the questions for you but to help you along as you study the Bible for yourself.”
Find sermons on Highrock Online’s YouTube channel.
Before your small group gathering, complete the following. This will be the basis for your small group discussion time.
Use these questions as a launching point for your small group conversation. Open with a check-in/getting-to-know-you question. Group opener options are available in the Appendix.
Close in prayer for what came up during your conversation and for the week ahead.
Find sermons on Highrock Online’s YouTube channel.
Before your small group gathering, complete the following. This will be the basis for your small group discussion time.
Use these questions as a launching point for your small group conversation. Open with a check-in/getting-to-know-you question. Group opener options are available in the Appendix.
Close in prayer for what came up during your conversation and for the week ahead.
Before your small group gathering, complete the following and reflect on the discussion questions. These will be the basis for your small group time.
Use these questions as a launching point for your small group conversation. Open with a check-in/getting-to-know-you question. Group opener options are available in the Appendix.
Pray about what came up in your conversation and for the week ahead.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.”
Before your small group gathering, complete the following and reflect on the discussion questions. These will be the basis for your small group time.
Use these questions as a launching point for your small group conversation. Open with a check-in/getting-to-know-you question. Group opener options are available in the Appendix.
Pray about what came up in your conversation and for the week ahead.
“You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows
Before your small group gathering, complete the following and reflect on the discussion questions. These will be the basis for your small group time.
Use these questions as a launching point for your small group conversation. Open with a check-in/getting-to-know-you question. Group opener options are available in the Appendix.
Pray about what came up in your conversation and for the week ahead.
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.”