Scroll down for our three-step process to help you engage God’s word and seek a deeper encounter with Him.

step one

This Weekly Bible Passage will be the basis of next Sunday’s sermon. Spend some time studying it prior to Sunday and see what God is revealing to you in it.

Matthew 23:1-12

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees are seated in the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do everything to be seen by others: They enlarge their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues, 7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by people.

8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. 9 Do not call anyone on earth your father, because you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 You are not to be called instructors either, because you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Step two

Join us on Sunday for this critical second step in encountering God through His word as we gather together as a church family.

step three

Questions to discuss and process as a Discipleship Group, based on the previous Weekly Bible Passage and Sunday Sermon.

Encourage one another towards a deeper, more vibrant relationship with Jesus.

These discussion questions are based on the scripture reading from the past week (Lamentations 5), and the talk on October 11th, 2026.

1. How do you typically approach God in your prayers? Do you approach boldly like Jeremiah does in v. 1?

2. Israel's pursuit of other gods left them restless (v. 5) and joyless (v. 15). What things do you turn to for rest or joy?

3. How does God's steadfastness (v. 19) affect how you handle difficult circumstances?

Prayer prompt: Pray boldly with "covenant confidence" that God would honor His promises in your life. Pray through your unfulfilled desires even as you submit those desires to Him.