PASSAGE: Mark 2:13-17

DESCRIPTION: This Sunday, we kicked off a brand-new series called "The Exit Ramp," tackling one of the biggest reasons people walk away from the faith: hypocrisy in the church. Looking at Mark 2:13-17, we saw how Jesus sat with tax collectors and sinners, reminding us that “it is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Too often, the church tries to act like a "showroom for saints;" pretending to have it all together while alienating those who are hurting. But Jesus calls us to something much better: a hospital for the spiritually broken. To heal this narrative, we need to: (1) Fix our focus on Jesus who initiates and perfects our faith, not on the failures of those reflecting Jesus poorly; (2) Personally drop our own masks through honest confession to one another; and (3) Restore our purpose to match Christ's heart and mission. How can you help combat hypocrisy and build a culture of authentic grace this week?

DISCUSSION:

1. Reread the scripture passage (Mark 2:13-17). What stood out to you from these verses, or what questions do you have about how Jesus interacted with Levi and the Pharisees?

2. Pastor Mike described how wearing a "spiritual mask" or pretending to have it all together can contribute to hypocrisy in the church. In what areas of life is it most tempting for people to put on this kind of mask, and why is it often so difficult to be honest about our personal struggles?

3. The message challenges the idea of the church acting as a "showroom for saints" versus a "hospital for the spiritually broken." What does a healthy, grace-filled community look like when people feel safe enough to bring their sins and doubts into the light?

4. Reflecting on the three shifts mentioned (fixing our focus, dropping our masks, and restoring our purpose), which one do you feel God is calling you to lean into most during this season, and what is one practical step you can take this week?

Passage: Romans 14:1 - 15:7

Description: This Sunday we talked about the Covenant affirmation of the reality of freedom in Christ. Building off of Paul's instructions in Romans 14-15, we looked at how believers can navigate secondary, disputable matters without letting tension turn into division. By examining the historical conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, we saw how easy it is to judge or despise those with different convictions on non-essential beliefs or practices. But Paul reminded us to hold firmly to primary gospel truths while extending freedom and grace on disputable issues. Ultimately, freedom in Christ empowers us to stay united under the Holy Spirit and remain focused on our shared mission rather than letting secondary disagreements destroy God's work. Where are you experiencing tension or disagreement with a brother or sister in Christ and how is God calling you to pursue a better way forward together?

Discussion Questions:

1. Reread Romans 14:1 - 15:7. What stands out to you in this passage, or what questions do you have after reading it?

2. How do we distinguish between what is essential and not-disputable doctrines with secondary matters where we should offer freedom?

3. How can we practically guard against judging or despising other believers when we disagree on non-essential issues?

4. What does it look like in your daily life or church community to actively "pursue peace and mutual edification" (Romans 14:19) while maintaining freedom in Christ?

Passage: Romans 8:5–13

Description: This Sunday we explored what it means to live with a conscious dependence on the Holy Spirit. Even though believers have the Spirit dwelling within them, we can easily resist or quench His work through distraction, pride, worry, or sin; ultimately being led by the desires of the flesh. True transformation and sanctification do not happen by our own limited willpower, but through the Spirit empowering us to overcome the misdeeds of the body. To cultivate a life led by the Holy Spirit, we must actively practice filling our minds with God’s Word, expanding our ears through Christian community, and obeying the Spirit’s inner promptings. Ultimately, walking in the Spirit is an ongoing daily commitment for every follower of Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Romans 8:5-13. What stood out to you from this passage, or what questions do you have after reading it?

2. Reflect on the idea of “resisting” or "quenching" the Holy Spirit. What are some everyday distractions or habits that tend to hinder your ability to hear and follow the Spirit’s guidance?

3. The message highlighted three ways to listen for the Holy Spirit: filling our minds with God’s Word, relying on Christian community, and following inner promptings. How have you seen one of these practices help you discern God's direction in your own life?

4. How do we practically test an inner feeling or advice from someone else is true? Why does this matter?

PASSAGE: Matthew 22:36–40, Matthew 28:18–20

DESCRIPTION: This Sunday's message focused on our commitment as Christians to the whole mission of the Church. Based on two foundational passages of Scripture, the church's mission can defined by four core elements: worship, compassion, evangelism, and discipleship. Worship involves loving God with our entire being and offering our daily lives as a living sacrifice. Compassion naturally flows from loving God, compelling us to care for the needs of our neighbors. Evangelism is the outward proclamation of the Good News, inviting others into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And discipleship focuses on inward growth, as believers walk alongside one another to teach, encourage, and mature in faith so that others may eternally live.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Reread Matthew 22:36–40 and Matthew 28:18–20. What stood out to you in these passages or what questions do you have?

2. Of the four elements of the church's mission (Worship, Compassion, Evangelism, and Discipleship) which area do you currently feel strongest in during your daily routines? How about the weakest?

3. How can our group or church practically demonstrate compassion and care for the physical and spiritual needs of our surrounding community?

4. What is one practical step or commitment you can make this week to step deeper into pursing the whole mission of the church?

PASSAGE: John 3:1-8

DESCRIPTION: This past Sunday we explored the Evangelical Covenant Church’s second affirmation: the Necessity of the New Birth. Grounded in John 3:1-8, we looked at the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus. He was a religious leader who had deep knowledge of the Old Testament and good status in society, yet he had his own doubts on if his mindset was enough. In fact, may believers often struggle with their own doubt, sin, and the question of whether their performance or religious activity is enough to save them. Jesus makes it clear that entering the Kingdom of God requires being "born again" by the Spirit that cannot be earned through human effort or moral living. This new birth encompasses confessing Jesus as Lord, receiving His forgiveness, and being transformed from the inside out into a new creation. Good works and a changed life are not the price or means of salvation, but rather the evidence and fruit of the Holy Spirit at work within us. Ultimately, our assurance of salvation rests completely in the finished work of Christ on the cross, inviting us to come to Him just as we are.

DISCUSSION:

1. Reread John 3:1–8. What stands out to you in this conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, and what questions does it raise for you?

2. Nicodemus had a strong religious background and often thought strict adherence to the law was enough to earn God’s favor. Have you ever found yourself relying on religious performance or good behavior for your security with God?

3. The message emphasized that a changed life is the fruit (evidence) of salvation, not the means (price) of it. How does shifting your focus from "trying harder" to resting in the finished work of Christ change the way you view your struggles with sin?

4. In the words of Swedish Lutheran Pastor Carl Olof Rosenius, “Jesus calls us to come as you are" to receive the grace of the new birth. What is one area of your life where you need the Holy Spirit to bring fresh renewal or transformation this week?