John 17:20-21

Core Truth: There is always a “win” when we are one.

CTK Community Church Mission Statement:

To create authentic Christ-centered communities that love God wholeheartedly and reach out intentionally so that others experience new life in Jesus and a transforming life of discipleship.

Luke 5:17-18

The “win” in oneness is…

⇒ …when others are there to us.

Isaiah 41:10(NASB)

Question: Who is there to carry you?

Galatians 6:2

⇒ …realizing desperate times call for creative .

Luke 5:19

“All great groups believe they are on a mission from God.” -Warren Bennis

⇒ …it’s the of collective faith.

Luke 5:30, Romans 1:12(ERV)

⇒ …it reveals the forgiving of Jesus.

Luke 5:20-26

Practice: Do the Prayer Covenant.

Theme: Faith-filled Friends

Share Together:

Who was/were your best friend(s) when you were a kid/teen/college age? What was it that drew you together?

Reflect together:

What impacted you the most from Sunday’s message?

Read Together:

Luke 5:17-26

Discuss Together:

• What might you be thinking or feeling if you were in the house and seeing this man being lowered from the ceiling?
• Why were the friends of this paralyzed man so persistent? How did Jesus show affirmation towards them?
• When Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”, what point was he trying to make?
• Before Jesus sorted out the paralyzed man’s physical issues, he sorted out his spiritual issues. Why did Jesus do it in this order?
• What was the response of the man who was healed and the crowd that was gathered? What impact do you think that had on the village?
• When has there been time in which you were hoping to attain or accomplish something but there were obstacles in your way (e.g., a job offer, finances, invitation to an event, or other opportunities)? What barriers were in your way that prevented or delayed the process? How did you work through them?
• Who have been your faith-filled friends that carried you through a difficult time in your life?
• Read Galatians 6:2. What is our role in carrying others to Jesus? How do we do this persistently and creatively as a faith-filled community of people? What could be the result?
• What is a burden you are carrying that others can help and pray for?

Pray Together:

Take time to share how God has answered prayer and any prayer requests you have today.