Encounter - Sundays

Go Deeper1. The Body and God's Design • Genesis 1:27, 31 • Psalm 139:13–14 • Romans 12:1 2. The Danger and Power of Sexual Sin • Proverbs 5:1–23• 1 Thessalonians 4:3–8• Matthew 5:27–30 3. Union With Christ• John 15:4–5• Ephesians 5:25–32• Galatians 2:20  Choose one day this week to “fast” from something that feeds your flesh (e.g., social media, Netflix, certain music, a relationship that fuels temptation) — and replace it with prayer, Scripture, or journaling about your body’s purpose.  

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS***GODLY CHARACTERISTICS EDITION Read 2 Peter 1:3-9. Share one thing that stands out in this passage that shapes your view of how a Godly person grows in their discipleship. What does “walking with God” practically look like in your daily life? How do we cultivate a close relationship with Jesus? Read John 13:34-35. Jesus told us that people would know His disciples be their love. How can you go out of your way this week, and intentionally show genuine love and care for people in our lives... especially those who are difficult to love? Two of the hardest fruits of the Spirit for us to implement in our relationships these days are patience and kindness. Where in life do you specifically struggle with these 2 things, and what steps can you take to grow in these areas? Read Prov. 10:9. What does it mean to walk in integrity? What areas of your life are you tempted to compromise on truth and integrity? How can you safeguard your actions and words with better honesty and transparency? A God

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read Luke 24:1-7. What is God’s Word saying to you in this passage? What is God’s heart for His people? In the passage above, the 2 women find an empty tomb and are met by angels proclaiming that Jesus is risen from the dead. What do you think their reactions were? What would you imagine their responses and actions might be after this encounter with the empty tomb and the angels? In verses 6-7, the angels remind the women of Jesus’ prophecy regarding the resurrection. Why is it important for us to remember and focus on the promises of God when we go through life’s uncertainties or hard times? Over Easter weekend, we talked about the dawn of eternal life and how God’s light broke through all the darkness and evil of this world. What is one way you can let your light shine in the darkness? How does the resurrection of Jesus impact your personal faith? And how do you personally experience Jesus’ transformative resurrecting power in your everyday life? We know that the resurrection signif

GO DEEPERDay 1 – The Foundation: Christ Alone - Read 1 Cor 3:11Reflect: There is no other foundation strong enough to carry the weight of your soul, your purpose, or your future. Everything else—success, relationships, performance—can shift and shake. But Christ is unchanging.Apply: Spend 5 minutes today asking: “Am I really building my life on Jesus, or just including Him in the blueprint?” Surrender anything you’ve built on another foundation.Day 2 – The Materials: Truth That Lasts - Read: 2 Tim 3:16–17Reflect: Gold, silver, and costly stones represent the lasting truths of Scripture. Cheap materials like wood and straw may be convenient, but they won’t survive testing. God’s Word builds lives that endure.Apply: Choose one Scripture to memorize this week. Let it shape how you speak, decide, and respond to life’s challenges.Day 3 – The Plans: God’s Wisdom Over the World’s – Read: James 1:5 & Proverbs 3:5–6Reflect: God invites us to build by His wisdom, not the world’s. The world says “be first.” God says “se

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read 1 Cor. 3:1-9. What is God’s Word saying to you? What stands out to you in this passage? Paul was concerned that these believers in Corinth were staying on a diet of spiritual milk instead of meat (v. 1-3). What are some specific examples of Christians today, that seem to stay (or get stuck) in the “milk” stage of their spiritual development? On that same note, what are some specific things we can/ should be doing to move onto the “meat” stage (or “solid food”) of our discipleship? Or in other words, what are the deepest, most mature things we are called to in our pursuit of Jesus? Another thing Paul was trying to teach and correct the Corinthian church about was how much they were comparing and competing with each other. What is one area of your life that you struggle with comparison? What is one area you feel you are competing with someone? How do you feel God would want you to act in these situations? One of the big traps we can fall into when we are spreading God’s love, is be

TOGETHER GROUP QUESTIONS Read Colossians 1:15-22. What is God’s Word saying to you in this passage? What is God’s heart for His people?How would you describe Jesus?... Who was He? Why did He come? What did He do? What did He teach? What was the toughest claim He made?What are some practical ways that we can make Jesus the focus of our lives? To make Him central, our top priority, and truly the Lord of our lives?Celebrating 10 years of God’s faithfulness at Encounter... What do you love most about our church? What areas are we strongest in? Weakest in?What would you love to see God do with us as a church in the next 10 years?Who is one person that you’d love to see come to Encounter?Close in prayer- asking God to open up doors to bring those specific people to church... and praising God for His faithfulness for the first decade of Encounter.

Go Deeper//Find Your Identity in Christ, Not the WorldThe world measures worth by success, wealth, and influence, but God chooses the weak and lowly. This week, take time to reflect on where you find your sense of worth. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and Jeremiah 9:23-24, and ask God to help you boast only in Him. //Trust in God’s Wisdom Over Human WisdomThe cross seems foolish to the world, but it is the power of salvation. When facing decisions, struggles, or cultural pressures, lean on God’s wisdom through Scripture and prayer instead of relying solely on popular opinion or personal reasoning (Proverbs 3:5-6). //Rely on the Holy Spirit, Not Personal StrengthPaul didn’t depend on polished speeches but on the Spirit’s power. This week, as you share your faith, serve in ministry, or face challenges, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you rather than trusting in your own abilities (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).