Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Palm Sunday Small Group Guide The Things That Make for Peace Opening Prayer Key Takeaways: Jesus entered Jerusalem weeping because the city had not recognized the things that make for peace. True peace (shalom) involves right relationships and living in harmony with others. Our words have the power to hurt or heal, destroy or create peace. Recognizing our emotions, including tears

Both/And Faith - Small Group Guide: Scandalous Love Opening Prayer Bible: John 12:1-8 Key Takeaways: The body is not a scandal but a gift through which we can draw near to God Lavish compassion and care are appropriate responses in times of great sorrow We must be wary of the "scandal of distraction" that seeks to justify self-serving priorities We are called to act with urgency a

Small Group Guide: The Prodigal Son - Seeing Others as Jesus Sees Them Opening Prayer Key Quotes: Jesus is saying this isn't just a loss of property. This fracture of relationship is literally a loss of life. Jesus shows us that his Father isn't a God who sits back and waits for us, but a God who runs after us. The son was not whole without his community, but neither was the commu

Small Group Guide: Suffering and Grace Opening Prayer Bible: Luke 13:1-9 Key Takeaways: Suffering and tragedy are not punishments from God or indicators of a lack of faith. The Church is called to be a "gardener," nurturing those who are marginalized. A theology of the cross teaches us that God is present in suffering and calls us to address systemic issues that contribute to trag

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"Grow Spiritually" is a monthly guided devotional, offered for use with your family or on your own. March's theme is Ashes.

Pastor Josh - March 9, 2025 Small Group Guide: Temptation Opening Prayer Key Quotes Luther says that God actually is most clearly revealed to us in the cross, in Jesus' suffering on the cross. Luther says if you want to understand who God is and what God is like, you have to start here. Self-serving power has always been and will always be the most deceptive and dangerous temptati

Small Group Guide: Hear Act Opening Prayer Bible: Matthew 7:15-27 Key Takeaways: Faith is not just a noun, but a verb - it's about actively following Jesus. Our actions define us and shape the world around us. Hearing Jesus' teachings without acting on them can harm both ourselves and others. Grace is always available, and even small actions can make a difference. Practicing "fait

Small Group Guide: Humble Opening Prayer Bible: Matthew 7:1-5, Philippians 2:1-8, Micah 6:8 Opening Question: Share a time when you misjudged someone or a situation. What did you learn from that experience? Key Quotes: Jesus invites us to avoid condemning others and instead to practice self-reflection and humility. Jesus requires compassion over condemnation. Humility helps us t

Small Group Guide: Seek First Opening Prayer Bible: Matthew 6:22-34, Psalm 46, Philippians 4:4-8 Key Quotes: And when Jesus shifts our focus away from our worries and our distracted voices toward the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, I think it's more than just an example. It's an antidote. And in today's world where there is so much noise and so much media and so ma