How It Works

This page is designed to help you pursue God with a group or mentor by using simple, Bible-based conversation starters. To request a mentor from Living Branch Church, click here. Here’s the picture we’re working toward:

The Process

We’ve created a simple pathway to help you go “full circle” with a group or mentor. We call it the “3E” process:

  1. Engage: Start talking about the “Featured Topics” below, choosing whatever interests you.
  2. Establish: When ready, start “The Pursuit” (see below) to get established in a “full circle” faith.
  3. Empower: After you finish “The Pursuit,” look outward and help someone else pursue God.

Your Part

Take ownership of your pursuit of God with four personal commitments:

  1. Come prepared. Make a commitment to preview the video (or audio) before you meet. This will make your conversation more meaningful for everyone.
  2. Talk & listen. Don’t just bring your ideas and opinions to the table. Develop a teachable heart, and come ready to hear from God and others.
  3. Discover truth. We believe the Bible has answers to every question. If you keep showing up, you can expect to discover a fresh perspective on just about any topic.
  4. Act on it. The goal in every conversation is transformation, not just information. Be ready to step up and act on what you’re learning.

Learn more about pursueGOD.

Browse Index

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Life Group Curriculum

Use the playlist below to ENGAGE in a pursuit of God, or go through The Pursuit with your life group or mentor.  

Extending Grace Outside the Church

Posted: November 19, 2020
As people whose central message is the grace of God, let’s interact with others in a way that reflects grace in what we do, what we say, and how we say it.

Talking Points:

  • Speak with grace to those who don’t know God. You won’t win people to a message of grace by using methods that are anti-grace. Colossians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 3:15-16
  • Treat people with grace even if they don’t follow God. Christians are called to share the good news, not to rant about how people ought to live. Matthew 5:44-45, Acts 1:8
  • It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to correct people’s lifestyle. Our job is to live in a way that points people to Jesus. John 16:8, Matthew 5:16
Discussion Questions:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Have you heard someone express negative views toward Christianity? What reasons did they give?
  3. Read Colossians 4:5-6. Why should we live wisely among people who don’t follow Jesus? What does it look like to live wisely?
  4. Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. Can you give examples of how Christians have spoken with (or without) gentleness and respect to non-Christians?
  5. Read Matthew 5:44-45. What does Jesus tell us about what God is like? Why does Jesus bring up God’s gracious character here?
  6. Do you agree or disagree: “God doesn’t call us to try to correct the behavior of society.” Explain your answer.
  7. Read Matthew 9:10-13. Why was Jesus’ behavior so scandalous to the Pharisees?
  8. Jesus had a reason for engaging in relationships with people far from God. How would you describe that purpose?
  9. Do you think Christians in our culture are more like Jesus, or more like the Pharisees? Why? Why is it important to remember that the Holy Spirit convicts, not us?
  10. In Matthew 9:13, what do you think Jesus meant when he told his hearers, “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.”?
  11. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

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5 Obstacles to Faith in Christ

Posted: November 20, 2018

Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.

Wouldn’t it be nice to share the gospel once and then pray the prayer? Why doesn’t that happen?

Key Points:

  • The logical obstacle. These are questions like, “How do you know the Bible is true?”
  • The emotional obstacle. Pain can often keep us from belief.
  • The behavioral obstacle. Seeing that God is calling us to a holy life makes many people reject Jesus. They want to live by their own standards.
  • The cultural obstacle. Some of these barriers are false; being a Christian in America doesn’t mean you’re necessarily white, Republican, and conservative. Every culture is called to account by Jesus.
  • The spiritual obstacle. Only God the Holy Spirit can change a heart. Christians are called to make disciples, but we are not capable of changing people. A spiritual war is taking place.

Quote This:

2 Corinthians 2:14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What was (or is) your biggest obstacle to faith in Christ? Explain.
  3. Give an example of a “logical obstacle” for you or for someone you know. What challenges does it present? How can it be overcome?
  4. Give an example of an “emotional obstacle” for you or for someone you know.  What challenges does it present? How can it be overcome?
  5. Give an example of a “behavioral obstacle” for you or for someone you know. What challenges does it present? How can it be overcome?
  6. Give an example of a “cultural obstacle” for you or for someone you know. What challenges does it present? How can it be overcome?
  7. Give an example of a “spiritual obstacle” for you or someone you know. What challenges does it present? How can it be overcome?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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Seeing People as Jesus Does

Posted: August 7, 2017

Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.

Learn how to see those around you the way Jesus saw people.

Key Points:

  • See people as Jesus does.
  • How Simon saw the woman.
  • How Jesus saw the woman.
  • Jesus wanted to minister to everyone.

Quote This:

Luke 7:36-39; 47-48 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Talk About It
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Have you ever been misjudged based on your past or reputation? Explain.
  3. What does this passage of scripture reveal about Simon the Pharisee’s motives? Have you ever felt like Simon?
  4. In your own life, would you identify more with Simon or more with the woman? Explain.
  5. Why is it important to share in Jesus’s perspective when it comes to ministering to people? Explain.
  6. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

 

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The Scandal of Grace

Posted: January 3, 2020
Grace is the quality of God’s character by which he helps us without requiring anything in return. It's one of the most scandalous ideas in history.

Talking Points:

  • We are in desperate need of God’s help. There’s a dark side in each one of us that no one but God can see. Ephesians 2:1-3
  • When you embrace God’s help, it changes your destiny. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sins and made new life possible for us. Ephesians 1:6-7, Ephesians 2:8
  • Most people struggle to believe God’s help is enough. But as soon as you mix any kind of merit into the equation, grace is completely nullified. Titus 3:5-7, Romans 11:5-6
Discussion Questions:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What is the best Christmas or birthday gift you’ve ever received? What made it so great?
  3. Describe a time when you received a “gift” but it had strings attached. How did those conditions affect your thinking or attitude toward that gift?
  4. Grace can be defined as “God helps.” What are the strengths and weaknesses of that definition?
  5. Read Ephesians 2:1-3. How do these verses describe humanity’s desperate need for God’s help?
  6. What other evidence can you give to support the idea that people desperately need God’s help?
  7. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Explain the relationship between grace and faith.
  8. Read Titus 2:5-7. Describe the two approaches to salvation mentioned there.
  9. Read Romans 11:5-6. Why is it impossible to combine the “grace” and “works” approaches to God?
  10. What are some reasons why people find it so difficult to embrace God’s free gift of grace?
  11. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

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The Paradox of Grace

Posted: January 10, 2019
God doesn’t love you more if you obey him, and he doesn’t love you less if you don’t. That’s what makes grace so paradoxical in the Christian life.

Talking Points:

  • As Christians, we are always dependent on God’s gracious help. The rules don’t suddenly change to make our relationship with God merit-based. Galatians 3:3, Colossians 2:6-7
  • Receiving God’s grace changes how we think of ourselves. Now we’re free to be authentic instead of trying to fake perfection. Romans 8:1
  • Receiving God’s grace changes how we live our lives. Biblical grace is a powerful motivator to live in a way that honors God. Titus 2:11-12, 2 Peter 3:18
Discussion Questions:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Think about the most important relationships in your life. How have you tried to seek the approval of those that already love and accept you? Why do you feel the need to continually prove yourself? Do you see this same dynamic in your relationship with God? Explain.
  3. Read Galatians 3:3. What are some ways that Christians typically “change the rules” for the Christian life after starting out by grace? How should we relate to God as Christians?
  4. Read Colossians 2:6-7. What pattern does this reveal for how to live the Christian life? What does it look like in practice to grow deeper roots?
  5. Read Romans 8:1. What are the voices that whisper condemnation to you, in the past or present? What is your response? In what ways should grace change how we see ourselves? What does it look like to live authentically for Jesus?
  6. Read 2 Peter 3:18. How is grace something that we can grow in?
  7. Read Titus 2:11-12. If God loves us unconditionally, why should we live to honor him?
  8. What are some other methods (besides grace) that Christians typically use to motivate godly living? Evaluate these methods.
  9. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

Find this topic in this category.
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Extending Grace Inside the Church

Posted: January 17, 2019
The Christian community should look different than other social groups because of the radical reality of grace. Our reflex response to grace is to pay it forward.

Talking Points:

  • It’s hypocritical to receive grace and not to give it. Christians should treat others the way they’ve been treated by God. Romans 15:7, Matthew 18:32-33
  • Giving grace helps others flourish and grow. Grace unlocks emotional and relational health. James 5:16, Luke 18:9-14
  • Some believers miss the grace of God and end up poisoning the church. The church and the world needs more grace-givers. Hebrews 12:15
Discussion Questions:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Talk about a time when a Christian extended great grace to you. What happened? Share a time you were gracious toward someone else. How did that impact the relationship?
  3. Read Romans 15:7. What does it mean in practice to “accept each other just as Christ has accepted you”? Give examples.
  4. Read James 5:16 and Matthew 18:32-33. How does a grace filled environment among Christians help people to flourish and grow in their faith? How does grace work when someone needs to be confronted or corrected?
  5. What would a grace-filled environment look like in a marriage? In a family?
  6. Read Hebrews 12:15. What does this verse present as the opposite of grace? Explain. 
  7. What kind of effects does a grace-less attitude have on other Christians?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?


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5 Values for Every Christian

Posted: June 30, 2015
Every person has values they live by. Some may be from God, some not. Here are five values that every Christian needs to know.

Talking Points:

  • Value #1 People. People are important to God. He created them, and he loves them. People are important to Christians too. Every person is valuable because every person is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27
  • Value #2 Truth. We believe in God and the Bible because it’s true. Christianity isn’t a fable. It’s not a fairytale that we wished was true. The things in the Bible actually happened in history. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
  • Value #3 Authenticity. Christians don’t have to pretend to be perfect. We’ve been saved by grace. Salvation is not based on anything we do. Therefore, we can be authentic with our victories and our failures. 1 Samuel 16:7
  • Value #4 Leadership. Every Christian has a responsibility to follow their leaders. God puts leaders into your life for a reason. He will use your leaders to help you grow and equip you for ministry. Hebrews 13:17
  • Value #5 Risk-Taking. We trust God to help us in accomplishing great things: mentoring others, leading people to faith, starting a small group, and many other acts of faith that we are called to do. Matthew 19:26
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What are some of your most important values? What were some of the values that your family had growing up?
  3. Read Genesis 1:27. List some examples from the Bible and your life that demonstrate how God values people.
  4. Why is authenticity important in your relationships with God and others? Have you ever been part of a church or religion where people weren’t authentic? How did that experience make you feel?
  5. Read Hebrews 13:17. What does it mean to submit to leaders in the church?
  6. Have you ever taken any risks for God? Explain what happened. Why do you think God wants us to take risks?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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5 Doctrines Every Christian Believes

Posted: June 28, 2015
Christian beliefs have been around for two thousand years, and there is no shortage of debate among Christian churches when it comes to doctrine. But in spite of all the minor differences, there are five basic truths that every Christian church agrees upon.

Talking Points:

  • Doctrine #1 The Bible is God’s word. Christians believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God, which is sufficient for all we need to live the Christian life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Doctrine #2 God is three in one. Christians believe that there is one God who eternally exists as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). All three persons are equal and eternal. Matthew 28:19
  • Doctrine #3 Jesus is fully God. Christians believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human as the second person of the Trinity. He has always existed as God, and the world was created through him. John 1:1-2
  • Doctrine #4 We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that every person is broken by sin and in need of salvation. We are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Doctrine #5 There’s life after death. Christians believe that Jesus is returning in order to set up his kingdom and judge the world. Those who have trusted Jesus for salvation will live eternally in heaven, while others will be eternally separated from the presence of God. John 11:25-26
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What questions do you have about these five basic beliefs?
  3. What are some other Christian beliefs that are widely held? What are some beliefs that are debated by Christians and churches?
  4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What do these verses say about the Bible? What does the Bible do for us?
  5. Read John 1:1-2. Why is it important to understand that Jesus is God. Why does it matter that he’s fully God?
  6. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Who saves us? What do we have to do to be saved? What doesn’t save us?
  7. Talk about some of the common heresies today. Why are they popular?
  8. Read John 11:25-26. What do you think heaven will be like?
  9. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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