N Commandments: Doubt Not

Wouldn't it be great to have a faith with no doubts? But most believers wrestle with doubt at some level. We face circumstances that don't add up. We see suffering and injustice in the world. Doubt grabs our minds and emotions. We wonder if we're just making excuses for a God who isn't really there . . . or isn't there in the way we assumed.

Jesus commanded: "Doubt not." But when he said that he didn't mean for us to quit feeling doubtful. His command was more practical and life changing.

1. Talk about a time when you doubted your knowledge, talents, abilities, or decision making. What did you do to overcome your doubts?


2. During the message, Conor said, "You can doubt and follow Jesus at the same time." How does that statement challenge your understanding of the relationship between faith and doubt? In what ways do you find it freeing?


3. Read John 6:60-69. What are some things Jesus said or did that you consider challenging or offensive? In what ways do those statements or actions affect your ability to follow him?


4. Read Matthew 14:22-33. Talk about a time when you doubted because your circumstances weren't working out the way you thought they would. Why do you think we're tempted to doubt when God doesn't do what we want or expect?


5. Is it difficult to believe that God wants to do something significant in you and in the lives or others through you? Why or why not?


6. What is one thing that causes doubt to creep into your faith? What can you do this week to think through the question, "To whom shall I turn?" as it relates to that thing? How can this group support you as you work through that question?

N Commandments: Sin Not

When Jesus rose from the dead, it changed everything. The early church had a "resurrection religion." They couldn't go back and embrace a temple model that focused on sacred men in sacred places with special interpretations of sacred texts. Instead, they had one new commandment: love one another as Jesus had loved them.

Jesus gave his followers another commandment related to the commandment to love one another: sin no more. But how are we supposed to do that when we're so imperfect?

1. Have you ever tried to change a bad habit through willpower alone? What happened?


2. Why do you think it's so natural for people to assume that God is quick to judge and condemn them? To what extent has that assumption shaped your relationship with God?


3. Read John 8:1-11. Is it easier for you to identify with the crowd or with the woman caught in adultery? In what ways are you convicted by Jesus' actions and words?


4. Is it difficult for you to believe that, through Jesus, you have the power to leave your sin behind you? Why or why not?


5. Think about your answer to the question, What is your sin? (You don't have to share specifics with the group if you don't want to.) What stands in the way of you deciding to leave that sin behind? What can this group do to help you make and follow through on that decision?

N Commandments: Fear Not

During his earthly ministry, Jesus announced a new covenant unhitched from the Old Testament. He initiated that new covenant when he died and rose from the dead. Suddenly, commandments that had sounded extreme when he gave them to his followers weren't extreme at all.

Thou shalt not fear. We all want to keep that commandment, but too often it feels impossible. There are legitimate reasons to fear some of the obstacles and setbacks in our lives. But if it were possible not to fear... that would change everything.

1. Do you tend to take risks or avoid them? How has that tendency influenced the direction of your life?


2. Have you ever known someone who missed out on opportunities because of fear? If so, what did you learn from observing that person?


3. Talk about a time when you were paralyzed by fear. What happened?


4. During the message, Conor said, "Because of Jesus, you don't have to be afraid, even when there's something to be afraid of." Does that statement give you comfort? Why or Why not?


5. Read Matthew 14:22-31. Talk about a time when you or someone you know pushed past fear and took a bold step to follow Jesus. How did that event affect your faith?


6. What do you fear right now? What is one practical thing you can do this week to remind yourself not to be afraid because Jesus is with you? What can this group do to support you?