​True peace rests entirely on the promised arrival of the King, Jesus Christ, who enters our world as a child to grow, live, die, and resurrect to become our ultimate and eternal Shalom.

Discussion Questions: 

​1. ​Shalom is defined not just as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of harmony, wholeness, and oneness—God's "Should Be." When have you experienced a moment in your life that gave you a true, deep "taste" of Shalom? 

2. The reason Shalom is broken is the ongoing human desire to "be like God" (Genesis 3:5). Where in your life are you currently trying to "play God"—by taking control, striving for self-preservation, or trying to achieve a "God-like power" over your circumstances or image? How does this effort ultimately block the true flow of God's Shalom?

3. We all have "counterfeit shalom" strategies, whether it's outrunning anxiety with constant over-working,  seeking approval by controlling our social media image, believing we can fix inner fragmentation independently or even maintaining "superficial, quiet, false peace" by avoiding necessary conflict in relationships. The list is endless.  What shalom counterfeits may be tempting for you right now, and why? How might that counterfeit effort be exhausting you more than it's giving you peace?

4. Jesus restored Shalom across four specific dimensions: with God, with Self, with Others, and with Creation. Which of these four areas feels the most fragmented or broken in your life right now? In what specific way does the peace of God provide the most practical and necessary healing for that dimension?
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5. What is one tangible, small action you can take this week to actively "usher in the way of Shalom" (wholeness, justice, restoration) in your immediate circles—your family, workplace, or neighborhood?




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​Because of sin, our pride and fear cause us to naturally divide into tribes. But God has called us into a unity under the lordship of Christ Jesus that destroys all the man-made barriers sin creates and brings the kingdom of heaven to earth.

​Jesus calls us out of a life turned inward on ourselves and transforms us into people who pour ourselves out in self-giving love, joining him in acts of service, compassion, and reconciliation in our neighborhoods, our nation, and to the ends of the earth.

​Discussion Questions:

1. When you were younger, what was one insecurity you had that now seems small or even silly to you?
2. If you had to pick one thing you tend to be overly self-conscious about (appearance, personality, habits, etc.), what would it be? How early in life do you remember noticing it?
3. Sharon Hodde Miller talks about how we often “make things about us that aren’t about us.” What are some situations where you’re prone to do this? How does it affect your relationships?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 4:3–4. Can you identify an area of your life where you feel like you’re constantly “on trial,” trying to prove your worth? What might it look like to rest in the verdict of acceptance and love that God has already spoken over you?
5. Gospel humility is described as “thinking of yourself less.” What practices or habits help you quiet that inner voice that’s always evaluating how you’re coming across to others?
6. The sermon described how serving others can free us from self-focus. Have you had the experience where helping someone actually lifted your own heart? 
7. Sharon Hodde Miller writes that loving others can “heal something deep inside of us.” How have your own wounds, insecurities, or struggles shaped the ways you’re able to love or empathize with others?
8. What are some ways that ICC can make a bigger difference in our neighborhood? What are some new areas of outreach that you'd like the church to explore? (Consider submitting your responses to the link provided in this sermon manuscript.) 
9. If your small group has adopted a missionary, what could it do to make this relationship more meaningful?

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​Real discipleship happens when every believer is both a giver and receiver of ministry--building one another up in love and practicing mutual edification in worship. We trust in the work of the Holy Spirit and the leaders that Jesus has gifted to the church to equip every saint for this work of ministry.

Discussion Questions:

1. Share about a time you served or helped with something and it turned out to be surprisingly meaningful.
2. In what ways do you think modern church culture encourages a “spectator mindset”? How have you seen this in your own approach to church?
3. Why do you think many Christians feel unqualified or hesitant to minister to others? Where do you think that mindset comes from?
4. What are your thoughts on the quad vs. hamstring analogy? Have you seen situations where a few “overworked” people carry most of the burden of ministry? 
5. Read 1 Corinthians 14:26 and Colossians 3:16. How does the New Testament describe the role of every believer in worship and discipleship? What stands out to you in these passages?
6. The sermon emphasized that spiritual maturity comes through serving, not just learning. Can you think of a time when serving others stretched your faith or helped you grow? What did God form in you through that experience?
7. The survey revealed that serving created belonging in our church. Why do you think serving together builds unity and connection with others? Where have you experienced that personally?
8. Think about your small group. How can you better practice this principle of mutual edification? What is one step your group could take this week?