At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. Given our current circumstances, we have to be a little more creative when it comes to participating in church. So we have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be at home with your family or online with your friends. Let’s have church!
Interactive Scriptures and Notes
Matthew 7:24-29 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Mark 4:26-29 (NIV)
He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
John 15:7 (NIV)
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
Ezra 7:9b-10 (NLT)
…for the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Discussion Questions
Is it difficult to speak faith over doubt? Is one easier than the other? Why?
Refer back to Mark 4:26-29. What do the seed and the ground represent? What is the importance of this metaphor, and how does it apply to you?
What does “A man reaps what he sows” mean to you? How should this affect the decisions you make everyday?