Gcf Austin

Life Group Questions1.        Would you consider yourself an encourager? Why or why not? 2.        Describe a time in your life when someone gave you the encouragement that you needed. Does this inspire you to encourage others? 3.        What is the difference between flattery & encouragement? Why is it important for our encouragement to not turn into flattery? 4.        Read 1 Corinthians 13:13. We should be full of faith, hope, & love. What does “full of hope” look like for you?

Life Group QuestionsMatthew 13:44 (HCSB)— The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.1.    In this parable, some say the treasure metaphorically represents Jesus while the Man represents us. Is there a problem with this interpretation? If so, what is the problem?2.    Metaphorically, what is the treasure? And who is the man?3.    What is the field, and who is the landowner?4.    To obtain the hidden treasure, the man had to make a costly purchase of the entire field. He sold everything to make this purchase, but he did it “in his joy.” What actions of Jesus is this parable referencing? Explain what was so costly about the purchase by Jesus and why Jesus did it “in his joy.”5.    From this parable, what have you learned about the Kingdom of God?

Life Group Questions 1.  Pastor Ryan explained that the mustard seed and leaven parables are the same but slightly different. How are they the same and how do they differ? 2.  Who does the woman in this parable represent and why do some people have a problem with this? 3.  What does the leaven represent? What does the flour represent? 4.  Pastor Ryan explained that in the first century, people knew that “three measures” equaled “1 ephah”. What was the significance of Jesus saying “three measures” of flour rather than “1 ephah”? 5.  Read Psalm 110:3 & Psalm 51:12. Can you honestly say that you offer yourself freely to the Lord with a willing spirit? What needs to change?

1.  What started small for you and has blossomed into something significant? 2.  Where in your life could you use a mustard seed of Faith? 3.  What can you scale back to allow room for God to grow this Faith inside of you?  4.  What are you holding on to or attempting to control that you need to surrender? 5.  What can you do to be in more constant conversation and relationship with God on a daily basis?