reflection and discussion questions: 

1. ​Review: Last week, as the new year began, we were encouraged to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). We were encouraged to pray.  Where have you seen God answer prayer this week? Where do you see a need for continued prayer? ​​

2. Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Read John 3:16-17.  Then read John 20:21.  What connection do you notice between these passages? 

3. (If in a group, perhaps consider the following questions silently first, before sharing.) What all do you think it means to be "sent" by Jesus? What all comes to mind for you?  How does it impact your daily life? 

4. What are some of the things that can interfere or distract us from identifying with this fully?  What steps can we take to overcome? 

5. On Sunday we discussed "Faith Promises", which describes the way we, as a church, financially support missions. You can learn more here. In addition to that, we spent time both recognizing and celebrating many of our missionary friends who have been sent to all kinds of places around our city and around our world.  Understanding that the Lord does not send us all in the same way or to the same places, what can we learn from the example of our friends (Philippians 3:17)? 

6. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God for His continued help and blessing for our friends AND for us. Pray that, with the Spirit's help, we might more fully walk as "sent ones" by Jesus. If in a group, consider how you can encourage one another this week in this.