OPEN
Here are some questions to get the conversation rolling.
◾What has God been stirring in your heart or bringing to mind this past week?
◾Describe a time you felt close to God. What steps did you take or what circumstances led you to that experience?
◾What energizes you?

PRAY
Spend a few minutes in prayer, drawing your attention toward God. Consider these prayer points as you invite God to lead and guide you.
◾Dear Lord, I pray You’d break through the noise and help me hear Your voice.
◾Help me sense Your presence at all times in many ways.
◾I’m here, ready to receive from You. I hold nothing back. Show me what You want me to know.
◾Lord, grow my trust and dependence on You. Reveal parts of my heart and life where I rely on my power instead of the power You’ve given me through the Holy Spirit.
◾I pray You’d help me experience You in this area (name an area) of my life this week.
◾I pray You’d deepen my love and concern for the people around me.
◾May the people of Brookwood (you might name specific people) experience more of Your great love this week.

The Word of God is a living fire; it burns the heart that receives it and strengthens the soul in power.
Cyril of Alexandria

STUDY AND DISCUSSION
Don’t rush through this. It’s OK if you don’t get to all the questions. Sometimes it’ll make sense to go on to the next question. Other times, you might slow down and process a bit longer. Allow God to guide the pace of your discussion.

1. When Paul, Silas and Timothy thought of the believers in Thessalonica, their hearts were filled with gratitude. What came to mind when they prayed for them?

2. What comes to mind when you think about the people at Brookwood?

3. In what specific ways do you think God wants us to grow as a church?

4. This passage names three virtues: faith, love and hope. How have you seen or experienced these?

5. The Gospel (Good News) came to them not simply with words but also with power and conviction. What’s the difference?

6. Do you lean toward word (doctrine and beliefs) or power (miracles and wonders)? What happens when someone focuses on one to the neglect of the other?

7. Which Scriptures have been most influential in your life? What does that tell you about yourself?

8. The Thessalonians remained faithful amidst great opposition (for further insight on the hostility they experienced, see Acts 17:1-9).

a. What challenges your passion for God?

b. What helps reignite the fire?

9. Who’s modeled the Christian life for you? What continues to inspire you about them?

10. Pause and thank God for people who’ve helped you along the journey.

PERSONAL APPLICATION
Ask God what He wants you to know from this week’s study and discussion. Share this with your group or with a friend, and pray for each other.

A PRACTICAL EXERCISE
Read at least one chapter of the Bible every day this week.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY
One of the best ways to hear God in your daily life is to have His words rooted in your heart. Memorize this Scripture, trusting God will bring His words to mind at just the right time.

because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200.

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.