As we continue our study of what giving looks like for the Christian under the New Covenant, we'll answer the questions, "Is tithing a perpetual command that predates the Law?" and "Can I give time and service instead of money?" We'll also look at Paul's instructions to the Corinthians regarding giving, which offer many insights still helpful to us today.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- What is the best and worst investment you’ve ever made?

- Why does it matter that we serve God with our time and energy and our money? How does each expression affect our hearts?

- Read Mark 12:41-44. What do you think Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that would require a change in their previous thinking about giving?

- Is it any easier or harder for a rich person to store up treasure in Heaven than for a poor person? Why or why not?

- Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. How does the Macedonian churches' response of begging for the privilege to give during their own extreme poverty challenge your understanding of what it means to give sacrificially?

- How should a Christian balance sacrificial generosity in the present with responsible planning for the future?

Tithing first appears in Scripture in Genesis 14. But is it still something that's relevant to Christians today? How are believers in the Church to approach the subject of giving?SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:- How does viewing yourself as a steward of God's resources rather than an owner change your daily financial decisions and priorities?- Should giving to God make you more or less worried about money? Why?- Have you ever experienced God’s faithfulness to provide for material needs in miraculous ways? If so, share a story with the group.- What does it mean practically for your giving to be 'felt' or sacrificial, and how might that look different for people in various financial situations?- Why do you think Jesus spent about a third of His teaching time on money and material wealth?- How do you navigate the tension between wanting clear rules and being called to a Spirit-led relationship with God in areas like giving?

In this special Easter Sunday message, we'll dive into the wonderful hope of the Gospel and the picture painted for us through the tenth plague in Egypt in the Book of Exodus.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- We often judge ourselves, for better or worse, by comparing ourselves to others. How can comparing ourselves to Christ instead lead to greater freedom and humility?

- Do you view Jesus as having ownership of your life? What does that look like practically for any person?

- How should the reality that God is the source of everything good affect our thinking and behavior?

- Romans 8:38-39 promises that nothing can separate believers from God's love. Do you feel closer to God in good times or in trying times?

- Why couldn’t God just forgive sins without Jesus having to die?

In this message on 1 Timothy 5:24–25, Pastor Dave walks through the judgement of the Lord and what it means for both believers and unbelievers, clearly explaining six types of judgment found in Scripture and reminding us all that the only way to "settle out of court" at the final judgement is to trust in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

In this message, Pastor Dave walks through 1 Timothy 5:17–25, offering practical and biblical guidance on how we honor and care for others within the body of Christ. This passage highlights the importance of showing respect to leaders, handling accusations with integrity, and living with impartiality and wisdom in all relationships.SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: - Have you had any "close calls"? Could you share one with the group?- How does honoring the people in the church help keep that church strong and healthy?- What are some practical ways that we at New Heights can develop a "culture of honor"?- As a group can you list the elders of New Heights? Does anyone in the group know an elder personally? How can you as a group show the elders honor?- Have you ever made a hasty decision that eventually caused trouble, pain, regret, etc.? What didn't;t you see or consider when you made that decision?- How could you personally do a better job of keeping yourself from sin?- How could you personally do a better job of taking care of your body?

In this study, guest speaker Dr. Jared Moore walks through what it looks like to really live the love of christ. Specifically, he shares with us how we can have freedom from the snares of this fake love that the world offers.

Abram's ne'er-do-well nephew, Lot, gets himself and his family kidnapped, leading to a daring nighttime military rescue and dramatic encounters with the kings of Salem and Sodom - the mysterious Christ-like figure Melchizedek and the "son of evil" Bera.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- How have you seen Christians use wealth well to serve God?

- How have you seen Christians be led astray by wealth?

- Have you observed the difference gratitude makes in your spiritual life and in battling temptations?

- How does Lot's decision to prioritize financial prosperity over righteousness serve as a warning to parents about choosing where to live and how they raise their children?

- How can Christians “practice” being kings and priests to God in daily life?

God begins to work on growing Abram's faith by putting it to the test. We'll learn from both his successes and failures as we explore the impact of fear and faith on our actions under pressure.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS:

- Abram fled to Egypt during a famine rather than trust God to provide in Canaan. What areas of your life are you tempted to take into your own hands instead of trusting God's provision?

- What worship practices (“altars”) have you built into your life, and how do they help you stay focused on God in both good and bad times?

- How can a Christian resist the natural urge of the flesh to be controlled by fear, leading to compromising our faith?

- Do you think it’s possible to grow in knowledge (e.g., of the Word) without growing in Christlikeness? Why or why not?

- What should a Christian do when they’re seeking God for help with a decision, but it feels like God is giving them a clear answer?