Lessons from Srtange People

Small Group Guide: Strange People
Opening Prayer & Icebreaker
Icebreaker Question: Share a time when you felt like an outsider or "stranger" in a situation. How did it feel? How did you respond?
Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 2:18-19
• 1 John 4:1-3
• 1 Corinthians 12:9-10
• John 15:18-19

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. We Are No Longer Strangers to God's Kingdom - Through Christ, we've been grafted into God's family alongside Messianic Jews, but this means we become strangers and aliens to the world.
2. Test the Spirits - Not everyone who claims to be Christian truly professes allegiance to Christ. We must learn to discern between genuine faith and mere confession.
3. Confession vs. Profession - True faith isn't just saying "I believe in Jesus"—it's professing allegiance, making Him Lord of your life, and submitting your will to His.
4. The Coming Deception - AI and technology are creating new forms of dependency and control that will test our allegiance to God versus the systems of this world.
5. The World Will Hate You - If we truly belong to Christ, we should expect the world to treat us differently, even with hostility.

Discussion Questions
Section 1: Connection & Relationship (15 minutes)

1. The Farm Lesson: Pastor Charlie shared how his relationship with the goats changed when there were fewer of them. How does this apply to church community? What are the benefits and challenges of smaller, more intimate fellowship?
2. Personal Reflection: On a scale of 1-10, how connected do you feel to this church body? What would help you feel more connected?
3. How can we balance being welcoming to newcomers while maintaining deep, accountable relationships?

Section 2: Testing the Spirits (20 minutes)

4. Scripture Focus (1 John 4:1-3): What does it mean to "test the spirits"? Why is this important in today's church culture?
5. Confession vs. Profession: Pastor Charlie explained that even demons confessed Jesus was the Son of God. What's the difference between confessing Christ and professing allegiance to Him?
6. Practical Application: How can we discern whether someone (or ourselves) has truly made Jesus Lord, not just Savior?
7. Gift of Discernment: Have you ever had a "check in your spirit" about someone or something? How did you respond? How can we develop this gift?

Section 3: Living as Strangers in the World (20 minutes)

8. John 15:18-19: Jesus said the world will hate us because we're not of the world. Share an experience where you faced opposition or ridicule for your faith. How did you respond?
9. Cultural Compromise: Pastor Charlie mentioned lottery tickets, gambling, alcohol, and other worldly industries. What are areas where Christians commonly compromise with worldly values? Why is this dangerous?
10. Justification Check: He said, "If you're justifying what you do, it's already wrong." What does this mean? Are there areas in your life where you find yourself justifying behaviors?

Section 4: Technology, AI & The Future (15 minutes)

11. AI & Dependency: How dependent are you on technology in daily life? (smartphones, digital payments, social media, etc.) What concerns do you have about increasing technological control?
12. Preparedness: If electronic systems failed or access was restricted, how prepared would you be spiritually, relationally, and practically?
13. Staying Grounded: What practices can help us stay rooted in God's kingdom rather than becoming dependent on worldly systems?

Section 5: Love & Allegiance (15 minutes)

14. Obedience from Love: Pastor Charlie emphasized that we obey God's commandments because we love Him, not out of legalism. How do you distinguish between legalistic obedience and love-motivated obedience?
15. Loving One Another: Jesus said people would know we're His disciples by our love for one another. How well does our group/church demonstrate this? What can we improve?
16. Personal Commitment: What does it practically look like for you to profess allegiance to Christ this week—at work, at home, in your community?

Practical Applications
This Week's Challenge:
Choose one of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Digital Detox

• Take a 24-hour break from unnecessary technology (social media, streaming, etc.)
• Use that time for prayer, Bible reading, or face-to-face fellowship
• Journal about what you learned about your dependency on technology

Option 2: Relationship Investment

• Reach out to one person in the church you don't know well
• Schedule a coffee or meal together
• Ask meaningful questions and practice genuine connection

Option 3: Allegiance Audit

• List areas where you might be compromising with worldly values
• Pray through each area, asking God to reveal where you need to repent
• Share with an accountability partner and ask them to check in with you

Option 4: Spirit Discernment

• Before accepting advice, teaching, or prophecy this week, pause and pray
• Ask: "Does this align with Scripture? What spirit is behind this?"
• Practice testing what you hear against God's Word

Reflection Questions for Personal Study

1. Have I truly professed allegiance to Jesus Christ, or have I just made a confession?
2. What would I be unwilling to give up if Jesus asked me to follow Him completely?
3. Am I more concerned with others' success or my own?
4. Do I justify any behaviors or habits that might not align with God's will?
5. How does the world respond to my faith? Am I too comfortable with worldly acceptance?

Prayer Focus
Pray together for:

• Discernment to recognize true faith from false profession in ourselves and others
• Courage to live as strangers and aliens in this world without compromise
• Wisdom regarding technology, AI, and increasing worldly dependencies
• Deeper love and connection within the body of Christ
• Those who are deceived or living in compromise—that they would repent and return
• Strength for the challenging times ahead

Closing Thought
"If you're not a stranger and an alien to the world, and there's not something distinctly different about you, you're a friend of the world. If you're a friend of the world, you're an enemy of God."
Challenge: This week, live in such a way that your allegiance to Christ is unmistakable.
For Next Week

• Read 1 John 4:1-6 daily
• Journal about one area where God is calling you to greater obedience
• Be prepared to share what God revealed to you through this week's challenge