Glencairn Church

Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend or on you own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastoral staff.

1. Pray for the needs of your Life Group, for our church and our leaders, for personal and corporate renewal, and to allow God’s word to transform us. Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. This Sunday, the message was on Christ, the Living Stone, who calls us to be His people, rejected by humans but chosen by God, to live holistic lives for Him What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you Which ones encouraged you or posed a challenge to you?

3. Read 1 Peter 2:4–5. Peter compares Christians to individual stones joined in a spiritual house, who are to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Do you see the entirety of your life as a sacrifice to God? What areas of your life might need to be realigned with this purpose?

4. Read 1 Peter 2:6–8. Here, we see that those who believe in Jesus will not be ashamed, but those who reject Him will stumble. However, with Jesus, Christians will be “rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him” (v. 4). Have you ever felt rejected by others because of your faith? Does it bring you comfort to know that although we may be rejected by humans, we will not be rejected by God?

5. Read 1 Peter 2:9–10. These verses identify Christians as called, chosen, and special — the people of God. None of us are deserving; however, we are part of his people only through His infinite mercy. Reflect on an occasion where you have experienced His mercy. If you are comfortable, share such an experience with the group.

6. Take a moment of silence to consider how God is speaking to you through the message you have heard today. Is God asking you to make changes or to do something new? What concrete steps of response do you want to take? How can your group support you in these steps?