pastor resources
Pastor’s Resources
Paul (NT Wright)
Ephesians, Verse by Verse (Grant R. Osborne)
Ephesians Audio Lectures (Clinton Arnold)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Sam Storms & Clinton Arnold)
The Blue Parakeet (Scot McKnight)
Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women (Lucy Peppiatt & Scott McKnight)
Paul (NT Wright)
Ephesians, Verse by Verse (Grant R. Osborne)
Ephesians Audio Lectures (Clinton Arnold)
Understanding Spiritual Warfare (Sam Storms & Clinton Arnold)
The Blue Parakeet (Scot McKnight)
Rediscovering Scripture’s Vision for Women (Lucy Peppiatt & Scott McKnight)
core group questions
Small Group Questions
Eph. 6:10-17, Acts 19:11-29
1. “When Darkness Fights Back” When the gospel began to spread in Ephesus, demonic backlash followed (Acts 19). Why do you think spiritual opposition often increases when people start walking closer with Jesus? Have you ever noticed moments where doing the right thing seemed to bring unexpected resistance?
2. “Resist, Don’t Retreat” Paul and Peter both call believers to resist the devil—not to fear him or attack him recklessly. How might “resisting” look in your daily life (habits, relationships, thought life)?
3. “Buckle Up with Truth” The first piece of armor is the belt of truth. What lies does our culture constantly pressure you to believe about God, identity, or morality? How does holding to truth, even when unpopular, create a better world & even protect your own soul?
4. “Righteous and Unashamed” The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our standing with God is based on Jesus’ perfection, not ours. Why do you think so many Christians still struggle to believe they are truly loved and accepted by God? What’s one way you can live from righteousness this week instead of trying to earn it?
5. “Shoes that Walk Through Chaos” Peace doesn’t mean calm surroundings, it means stability in chaos. Where do you most need God’s peace to steady you right now? How could you “put on” the gospel of peace in that specific area?
6. “The Faith That Extinguishes Fire” Paul says faith puts out the enemy’s flaming arrows. What are some of the “arrows” (fears, temptations, doubts) that tend to hit you hardest? What are some measurable actions you could take this week to walk in faith & trust God even when it seems unnatural or uncomfortable?
7. “Swords, Scripture, and Storms” Jesus resisted Satan with Scripture in the wilderness. Do you regularly use God’s Word as a weapon rather than just information? What’s one verse you could memorize or speak out this week when spiritual pressure hits?
8. “Power in Prayer” What does your life prayer life look like on a daily basis? When have you seen prayer shift something that human effort couldn’t? Any tips for those who are new to prayer?
9. “Put On Salvation” Many “Christians” have just grown up going to church, but have never really experienced any genuine transformation or salvation from sin. Do you have a defining moment or season of your life where you repented of your sin, your ways & your truths and exchanged it for Jesus’ ways, Jesus’ truths & Jesus’ love and forgiveness?
Weekly Challenge — “Make Hell Sad”
This week, intentionally do one thing that makes the enemy lose ground—something that resists his influence and strengthens your faith. Examples:
Memorize a verse and speak it daily.
Confess a hidden sin and walk in freedom.
Pray for someone far from God.
Make peace with someone you’ve avoided.
Write it down, tell your group, and celebrate next week how you “made demons depressed.”
Eph. 6:10-17, Acts 19:11-29
1. “When Darkness Fights Back” When the gospel began to spread in Ephesus, demonic backlash followed (Acts 19). Why do you think spiritual opposition often increases when people start walking closer with Jesus? Have you ever noticed moments where doing the right thing seemed to bring unexpected resistance?
2. “Resist, Don’t Retreat” Paul and Peter both call believers to resist the devil—not to fear him or attack him recklessly. How might “resisting” look in your daily life (habits, relationships, thought life)?
3. “Buckle Up with Truth” The first piece of armor is the belt of truth. What lies does our culture constantly pressure you to believe about God, identity, or morality? How does holding to truth, even when unpopular, create a better world & even protect your own soul?
4. “Righteous and Unashamed” The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that our standing with God is based on Jesus’ perfection, not ours. Why do you think so many Christians still struggle to believe they are truly loved and accepted by God? What’s one way you can live from righteousness this week instead of trying to earn it?
5. “Shoes that Walk Through Chaos” Peace doesn’t mean calm surroundings, it means stability in chaos. Where do you most need God’s peace to steady you right now? How could you “put on” the gospel of peace in that specific area?
6. “The Faith That Extinguishes Fire” Paul says faith puts out the enemy’s flaming arrows. What are some of the “arrows” (fears, temptations, doubts) that tend to hit you hardest? What are some measurable actions you could take this week to walk in faith & trust God even when it seems unnatural or uncomfortable?
7. “Swords, Scripture, and Storms” Jesus resisted Satan with Scripture in the wilderness. Do you regularly use God’s Word as a weapon rather than just information? What’s one verse you could memorize or speak out this week when spiritual pressure hits?
8. “Power in Prayer” What does your life prayer life look like on a daily basis? When have you seen prayer shift something that human effort couldn’t? Any tips for those who are new to prayer?
9. “Put On Salvation” Many “Christians” have just grown up going to church, but have never really experienced any genuine transformation or salvation from sin. Do you have a defining moment or season of your life where you repented of your sin, your ways & your truths and exchanged it for Jesus’ ways, Jesus’ truths & Jesus’ love and forgiveness?
Weekly Challenge — “Make Hell Sad”
This week, intentionally do one thing that makes the enemy lose ground—something that resists his influence and strengthens your faith. Examples:
Memorize a verse and speak it daily.
Confess a hidden sin and walk in freedom.
Pray for someone far from God.
Make peace with someone you’ve avoided.
Write it down, tell your group, and celebrate next week how you “made demons depressed.”