Ready for Impact (10 minutes)
Catch up on how things have been since the last time your Impact Group met. Allow anyone new to introduce themselves. Then ask group members:
- Talk about the worst storm you’ve ever been in. What was it like, and where did you seek shelter?
Ask for a volunteer to read Matthew 7:24-27 to the group, praying a short prayer that – however much they’ve come to know Jesus, they’d get to know him better as a result of your time together.
Watch
This video mentions the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though the pandemic is a few years behind us, ask your group to remember what it was like to live through that period of time.
Impacted by the Word (15 minutes)
- In your own words, describe the consequences of the wise and foolish builders’ behaviour.
- According to Jesus, what makes a person wise or foolish?
- Both builders in the parable experience storms. What does this suggest to us?
The storms most likely represent difficulties in this life, as well as the storm of God’s judgement after we die. All of us will face these storms.
- If someone hears Jesus’ words, and puts them into practice, what does that suggest about their view of Jesus?
Jesus is not saying that you’re saved by keeping a bunch of rules. But he expects that those who have come to know him and love him will live lives that are shaped by him.
- What does the parable show about the life of someone who builds their life on Jesus and his words?
- Foundations take time and effort to build and are unseen. What does that suggest about listening to Jesus’ words and putting them into practice?
- In what way are Jesus’ words a comfort? In what way are they a challenge?
Impacting Our Hearts (10 minutes)
Everyone builds their life on something. And when life’s storms come, it’s often the time when we see more clearly what it is that’s most important to us.
- What foundations are you tempted to build your life upon, instead of Jesus?
- In what way is Jesus a better foundation than other things we might build our lives upon? Write these answers down.
Spend some time praying together, thanking Jesus for who he is.
If you’re able to sing in your group time, why not consider some of the following songs: Firm Foundation, My Hope is Built, He Will Hold me Fast
Impacting the University (15 minutes)
Jesus’ words have power – power to bring stability and safety to people now, and forever.
- How would you feel about helping someone who doesn’t know Jesus to read his words and put them into practice?
- Has anyone had an experience of helping someone do this?
People hearing Jesus’ words in scripture and thinking about how it would shape their life is how many come to know and trust him for themselves.
- What are some practical ways that you as a group could help people hear the words of Jesus and put them into practice?
You might like to point your group to Uncover, a simple resource to help students open the gospel accounts with their friends.
Spend some time praying together in response to your discussions.
Wrap-up – TACOS 🌮
Thank You – Thank everyone for coming, and ask someone to thank God for your time together in prayer.
Ask – Ask those who are new to reading the Bible if they’d like to explore Uncover, a set of sessions in Mark’s Gospel, allowing them to investigate one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life alongside one of you.
Church and CU – What does the CU have planned ahead? And what help would group members value in finding a local church?
Others – Who else could you invite to join your CU Impact Group next week? These friends don’t need to be followers of Jesus and may really appreciate being invited.
See You Soon – Tell the group where and when you’ll meet next week, and arrange who will bring snacks. (You might like to alternate healthy and less healthy weeks!). See if anyone would be up for sharing a meal or just hanging out in the meantime!