5 Session Church-Wide Bible Study
We’re beginning our new series, "Encounters with Jesus," which also serves as the foundation for our church-wide Integrated Bible Study. This is a chance for the entire church, in their small groups, to follow the same study, which starts with Pastor Sam's sermon on a Sunday. Over the next five weeks, the EBCG community will come together in more than 12 small groups, meeting daily to listen to one another and to God’s Word.
How often do we get so caught up in the discouragements of daily life that we miss the presence and power of Jesus with us? In the Gospels, every encounter with Jesus brings change—whether calming storms, freeing the oppressed, or restoring those shamed and broken—revealing His authority, compassion, and life-giving way. As we explore these stories, we’re invited to trust Him in our own “storms” and discover that everything changes when we truly encounter Jesus.
To support this series, we'll be sending one email each Sunday right after the service with that week's discussion guide. But if you missed a previous session's discussion guide, you will find the guide for each week in the links below.
How often do we get so caught up in the discouragements of daily life that we miss the presence and power of Jesus with us? In the Gospels, every encounter with Jesus brings change—whether calming storms, freeing the oppressed, or restoring those shamed and broken—revealing His authority, compassion, and life-giving way. As we explore these stories, we’re invited to trust Him in our own “storms” and discover that everything changes when we truly encounter Jesus.
To support this series, we'll be sending one email each Sunday right after the service with that week's discussion guide. But if you missed a previous session's discussion guide, you will find the guide for each week in the links below.
Session 1 - Feeding of the 5000
Mark 6:30-44
We are encouraged to take rest with Jesus, to open our eyes and hearts with compassion to see the needs of others and to trust that the Lord is not limited by what we think or see, but He will multiply what we have and use us to meet the needs of others.
We are encouraged to take rest with Jesus, to open our eyes and hearts with compassion to see the needs of others and to trust that the Lord is not limited by what we think or see, but He will multiply what we have and use us to meet the needs of others.
Session 2 - The Man at Gadara
Mark 4:35-5:9
We explore Jesus' power and His authority over the "storms" in our lives—both within and without—by reflecting on the calming of the storm and the transformation of the man at Gadara. As we trust God's plans while facing trouble, we find rest and compassion in His presence, learning to bear testimony to the connection He offers through His saving grace.
We explore Jesus' power and His authority over the "storms" in our lives—both within and without—by reflecting on the calming of the storm and the transformation of the man at Gadara. As we trust God's plans while facing trouble, we find rest and compassion in His presence, learning to bear testimony to the connection He offers through His saving grace.
Session 3 - The Pool of Bethesda
John 5:1-16
We remind ourselves of the importance of seeing those in need and listening to their stories. As we share our stories with one another, we can bring hope for healing and restoration. The man by the pool of Bethesda thought he had no one to help, but Jesus was there to help him.
We remind ourselves of the importance of seeing those in need and listening to their stories. As we share our stories with one another, we can bring hope for healing and restoration. The man by the pool of Bethesda thought he had no one to help, but Jesus was there to help him.
Session 4 - The Good Neighbour
Luke 10:25-37
Jesus tells the story of a man who crossed the barriers of culture and prejudice to help another in need. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us how to be a good neighbour, seeing those in need and bringing help. An encounter with the Body of Christ should be an encounter with the compassion and love of Jesus.
Jesus tells the story of a man who crossed the barriers of culture and prejudice to help another in need. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us how to be a good neighbour, seeing those in need and bringing help. An encounter with the Body of Christ should be an encounter with the compassion and love of Jesus.
Session 5 - The Beautiful Gate
Acts 3:1-10
We see that Peter and John had an encounter with a man at the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem that changed his life forever. As the Body of Christ, we too can have life-changing encounters with Jesus and help others to do the same.
We see that Peter and John had an encounter with a man at the Beautiful Gate in Jerusalem that changed his life forever. As the Body of Christ, we too can have life-changing encounters with Jesus and help others to do the same.