Connect:

1. Pray first!
2. Share a time when you created or experienced great tension. It can be something serious or funny, like Pastor Tim giving out tricks at Halloween.
3. Share about a time when you had a realization about who Jesus/God is in your life? I.e. when did you understand his love/grace/forgiveness/redemption in a new way?

Discussion:

1. Re-read Mark 2:1-12
2. Four men carried a paralyzed man. Give them each a name and describe who they are and why they were carrying their friend/digging a hole in the roof to get to Jesus. Have fun with this and make sure to describe their faith as a part of it.
3. Why was Jesus statement about forgiving sin so contentious with the teachers of the law (hint, they call him a blasphemer)?
4. Read Daniel 7:13-14. What stands out to you about this passage? Why is it significant that Jesus calls himself “the Son of Man”?
5. Jesus forgives and heals the paralyzed man. Ask two people in your group to share when they first gave their life to Christ and why.
   1. Has anyone experienced divine physical healing? If so, share the story.

Prayer

6. Take a few moments in silence to do some listening prayer. Ask God if there is any sin you need forgiven.
7. Break up into groups of 2-3 to share your sin with them and have them pray God’s forgiveness over you.
8. Bring everyone back together after a few minutes or so. If there is anyone who would like prayer for healing, pray for them.

Community Involvement
Carmichael Outreach needs tins of coffee and hot chocolate plus water bottles for their daily program.These items can be dropped off during the day. Also needed is food for the overnight guests at Carmichael who otherwise do not have a warm place to stay. Sign up here to provide sandwiches, muffins, etc https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CAAA829A7F4CE9-46992524-warm#/

Global Requests
Michaela is asking for us to pray for a country in South Asia which has recently opened up again to outside workers. Pray a trip to see local churches and pastors would be a great source of encouragement to these people who continue to serve the Lord under less than ideal circumstances. She also asks us to pray for her previous country and the great persecution believers are experiencing there. Ask the Lord to strengthen their faith as they face restrictions and detention. Pray that the Lord takes everything the enemy is using against His followers and redeems it for His glory!