KE Group Questions
Week of January 18, 2026

Summary
Pastor Josh delivered a message titled 'The Cross Breaks Legalism' from Galatians 2:1-14, addressing how legalism can infiltrate any church, even charismatic ones. He explained that Christianity is about relationship with God, not following rules, and that legalism manifests when we judge others by outward appearance rather than showing grace. Paul's confrontation with Peter's hypocrisy serves as an example of how even church leaders can fall into legalistic behavior. The pastor emphasized that we must guard the gospel's freedom and refuse added requirements beyond loving God and others. His wife Lorraine shared her testimony about growing up in a strict church environment and learning to embrace grace over condemnation, illustrating how legalism can create heavy burdens that Christ never intended.

Ice Breaker
What's one family tradition you grew up with that you either love and continue today, or one that you decided to change or leave behind as an adult?

Key Verses
  • Galatians 2:4-5
  • Galatians 2:11-14
  • Galatians 2:16
  • Mark 7:6-8
  • Romans 5:8

Questions
  • How would you define legalism in your own words, and why do you think it can creep into any type of church?
  • Paul brought Titus as a 'living illustration' of God's transforming power. How can our transformed lives serve as the best witness to others?
  • When Peter acted hypocritically by separating from Gentile believers, Paul confronted him publicly. How do we balance showing grace with the need to address harmful behavior in the church?
  • Pastor Josh mentioned that tradition isn't always bad, but becomes dangerous when it resists God's movement. Can you think of examples of helpful traditions versus harmful ones?
  • Lorraine shared about struggling with thoughts of not deserving God's blessings. How do we combat the lie that we must earn God's love and favor?
  • What's the difference between obedience that flows from relationship with God versus obedience that comes from trying to follow rules?
  • How can we tell when we're judging others by outward appearance rather than looking at the heart as God does?
  • Paul said we must 'guard the gospel' and preserve its truth. What does this look like practically in our daily lives and relationships?

Life Application
This week, examine your heart for any areas where you might be operating in legalism rather than grace. Choose one relationship where you can practice showing grace instead of judgment, and one area where you can focus on deepening your relationship with God rather than just following religious routines. If you recognize legalistic attitudes in yourself, bring them to the cross in prayer and ask God to transform your heart.

Key Takeaways
  • Christianity is about relationship with God, not following rules or traditions
  • Legalism can infiltrate any church when we judge by outward appearance rather than showing grace
  • Our transformed lives serve as the best witness and advertisement for God's power
  • We must guard the gospel's freedom and refuse added requirements beyond loving God and others
  • Grace means our obedience flows from love and relationship, not from trying to earn God's favor

Importance  of KE Groups

Growing spiritually takes a daily personal walk with God and a gathering together in fellowship with other believers.

Our corporate gathering is for equipping the saints, but meeting in small groups allows regular individual
participation so that personal needs can be addressed.

Small groups also foster growth in ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit, accountability, and the support
necessary to be a healthy member of the family of God.

The leadership of Praise Tabernacle has encouraged group leaders to be missional and evangelistic
in their approach to leading these groups.

The ultimate goal is Kingdom Expansion.

Learn More

KE  (KINGDOM EXPANSION)  
GROUP LOCATIONS


Egg Harbor Township
Wednesday Nights @ 6:30 pm - Andy & Lori Holman's home -


1st & 3rd Wednesday Nights @ 7:00 pm - Terry & Sue Luma's home -


Mays Landing
1st Wednesdays, 7 pm - Host: Pastor Josh & Loraine Kennedy;


3rd Wednesdays, 7 pm - Host: Matt & Elise Lucas;

4th Wednesday, 7 pm - Host: Caleb & Tahlia Wilkes;


Reach out to Pastor Josh if you have any questions: (609) 402-8869

Egg Harbor City
2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights @  6:30pm - Eddie Aponte's home -


Galloway
2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights @  6:30pm -Greg & Regina's home


Ocean View
Sunday Nights (Every 1st & 3rd) @ 6pm - Joanne Utt's Home  -