KE Group Questions
Week of April 12, 2026
Summary
Pastor Steve Rahter delivers a powerful message about what it truly means to follow Jesus as a disciple. Using the analogy of a puppet named Clarence clinging to him, Pastor Steve illustrates that discipleship isn't just about accepting Jesus as Savior for a future ticket to heaven, but about clinging to Him daily as our way of life. He emphasizes that Jesus is 'the way' - not just to heaven, but as our guide for living every moment. The narrow gate Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7 is only as wide as Jesus's shoulders, meaning we must stay close to Him. True discipleship requires choosing between serving God or the world - we cannot serve both masters. The call to 'follow me' that Jesus repeatedly gave His disciples is a call to cling to Him completely, allowing Him to protect us from worldly attacks and guide our daily decisions.
Ice Breaker
If you could have a personal guide for any activity or skill (like cooking, sports, traveling, etc.), what would you choose and why?
Key Verses
- John 14:6 King James Version (KJV)
- Matthew 7:13-14 King James Version (KJV)
- Matthew 6:24 King James Version (KJV)
- Matthew 4:19 King James Version (KJV)
- Matthew 16:24 King James Version (KJV)
Questions
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus said 'I am the way, the truth, and the life'?
- Pastor Steve used the analogy of clinging like Clarence the puppet. What are some practical ways we can 'cling' to Jesus in our daily lives?
- Jesus said we cannot serve two masters. What are some 'masters' in today's world that compete for our devotion to God?
- How does understanding that the gate to heaven is 'narrow' change your perspective on following Jesus?
- What's the difference between accepting Jesus as Savior and truly following Him as a disciple?
- When Jesus called His disciples to 'follow me,' what do you think they had to give up? What might we need to give up today?
- How can we tell if we're truly clinging to Jesus or just keeping Him nearby while doing our own thing?
- What does it look like practically to let Jesus be our 'way' for living each day, not just our way to heaven?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been 'doing your own thing' instead of clinging to Jesus. Make a conscious effort to bring that area under His lordship by praying about it daily, seeking His guidance through Scripture, and asking Him to show you how to follow His way in that specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus is not just the way to heaven after we die, but the way to live every day of our lives
- True discipleship means clinging to Jesus so closely that everything the world throws at us has to go through Him first
- We cannot serve two masters - we must choose between following God's way or the world's way
- The gate to the kingdom of heaven is narrow - only as wide as Jesus's shoulders - requiring us to stay close to Him
- Following Jesus means more than accepting Him as Savior; it means daily surrender and obedience to His leading
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.
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 -
