KE Group Questions
Week of May 10, 2026
Summary
This Mother’s Day message centered on the importance of abiding in Christ, the True Vine. Jesus reminds us in John 15 that He is our source of life, strength, peace, and spiritual growth. Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, we cannot flourish spiritually apart from Him.
The sermon highlighted the temple pillars named Boaz (“strength”) and Yachin (“established”) as symbols of what God desires to do in the lives of those who remain in His presence. When we stay connected to Christ, He strengthens us and establishes us even during difficult seasons.
The speakers challenged believers to move beyond simply “coming” to Jesus occasionally and instead learn to remain, abide, and dwell in His presence daily. Through heartfelt testimonies of family struggles, parenting challenges, and seasons of pain, we were reminded that abiding in Christ produces hope, endurance, healing, and restoration.
Even in pruning seasons, God is still working. Remaining connected to the Vine produces lasting fruit.
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite fruit, and why is it special to you?
Key Scriptures
John 15:1-8
1 Kings 7:17-22
1 Corinthians 6:19
Proverbs 9:1
John 17:22
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the true source of life rather than relying on your own abilities or understanding?
- The sermon mentioned that “staying connected produces fruit.” What spiritual fruit have you seen grow in your life when you’ve stayed close to Jesus?
- How can you recognize when you are trying to handle life on your own instead of abiding in Christ?
- Pruning seasons are often painful. Can you share a difficult season where God used challenges to help you grow spiritually?
- What are some practical ways we can remain in God’s presence throughout our everyday routines?
- The temple pillars represented strength (Boaz) and establishment (Yachin). In what area of your life do you need God’s strength and stability right now?
- How does understanding that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit affect the way you view yourself and care for your life?
- The sermon spoke about moving from the “outer court” into the “Holy of Holies.” What distractions, fears, or comforts may be preventing you from going deeper in your relationship with God?
Life Application
This week, intentionally set aside daily time to abide in God’s presence. Choose a specific time and place where you can:
- Read His Word
- Pray
- Worship
- Sit quietly before Him
- Reflect on His goodness
As you remain connected to the Vine, pay attention to how your peace, patience, hope, and perspective begin to change throughout the week.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus is our source of life and strength
- We were never meant to live disconnected from Him
- Abiding in Christ produces spiritual fruit
- God uses pruning seasons to grow and refine us
- Disconnection from God often leads to emptiness and anxiety
- God desires to strengthen and establish His people
- We are invited not just to visit His presence, but to remain there daily
Weekly Challenge
Spend at least 15 uninterrupted minutes each day this week simply abiding in God’s presence. Turn off distractions, open your Bible, and allow God to speak to your heart.
Memory Verse
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
— John 15:4 NKJV
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
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 -
