Stu Quackenbush // Rockford Campus // January 25, 2026
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGE: James 1:27
REMINDERS
GROUPS AT MAGNIFY
Many different groups are kicking off a new session for the Winter months (January–March) now!
Be sure to check out our GROUPS or EVENTS page for details on many different options available.
GROUP LAUNCH (Life Groups – Singles + Couples Adult Small Groups)
You can keep up with all our current news and events through our online bulletin.
See the events page on the website for more updates.
TOGETHER IN LIFE
If you had to choose, which would you prefer: a whole week of arctic temperatures, two feet of snow, or a vacation to someplace cold like Scandinavia?
TOGETHER IN THE WORD
Read James 1:27 aloud together.
KEY QUESTION: How am I supporting God’s call to love and serve others, especially the most vulnerable?
QUESTIONS
- Why is it important to keep this discussion in the context of the gospel? How would you summarize the gospel? How does that connect to the themes we covered this week?
- What emotions do you bring to this conversation? Have they changed over the years or not?
- Are you too busy to help others right now? If so, explain why. What would it take to be more available to surprise needs that cross your path?
- What does it mean to be what Nancy Pearcey called “a garden in the wasteland”? What do you do to try and create a garden in your spheres of influence?
- Is there anything blocking compassion in your heart? What do you think God would say about it?
TOGETHER IN PRAYER & ACTION
- Considering the categories we prayed through on Sunday, make a list of those who need God’s help. Pray through the list this week as a primary ministry, not a backup plan.
- Pray for one another in the ways that you are working to support life at home.
- Praise God for His love, forgiveness, grace, and blessings. We love because He first loved us.
