Tom is determined to become the fastest 8 year old ever and now he's got the bike to pull it off. He's just missing one thing... the race! Join Tom and his family as he pursues his quest for glory, and along the way he just might learn what it means to glorify God... no matter what speed bumps come along.

Over the course of 4 episodes, Tom will go on a pretty big adventure. Just as he is on the verge of glory, he suffers a pretty devastating loss. Will Tom learn what glory means in time for Christmas? Listen to The Fastest Christmas Ever beginning December 2nd!

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Episode 1 of The Purpose Practice and Power of Prayer series. This is a church small group Bible study series from Buddy Owens at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.

CHECKING IN

1. If your group is new, or if there are any new people, introduce yourselves.

2. Share something you are grateful for today.
3. How do you hope to grow through this study?

KEY VERSE

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10–11 (NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. “For most of us, our spiritual battlefield looks a lot like
   our living room—it’s where we do life. Spiritual warfare happens in our day-to-day living, loving, and relating, and in the daily decisions and challenges we face.” How does this resonate with you?
2. Which of the pieces of the armor of God do you feel you wear most comfortably? Why?
3. Which of the pieces of the armor of God do you feel you wear least comfortably? Why?
4. There is a huge difference between being in a war and being at war. In your spiritual battles, have you felt more like a refugee or a warrior?

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

Would you say you currently approach the armor of God as a wish list or a checklist? What would you have to do differently to be sure all the pieces are in place? Make a plan for yourself to enact what you discussed. Think about how you have started new habits in your life and use those lessons to devise a plan here.

PRAYER DIRECTION

Share your prayer requests and pray for each other before you finish your meeting. Ask someone in the group to write them all down and then email them to all your group members. Commit to pray for each other throughout the week.

DIVING DEEPER

Dive deeper into Ephesians this week by listening to Pastor Tom Holladay’s DriveTime Devotions series going through the book of Ephesians.