At the start of every year we lean in and learn together, right across New Zealand, with a theme for our year. 2025 is a year of BRAND NEW beginnings at Equippers! We’re believing for fresh opportunities, bold steps into new territory, and the fullness of new life in Christ.
Every day is a fresh start when we live with Jesus. He has made us brand new, but He also has new things for us to take hold of!
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Together, let’s embrace everything God is making brand new this year.
To get the most out of this study, can we encourage you to get involved in an eGroup this month, dive into the daily readings on the Equippers App, attend church each Sunday to hear the Word preached, and pray fervently for a significant year for us all - individually and collectively – as we live BRAND NEW.
We are praying for you.
Blessings,
Ps Sam and Kathy Monk
Risk & Reward
The "Risk & Reward" eGroup series is about embracing new beginnings, stepping out in faith and taking risks aligned with God's calling.
Please watch the videos and follow along with the guide below.
The Risk of Stepping Out
Ps Mark suggests that God has rewards for us, but we need to be willing to take risks to receive them.
Pray beforehand that the Holy Spirit will reveal where He is calling us to take risks in 2025, both as a group and individually.
Read: Matthew 14:22-32
Discussion Questions
- Peter took the risk of stepping out of the boat onto a stormy sea – something no one else had ever dared to do. Have you ever taken a risk that no one, or very few are willing to take?
- Based on Danny Guglielmucci’s quote, “The risks that come from revelation, are always rewarded with results”, how can we discern if a particular risk is truly rooted in God’s revelation to us?
- Ps Mark mentioned that “God is looking for an adventurous spirit.” How can we cultivate an adventurous spirit in our faith, and what might be some practical steps to overcome our natural inclination towards safety and security?
- The story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-32) highlights the importance of faith in taking risks. What caused Peter to doubt and begin to sink? How can we maintain our faith and trust in God even when facing challenges and uncertainties?
- Ps Mark said, “There’s no perfect time to take a risk. The perfect time to take a risk is now.” How can we overcome the temptation to wait for the ‘perfect’; time and instead step out in faith when God calls?
- Looking back on your past, what is one risk you took that you believe led to a significant reward? How can you apply the lessons learned from that experience to a risk you are considering taking now?
Getting Practical:
Challenge:
- Create a vision board that represents your hopes and dreams, including goals that may require taking risks – report back to the group next week.
- Challenge: Commit to taking one small, calculated risk within the next week, for example:
- Learning a new skill (e.g., basic coding, playing a musical instrument)
- Starting a conversation with a stranger
- Trying a new cuisine
- Volunteering for a local charity
The Risk of Following God’s Call
Ps Mark suggests there is a risk in stepping out of your comfort zone, but the reward is being a part of God’s bigger story.
Pray beforehand that the Holy Spirit will reveal where He is calling us to step out of our comfort zones and into God’s story.
Read: Ezra 1:1-5
Discussion Questions
- Ezra 1:1-5 describes a new king in Babylon who, despite being ungodly, is moved by God to decree the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. What does this tell us about God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected channels?
- Only 10% of the Jewish people in Babylon chose to return to Jerusalem despite God’s call. What factors might have influenced this decision? What are some of the common barriers that prevent us from answering God’s call to step out of our comfort zones?
- The return to Jerusalem was a risky endeavour, filled with opposition and persecution. What helps us keep going when the path to following God seems hard?
- Ps Mark emphasised that the reward for returning to Jerusalem was not personal fame or recognition, but the privilege of participating in God’s larger story. What are the internal obstacles that prevent us from prioritising God’s Kingdom over our own desires?
- How can we practically apply the lessons from Ezra’s story to our own lives today? Where might we be required to step out of our comfort zones and answer God’s call, even if it means facing uncertainty and opposition?
Getting Practical:
Challenge:
- Commit to spending 5-10 minutes each day in prayer, specifically focusing on areas where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone.
- Start a Bible plan on the book of Ezra – share next week what you learnt with your group.
The Risk of Trusting God at His Word
Ps Monica said that risks are a mark of faith, and that we need to embark on a journey of believing God at His Word – that He will do what He has promised.
Pray beforehand that the Holy Spirit will revive childhood dreams and prophetic words that may have been shelved due to disappointment, and that we will be bold enough to pursue them again.
Read: Genesis 12:1-3
Discussion Questions
- Ps Monica mentioned that “God wants us to take the risk of believing what He has said”. Can you share an example from your own life where you had to ‘risk’ believing God, even when it seemed uncertain or scary? How did that experience impact your faith?
- The story of Abraham highlights the importance of trusting God even when the details are unclear. How should we trust God’s timing and provision even when we don’t fully understand the path ahead?
- Ps Monica emphasises that “we need others to help us believe”. How can we practically support each other in our group to “take risks” in our faith, whether it’s pursuing a dream, forgiving someone, or stepping out of our comfort zone?
- Have you ever found yourself trying to make God’s promises happen in your own strength or according to your own timing? If so, can you share that experience and how it felt? How did you eventually learn to surrender to God’s timing and sovereignty?
- Can you share an instance where you pursued a goal that you believed God was leading you towards, but it didn’t unfold as you expected?
- Reflect on prophetic words you have received where you experienced a sense of God’s guidance regarding your future. Can you recall any childhood dreams or aspirations that you now see as potential glimpses of God’s plan for your life?
Getting Practical:
Challenge:
- Spend some time reading through old prophetic words and ask God if any of them are for now.
- Write a personal ‘faith declaration’. outlining a specific promise you believe God has given you and commit to praying over it on a regular basis.
The Risk of Determination and Perseverance
Ps Steve suggested that determination and perseverance are key to taking risks. When we take the first step in obedience, God steps in and adds His supernatural power.
Pray beforehand that the Holy Spirit will activate in each group member, a persistence and determination to take risks, which shows that the reward is worth it.
Read: 1 Samuel 14:1-23
Discussion Questions
- The story emphasises the importance of seeking God’s will before taking any significant risk. Jonathan’s declaration, “if God is in this”, highlights the need to discern God’s presence and purpose in the situation. How can we be sure we're hearing God’s guidance when making big life choices?
- Ps Steve highlighted the contrasting approaches of Jonathan and Saul. Jonathan, driven by faith, was willing to take a risk, declaring "if God is in this, let's have a go." Saul, however, was hesitant and passive, waiting for explicit instructions from God. In what ways do you see yourself leaning more towards - Saul's approach (passive), or Jonathan's approach (active) when facing challenges or pursuing a goal?
- Ps Steve emphasised that God is honoured by our willingness to take risks in faith. Jonathan's bold action, despite the odds, activated God's power and led to a significant victory.
- How does the story of Jonathan illustrate the principle that "God is honoured by our risk-taking"? Can you share an example from your own life where you experienced this principle inaction?
- The passage highlights how Jonathan's faith impacted others. His bold action inspired those who had lost hope and surrendered to join the battle. Ps Steve mentions that "our faith activates others' faith." How have you seen this play out in your own life, or in the lives of others you know?
- Ps Steve emphasised the importance of perseverance and determination in pursuing God-given goals. Jonathan's commitment to the mission, despite the challenges, was crucial to their success. How can I overcome obstacles and keep moving forward in my pursuit of God's plans?
Getting Practical:
Challenge:
- Identify someone in your life who seems discouraged or lacking faith. Commit to intentionally encouraging that person, sharing your own faith journey, or praying specifically for them.
- Identify a current goal or challenge and commit to one specific action each day to demonstrate perseverance. This could involve overcoming procrastination, staying consistent with a habit, or reaching out to someone you’ve been avoiding.
