OPTIONAL: 8PM PST RUNNING THE RACE IN CHRIST JESUS: A CO-ED JOURNEY THROUGH SCRIPTURE, CHALLENGE, AND COMMUNITY (POTLUCK, POPCORN & TARANTINO MOVIE NIGHT)

RUNNING THE RACE IN CHRIST JESUS: A CO-ED JOURNEY THROUGH SCRIPTURE, CHALLENGE, AND COMMUNITY (OPTIONAL POTLUCK, POPCORN & TARANTINO MOVIE NIGHT)

Below are curated scriptures that explore perseverance, faith through trials, and the long-term rewards of staying committed to the race set before us in Christ. Take time to read each and reflect on how they apply to enduring challenges in life and faith:

1. Hebrews 12:1-2 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…"

2. Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

3. James 1:2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

4. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

5. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…"

Group Instructions for Reflection Activity

1. Preparation

   • Assign someone to read each Bible passage aloud to the group.

   • Ensure everyone has a copy of the text or can listen attentively as it is read.

2. Discussion Questions
   After each passage is read aloud, pose the following questions for group discussion:

   • What stands out to you from this passage?

   • How do these verses relate to your personal life or faith journey?

   • What do you think it means to "run the race" or "finish the race" in your own words?

   • What inspires or challenges you most about the "crown" mentioned in these verses?

3. Note-taking

   • Designate a group member as the note-taker to record key verbal responses shared during the discussion.

   • Focus on capturing common themes, unique insights, and key points raised by the group.

4. Sharing Notes

   • At the end of the discussion, have the note-taker briefly share any common threads or significant takeaways with the group. Allow space for others to add anything they feel was missed.

5. Follow-up Action

   • Encourage each group member to reflect on the group discussion throughout the week.

   • Optionally, ask everyone to write down a personal takeaway or action step inspired by the passages and share these at the next gathering.**

6. How does “running the race” metaphorically describe the Christian walk? (Hebrews 12)

7. What “weights” might we need to lay aside to persevere in faith? (Hebrews 12)

8. How does looking to Jesus help sustain us during difficulty? (Hebrews 12)

9. Why does Paul emphasize “forgetting what is behind” in Philippians?

10. What is the difference between striving for an earthly prize versus a heavenly crown? (1 Corinthians 9)

11. Why is discipline a key element in our spiritual endurance? (1 Corinthians 9)

12. How does enduring trials refine our character and faith? (James 1)

13. What promises are given to those who persevere in difficult seasons?

14. How do others in the “cloud of witnesses” inspire us today? (Hebrews 12)

15. What parallels can you identify between sporting events and your own faith walk?

16. How does God equip us for the long runs of life rather than the quick fixes?

17. How can our struggles and victories bring glory to God? (2 Timothy 4)

18. How does the idea of “strict training” apply to spiritual practices like prayer and study?

19. How does community help in sustaining one’s race of faith?

20. Why does Paul describe his life as “fighting the good fight” and finishing strong?

21. What role does time play in building long-term spiritual resiliency?

22. How can we better focus on the “prize” of our faith rather than worldly distractions?

23. How does lastingly pursuing Christ transform us?

24. What specific steps can we take to discipline and align our lives with God’s purpose?

25. How does enduring faith build hope for eternity?

9PM PST Optional Potluck, Popcorn & Tarantino Movie Night
To round out our evening, we invite you to an optional potluck and movie night where we’ll watch one of Quentin Tarantino’s iconic films, like Kill Bill. Known for their stylized storytelling, themes of vengeance, and ultimate redemption arcs, your chosen Tarantino film offers fascinating parallels with biblical themes of endurance, resilience, and triumph through adversity (albeit explored in a sharp, secular lens).

10 Biblical Film Questions to Connect Spirit & Story

1. How does the film’s depiction of endurance reflect or differ from how the Bible describes perseverance in faith?

2. Can the protagonist’s determination to fulfill their goal remind us of any biblical figures?

3. Are there elements of vengeance or justice in the story? How does this compare to biblical principles of forgiveness and divine justice?

4. How can personal struggles in the movie mirror our spiritual battles?

5. Is the idea of transformation or redemption visible within the narrative?

6. What does the film say about the cost of one’s choices, and how do those consequences align with or depart from scripture?

7. Are there moments in the story where characters take a “long run” instead of looking for a quick solve?

8. How does community or isolation impact the characters’ journeys?

9. Are there any echoes of pursuing a “prize” or achieving a “crown” similar to biblical teachings?

10. How does the movie challenge us to think about our own perseverance and faithfulness in life’s trials?

Both the scripture and the evening film aim to leave us reflective, inspired, and grounded in the understanding that every challenge we face is part of a larger, God-ordained race meant not for the swift but for the steady and faithful.