Axe Memorial
United Methodist ChurchWeekly Bible Study | June 16 & 17, 2026
As we continue preparing for our 75th Anniversary, we consider this week what it means to be rooted in faith, while growing in mission.
ZOOM Session
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
IN PERSON Session
Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, Conference Room, McGee Building.
Meeting ID: 626 688 7263
Passcode: DEVOTIONAL
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, you have guided your people through every generation. As we gather today, help us to hear your voice, face our fears honestly, and trust your presence more deeply. Give us courage to follow where Christ leads and grant us wisdom to discern the future you are calling us toward. Amen.
Scripture Reading / Matthew 10:24–39
24“A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; 25it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household! 26“So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. 27What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.
28Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30And even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32“Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; 33but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.
34“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household. 37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
Discussion Questions
This passage reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is choosing faithfulness despite our fears, because we trust God’s presence.
1. What emotions do you hear in this passage?
- Fear?
- Hope?
- Determination?
- Trust?
2. Jesus repeatedly says, “Do not be afraid.” Why do you think fear is such a significant issue for disciples?
3. Which statement from Jesus speaks most strongly to you today?
4. What do you think Jesus means when he says that even the hairs of our heads are counted?
5. What fears commonly affect churches today?
6. What fears commonly affect Christians in their daily lives?
7. How have you experienced God’s presence during a season of uncertainty?
8. What is the difference between being fearless and being courageous?
9. Think about the history of Axe Memorial. What kinds of courage do you imagine were required from earlier generations?
10. Who are some people from this church’s history whose faithfulness helped shape the congregation you know today?
11. What challenges has this congregation overcome during your time here?
12. What gives you hope for the future of this church?
13. If fear were removed, what new possibilities might this congregation consider?
14. What opportunities for ministry do you see in the community around us?
15. What risks might God be inviting Axe Memorial to take in the coming years?
16. What would faithfulness look like if we trusted God more deeply than our fears?
17. What is one way Axe Memorial has helped shape your faith? Who helped you feel welcomed here?
18. What is one hope you have for Axe Memorial’s next 25 years?
19. What seed of faithfulness would you like to help plant for future generations?
Closing Prayer
Faithful God, we thank you for the courage of those who came before us and built this congregation through their prayers, generosity, and trust. When we are fearful, remind us that we are held in your love. When the future seems uncertain, help us remember your faithfulness. Give us courage to follow Christ wherever he leads, courage to welcome new possibilities, and courage to plant seeds of hope for generations yet to come. In the name of Christ, who calls us beyond fear and into abundant life. Amen.