March 8 2026
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
Has the spring time change ever caught you by surprise? What happened as a result?
barely breathing pt. 1
SPEAKER: Pastor Tiffany Varner
Scriptures—
Mark 2:1-12; Mark 8:36; Romans 12:2; Psalm 139
Key Takeaways—
We often live "functional but fractured" - appearing fine on the surface while carrying internal brokenness
Sin fractured our relationship with God, others, and ourselves, creating the void we feel
True healing (sozo) means being made whole and complete, not just external fixes - Jesus prioritizes internal spiritual healing over external circumstances
There's a difference between the Jesus we want (wonder-worker) and the Jesus we need (soul surgeon)
External brokenness is merely a symptom of the deeper issue of sin - Jesus' first priority is forgiving sins and healing our souls, not just fixing external problems
Healing is an inside-out process that requires daily commitment and surrender
Three practical steps: Follow Him daily, expose your brokenness to God, and trust the process
God cannot heal what we refuse to reveal to Him
Healing isn't proof of faith but the fruit of surrender to Jesus
Discussion Questions—
Why do you think Jesus prioritized forgiving the paralyzed man's sins before healing his physical condition, and what does this reveal about God's priorities for our lives?
What is the difference between the Jesus we want (the wonder-worker) and the Jesus we need (the soul surgeon), and which one are you currently seeking?
How have you normalized brokenness in your life by learning to operate within it rather than seeking true healing and wholeness?
Are there areas of your life are you functional but fractured, appearing fine on the surface while carrying hidden cracks beneath?
How does understanding healing as an inside-out process change your perspective on the struggles and delays you are currently experiencing?
What does it mean that God cannot heal what you will not reveal, and what are you keeping hidden in the junk drawer of your heart?
Who are the friends in your life willing to carry you to Jesus when you feel paralyzed, and are you that kind of friend to others?
Practical application—
Choose ONE of the following practices to implement this week:
Taking Action
[ ] Join the "Breathing" Bible reading plan (text BREATHING to get the link)
[ ] Identify one area where I'm "functional but fractured" and invite God into that space
[ ] Share my struggle with at least one trusted person
[ ] Pray daily: "Jesus, where do you want to heal me?"
[ ] Attend church this Sunday (make it a priority, not occasional
Closing Prayer—
Jesus, where do You want to heal me? Search my heart. Expose what needs Your touch. I surrender my need for quick fixes and trust Your process. Make me whole from the inside out."
In your name,
Amen.