Sermon Study Guides
Sermon Guide 7/6
Small Group Guide: Future Glory (Romans 8:18-39)
Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the truths from this passage.
Key Takeaways:
1. All of creation, including humanity, suffers due to the fall, but eagerly awaits redemption.
2. Our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.
3. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, even in difficult circumstances.
4. Nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions T.S. Eliot's spiritual journey. How does his story resonate with your own faith journey or those you know?
2. Paul talks about creation "groaning" and waiting eagerly for redemption. How do you see evidence of this in the world around us?
3. Discuss the concept of "already/not yet" theology mentioned in the sermon. How does this impact your daily life as a Christian?
4. The sermon presents a Wesleyan/Arminian view of predestination. How does this interpretation compare with your understanding of the topic?
5. Share an experience where God has worked something difficult in your life for good, similar to the example of Myranda's grandmother.
6. What does it mean to you personally that nothing can separate us from God's love?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, try to identify one area of suffering or difficulty in your life. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you see it from an eternal perspective.
2. Choose one way you can practically demonstrate God's love to someone who is going through a hard time.
3. Memorize Romans 8:28 and reflect on its meaning throughout the week.
4. Write a short "Hymn of Promise" for your own life, inspired by the poem mentioned at the end of the sermon.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His unchanging love and asking for strength to live in light of our future glory.
Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the truths from this passage.
Key Takeaways:
1. All of creation, including humanity, suffers due to the fall, but eagerly awaits redemption.
2. Our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.
3. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, even in difficult circumstances.
4. Nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions T.S. Eliot's spiritual journey. How does his story resonate with your own faith journey or those you know?
2. Paul talks about creation "groaning" and waiting eagerly for redemption. How do you see evidence of this in the world around us?
3. Discuss the concept of "already/not yet" theology mentioned in the sermon. How does this impact your daily life as a Christian?
4. The sermon presents a Wesleyan/Arminian view of predestination. How does this interpretation compare with your understanding of the topic?
5. Share an experience where God has worked something difficult in your life for good, similar to the example of Myranda's grandmother.
6. What does it mean to you personally that nothing can separate us from God's love?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, try to identify one area of suffering or difficulty in your life. Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you see it from an eternal perspective.
2. Choose one way you can practically demonstrate God's love to someone who is going through a hard time.
3. Memorize Romans 8:28 and reflect on its meaning throughout the week.
4. Write a short "Hymn of Promise" for your own life, inspired by the poem mentioned at the end of the sermon.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His unchanging love and asking for strength to live in light of our future glory.
Sermon Guide 6/29
Small Group Guide: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"
Opening Prayer:
Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the sermon's teachings to your lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Following Jesus is a daily decision that impacts every aspect of our lives.
2. God can use our experiences, even difficult ones, for His purposes and ministry.
3. Our personal testimonies are powerful tools for connecting with others and sharing God's love.
4. Being open to God's call may lead us in unexpected directions.
5. Embracing humor and authenticity can break down barriers in ministry.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor shared his personal journey of following Christ. How does your own journey compare or differ? Share a significant moment in your faith walk.
2. How has God used challenging experiences in your life for His purposes? Can you share an example?
3. The sermon mentioned several instances where the pastor's past experiences allowed him to minister to others in similar situations. How might God be preparing you to serve others through your own life experiences?
4. Discuss the importance of being open to God's call, even when it leads us in unexpected directions. Have you ever felt God calling you to something that surprised you?
5. The pastor used humor to connect with his new congregation. How can authenticity and appropriate humor help in sharing our faith or connecting with others?
6. The sermon emphasized that following Christ doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. How has your faith helped you navigate difficult times?
7. What stood out to you most from the pastor's personal stories? How did these stories illustrate the main message of following Jesus?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, intentionally look for opportunities to use your past experiences to connect with or encourage someone else.
2. Reflect on your spiritual gifts and experiences. How might God be calling you to serve in your church or community?
3. Practice sharing a brief personal testimony about your faith journey. Be prepared to share it when opportunities arise.
4. Choose one area of your life where you need to recommit to following Jesus more closely. What specific steps can you take?
5. Look for ways to connect with people who might be different from you or have special needs. Consider learning a simple greeting in sign language.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for each group member, asking God to help everyone apply the lessons learned and to be open to His leading in their lives.
Opening Prayer:
Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the sermon's teachings to your lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Following Jesus is a daily decision that impacts every aspect of our lives.
2. God can use our experiences, even difficult ones, for His purposes and ministry.
3. Our personal testimonies are powerful tools for connecting with others and sharing God's love.
4. Being open to God's call may lead us in unexpected directions.
5. Embracing humor and authenticity can break down barriers in ministry.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor shared his personal journey of following Christ. How does your own journey compare or differ? Share a significant moment in your faith walk.
2. How has God used challenging experiences in your life for His purposes? Can you share an example?
3. The sermon mentioned several instances where the pastor's past experiences allowed him to minister to others in similar situations. How might God be preparing you to serve others through your own life experiences?
4. Discuss the importance of being open to God's call, even when it leads us in unexpected directions. Have you ever felt God calling you to something that surprised you?
5. The pastor used humor to connect with his new congregation. How can authenticity and appropriate humor help in sharing our faith or connecting with others?
6. The sermon emphasized that following Christ doesn't guarantee smooth sailing. How has your faith helped you navigate difficult times?
7. What stood out to you most from the pastor's personal stories? How did these stories illustrate the main message of following Jesus?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, intentionally look for opportunities to use your past experiences to connect with or encourage someone else.
2. Reflect on your spiritual gifts and experiences. How might God be calling you to serve in your church or community?
3. Practice sharing a brief personal testimony about your faith journey. Be prepared to share it when opportunities arise.
4. Choose one area of your life where you need to recommit to following Jesus more closely. What specific steps can you take?
5. Look for ways to connect with people who might be different from you or have special needs. Consider learning a simple greeting in sign language.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for each group member, asking God to help everyone apply the lessons learned and to be open to His leading in their lives.
Sermon Guide 6/22
Life in the Spirit: Romans 8:1-17 Small Group Guide
Opening Discussion:
Share a time when you were falsely accused of something.
- How did it make you feel?
- How do you think it would feel to be fully pardoned for something you were actually guilty of?
Key Takeaways:
- Through Christ, believers are no longer condemned but set free from the law of sin and death.
- We have a choice to set our minds on either the flesh or the Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity, not just a force or power.
- As believers, we are adopted into God's family and can call Him "Abba, Father."
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding that there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" impact your daily life?
- What does it mean to you to "set your mind on the Spirit" rather than on the flesh?
- How would you explain the concept of sanctification to someone new to the faith?
- In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's guidance or empowerment in your life?
- How does viewing God as a loving Father, rather than a harsh judge, change your approach to faith?
Practical Applications:
This week, practice being aware of your thought patterns.
- When you notice your mind drifting towards fleshly desires, consciously redirect your thoughts to spiritual matters.
- Set aside time each day to pray, addressing God as "Abba, Father." Reflect on what it means to be adopted into His family.
- Identify one area in your life where you struggle with sin. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength to overcome this challenge.
- Consider how you can share the message of freedom in Christ with someone who might be feeling condemned or burdened by guilt.
Closing Reflection: Like Kirk Bloodworth, who worked tirelessly to bring justice to others after his exoneration, how can we work to bring spiritual freedom to those still in bondage to sin and death? Take a moment to pray for opportunities to share God's love and the message of freedom in Christ with others this week.
Opening Discussion:
Share a time when you were falsely accused of something.
- How did it make you feel?
- How do you think it would feel to be fully pardoned for something you were actually guilty of?
Key Takeaways:
- Through Christ, believers are no longer condemned but set free from the law of sin and death.
- We have a choice to set our minds on either the flesh or the Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity, not just a force or power.
- As believers, we are adopted into God's family and can call Him "Abba, Father."
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding that there is "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" impact your daily life?
- What does it mean to you to "set your mind on the Spirit" rather than on the flesh?
- How would you explain the concept of sanctification to someone new to the faith?
- In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's guidance or empowerment in your life?
- How does viewing God as a loving Father, rather than a harsh judge, change your approach to faith?
Practical Applications:
This week, practice being aware of your thought patterns.
- When you notice your mind drifting towards fleshly desires, consciously redirect your thoughts to spiritual matters.
- Set aside time each day to pray, addressing God as "Abba, Father." Reflect on what it means to be adopted into His family.
- Identify one area in your life where you struggle with sin. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength to overcome this challenge.
- Consider how you can share the message of freedom in Christ with someone who might be feeling condemned or burdened by guilt.
Closing Reflection: Like Kirk Bloodworth, who worked tirelessly to bring justice to others after his exoneration, how can we work to bring spiritual freedom to those still in bondage to sin and death? Take a moment to pray for opportunities to share God's love and the message of freedom in Christ with others this week.
Sermon Guide 6/15
Small Group Guide: Lost and Found - God's Unconditional Love
Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and guide the discussion.
Key Takeaways:
- We all fall into one of two categories: lost or found.
- God's love for us is unconditional, regardless of our actions.
- Repentance and forgiveness are crucial steps in our relationship with God.
- There is great joy in heaven when a sinner repents and is reconciled to God.
- We should avoid having a hard heart or "righteous indignation" towards others.
Discussion Questions:
- The sermon mentions three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. How do these parables progressively illustrate God's love and desire for the lost to be found?
- Reflect on a time when you felt "lost" in your life. How did God's unconditional love draw you back to Him?
- The sermon states, "God loves you in spite of your dirty, rotten sins." How does this statement challenge or affirm your understanding of God's love?
- Discuss the difference between the father's reaction and the older brother's reaction to the prodigal son's return. Which reaction do you tend to have when you see others return to God?
- How can we, as believers, avoid developing a "hard heart" like the older brother in the parable?
- The pastor shared a story about a family who left the church due to feeling neglected. How can we ensure our church community is reaching out to those who are hurting or feeling disconnected?
- What does true repentance look like in our daily lives? How can we cultivate a heart that is quick to repent?
Practical Applications:
- This week, reflect on areas in your life where you might be "lost" or drifting from God. Take steps to "come home" to the Father.
- Identify someone in your life who might be feeling lost or disconnected from God or the church. Reach out to them with compassion and invite them back.
- Practice extending unconditional love to someone who has wronged you or is difficult to love.
- Write a prayer of gratitude for God's unconditional love and forgiveness in your life.
- Look for opportunities to celebrate and rejoice when someone returns to faith or takes steps towards God.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His unconditional love, asking for His help to extend that love to others, and praying for any specific needs mentioned during the discussion.
Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and guide the discussion.
Key Takeaways:
- We all fall into one of two categories: lost or found.
- God's love for us is unconditional, regardless of our actions.
- Repentance and forgiveness are crucial steps in our relationship with God.
- There is great joy in heaven when a sinner repents and is reconciled to God.
- We should avoid having a hard heart or "righteous indignation" towards others.
Discussion Questions:
- The sermon mentions three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. How do these parables progressively illustrate God's love and desire for the lost to be found?
- Reflect on a time when you felt "lost" in your life. How did God's unconditional love draw you back to Him?
- The sermon states, "God loves you in spite of your dirty, rotten sins." How does this statement challenge or affirm your understanding of God's love?
- Discuss the difference between the father's reaction and the older brother's reaction to the prodigal son's return. Which reaction do you tend to have when you see others return to God?
- How can we, as believers, avoid developing a "hard heart" like the older brother in the parable?
- The pastor shared a story about a family who left the church due to feeling neglected. How can we ensure our church community is reaching out to those who are hurting or feeling disconnected?
- What does true repentance look like in our daily lives? How can we cultivate a heart that is quick to repent?
Practical Applications:
- This week, reflect on areas in your life where you might be "lost" or drifting from God. Take steps to "come home" to the Father.
- Identify someone in your life who might be feeling lost or disconnected from God or the church. Reach out to them with compassion and invite them back.
- Practice extending unconditional love to someone who has wronged you or is difficult to love.
- Write a prayer of gratitude for God's unconditional love and forgiveness in your life.
- Look for opportunities to celebrate and rejoice when someone returns to faith or takes steps towards God.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His unconditional love, asking for His help to extend that love to others, and praying for any specific needs mentioned during the discussion.
Sermon Guide 6/8
Small Group Guide: Law, Sin, and Salvation in Christ
Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon.
Key Takeaways:
- The Jewish Festival of Weeks (Shavuot) is connected to the Christian celebration of Pentecost.
- The Mosaic Law, while good and holy, ultimately failed to save people from sin.
- Knowledge of the law can actually increase awareness of sin and temptation.
- All people, both Jews and Gentiles, struggle with an inner conflict between knowing what is right and actually doing it.
- Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution to this inner conflict and the only path to true salvation.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding the Jewish background of Pentecost enhance your appreciation of this Christian holiday?
- Paul uses the example of coveting to illustrate how the law can make us more aware of sin. Can you think of other examples where knowing a rule might actually increase temptation?
- Reflect on Paul's statement: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15) How does this resonate with your own experiences?
- The sermon mentions the "pink elephant" analogy. How does this help explain the relationship between law and sin?
- How does Paul's struggle in this passage make you feel about your own spiritual journey?
- Discuss the difference between following a set of rules and having a relationship with Jesus. How does this impact your approach to faith?
- The sermon warns against man-made rules in churches. Have you experienced or observed any examples of this? How did it affect people's faith?
Practical Applications:
- This week, pay attention to moments when you feel an inner conflict between what you know is right and what you actually do. Reflect on how Christ's grace applies in these situations.
- Choose one area of your life where you tend to rely on rules or self-discipline. Pray about how you can shift your focus to relying on Christ's power instead.
- If you've been judgmental of others based on external behaviors, take time to repent and consider how you can show grace instead.
- Write a short gratitude list, thanking God for freeing you from the "stranglehold of sin" through Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His grace and asking for His help in living out the truths discussed.
Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon.
Key Takeaways:
- The Jewish Festival of Weeks (Shavuot) is connected to the Christian celebration of Pentecost.
- The Mosaic Law, while good and holy, ultimately failed to save people from sin.
- Knowledge of the law can actually increase awareness of sin and temptation.
- All people, both Jews and Gentiles, struggle with an inner conflict between knowing what is right and actually doing it.
- Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution to this inner conflict and the only path to true salvation.
Discussion Questions:
- How does understanding the Jewish background of Pentecost enhance your appreciation of this Christian holiday?
- Paul uses the example of coveting to illustrate how the law can make us more aware of sin. Can you think of other examples where knowing a rule might actually increase temptation?
- Reflect on Paul's statement: "I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15) How does this resonate with your own experiences?
- The sermon mentions the "pink elephant" analogy. How does this help explain the relationship between law and sin?
- How does Paul's struggle in this passage make you feel about your own spiritual journey?
- Discuss the difference between following a set of rules and having a relationship with Jesus. How does this impact your approach to faith?
- The sermon warns against man-made rules in churches. Have you experienced or observed any examples of this? How did it affect people's faith?
Practical Applications:
- This week, pay attention to moments when you feel an inner conflict between what you know is right and what you actually do. Reflect on how Christ's grace applies in these situations.
- Choose one area of your life where you tend to rely on rules or self-discipline. Pray about how you can shift your focus to relying on Christ's power instead.
- If you've been judgmental of others based on external behaviors, take time to repent and consider how you can show grace instead.
- Write a short gratitude list, thanking God for freeing you from the "stranglehold of sin" through Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer: End the session by thanking God for His grace and asking for His help in living out the truths discussed.
Sermon Guide 6/1
Small Group Guide: Liberated and Enslaved (Romans 6:15-23)
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon and its implications for your lives.
Key Takeaways:
- We are all born into slavery to sin due to Original Sin.
- Through Christ's redemption, we have the opportunity to be freed from sin and become "slaves of righteousness."
- Christian freedom is not about doing whatever we want, but about willingly and joyfully obeying God.
- We face a daily choice between serving sin or serving God.
- Living as a disciple of Christ is challenging but rewarding.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your understanding of salvation before hearing this sermon? How has it changed or been reinforced?
- The pastor mentions his struggle with feeling he could never be "good enough." Have you ever felt this way in your faith journey? How does the concept of sanctification address this struggle?
- How do you understand the analogy of being "slaves to righteousness"? What does this mean in practical terms for your daily life?
- The sermon emphasizes that we have a choice between being slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. Can you share an example of when you've faced this choice recently?
- Discuss the statement: "Living a life as a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ is hard. Living a life a slave of sin is hard." How have you experienced this in your own life?
- What does it mean to you to be "obedient from the heart" to God's teachings?
- How can we support each other in making the daily choice to serve God rather than sin?
Practical Applications:
- Daily Choice: Each morning this week, consciously choose to serve God. Keep a journal of how this impacts your day.
- Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Romans 6:15-23 this week. Write down any insights or questions that arise.
- Accountability Partners: Pair up with someone in the group to check in daily about your choices to serve God or sin.
- Acts of Obedience: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to obey God. Make a plan to address this area through prayer, accountability, and action.
- Gratitude Practice: Each day, write down one way you've experienced freedom in Christ, even in the midst of obedience.
Closing Prayer: End your session by praying for each other, asking for God's strength to choose righteousness daily and to grow in sanctification.
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as you discuss the sermon and its implications for your lives.
Key Takeaways:
- We are all born into slavery to sin due to Original Sin.
- Through Christ's redemption, we have the opportunity to be freed from sin and become "slaves of righteousness."
- Christian freedom is not about doing whatever we want, but about willingly and joyfully obeying God.
- We face a daily choice between serving sin or serving God.
- Living as a disciple of Christ is challenging but rewarding.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your understanding of salvation before hearing this sermon? How has it changed or been reinforced?
- The pastor mentions his struggle with feeling he could never be "good enough." Have you ever felt this way in your faith journey? How does the concept of sanctification address this struggle?
- How do you understand the analogy of being "slaves to righteousness"? What does this mean in practical terms for your daily life?
- The sermon emphasizes that we have a choice between being slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. Can you share an example of when you've faced this choice recently?
- Discuss the statement: "Living a life as a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ is hard. Living a life a slave of sin is hard." How have you experienced this in your own life?
- What does it mean to you to be "obedient from the heart" to God's teachings?
- How can we support each other in making the daily choice to serve God rather than sin?
Practical Applications:
- Daily Choice: Each morning this week, consciously choose to serve God. Keep a journal of how this impacts your day.
- Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Romans 6:15-23 this week. Write down any insights or questions that arise.
- Accountability Partners: Pair up with someone in the group to check in daily about your choices to serve God or sin.
- Acts of Obedience: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to obey God. Make a plan to address this area through prayer, accountability, and action.
- Gratitude Practice: Each day, write down one way you've experienced freedom in Christ, even in the midst of obedience.
Closing Prayer: End your session by praying for each other, asking for God's strength to choose righteousness daily and to grow in sanctification.