Worship Service
Sermon Discussion Questions
Sermon Questions April 27, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study; 2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Isaiah 40:29-31; Psalm 73:25-26; Romans 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; John 16:33; Lamentations 3:22-24; Hebrews 11:32-40; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Revelation 21:1-5.
1. What “treasure” is Paul referring to in verse 2 Corinthians 4:7?
2. Why do you think some people devalue this "treasure"?
3. Why do you think Paul used the metaphor of a "jar of clay"?
4. In what ways have you felt fragile, like a “jar of clay” recently?
5. Which of the four paradoxes in verses 8–9 resonate most with your current situation?
6. How has God shown His power through your weakness?
7. How do you think carrying “the death of Jesus” allows His life to be seen in us?
8. What does it mean to “not lose heart” when facing difficulty?
9. How have you applied Jesus’s words to help you to not lose heart?
10. How do you practically keep your eyes fixed on the unseen?
11. What is one area where you need to trust God’s eternal promise more than your present experience?
12. Why do you think God allows His people to suffer rather than shielding them?
13. How does this passage reframe your understanding of Christian strength and success?
14. How could you use Paul's words to encourage a fellow believer?
15. What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions April 20, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:1-21:25; Numbers 23:19; 1 John 1:9; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 34:18; James 1:5; Hebrews 12:6; Exodus 14:14; Isaiah 30:18; John 11:25-26; Hebrews 13:5-6; John 10:10; Romans 10:13; Acts 2: 21.
- Compare and contrast 2 of the gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus.
- What can we expect of God because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ?
- Can we expect God to be faithful to His promises? (Numbers 23:19)
- What does this verse say about God's nature?
- Can we expect God to forgive when we confess? (1 John 1:9)
- How does this promise impact your daily walk with God?
- Can we expect God to provide for our needs? (Philippians 4:19)
- How do we differentiate between needs and wants in light of this verse?
- Can we expect God to be near in times of trouble? (Psalm 34:18)
- How does God’s presence bring comfort in hardship?
- Can we expect God to give us wisdom when we ask? ( James 1:5)
- When have you experienced God's wisdom after praying?
- Can we expect God to discipline us? (Hebrews 12:6)
- How is God’s discipline an act of love?
- What is your attitude toward correction from God?
- Can we expect God to fight for us? (Exodus 14:14)
- In what areas of your life do you need to surrender and let God fight for you?
- Can we expect eternal life through faith in Christ? (John 11:25-26)
- How does the promise of eternal life influence your perspective today?
- What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions April 13, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Exodus 34:29–35; Isaiah 25:7; Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 119:130; John 1:1–5; John 8:12; Acts 26:17–18; 2 Corinthians 3:14–18; Romans 10:9; Hebrews 1:1-4; Luke 19:28-44; Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; John 12:12-19
What is significant about Palm Sunday?
What does Paul mean in verse 1 when he says, “since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart”? How do you think God’s mercy sustain all of us including ministers of the gospel?
Verse 4 describes “the god of this world” blinding the minds of unbelievers. Who is “the god of this world,” and how does spiritual blindness manifest today?
What happens when the veil is removed? How does turning to the Lord bring revelation and transformation?
In verse 5, Paul says, “we preach... Jesus Christ as Lord.” What does it mean to declare Jesus as Lord, and how is that different from merely believing in Him?
Verse 6 describes God shining light “in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” What does this mean? How is this similar to God's creative work in Genesis?
Has God shone, “ the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” into your heart? When?
Paul contrasts light and darkness repeatedly. How does spiritual darkness affect someone’s ability to know God?
According to verses 7–12, we carry this treasure “in jars of clay.” What is the treasure, and what does this image teach us about human weakness and God’s power?
In verses 16–18, Paul encourages believers not to lose heart. How does focusing on the “unseen” and “eternal” help us endure suffering and not lose heart?
How do the truths in this chapter shape the way we share the gospel with others who may still be veiled or blinded? What’s our role in helping others see Christ?
Which are you, have you or have you not bowed your knee in submission to Jesus?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions April 6, 2025
Here are some additional passages of scripture and questions to consider along with this week’s study.
2 Corinthians 3:12-18; Exodus 34:29-35; Isaiah 25:7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-27; Psalm 27:1; Deuteronomy 29:4; Matthew 27:50-51; John 1:14; Romans 8:1-2; Galatians 5:1; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 John 3:2
- -In verse 12, Paul speaks of being "very bold". What does this boldness refer to, and how does it contrast with the old covenant?
- -According to verse 13, why did Moses cover his face with a veil? What does this symbolize in relation to the old covenant?
- -In verses 14-15, Paul says that the minds of the Israelites were "hardened" and that a veil remains over them. What does this metaphor suggest about their spiritual condition?
- -Verse 16 states, "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed." What does this mean, and how does it relate to salvation?
- -In verse 17, Paul declares, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." What kind of freedom is Paul talking about?
- -Verse 18 describes believers being "transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." What does this transformation involve, and how does it happen?
- -How does the contrast between the old and new covenants in this passage help us understand the role of Christ in our faith?
- -Paul emphasizes "boldness" in approaching God and sharing the gospel. How can we apply this to our own lives and ministry?
- -The concept of the veil suggests spiritual blindness. What are some modern-day “veils” that keep people from seeing the truth of Christ?
- -What does this passage teach us about the work of the Holy Spirit in our transformation as believers?
- -In what ways have you personally experienced "freedom" through Christ? How has your life changed as a result?
- -Verse 18 speaks of "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” How does this idea encourage you in your walk with God, especially in times of struggle or spiritual dryness?
Sermon Questions March 30, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
2 Corinthians 3, Hebrews 10:19-39; Exodus 19-20, Exodus 34; James 4:1-10; Hebrews 4:14-16
What do you think Paul meant by saying the Corinthians were “letter of recommendation, written on our hearts?”
Why would letters of recommendation be important in Paul’s day, or in our day?
Which does Paul suggest has more credibility, a letter, or a person? Why?
Where does Paul say our “sufficiency” comes from? Why?
Contrast Exodus 20:18-21 and Hebrews 10:19-25 & Hebrews 4:14-16 in your own words.
What has made it possible for us to approach God? Why is that significant and how should that effect the way we live?
What expressions does Paul use to contrast the Old and New Covenants and why is that contrast important?
Why does Paul call the Old Covenant, “the ministry of death”?
Describe how you think it would be to live under the Old Covenant?
Why do you think Paul says, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”?
How does Hebrews 10 help us understand Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 3?
How does Jesus remove “the veil”?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions March 23, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
2 Corinthians 2-3; 1 Corinthians 7:5; Matthew 18:15-35; 1 Peter 5:8-11; Ephesians 4:25-32; Colossians 3:12-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 4; Genesis 3; Job 1; Luke 10:18; James 4:7; 1 John 3:8; Revelation 12:9; Acts 5:3; John 8:44; John 10:10; Romans 16:20; Revelation 20:1-6; Ephesians 6:11-16; 2 Corinthians 12; John 17, 1 John 4:1-8.
What are some things the Bible teaches us about Satan?
What did Peter say about Satan in 1 Peter 5?
How would you describe Paul’s and Peter’s awareness of Satan’s plans?
What did Paul mean in 2 Corinthians 2 when he said, “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs”? And why do you think that would be important for Paul to say?
What do you think is the connection between forgiveness, non-forgiveness and Satan’s “designs”?
How could our actions or lack of action help Satan’s plans?
How do Satan’s plans conflict with God’s plans?
How would you describe Satan’s relationship to God?
What are some things that we need to remember about Satan’s relationship to the church?
What are some tools that the Lord has given to us to combat Satan’s plans?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions March 16, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
2 Corinthians 2; Matthew 18; Proverbs 27; Ephesians 4:25-32; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
- When a Christian sins, who does it hurt?
- Outline Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 18 when it comes to sin between Christians.
- Outline Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians when dealing with forgiveness and restoration in verses 5-11.
- How did Paul instruct the Ephesians to forgive?
- What are we to do when a person is repentant of sin?
- Do you find it easy or hard to extend forgiveness to people?
- Do you forgive conditionally or unconditionally? Why?
- What is the danger of not forgiving someone?
- What did we say a “foothold” is?
- What do you think Jesus was trying to help Peter understand when he told him to forgive seventy times seven?
- Are their people in your life, who are repentant, that you have not forgiven?
- What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions March 9, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study.
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:17; Matthew 18; Acts 16; 1 Corinthians 16:5-7; James 4:13-17; Acts 11:27-30; Acts 21:1-16; Colossians 3:1-17; Ephesians 4:17-32; Matthew 6:5-15
- Are you a planner by nature?
- Can you identify a time when you had made a plan, and the Lord changed it for the better?
- What did James say about making plans?
- What should we keep in mind as we make plans in life?
- How did the Corinthians react to Paul’s change in plans?
- How should they have responded to Paul’s change in plans?
- How did Paul describe how they lived?
- Have you found that you are able to live that way?
- What makes it challenging or easy to live that way?
- Do you find dispensing grace to others, to be easy or challenging for you and why?
- What can we infer about how grace and truth was understood by Paul?
- Why is forgiveness so important in the Christian life?
- How can the reality of, “For all the promises of God find there Yes in him,” be an encouragement for you?
- How could that reality be used to encourage non-Christians?
- What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions March 2, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study.
2 Corinthians 1; 1 Kings 18 & 19; Joshua 1:1-9; Exodus 33:12-23; Hebrews 13:5;
Deuteronomy 31:6-8; John 11; Matthew 26:36-46; John 14 & 15; Philippians 4:6-7
- How do you see grace and peace manifest in your life?
- What is the title that Paul gave to God in 2 Corinthians 1?
- How did Paul know about God’s comfort?
- What did God say to bring comfort to Moses in Exodus?
- How did God bring comfort to Joshua in Joshua 1?
- What caused Elijah to be in the state of despair he was in?
- In what tangible and intangible ways did God comfort Elijah?
- In what ways did Jesus demonstrate compassion to Mary, Martha and Lazarus?
- How did Jesus describe his “soul” when he was in the garden, and in what ways did God bring comfort to Jesus?
- Who did Jesus say he was giving to his disciples in John 14?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit when it comes to comfort?
- What can we learn about how God brought comfort in the biblical accounts mentioned above?
- Does it seem that God removes us from difficult circumstances or accompanies us through difficult circumstances, and which would be more comforting?
- How have you experienced God’s comfort in your life?
- What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions February 23, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study.
2 Corinthians 1; Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27; Deuteronomy 6:4-7;
Ephesians 2:8-9; James 4:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9; John 1:16; Hebrews 4:16; Titus 2:11; Romans 11:6; John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Isaiah 26:3; John 16; Hebrews 12:14ebrews Hebrew
- Read or listen to the entire book of 2 Corinthians.
- Define “grace.”
- How have you seen the grace of God demonstrated in your life?
- Define “peace.”
- Why did Jesus tell his followers in John 14 & 16 about giving them peace?
- How did Paul talk about peace in 1 Corinthians 14?
- What does Philippians 4:6-7 say about dealing with anxiety?
- In what ways have you experienced the peace of God in your life?
- How was Paul made an apostle?
- What do we know about Paul’s relationship to Timothy?
- What have we learned about Paul’s relationship to the church at Corinth?
- Why do you think in the gospels Jesus seems to link loving God and loving others together?
- Define the “cross-eyed life.”
- In what ways do you want to grow in the “cross-eyed” life?
- What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions February 16, 2025
Read Psalm 67 (Correlating verses Justin mentioned: Numbers 6:22-26, Genesis 12:2, 17:4-5)
Point #1... Let the nations praise God because he is active and present in the lives of his people.
- How did the ancient Jews understand the request "May God... make his face to shine upon us"?
- In what way did God answer this request?
- What does the incarnation of Christ teach us about the character of God?
- In what areas of your life do you need to "shine the face of God" to those around you, being present and active in their lives?
Point #2... Let the nations praise God because he is a good and just God.
- The nations ought to sing with gladness, according to verse 4, why is this the case?
- What does it mean that God judges with equity?
- How is it just that Christians will not go to hell?
- An exhortation Justin gave was to uphold truth, yet love with grace. Which is easier for you: uphold truth or love with grace? How can you balance those two better in your life?
Point #3... let the nations praise God because he has a bright future for his people.
- How do Christians today understand the harvest metaphors in the Bible? (See Matthew 13)
- What reality do Christians have to look forward to at the end of this age? (See Revelation 7:9-12 &
Philippians 2:9-11)
- Pray together for the harvest... it is plentiful, but the laborers are few. How can you contribute in the mission of God to "let the peoples praise [him]?"
- Prayercast.com is a great place to go to pray for specific nations and their needs. Check it out and pray together as a group for one of the nations on there.
Sermon Questions January 26, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Job 1-2; 38; Ecclesiastes; Psalm 23; John 8:1-1; Psalm 51; Romans 5:1-5; Proverbs 13:15; James 1; 1 Peter 4:12-19.
What can we learn from the contrast between Solomon’s and Job’s lives?
When Job experienced suffering in Job 1, how did he respond?
Is suffering in life normal or abnormal?
What does suffering produce in us?
Have you ever caught yourself falling into one of the world philosophies
we talked about today?
Do you tend to find yourself looking up, looking down or looking horizontally,
when you see or experience suffering?
What can we learn about God by how Jesus dealt with the woman
caught in adultery?
When are we safest?
What is the story of the Bible?
How can we use what we know about God and suffering to help a friend?
What is one thing you think God is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions January 19, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Matthew 2:12-23; Habakkuk 1:2-4; Revelation 6:9-10; Job 1; Job 38-42; Psalm 107:1; Psalm 145:9; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 100:5; Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19; 1 John 1:5; John 3:16; 1 Chronicles 16:34; Ezra 3:11; James 1:17; Psalm 27:13; Psalm 92:15; Psalm 119:68; Psalm 31:19-20; Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 26:3; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 91:1-5; Mark 10:27; Philippians 4:13;
Jeremiah 32:27; Job 42; Isaiah 46; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Give an example of the expression “hindsight is 20/20.”
Why did God allow Herod to have boys 2 years and under killed?
How do we know that God is all good?
How do we know that God is all powerful?
How do we know that God forgives?
Do you think it’s reasonable to say that we cannot fully understand why God does and allows the things He allows?
When we accept that we cannot fully understand the mind of God, what does that do to a person?
Why are God’s sovereignty, omnipotence, omnibenevolence and forgiveness so important?
How does God view evil?
What is one evil in our world that you struggle with the most? Why?
How you can you help a friend who is struggling with “the problem of evil”?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions January 12, 2025
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 16; Acts 1:6-11, Acts 1-3; Ephesians 6:11-13; 1 Peter 5:8-11;
1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 4:1
Describe what “be watchful,” “stand firm in the faith,” “act like men,” and “be strong,” each looks like in your life.
How do you think you can grow in the five big ideas from this week’s study?
What instructions did the angel give to the disciples and early church when Jesus ascended into heaven? What did they do?
What did they devote themselves to?
What can we learn from the way the disciples and early church responded to the ascension of Jesus in Acts 1?
What instructions had Jesus given to the disciples before his ascension?
What does it look like to live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
In what ways are you more like Christ today than you were a year ago? What caused those things to happen?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions December 22, 2024
| Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2; Luke 2; Daniel 9:24-27; Numbers 24:17;
Revelation 12:4; Exodus 13:21; Genesis 1; Romans 1; Psalm 19
What was unique about the star that led the wise men to Christ? Why do you think God revealed Christ to the wise men? Why do you think God chose to use a star to lead the wise men? Why do you think the wise men would make such a long and difficult journey? Why do you think “all of Jerusalem” would be “troubled” the Messiah, the King of the Jews” was born? Do you think it is surprising that the wise men bowed down and worshiped Christ when they met him? What are some things we can learn about God from the birth of Christ? Why do you think God allowed Herod to kill babies 2 years old and younger? What are some unexpected ways that the Lord has spoken to you? What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study? What is something you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about during this Christmas season? |
Sermon Questions December 15, 2024
| Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Luke 1:46-56; Luke 2:1-21; Numbers 28; Mark 15:21-41; Compare and contrast Mary’s “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55) & the Angels song of worship (Luke 2:14).
Rewrite Mary’s song, the “Magnificat” in your own words. In what ways can you identify with Mary’s song? Why do you think God chose shepherds to be the ones to receive the news of Jesus' birth? In what ways do you see God working in the lives of those who might be overlooked or undervalued in society? Jesus was born in humble circumstances, showing that God's love extends to everyone, not just the wealthy or the Jews. In what ways does the birth of Jesus demonstrate God's love and grace for all people? How can you personally demonstrate God's love and grace to others? The shepherds were familiar with the rituals surrounding sacrificial lambs and recognized the sign from God. Specifically, the significance of the manger being used for perfect sacrificial lambs and how that related to Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice for people’s sins. Can you think of a time when you recognized God's message in an unexpected place or situation? After the shepherds witnessed the biggest announcement in history, they went back to their lives…lives whose physical circumstances did not change and become easier. However, now they had hope, joy, and a belief that God loved them. How do you think this knowledge and belief comforted the shepherds? How has this knowledge and belief helped you in difficulty? How can reflecting on the birth of Jesus help us examine our priorities?
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Sermon Questions December 8, 2024
| Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
Luke 1 & 2; Matthew 1; Romans 8; John 1;
Compare and contrast Zechariah’s and Mary’s encounters with Gabriel. What was similar? What was different and why? Why do you think Mary went to visit Elizabeth? What can we learn about the Holy Spirit from Advent? What do we learn about Joseph from his responses to Mary being pregnant? (Matthew 1) Are you in a season of “darkness” or “light” right now? Why? How does Christ’s coming affect the season you are in? How could you use Christ’s coming to help people you know in the season they might be in? Which verses of “Mary’s Song of Praise, The Magnificat,” do you appreciate most and why? Of all the people listed in the account of Jesus’ birth, who do you identify with most and why? In what ways is the angel’s response to Mary, “For nothing will be impossible with God,” an encouragement to you? What can we learn about angels from the Advent of Christ? What can we learn from Mary’s response to the angel’s news about her having a child? (Luke 1:38) What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
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Sermon Questions December 1, 2024
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Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study; Luke 1; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 139:17-18a; Psalm 40:5; Jeremiah 29:10-14;
1 Corinthians 2:6-16.
What kind of people were Zechariah & Elizabeth? How are angels often portrayed to us? What was Zechariah’s response to the visitation of an angel? When Zechariah heard the news from the angel, what was his response and what happened to him? Why do you think Zechariah doubted the angel’s words? How did Zechariah respond to his doubts being met? What do you think Zechariah’s expectations of the Messiah would have been? How were Zechariah’s expectations of the Messiah different from who Jesus was? Why do you think the people who saw what happened to Zechariah feared? What are some expectations that you have of God? How did you arrive at those expectations? What are some expectations that you have had of God that have gone unmet? What can we learn about God from Zechariah & Elizabeth’s experience? Is it possible to know the thoughts of God? Why do you think the account of Zechariah & Elizabeth is included and an important part of Jesus’ birth? What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study? |
Sermon Questions November 24, 2024
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Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:23-24; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 1 Corinthians 16:10; Philippians 2:25-30; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Hebrews 6:11-12; Matthew 13:1-23; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 10:19-39; Psalm 1; James 1.
Have you ever doubted your faith? Why or why not? Do you think 1 Corinthians 15:58 is relevant today? Why or why not? How does what Paul spoke about in 1 Corinthians 15 lead to the conclusion of being “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord?” Why do you think Paul said, “in the Lord your labor is not in vain?” Define “steadfast.” What are some things that we think are “steadfast” in this world? What are some ways that you have grown in being “steadfast”? What does James say is the reward for a person being “steadfast”? Define “work of the Lord.” What are some ways that you are “always abounding in the work of the Lord?” Has the Lord been prompting you to become more “abounding in the work of the Lord?” What did the Psalmist say about the person who meditates on God’s Word? Has meditation been a regular spiritual discipline for you? Why or why not? What are some of the things you have tried put “roots” into that have failed you? What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
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Sermon Questions November 17, 2024
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Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 15:35-57; Ecclesiastes 12; Deuteronomy 29:29; John 3; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:1-8; Revelation 22:6-21; Acts 9. As church we are memorizing; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; Romans 10:9; Romans 10:13; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1, Romans 8:38-39. How is your memorization going?
What have been the most noticeable ways is your “perishable” or “mortal” body has been wearing out and how long has that taken? Is your body wearing out frustrating or encouraging? What are you looking forward to most about gaining your imperishable and immortal body? What is the “mystery” that Paul is talking about in this chapter? When does the Bible say we will we hear “the last trumpet”? How was death swallowed up in victory? Who gives us victory over death? What difference does the fact that “death is swallowed up in victory” make in how you live? How does the reality of Jesus’ resurrection assure us of our own resurrection? What change had Paul experienced in his life? In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is talking about being changed. Who will be changed and who will not be changed? Will you be changed at “the last trumpet”? How do you know? Jesus said, “Surely I am coming soon.” Does that frighten you or encourage you? Why? What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
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Sermon Questions November 10, 2024
Read together 1 Corinthians 15
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Why might have the Corinthians believed that the resurrection of the dead is not a reality? How does that fit into their Christian faith? What would their hope be in, if they did not believe In the reality of the resurrection? Read verse 34 again. Why is Paul so passionately opposed to the Corinthians heretical view that the resurrection is not a reality? What kind of body does Paul say the Christian will have at Christ’s return? Read verse 58. What is the application that Paul wants the Corinthians to do based on the reality of the resurrection?What aspect to your humanity do you struggle to give thanks for? How does what Paul says in Chapter 15 encourage you? What aspect of your heavenly body are you most looking forward to? Rather than considering the “when” of Christ’s return, what emphasis does the Bible give the Christian when it comes to Christ’s return?
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Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study. Be sure to read at least one of the resurrection accounts in the gospels and memorize
Romans 5:8.
1 Corinthians 15:12-34; Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:32-34;
1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 5:6-8; John 3:16; Acts 2:22-24, Hebrews 9:11-10:18.
Memorize Romans 5:8
Which part of the death and resurrection of Jesus stands out to you most and why?
Explain the gospel.
Have you ever doubted the gospel?
What has caused you to believe the gospel?
How has God shown His love for us?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important?
Why would we be a “people most to be pitied” if Christ is not raised from the dead?
Have you ever been tempted to walk away from Jesus? Why or why not?
What about the resurrection are you most looking forward to?
How has Christ destroyed death?
What should our perspective on death be as Christians?
How have you seen the statement, “Bad company ruins good morals,” manifest?
In what way does Paul instruction to the Corinthians, “do not go on sinning,” speak to you?
What is one thing you think the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions October 20, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 15; Romans 3; Romans 5; Romans 6; John 19:36; Romans 8:9-11;1 John 2:2; 1 John 3:4; Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18; Isaiah 14:12-15; Genesis 3; Revelation 20:11-15; Ephesians 1:7; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 42:1-9; Daniel 9:25-26; Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 9:6-7; (Micah 5:2/Luke 2:1-7/Matthew 2:1-6); (Isaiah 7:14/Matthew 1:18-23); (Psalm 16:7-11/Acts 2:22-33); (Isaiah 52:13-53:12/1 Peter 2:22-25/Romans 5:6-7/Philippians 2:6-11).
Memorize Romans 3:23 & Romans 6:23.
Why do you think Paul says this section of his letter to the Corinthians is of “first importance”?
Explain the gospel in your own words.
Which part of the gospel has been most meaningful for you?
How would you explain the gospel to a child? To an adult? To a friend?
What did Christ do for us?
Why do you think that Jesus appeared to so many people after his resurrection?
In what way was Jesus’ appearing to Jesus a demonstration of grace?
What are the three sources of sin that all people are under?
How does the Bible define death?
What “other” definitions of death have you heard from people you know?
What are some other Messianic prophesies that are in the Bible?
Why do you think its important that the gospel is found in the Old Testament as well as the
New Testament?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions October 6, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 15; Romans 1:8-15; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10-18; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9-10; Romans 10:13; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38-39; Acts 16:25-40; Acts 2:14-47
What is the gospel?
Why do you think Paul was eager to preach the gospel to the church at Rome?
What do you think it means to “stand” in the gospel?
What are the essential elements of the gospel according to Paul?
When did you first hear of the gospel?
Who first told you the gospel?
What happened when Peter preached the gospel on Pentecost?
When did you first respond to the gospel?
What was your life like before you responded to the gospel?
What has your life been like since you responded to the gospel?
What were the early Christians doing after they had heard the gospel in Acts 2:42-47?
Do you believe in the power of the gospel?
Who have you shared the gospel with?
Who has the Lord put in your life that He is asking you to share the gospel with?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions September 29, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 14; 1 Timothy 2; Genesis 1:26-Genesis 3:24; Ephesians 5:15-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Acts 2.
What did God say would be the result of man’s sin in the garden of Eden?
How have we seen those effects today?
Did God’s judgement in Genesis on man seem harsh to you? Why or why not?
Why and how can all things be done for building up?
How could the use of gifts be damaging to the church?
When the gift of tongues was part of the church gathering, what were the specific
requirements for its use?
When the gift of prophesy was part of the church gathering, what were the specific
requirements for its use?
Rewrite verse 33 in your own words.
What does Paul say is the source of revelation in the church in verse 37?
Why do you think Paul doesn’t address the topic of tongues in any of his other letters in the Bible?
How do you think we can ensure, “all things should be done decently and in order” ?
What do you think the roles of women and men in marriage and in the church should be?
What did God say the roles of men and women in marriage and in the church should be?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
September 22, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 13:8-13; 1 Corinthians 14
Why did God give spiritual gifts to the church?
Does it seem that it is “okay” to pursue spiritual gifts?
Why does Paul say we should pursue prophesy over tongues?
How could the misuse of spiritual gifts be harmful to non-Christians?
Rewrite 1 Corinthians 14:20 in your own words.
Is the gift of tongues a sign for believers or unbelievers? Why?
Is the gift of prophesy for believers or unbelievers? Why?
Is a church service intended for Christians or non-Christians?
What does 1 Corinthians 14 say about roles in the church when it comes to men and women?
What does Paul say about order in a church service? Why do you think that important?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions September 15, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 13 & 14; Genesis 13.
We said, “Bearing all things” has the idea of “covering with a cloak of love.” Can you think of some tangible ways you have experienced this in your own life?
“Believing all things” carries an attitude which assumes the best in others. Do you find yourself to be suspicious of others or trusting of others?
Do you think there “balance” is between being suspicious of others and trusting others?
Are you quick to believe others will fail or break a promise?
Why is failing to “believe all things” ultimately an offense against God?
“Hopes all things” has an eye to the future, it is an expectation we carry toward God’s people.
Have you ever considered another Christian to be a “lost cause”? Why is that wrong thinking?
“Endures all things” has the idea of remaining in a difficult situation for the sake of one another instead of being
comfortable by escaping a situation.
Do you find yourself seeking relief from relationally difficult people or has the Lord been building endurance in you?
Why do you think Paul said, “the greatest of these is love”?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions September 1, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 13; Proverbs 27:2; Obadiah 1:3; Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 4:8; Mark 3:5; Hebrews 4:15; James 1:19; Psalm 86:15; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Corinthians 6:7; Romans 5:8; Luke 23:34; Colossians 3:13-14; 1 Corinthians 13:6; Matthew 18:21-22; Psalm 1:1-2; Psalm 5:4;
1 John 4:8; Psalm 51:6.
Of the descriptions of how love acts, which has the Lord grown you most in, and how has He
done that?
Write out the descriptions of how love acts in your own words.
What tangible examples of love has the Lord demonstrated through you to others or from others
to you?
How does our own discontentment fuel envy?
Why is boasting incompatible with love?
Where are some other places in the Bible that talk about not insisting on our own way?
Why do you think it can be so difficult to not insist on our own way?
What do you think were some of the issues the church in Corinth had that are addressed in
1 Corinthians 13 address?
How does 1 Peter 4:8 connect with 1 Corinthians 13?
Describe a time when you experienced love covering a multitude of sins?
How would the church benefit from practicing love as its described in 1 Corinthians 13?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions August 25,2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study:
John 13:35; 1 John 4; John 3:16-21; Matthew 18:23-35; Luke 18:7; Romans 2:4, 9:22;
What is the connection between spiritual gifts and love?
Have you ever seen spiritual gifts demonstrated without love?
What does Paul say is gained from the use of spiritual gifts without love?
Define love.
Why do you think the list of descriptors of love starts with love is patient and kind?
What are some practical ways you think you need to demonstrate love this week?
Why do you think the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is written with so many contrasts?
What are some of the ways God has demonstrated and modeled love to you?
How did John describe God in 1 John 4?
Which of the descriptors of love in 1 Corinthians 13 resonate most with you?
How are we able to love?
Is love always demonstrated in action?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions August 18, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14; Ephesians 4:1-16; Romans 12:6-8; Romans 8:1-17
What are some ways that unity in the church can be destroyed?
What are some ways we can help build unity in the church?
What is the role of love when it comes to spiritual gifts in the church?
How has the Lord used you in the past to serve the church?
How can you tell when you are operating in your area of gifting?
What do you believe are your spiritual gifts?
Why do you believe those are your gifts?
How is the Lord using your gifts for the common good at EBF?
What are some ways you think the Lord could use your gifts in the church?
Is the church are Christians intended to be spectators or participants?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions August 11, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14; Ephesians 4:1-16; Romans 12:6-8; Romans 8:1-17.
What did we say are four roles of the Holy Spirit?
What is the difference between the Holy Spirit’s role in the Old Testament and
New Testament?
Where do spiritual gifts come from?
How can you know what spiritual gifts you have?
Which of the gifts we discussed do you believe the Holy Spirit has given to you?
Why do you believe you are gifted in that way?
In what way are you using your gifts for the common good, to build up the body of Christ?
In what way would you like to use your spiritual gifts in the church?
How does Paul’s analogy of the body of Christ, help you understand how the church
is to function?
Who are the least valuable parts of the body of Christ?
Do all the members of the body of Christ have the same gifts?
In Ephesians, what did Paul say were the purposes of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers?
What happens in the church when all its members are using their gifts?
Can you think of a time when you experienced, “when one member suffers, all suffer together?
Can you think of a time when, “one member is honored, all rejoice together?
What are some additional passages of scripture that teach us about the church?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions August 4, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with our study this week;
1 Corinthians 12; John 6:22-59; John 16:4-15; Romans 12:3-8; John 17;
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in a person knowing Christ?
What is the purpose of spiritual gifts the church?
Do all the parts of the body have the same function?
What spiritual gift(s) do you believe the Lord given to you? How do you know?
Have you ever not valued other members of the church?
Why do you think Paul uses the analogy of a physical body to describe the church?
In what ways does the analogy of the physical body and the church help you to understand the church?
Have you ever felt that you were not important to the body? Why?
How does Paul describe the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
Do all Christians have a spiritual gift?
What were the things that Jesus prayed for in John 17?
Why is unity in the church important?
What do you contribute to unity in the church?
In what ways have you contributed to disunity in the church?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from
this week’s study?
Sermon Questions July 28, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Genesis 22:1-24; Matthew 26:17-30; James 2; John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; Romans 12:10a; Romans 13:8; 1Thessalonians 3:12; 1Thessalonians 4:9-10; 1 Peter 1:22; 1Peter 4:8; 1John 3:11; 1John 3:23; 1John 4:7, 11-12; 2 John 1:5; Romans 12:10b; Romans 16:16; Romans 15:17; 1 Peter 4:9; 1 John 1:7; 2 Corinthians 13:11b; Romans 12:16; Mark 9:50; Ephesians 4:32a; Colossians 3:13b; Galatians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 13:11a; 1 Corinthians 12:25; James 5:16b; 1Thessalonians 4:18; 1Thessalonians 5:11b; Hebrews 3:13; Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 10:24; 1Thessalonians 5:15; Galatians 5:13; John 13:14; 1Corinthians 11:33; 1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:21; Ephesians 5:25
What can we surmise were some of the causes of the divisions in the Corinthian church?
Why do you think the church at Corinth celebrated a “Love Feast”? What would it’s purpose be?
Why do you think there are so many “one another’s” in the Bible?
How would you describe the Lord’s Supper when Jesus started it?
How do you think you would have responded at the first Lord’s Supper?
Why do you think Jesus choose the Lord’s Supper be the way that we remember and celebrate his death and resurrection?
What was the significance of communion in the early church?
What is the significance of communion to the church today?
Which of the “one another’s” has the Lord used most profoundly in your life?
What are some ways we can demonstrate love to one another in our church family?
What does is look like to “discern the body”?
What does the Bible say about faith without works? What does that mean and how does it fit in with Paul’s words about communion?
What does the Bible say about favoritism?
Which of of the “one another’s” you are most familiar with?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions July 21, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 11; Genesis 1-3; Matthew 19; Ephesians 5; Ephesians 4:11-16; John 14:28; John 12:44-50; John 1:1-5.
Why do you think Paul said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” Instead of just saying, “Be imitators of Christ”?
What questions do you think the Corinthian Christians were asking Paul when you read 1 Corinthians 11?
What areas of your life are you a “head” and what areas of your life are you under someone else’s “headship”? Are either of those roles difficult for you? Why?
Are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all equal?
If Christ is God, how can God be his “head”?
What do you think it means to be “head”?
Are men and women equal?
How do you think an understanding of “roles” can help when it comes to conversations about gender?
How is understanding “headship” a blessing?
How can misunderstanding “headship” be problematic?
Why do you think God assigned different “roles” to men and to women?
Why do you think it is difficult for some people to accept “headship” in any area of life?
How can you grow in your application of Biblical “headship”?
How have you viewed communion?
How should we view communion?
Are their principles of Paul’s teaching on communion that extend into the other areas of the life of a church family?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions July 14, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study.
1 Corinthians 10:22-33; 1 John 2:6; Ephesians 5:1-2; Exodus 17; Numbers 20; Philippians 2.
Looking over the book of 1 Corinthians, how would you title the various sections, chapters, and the book so far?
Rewrite 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 in your own words.
Have you found Paul’s instructions thus far to be easy or challenging for you? Why?
What did Paul’s say was his motivation for some of his instructions in 1 Corinthians 9 & 10:24, 33?
What can we learn from the way Paul lived his life?
Paul said, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” What are some practical ways to keep this instruction in the forefront of our thinking?
What did Paul remind the Christians they should be mindful of when it comes to offending others by their actions?
We are living in a time when it seems that many people are easily offended, what can we learn from Paul’s exhortation? Do you find this easy or difficult?
Ultimately, who did Paul say he was imitating, and who did he encourage his readers to imitate?
What does it look like for you to be imitating Christ?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions June 30, 2024
1. Paul used the phrase “Now concerning…” [ESV in 7:1, 28; & 8:1] to address questions church questions. How did his answer about the “right” to eat meat relate to his discussion of rights in chapter 9?
2. Why were some Corinthians apparently hesitant to accept Paul’s claim to be an Apostle? And how did Paul respond?
3. What is the basis, whether in Paul’s writing to the Corinthians, or in the world at large, for claims that someone has certain “rights”?
4. Paul refused to accept financial support from the Corinthians? How does he explain this decision?
5. What were Paul’s key illustrations in support of the right of ministers to receive financial support?
6. Paul cited Jesus as saying that gospel teachers are to be supported financially. Do we know what he’s referring to? Are there any other cases where Paul cites Jesus with quotations not found in any gospel?
7. What was the role of a steward (see 9:17) in Paul’s era?
8. How do we share our own spiritual resources with others?
Sermon Questions June 23, 2024
Here are some additional questions to consider along with this week's study;
1. What was the main idea from 1 Corinthians 8 that Justin was preaching on?
2. How did Justin's opening illustration of the "Radical Reformers" connect to the overall message of 1 Corinthians 8?
3. How did the Lord use Justin's sermon on 1 Corinthians 8 to teach, reprove, correct, or train you up in righteousness? (2 Tim. 3:16)
4. How does the cultural context of 1 Corinthians 8 help us understand the passage even better?
5. Why is chapters 9 & 10 vitally important to understanding Paul's comments in chapter 8?
6. Does Paul ever give the okay for any Christian to eat the meat that was sacrificed to idols? (Even if there is no "weaker brother" around?)
7. What is Paul's second reason for why the Christians should stay away from the temples for meat eating? (see 1 Cor. 10:20)
8. What were some application points from the sermon that you really needed to hear? Why?
9. Is all of your behavior based on knowledge or love? In what areas do you need to go to God in prayer to grow in this?
Sermon Questions June 16, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 7; Matthew 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; Ephesians 5:22-33; Genesis 2.
In Genesis, God said it is not good for man to be alone, in 1 Corinthians Paul said,
it’s good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman. How can both be true?
In marriage, who has authority over the husband’s body?
In marriage who has authority over the wife’s body?
What was Paul’s instruction to husbands and wives in 1 Corinthians 7?
Why do you think sex is important to the Lord?
What does it mean to live as you were called?
What was Paul’s instruction to the unmarried and widowed in 1 Corinthians 7?
What are the advantages of being single or being married? Do both being married and being single have equal value?
Do you think there is pressure today for people to be either single or married?
What instruction did Jesus give about divorce, marriage, and remarriage?
How could you encourage others with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions June 9th, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 6; Romans 8:17; Matthew 18:15-35; Romans 12:9-21; Acts 22-26;
What was Paul’s experience with governmental court?
What can we learn about Paul’s relationship with the Lord from his own experiences with court?
Why do you think Christians have accepted going to court as normal?
Why did Paul challenge the Corinthians actions of taking one another to secular court?
Where does our righteousness come from?
What can we learn about our standing before God, when Paul said, we will judge angels?
Why do you think Paul said, “Why not rather suffer wrong?” and “Why not rather be defrauded?”
How do we glorify God in our bodies?
What did Paul mean when he said when a person commits, sexual immorality it is a sin against their own body?
How is your body a temple of the Holy Spirit?
What was the price you were bought with?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions June 2, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study:
1Corinthians 4:14-5:13; Matthew 16:5-12; 1 Corinthians 15:30-34;
What was the sin that Paul spoke about in 1 Corinthians 5, and what was the attitude the Corinthians had toward the person involved in that sin?
What should our attitude be toward sin?
Where are some other places in the Bible that talk about leaven, and why do you think Paul uses the analogy of leaven to explain himself?
Do you think we are shocked by sin? Why or why not?
What do you think Paul meant when he instructed the Corinthians to “deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord?
How do you think that is done?
What were the Christians boasting about?
What should our attitude be toward a brother in Christ who is guilty of living a sinful life?
What should our attitude be toward a person who does not know Christ, and lives a sinful life?
Why do you think there is a double standard?
What can we learn about Paul attitude toward the church?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions May 26, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 4; Acts 2; Acts 18:1-17; 1 Corinthians 5; James 4:8-12.
How did Paul want to be regarded?
How did Paul describe his condition to the church?
How did Paul say he responded to being reviled? Persecuted? Slandered?
How does Paul’s responses differ from what the world would say about
being reviled, persecuted, and slandered?
What would it mean to be an imitator of Paul?
What reason did Paul give for writing the things he wrote to the church
in this chapter?
What does that reveal about Paul’s heart?
Why do you think Paul uses sarcasm in this chapter?
How do you think this chapter continues to “set the stage” for the rest of Paul’s letter?
What is significant about Pentecost for us today?
In what ways is the church today similar and different from the early church in Acts 2?
Have you experienced “power” or “talk” within the Kingdom of God?
What has God spoken about humility in the life of a Christian?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions May 19, 2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 3; John 17;
What does it mean to be an infant in Christ? Is there ever a time when being an infant in Christ is okay? When would it not be okay?
How would you define “milk” and “meat” in the context of this chapter?
What were the issues Paul was addressing in this chapter?
Define spiritual maturity and spiritual immaturity?
How does a person become spiritually mature?
What creates division in a church?
What creates unity in a church?
Have you ever been part of creating division in a church? What did you learn from it?
Who causes growth?
What can we do to help create an environment for growth?
What do you think Paul meant when he said, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”?
How would you define gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw?
Where does God’s Spirit dwell? Why is that important?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions May 12, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 2; Deuteronomy 29:29; Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 90:2; Colossians 1:16-17; John 14:12-31; John 15:26-27; John 16:4-14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Deuteronomy 4:34; Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 64:4; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:20; Isaiah 46:9-10; Psalm 139:1-3,4,15-16; 1 Kings 8:39.
What is encouraging about knowing God is omniscient?
What might be troubling about knowing God is omniscient?
What “secret things” do you wish God would reveal to you?
What did Paul say he didn’t want the Corinthians to rest their faith on, and what did he say he wanted them to rest their faith on?
How did Paul say God reveals secret and hidden wisdom to us?
Describe the “natural person” and the “spiritual person.”
What is the “natural person” unable to do?
What are the two spirits that can be received?
As Christians what spirit have we received?
What role of the Holy Spirit do you appreciate most?
How does having the mind of Christ impact your daily life? Decision making? Relationships?
What’s one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions May 5, 2024
Here are some additional passages and questions to consider from this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 1-3; James 3:13-18; 2 Kings 18 & 19; Jeremiah 8:9; Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah 19:12; Galatians 2:20; John 14:15-31.
Do you consider yourself a fan or any teams or people?
Why is it significant that Jesus is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption? How did Jesus “become” those things?
Why do you think Paul would have pointed out the contrast between a spiritual person with a natural person?
Since Paul was writing the church at Corinth, how could there be “natural people” in the church?
What are the indicators Paul gave of a person behaving in a “human way”?
What spirit did Paul tell the Corinthians they have?
Where did Jesus and Paul say the Holy Spirit would dwell in John 14 & 1 Corinthians 3?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian?
How does knowing the Spirit of God is dwelling in you impact the way you think and live?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions April 28, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16; Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 1:16; Isaiah 29:14; Proverbs 9:10; 1 Kings 4:29-34;
Ephesians 5:18; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 5:22-23.
Rewrite 1 Corinthians 1:18 in your own words.
How does man’s wisdom compare with God’s wisdom?
How is Christ crucified a stumbling block to the Jews?
How is Christ crucified folly to the gentiles?
Paul said, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Do you or have you met others with that perspective?
What do you think it would look like to live with that perspective?
How did Christ Jesus become to us wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and
redemption? Why is this important?
What can we learn from Paul’s perspective on his own weaknesses?
How do you think the Spirit revealed things to Paul?
What are some of the roles of the Holy Spirit according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 1&2?
Contrast the natural person and the spiritual person.
How does having “the mind of Christ” effect your typical day?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions: April 21, 2024
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
Acts 7:54 through Acts 9; 1 Corinthians 1; Philippians 2; Hebrews 4:6; Romans 3:24; Romans 5:15; Romans 11:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:10.
What do you sense is Paul’s attitude toward the church?
How often do you find yourself expressing thanks for the church and for individual members of it?
We talked about part of the definition of grace is “being treated better than you deserve,” what are some ways you have experienced “being treated better than you deserve?”
How can you demonstrate this illustration of grace to others?
What are some ways that you have seen the grace of God given to you and in the lives of
others?
What gifts are lacking in the church today?
What gift or gifts from the Lord have you seen in your own life?
Why do you think the Lord gives gifts to us?
How does realizing that you are guiltless before God impact the way you live?
Rewrite 1 Corinthians 1:10 in your own words.
Why do you think divisions happen in churches?
What can we do to prevent division in the church?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
1. Before the sermon this week, would you have said that you are living your life in "joyful dependence" on the Lord?
Or would you have said that you are living your life according to your will or desires?
If there is a little bit of both, share with the group in what ways that is the case.
2. What parts of God's will is harder for you to be obedient to?
Some of the points brought up in 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 are Church Authority, Sanctification, and
Community.
3. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all of God's Word is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and
for training up in righteousness.
How were you taught, rebuked, corrected, or trained up in righteousness from 1 Corinthians 1:1-3?
4. Define "apostle." Are there apostles today? In what ways are apostles different from shepherds?
How are they similar?
5. In what ways have you seen church authority used with wisdom, grace, and gentleness?
In what ways have you not seen that?
6. Define sanctification. Discuss the differences between "positional sanctification" and "progressive sanctification."
How are they different? Are they both Biblical?
7. Disunity and division is what each and every "local church" is prone to. In what ways do you feel
divided from some people in your local church or small group?
Have you done all you can to "live peaceably with everyone... as far as it depends on you?
(Rom. 12:18)."
8. Where in your life do you need God's blessing on grace and peace, specifically when it comes to
how you interact with other Christians?
9. What is God's will for your life? How do you need to submit to God's will rather than yours?
Sermon Questions 4/7/2024
1 Corinthians; Acts18
Read through 1 Corinthians in one sitting.
What are your general impressions?
Are there any parts that stand out to you?
What are some of the issues that Paul addresses?
What questions about 1 Corinthians do you have?
Why do you think some of the issues the church in Corinth had,
are relevant for us today?
What do you think it would have been like to live in Corinth in that day?
Define a healthy and unhealthy church.
What makes a healthy church”?
What makes an unhealthy church?
Why do you go to church?
What is the use of the church?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions 3/31/2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with our study this week;
Genesis 1-3; John 19:38-20:18; Romans 5:12-21; Colossians 1:21-23;
Romans 8:1; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:16-18; John 14:6.
What percentage of people have sinned?
Which “reversal” are you most thankful for and why? Life, Reconciliation, Approval, Truth
What are the implications of God’s reversal of “winter” for us?
Have you placed your confidence in Jesus Christ alone?
What does it mean to put your confidence in Jesus Christ alone?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this morning’s study?
Sermon Questions 3/24/2024
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 12:15-16;
Matthew 16:20; 2 Kings 9:13; Luke 23:20-21; Philippians 2; Hebrews 12;
Mark 2:1-12.
Compare the four accounts of Jesus “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem.
Which of the accounts resonates with you most and why?
What are some things we can learn about Jesus from his “triumphal entry?”
Select one of the gospels and read from Jesus’ “triumphal entry” to the end of t
hat gospel account.
Hebrews 12 tells us, “…who for the joy that set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
How do you think it possible for Jesus to have joy during the last week of his earthly life?
Define joy.
How can you have joy in the midst of terrible life circumstances?
Why did Jesus heal the paralytic in Mark 2:1-12?
What did Jesus demonstrate when he healed the paralytic?
Why do you think there were and are, such a missed expectations by some when it comes to Jesus?
Have you experienced missed expectations in your relationship with God? What were they and what have you learned?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions: 3/17/24
Here are some additional passages to consider as part of this week’s study:
Matthew 5-7; Psalm 37; Galatians 5 ; Read Matthew 5:1-12.
Sometimes, the Upside-Down Kingdom's characteristics (beatitudes) go against the cultural expectations of our own preconceived notions.
How does Jesus' description of his kingdom challenge our understanding of power, success, and righteousness?
In what ways have you experienced or observed the Upside-Down nature of Jesus' kingdom? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing these characteristics to bear in your life? How can you commit to living according to his values?
Mourning refers to feeling deep sadness over our own brokenness. This awareness leads to recognizing our need for God's grace and forgiveness.
What areas of your life have you experienced brokenness, and how have you seen God at work in those situations?
Being 'poor in spirit' means understanding our spiritual bankruptcy. It is our helplessness and inability to save ourselves. Our salvation is all the work of God. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually helpless? How can you rely on God in those situations?
Read Psalm 37:11. Meekness refers to trusting God, so you don’t have to worry, fret, or get angry at the actions of other people. How are the fruit of the spirt manifest in a person? How could the fruits of being meek (gentle, courteous, considerate, and slow to anger) help us love others more? How might this approach help change our families, societies, schools, etc?
We talked about the difference between being a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. A peacemaker brings wholeness to relationships and is willing to step into difficult situations. A peacekeeper avoids conflict rather than addressing issues. Are you more of a peacemaker or peacekeeper? What could you do to become more of a peacemaker in your relationships?
Which previously discussed beatitude do you feel God is asking you to grow in this week?
What is one thing you think God is speaking to you about from this week’s study?,
Sermon Questions 3//10/24
Matthew 4:12-17; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:12-20; Luke 4:14-44; Luke 5:1-11; Isaiah 53; Colossians 1:15-20, 22; Philippians 2:6-1Hebrews 1:3-4, 8-9; John 1:1-5; 9-14; Revelation 19:11-16
Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary individuals like fishermen to be his disciples? Can you think of a time when God used you or someone you know, despite being ordinary or imperfect, for his purpose?
Jesus renamed Simon to Peter (meaning rock), despite Peter's shortcomings, as an example of Jesus seeing potential in his disciples. How does the renaming of Simon to Peter highlight Jesus seeing potential in his disciples? What potential do you believe Jesus sees in you, even if you can't see it yourself?
Jesus chose a diverse group of individuals for his disciples, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary. How can we learn from the diversity among the disciples that Jesus intentionally chose? How can you prioritize your identity in Christ over other aspects of your life, and work towards breaking down barriers and embracing diversity?
In Luke 4:4-5, Simon initially doubted Jesus' command but obeyed and witnessed a miraculous catch. How does Simon's obedience to Jesus' command demonstrate trust? Are there any areas in your life where you struggle to trust and obey Jesus? How can you work on those areas?
What does living a life of radical discipleship, generosity, and sacrifice look like?
What specific steps can you take this week to live a more radical discipleship for Jesus?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions 3/3/24
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with our study;
Matthew 4:1-11; James 1:13-15; 1 Corinthians 2:8; 10:12-13; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Psalm 91:3-6; Isaiah 7:12; Deuteronomy 6:13, 32:8
What is your most tempting guilty pleasure?
What is the goal of temptation?
What is the goal of a trial?
What is the difference between a trial and temptation?
Why is this important and how does it help us in our spiritual lives?
When have you’ve faced a trial in your life, and how did it strengthen your faith?
The Bible says that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability. How does this truth impact our responsibility in resisting temptation?
Why is it important to take responsibility when we give into temptation and not blame God? How does taking responsibility help us resist future temptation?
What are some ways you can hold onto God's truth when faced with temptations in your own life?
Like Jesus, in what ways might the world offer us its 'kingdoms' today, and how can we stand firm in serving and worshiping God alone?
How does having the Holy Spirit living in us change our ability to face and overcome temptations?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's guidance or empowerment during moments of temptation or spiritual struggle?
What is one thing you believe God is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions 2/25/24
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Matthew 3; Mark 1:9-11, 14-15; Hebrews 1; Isaiah 66:1-2; Colossians 1:15-23.
*How would you have felt to see John baptizing people?
*Why do you think Jesus was baptized?
*Is there a part of Jesus baptism that stands out to you most?
*Compare and contrast the coronation of Jesus in Matthew 3 and Hebrews 1. How are they different, how are they similar?
*Of the groups who were aware of Jesus baptism, is there one that you identify with more than the others?
*Tell someone about your own baptism this week.
*What was significant about your own baptism?
*Who do you remember most being aware of your own baptism?
*What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions 1/28/24
What is your favorite account in the Bible when the Lord spoke to someone about doing something and the person did it?
What are some of the ways you hear from the Lord?
What are some things you have seen God do?
What are some things you are asking the Lord to do in your life?
What are some things in your life that the Lord has been doing recently?
Can you think of a time when you clearly heard the Lord speaking to you, and you acted in obedience to Him?
Can you think of a time when you clearly heard the Lord speaking to you, and you acted in disobedience to Him?
Are there currently some things the Lord has been speaking to you about doing? How are you responding to Him?
Sermon Questions 1/21/24
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with our study this week: Ecclesiastes; Psalm 19:7-10; Proverbs 9:10; Isaiah 5:20; Philippians 1:21
What is your view now of the book of Ecclesiastes? Has it been altered now that you have reached the end of this book?
What are some ways that you have seen Christianity become complicated?
What are some ways that you have made Christianity complicated?
Are there things that you need to change to uncomplicate your relationship with Jesus?
Pleasure, pain, perspective, preparation-which of these have made the biggest impression as you have read Ecclesiastes?
Do you approach the Bible expecting to be surprised?
When was the last time you submitted to what the Bible says even when you did not find it palatable?
What difference could it make to your life to realize that every duty you have toward someone else, you have toward God first?
What is one thing you think the Lord has been speaking to you about from our study in Ecclesiastes?
Sermon Questions 1/14/24
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study: Ecclesiastes 11-12:8; Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 6:25-34.
What year were you born and what are some of the changes and inventions that have come along since you were born?
How much of your time bank have you used up so far?
Based on the “average” of 77 years, how much is left?
Reflect on your life and attitude toward getting older. In what ways does Ecclesiastes challenge you?
What do you think it means to “remember your Creator”?
Why do you think the author calls growing older, “the evil days”?
Is your future shaping your present? How do you know?
Is it a new idea to you that God has commanded enjoyment of the things he has given us?
What changes could you make to your life to in how you spend the remaining time in your “time bank”?
If you are older, how can you rejoice in God’s gifts and be thankful for gifts past?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon questions 1/7/24
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study:
Ecclesiastes 10 & 11; Job 37:14-40:2; Job 40:3-5; Colossians 3:1-4;
What parts of creation are you most fascinated by or curious about?
What about God are you most curious about?
Can you related to Job’s response to the Lord after the Lord had questioned him in Job 38 & 39?
Rewrite Colossians 3:2 in your own words, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
What are the influences that have an effect on your primary vantage point for looking at life?
How much of your life is shaped by confident predictions about the future?
Why do you think some people have a preoccupation with what is to come?
Do you think you live with ambiguity well?
Do you shelter yourself from the fear of failure by having space only for the predictable in your life? Could you change this?
When was the last time you responded to someone close to you in a way that recognized that person as God’s gift to you?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon questions 12/31/23
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study: Ecclesiastes 1-9.
Have you made resolutions before? If so, what New Year’s Resolutions have you made that lasted the longest?
Why do you think it lasted, or didn’t last that long?
What are some of the things Ecclesiastes has taught us so far about how to live life?
Do you think you have a realistic perspective on life?
What has been the role of prayer, study, fasting, meditation, and service in your life?
In what ways would you like to grow in those habits?
What is one thing you believe God has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions 12/24/23
Here are some additional passages to consider as part of this week’s study:
Luke 1:1-4; Luke 2; John 2:1-12; 1 John 4:10; John 15:13; Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:7-12; Luke 12:48; John 19:26-27; Luke 24
Why do you think God has chosen to use angels at certain times to be His messengers to man?
Do you believe God still uses angels as messengers today?
How did God demonstrate love in the story of Jesus’ birth?
Were the angels the authors of their messages to people?
Which of the people in the story of Jesus’ birth can you identify with most? Why?
What is most amazing to you about the story of Jesus’ birth?
What is one way you could help communicate God’s love to people around you at this time of year?
What are some ways that you want to change when it comes to celebrating Christmas?
Of the four key words of Advent (hope, peace, joy, love) which is your favorite and why?
Why is Advent so important?
What is something new you have learned from the Christmas story?
What is one thing you think God has been speaking to you about this Advent season?
Sermon Questions 12/17/23
Try to imagine yourself in the fields with the shepherds in Luke 2. How does good news replace fear?
When was a time when you experienced uncontrollable joy?
Have you found that joy is an underlying current in your life that pops up when you see the work of God?
What other parts of the Christmas story depict joy?
Why do you think God has given us the gift of joy?
How is joy as an antidote to fear?
Is it possible to stifle joy?
What is one think you believe God has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sermon Questions 12/10/23
1. What did you long for when you were a kid at Christmas time? What are your favorite Christmas memories and/or traditions?
2. Advent—derived from Latin-“adventus” = coming/arrival. Advent season is a time of preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in his first coming (advent). How can you prepare your heart to celebrate and worship this Christmas season?
3. Read Romans 15:12-13. What does Paul say can be true of you? What is required for you to experience this reality?
4. Do you ever fight against depending on the Holy Spirit? Why? What typically happens when you fight against the Spirit and depending on Him?
5. What are some different Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled? Which ones amaze and encourage your faith the most and why?
6. What is peace? What is a biblical definition of peace?
7. When was a time in your life when the Lord flooded you with peace?
8. Is peace a promise for believers? Read Romans 5:1
9. Read Isaiah 9:6. What are the 4 descriptions of the prophesied Messiah? How do each one play themselves out in your day to day relationship with Jesus? Are you living with the awareness each day that He is each of these to you? If not, what needs to change?
10. Read Philippians 4:4-7. What is Paul's formula for experiencing the peace of God?
11. Read Matthew 11:28-30. What burden is heavy on your heart and mind? Will you give it to God? Who will you ask to pray with and for you?
Sunday, October 29, 2023 Sermon Questions:
1. What about David's psalm stood out to you this week? Key is to observe the text. What do you see from Psalm 62 that is confusing? Encouraging? Discuss these things.
2. What is David's intention with writing this psalm? Did Justin's sermon align well with what David's intentions were?
3. What current trial was David facing?
4. How does David face these trials?
5. What aspect of who God is and what God does did David repeat to himself?
6. What current trials, persecution, or discouragement are you facing currently?
7. What aspect of who God is and what God does did you need to be reminded of this week from this psalm?
8. What other person, place, thing, or idea do you run to instead of the Lord as your confidence/trust? Is it money? Status/Achievements?
9. David was confident that the Lord would deliver him from his enemies. What are you confident that the Lord will do for you?
10. What does Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension accomplish for us ultimately? Are you confident that this is true and trustworthy? How does this change the way you live today?
11. As a refresher from Justin's benediction, "What is your only comfort in life and in death?" (Read the answer to Question #1 of the Heidelberg Catechism from 1583 AD)
Sunday, October 22, 2023 Sermon Questions:
A great companion read this week would be, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Chapter 6. Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study; Ecclesiastes 3:16-22; 4:16; Mark 12:29-31, Philippians 2:1-11; Mark 7:31-37; Romans 8:18-30; 1 Timothy 6:10; Amos 4:1; Zechariah 7:9-10;
In what ways have you experience Jesus’ transformational power in your life?
Do you think it’s true that we spend most of our time thinking about ourselves?
What are the things that, in your worst moments, you envy in others?
Work out how much time you spend working last week and how much time you spent relaxing with others. Could you spend more or less time on each of those?
Who are the “we’s” whom you could start to think about more? Take time to list the practical differences this might make to those relationships.
How would you describe the value of being part of a church community?
What practical steps can you take to help prevent laziness or being overly busy? What might it look like for you to take the middle road?
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, October 15, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
Ecclesiastes 3; Ecclesiastes 12; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20; John 4:24; 2 Peter 3:1-12; Isaiah 57:15; Psalm 90:2, 10; Psalm 93:2; Mark 11:12-14,20-21; Luke 19:45; Matthew 16:15-18; John 11:35, 38; Luke 19:41-44; Matthew 9:36; Luke 10:21; Matthew 27:14; Acts 8:32; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:21-23; Psalm 46:9; Romans 8:20-21; Psalm 34:1; Psalm 31:14,15; Hebrews 9:27; Ephesians 5:16; Romans 5:6.
What has been your perspective when it comes to time?
Describe how God views time.
What are some of the ways we can see God’s perfect timing?
Have you ever been frustrated by God’s timing? Why?
Are there ways that you “waste time”?
Are you willing to put your time in God’s hands?
What things do you seek to control? What might it look like to surrender control?
How could you have a wiser perspective on your time?
In what ways has God put eternity in your heart?
Rewrite Ecclesiastes 3:22 in your own words.
What are some of the conclusions that Ecclesiastes 3 comes to?
Sunday, October 1, 2023 Questions
Read the entire book of Ecclesiastes this week.
What are your overall impressions of the book of Ecclesiastes?
Does Ecclesiastes encourage you or discourage you and why?
Explain the meaning of “vanity” in Ecclesiastes in your own words.
What are some other passages of scripture that line up with the wisdom of Ecclesiastes?
What are some of Jesus’ teaching that line up with Ecclesiastes?
What is it about the author of Ecclesiastes that gives him credibility?
Are there things in the book of Ecclesiastes that you have personally seen to be true in your life?
Why do you think God gave us the book of Ecclesiastes?
Do you agree or disagree with the statement, “Preach the gospel. Die. Be forgotten?” Explain your answer.
List three things you would like to change about your life and three things you would like to stay the same.
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, September 24, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Psalm 86:15; Lamentations 3:22-23; John 11:33-35; Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:40-41; Matthew 22:34-40; 1 John 3:17; 1 John 4:20; Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:30-44; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 10:25-37; John 4.
What are some of the stories when Jesus demonstrated compassion?
What are some of the Old Testament stories that demonstrate God’s compassion?
Which story of Jesus demonstrating compassion can you identify with most and why?
Can you think of a time when you were moved by a wave of compassion? What did you do?
Have you ever received compassion from another person? How did it feel?
How can we understand the truth of God’s judgement and compassion at the same time?
Which person in the story of the Good Samaritan can you identify with most and why?
Do you think Jesus demonstrate compassion to the Samaritan woman? How?
Is it possible to be ready for “waves of compassion?”
How should we respond to “waves of compassion” that we experience?
What is one thing you believe God has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023 QUESTIONS
Here are some additional passages to consider along with this week’s study;
Matthew 24; Revelation 19:11-16; Titus 2:13; Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:7; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:11; I John 2:22; Mark 13:22; 1 John 4:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13; Daniel 7:8; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Revelation 20:2-5; Luke 12:40; Mark 13.
Are you looking forward to the return of Christ?
How should we respond to Jesus’ words, “this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come?
How should Christians respond to coming tribulation?
How should Christians respond to “antichrists” and “the Antichrist”?
Why do you think it’s so easy to speculate about the timing of the return of Christ?
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not know”?
How can we be ready for the return of Christ?
What does knowing about Christ’s return motivate you to do?
How does knowing about the return of Christ create a sense of urgency for Christians?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2023 QUESTIONS
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study:
John 20:28; Acts 2:14-41; Acts 10:34-43; Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 8:1-13; Matthew 28:18; Luke 6:5; Jude 1:4; Revelation 17:14; Luke 19:28-40; John 13:13; Psalm 34:8; 1 Peter 2:1-3; Isaiah 8:13; 1 Peter 3:13-17; John 13:12-20; Luke 6:46-49; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Acts 16:25-40; Philippians 2:9-11.
What did Jesus say someone is like who hears his words and obeys them?
What did Jesus say someone is like who hears his words and does not obey them?
Why do you think Jesus used this word picture to describe those who obey and those who choose not to obey him?
Have you seen this word picture manifest in anyone’s life?
What are the benefits of submitting to the Lordship of Jesus?
What is the disadvantage of submitting to the Lordship of Jesus?
What is an area of your life that Jesus has spoken to you about that you have chosen not to obey him?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023 QUESTIONS
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study:
John 5:20-23; John 3:16; John 9:39; John 12:31-33; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Ephesians 1:13-14; Luke 19:12-27; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Matthew 25:31-46.
What are some descriptive passages in the Bible?
What are some prescriptive passages in the Bible?
How does a person become a Christian?
Who does the Bible say is the ultimate judge?
When you contrast Jesus as our shepherd and judge, which do you appreciate more and why?
How should Christians feel about the Bema Seat of Christ?
How can non-Christians feel about the Bema Seat of Christ?
What can we learn from the “Great White Throne of Judgement” for Christians and for non-Christians?
Why do you think that even though we know Jesus is judge, many people still choose not to follow Him?
How does the “Sheep & Goats judgement” impact your thinking?
What happens in the heart of a Christian when they come to know Jesus?
What are we ultimately judged for?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, August 13, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study;
John 15; Matthew 20:1-7; 21:28; Mark 12:1-11; Luke 13:6-7; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 5:14; Philippians 1:1; Romans 8:1; Colossians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
What did we say was the context of the narrative in John 15?
What does Jesus call Himself and what does He call God the Father in John 15?
What is the significance of using those names?
What are some other passages of scripture that refer to the vine, or vineyards in the Bible?
What do you think it means to be connected to the vine?
In John 15, Jesus uses the words “in me” five times in seven verses. What do you think is the significance of these words?
How would you describe “abiding in Christ”?
What are some things that we can do without Christ?
What are some things that we can do when we are in Christ?
How do we prove that we are Jesus’ disciples?
Describe the joy that Jesus has said he has given to you.
How would you tell someone how to become a Christian?
What did Jesus say would be the world’s response to Christians? Have you seen that?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, August 6, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study:
-John 13; John 14; Hebrews 11: 13-16; Hebrews 13:14; Colossians 3; Ephesians 2; Acts 17:22-31
What was the setting when Jesus spoke the words of John 14?
Describe a time when your heart was “troubled.” What caused it and how did you get through it?
If you could live anywhere, where would you like to live and why?
How do you think we can we be “seated with Christ in heavenly places” now, while we are still alive on this earth?
What kind of place did Jesus say he was preparing for us?
What do you think heaven will be like?
What are you looking forward to most about heaven?
What are you looking forward to most about being with Christ?
How do we set our mind on things above, not on earth?
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “I am the way?”
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “I am the truth?”
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “I am the life?”
What is the connection between Jesus and the Father?
What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father?”
What can we learn about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, from John 14?
What is the way to know God the Father?
What is one thing you think the Lord has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, July 30, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider along with this week’s study:
John 10, Psalm 23
Compare and contrast Psalm 23 & John 10.
What can we learn about David from Psalm 23?
What are your favorite things about the Good Shepherd from Psalm 23 & John 10?
What can we learn about ourselves from Psalm 23 & John 10?
Why do you think there was division about Jesus’ words (John 10:19)?
How severe was this division?
Do you think Jesus’ words today create division?
Who did Jesus say do not believe him?
What is significant about Jesus’ statement that no one takes his life from him, but he lays it down?
What did Jesus say he gives to his sheep?
How do you hear the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Why is significant about Jesus’s statement that “I and the Father are one”?
What can we learn about the relationship between the Father and Jesus from John 10?
What do you think is the difference between John 10:26 & John 10:42?
Why do you think one group believed and one group did not?
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, July 9, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider for this week’s study:
Here are some additional passages to consider with this week’s study;
John 1:5; John 3:16-20; John 6:37; John 8:12; 1 John 1:5-7; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 1:15-20
Why do you think God chose to use “light” and “dark” as an illustration for us?
Where are the places in the Bible that talk about light and dark?
What is the significance of Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world”?
What are the implications of Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world”?
What is significant about Jesus saying, “You are the light of the world”?
What are the implications of Jesus saying, “You are the light of the world”?
What realities and promises did we talk about that Jesus made about His followers and walking in the light?
How is it possible for us to reflect the Light of Life?
What is the contrast between believers and unbelievers when it comes to the light?
Describe someone who is walking in darkness.
Who do you know who is walking in darkness?
How can you bring light to someone who is walking in darkness?
As a follower of Christ, how do you maintain a credible and obvious witness to the world?
Memorize Colossians 1:15-20.
What is one thing you think the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, June 25, 2023 Questions
Who has been a model to you of an unashamed evangelist who passionately shares the Good News?
What is the Good News? How would you communicate the Gospel to someone who has never heard?
Is the Gospel reliable? How can we trust that it is true?
What are some things that hold believers back from telling others about this Great News?
Who in your life needs to hear the Good News? Will you share it with them?
Does the Good News of Christ produce joy in your life? What other fleeting competitors seek to be the foundation of your joy?
How can you exalt the Lord with your life this week?
Sunday, June 18, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages to consider from this week’s study:
John 17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; Genesis 1:26-27; John 10:30; John 8:58; John 10:30; John 1:14; John 4:6; John 11:43; Matthew 14:18-21; Luke 1:35; John 1; Hebrews 2:17; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 1:27; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 2:14-19; Luke 2; Luke 4:22; John 1:45; John 6:42; Luke 3:23; Matthew 13:55; John 19:26-27.
What does infallible mean?
Is God’s Word perfect?
How many genders did God create? Is that changeable over time?
Why does God refer to Himself as Male? Why is that important?
What happens when we listen to culture, politics or preference over God’s Word?
What is the hypostatic union and why is it important?
Do you think Jesus was less God and more man, or more God and less man?
What does it mean that Jesus is the Son of God?
Why is the virgin birth of Jesus Christ so important?
What are some things we know about Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph? Why that important?
What are some things you appreciate about your own earthly father?
How does having a Heavenly Father help bring healing to hurts you may have from your earthly father?
What are some things we can learn about the relationship between God the Father and the Son from John 17?
What is one thing you believe God is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, June 4, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages to consider from this week’s study:
Hosea 4:6; Joel 2:12; 2:32; Amos 5:21; Obadiah 1:4; Jonah 3:6-10; Micah 6:8; Nahum 1:2-3; Habakkuk 3:2; Zephaniah 3:17; Haggai 1:5-6; Zechariah 9:9; Malachi 3:7
Memorize the order of the Minor Prophets
Read through the minor prophets and identify a major theme in each of them, then write it on the top of the title page of each book.
What do the Minor Prophets teach us about justice?
What do the Minor Prophets teach us about joy?
What do the Minor Prophets teach us about sovereignty?
What do the Minor Prophets teach us about hope?
Which of the Minor Prophets do you identify with the most and why?
Which of the Minor Prophets do you have the most questions about? How do you plan to get answers to your questions?
How would you tell someone who doesn’t know the Lord about the Minor Prophets?
What New Testament passages do you know that carry the same message of each of the Minor Prophets?
Define Christology in your own words.
What is one thing you believe the Lord has been speaking to you about from our study in the Minor prophets?
Sunday, May 28, 2023 Questions
1. Read through the Pentecost Story (Acts 2) and reflect on what it means that the Spirit of God is in you. What is his role in your life?
2. The Spirit of God in the early church caused them to devote themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to breaking of bread, and to prayer. He also caused them to stand in awe of God. Where is your heart currently when it comes to the Lord? Are you in awe of the Lord?
3. The key verse of Malachi that Pastor Justin chose was Malachi 1:11. Does God seem selfish to you when he talks of his name being magnified so often? Why is it for our good that God is glorified?
4. Why does God use the story of Jacob and Esau to explain to his people that he loves them?
5. What does the story of Jacob and Esau teach you about God's sovereign reign?
6. Is the verse, "he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills" hard for you to believe? Why? (Romans 9:18)
7. Pastor Justin said time is one of the most valuable resources that we have and it is so hard for us to sacrifice at times. What, for you, is an expensive resource that is hard for you to sacrifice for the Lord?
8. Discuss a leader that has really blessed you in your walk with Jesus and a leader who has hurt your walk with Jesus. Don't use names, but describe.
9. Hebrews 13 says that marriage ought to be held in honor among all. How have your thoughts, words, or actions shown your high regard for marriage? How can you teach the next generation to hold marriage in honor?
10. How does the use of your financial resources show your fear of the Lord?
Homework: Watch the Bible Project Malachi video and read the entire book
Sunday, May 21, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider for this week’s study:
2 Corinthians 5-6:1; Psalm 34:17-20; Psalm 42:5-7; Psalm 62:5-8; Psalm 40:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:19; Joshua 1; Romans 5:12-21.
Why was Zechariah’s audience discouraged?
How did we define discouragement?
How could Zechariah’s prophesy have been an encouragement to the people?
When were some other times that God’s chosen people were discouraged?
Which decade in American history do you think has been the most discouraging?
What does the Bible say about how to handle discouragement?
What did Paul say about discouragement and hope?
What can we learn from the Lord’s charge against the people in chapter 7:8-12?
What can we learn about Christ’s seconding coming from chapters 9-14?
Does “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5) fit into the book of Zechariah?
How would you explain, “Return to me says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you says the Lord of hosts,” to a friend or someone who knows the Lord, but has wandered, or run away from their faith?
How can the book of Zechariah bring someone hope?
How do you see the book of Zechariah fitting in with the other minor prophets? With the rest of the Bible?
What’s one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Homework: Read Malachi
Sunday, May 14, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider for this week’s study:
John 15:1-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; James 1:5; Psalm 104; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 18:2; Matthew 4:1-11; Daniel 3; Philippians 4:6; Acts 17:10-15; Psalm 85:8-9; Exodus 2:1-10; Daniel 6; 1 Sam. 17; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Matt. 6; 1 Pet. 5:6-11; Matt. 18:1-6.
Of the six disciplines we talked about, which do you find most difficult to model for your kids, or others, and why? Prayer/Honoring the Bible/Doing right/Being a living sacrifice/Abiding in Christ/Refusing to worry.
What are some ways you can model those to your kids and others?
How has your prayer life grown since you came to know Jesus?
What are some memorable answers to prayer you have seen?
What are some unanswered prayers you are living with?
In what ways do you honor God’s Word?
What role does time meditating on God’s Word play in your life?
What is your “life verse”?
Are you growing in your understanding of the overall theme of the Bible?
Do you find yourself walking with certainty to doing the “right thing,” or do you question yourself?
What does it means to be a living sacrifice before the Lord and among those around you?
How does Jesus’ words about the vine and the branches help us understand what it means to be “in Christ”?
Can you see fruit in your life that Jesus is producing?
How much power does worry have in your daily life? Why is that?
What can you do to change the patterns of worry in your life?
Homework: Read Zechariah
Sunday, May 7, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider for this week’s study:
Haggai; Ephesians 4:17-6:24; Matthew 6:25-34; Exodus 20; Ezra 4-5:5; 1 Cor. 3:10-17
Which part of Haggai’s prophesy do you relate to most closely?
How does Haggai’s prophesy fit in with the other prophets we have studied so far?
What can we learn from Haggai’s prophesy?
What is the value of worry?
Where do you land on the worry scale? Where would a close friend put you on the scale?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
“Constant up all night Worrier” “Free as a Bird”
What did Jesus say about God’s daily provision for you?
What are some ways that you “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?”
What are some ways that selfishness shows up in your life?
How do you think you build on the foundation of Jesus Christ?
Have you ever felt that you have missed God’s blessing because of your actions?
Why do some people seem to wait until they face difficulty before they “consider their ways”?
How do you best “consider your ways”?
Are there priorities in your life that need to be rearranged? If so, what are they & what do you need to change?
What is one thing you think God may be speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Homework:
- Read Zephaniah
Sunday, April 30, 2023 Questions
-What part of this prophecy stood out to you?
-What did you learn from the prophecy of Zephaniah?
-What questions do you still have when it comes to this prophecy?
-What does this prophecy teach you about the Lord?
-How does this prophecy help you love the Lord better?
-What does this prophecy teach you about humanity?
-How does this prophecy help you love people better?
-Reflect on a time when your pride was humiliated, and you were brought to the feet of Jesus in prayer and worship? How did God’s grace meet you there?
Homework:
- Read Haggai
Sunday, April 23, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages to consider this week:
Habakkuk; John 1:14-34; Acts 4:23-30; Romans 8:26-30; Job 1&2; Job 21:7; Job 38-40:2; Job 42; Jeremiah 12:1-2; Psalm 73:3, 13; Psalm 37:1-7; Isaiah 44:28; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9-15; Matthew 5:45; Genesis 50:15-21; John 3:36; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 2:16; Romans 5:19
-What can we learn from Luke’s & Paul’s words in Acts & Romans about evil in the world?
-What can we learn about evil in the world from Joseph’s response to his brothers in Genesis?
-What can we learn from Habakkuk’s resume?
-What can we learn about evil from Job’s life?
-State the “problem of evil” in your own words.
-In what ways are the messages of the prophets and psalmists an encouragement to you?
-When it comes to evil around us, have you ever expressed the same sentiments to God that Habakkuk had?
-What are some things, both good and bad, that we can learn from Habakkuk’s relationship to the Lord?
-What can Nahum & Habakkuk’s prophesies teach us about the “problem of evil”?
-How does the crucifixion of Christ help us understand the “problem of evil”?
-How can you talk to someone who doesn’t know Jesus about the “problem of evil”?
-What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages to consider this week:
Nahum; Exodus 34:6-7; Isaiah 10, 14 & 52; Colossians 1:16; Psalm 115; Romans 11:33-36; Isaiah 25; Ephesian 1:4-6; Jeremiah 32:17; Psalm 121; Matthew 19:26; Proverbs 19:21; Acts 5:33-42; James 4:13-17; 1 Chronicles 16:28-36; Revelation 4.
What are your impressions of God from the book of Nahum?
Was God caught off guard by the Assyrians and their actions?
What do you think God thinks about as man’s actions unfold?
Israel had a terrible pattern of unbelief, did not trust God, did not love God and did not follow God. Does this pattern seem to be sequential or random, and have you ever experienced a similar pattern in your life? What happened?
What was the cause for Israel’s unbelief?
Why do you think as humans we have such a strong “need to know”?
When you listen to the news, are there times when you doubt that God is in control?
How could you talk to an unbeliever about God’s sovereignty in light of evil?
Is it easy or hard for you to believe that God is in control of all things yet at the same time Nineveh being responsible for their actions?
Why do proud and arrogant people not like it when God is control?
What does that say about how God feels about pride and arrogance?
In what ways does the sovereignty of God bring comfort to you?
In what ways is the sovereignty of God unsettling to you?
What is one thing you think God has been speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Homework:
Read Habakkuk
Sunday, April 9, 2023 Questions (Easter)
Here are some additional passages of scripture to consider this week:
Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20 & 21;
Compare the Old Testament prophesies and New Testament fulfillment of Jesus as Messiah in the following passages; Isaiah 8:14 & I Peter 2:7-8; Isaiah 53:3 & Luke 4:28-29; Exodus 12:21-27 & 1 Corinthians 5:7; Exodus 12:46 & John 19:31-36; Leviticus 17:11& Matthew 26:28; Numbers 21:9 & John 3:14-18; Job 19:23-27 & John 5:24-29; Psalm 22:15 & John 19:28; Psalm 22:18 & John 19:23-24; Psalm 31:5 & Luke 23:46; Isaiah 25:7-8 & 1 Corinthians 15:54
Compare and contrast the four gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection.
Which of the gospel accounts do you like most? Why?
Try to imagine yourself at the resurrection of Jesus. What emotions do you think you would have felt? Why those emotions?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus so important?
Why is celebrating the resurrection so important?
Have there been things about Jesus that you once believed, then later discovered they were not true? What were they and what changed your mind about them?
What do you appreciate most about Jesus’ resurrection?
What is one thing you believe the Lord is speaking to you about this Easter Sunday?
Homework:
Read Nahum
Sunday, April 2, 2023 Questions
Here are some additional passages to consider this week:
Choose one of the following accounts to read through this week, if are able compare and contrast two or more of them;
Matthew 21-27; Mark 11-15; Luke 19-23; John 12-19
-How do you think the disciples felt to be asked by Jesus to go and get the donkey for him to ride?
-How do you think it would have felt to be told that “the Lord” needed your donkey?
-How would you have felt to be in the crowd watching Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey?
-Who in the crowd watching Jesus come into Jerusalem can you identify with most?
-What parts of the Passion Week are puzzling to you?
-What parts of the Passion Week can you identify with the most?
-What parts of the Passion Week are you most grateful for?
-Of the people that Jesus encountered during the Passion Week, who can you identify with most?
-How would you describe the difference between what you know about Jesus, compared how well you know Jesus?
-What is one thing you think God is speaking to you about from this week’s study?
Homework:
-Read Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21