Ridge Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Ridge Church
SCRIPTURE:Philippians 3:12 - 16 CONVERSATIONS
What is something that you became excellent at -- whether big or small? How did you become so good at it? Why did you choose to become good at that particular thing? In your mind, how would you define what it looks like to be spiritually healthy and vibrant? Read Philippians 3:12.Spiritual maturity is the result of the accumulation of a lot of little (sometimes seemingly mundane) practices over time. What kinds of practices would those be? What does Paul mean when he says, I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own? How does that apply to us? Read Philippians 3:13 - 14.What are some things that Christians need to jettison from their life in order to continue to grow spiritually?Dallas Willard said: Grace is not opposed to effort, but to earning. What does that mean? Is it wrong to work at knowing Jesus more deeply? If we are to work at knowing Jesus more deeply, what does that look like? Read Philippians 3:15 - 16Why does Paul say that those who think this way are mature?If we are struggling or stalled in our spiritual growth, what does it mean to hold true to what we have attained? (v. 16)
DISCIPLESHIP FOR COMMUNITY - JUNE 27TH, 2021
SCRIPTURE:Philippians 3:8 - 11 CONVERSATIONS
Read Psalm 63:1. What does it mean to know God (as opposed to knowing a lot about God or being right with God or doing things for God)? Read Philippians 3:8.
Has it ever cost you something to identify as a follower of Jesus? If so, what did it cost you? If it hasnt cost you much -- and for many of us it hasnt cost us much -- should we be concerned about the fact that it hasnt really cost us much? Why or why not?
Read Philippians 3:10.
What does it mean to know the power of Jesus resurrection?
Read Romans 8:11.
What implication does Jesus resurrection have for this life that we are living right now?How does Jesus resurrection and the new creation that it points to, give us strength and confidence in the present? Have you ever experienced significant suffering or stress alongside someone else? Did it draw you together or push you apart? How does sharing in the sufferings of Jesus help us know Jesus more? How does dying to yourself lead to a closer relationship with Jesus?As you look back on the history of your relationship with Jesus, when were you closest to Jesus? What was it about that time that caused your relationship to be so strong?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP for JUNE 20TH, 2021
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:1 - 7 CONVERSATIONS
Read Matthew 23:1 - 5 . Pastor Dan explained that Jesus + _______ creates a burden that we find hard to bear. What is it that you are tempted to add to faith in Jesus in order to feel that you are doing enough to earn Jesus approval? Tim Keller says: It is not the strength of your faith, but the object of your faith that actually saves you. What does he mean by that? If that is the case, how much faith should we have? Read Philippians 3:7. Are there things or have their been things that you have done in the past -- thinking that you were earning Gods love and grace -- that now you would consider to be wasted? Brennan Manning writes: My deepest awareness of myself is that I am deeply loved by Jesus Christ and I have done nothing to earn or deserve it. Why is a proper understanding of grace so important? What kinds of problems happen if we misunderstand what grace is all about?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP DISCUSSION for JUNE 13th
SCRIPTURE: Philippians 2:19-30 CONVERSATIONS
Who are your favorite authors, leaders, or theologians (past or present) that have encouraged your faith in Jesus? What do you look for in a Christian leader? What character traits, experience, or other factors matter for someone in leadership to have? Do you feel like your life has clarity of purpose? What is it? If ongoing learning is a part of the life of a follower of Jesus, how do you continue to grow in your understanding of who Jesus is and what that means for our lives? What do you wish you did or want to try for this kind of growth? Who is someone you know that is an amazing, incredible, everyday Christian - even if it is behind the scenes?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP CONVERSATIONS for JUNE 6th
CONVERSATIONS
Our salvation is much broader than just giving our life to follow Jesus. It involves justification, sanctification and glorification -- a beginning, middle and end. How would you define each of those ideas in simple, everyday language? Read Philippians 2:12 - 13. Explain in your own words how verse 12 fits together with verse 13. Given your personality, is your tendency more towards the working part (v. 12) or the trusting God to work part (v. 13)? What is the danger of taking either of those aspects too far? Tell of a time when your spiritual growth felt stalled. Why do you think that happened? What did or what might help you begin to grow spiritually again? Read Philippians 2:14 - 15. Why is complaining so attractive to us? What are we really saying about God when we complain about what He has (or hasnt) done in our life? How does complaining damage relationships with others in the church? Read Philippians 1:6. God is at work in our lives. What is one action or idea that you should pursue in light of the words of Philippians 2:12 - 18?
Community Discipleship for May 30th, 2021
CONVERSATIONS
Read Philippians 2:5 - 6.
Has there ever been someone in your life that lorded their position authority over you? How did that affect you?
Read Philippians 2:7
What does it mean that Jesus emptied himself? If we are to imitate Jesus, how does the emptying of ourselves become the ultimate guardrail in life for not taking advantage of our positions, power or privileges?
Read Mark 10:45
Jesus came not to serve but to be served. Where in your life (home, work, school, neighborhood, friends, etc.) do you find it easiest to be a servant to others? Why? Where in your life (home, work, school, neighborhood, friends, etc.) do you find it most difficult to be a servant to others? Why? How is the Christian view of humility different from the worlds view?
In the book The Ideal Team Player author Patrick Lencioni lists three key attributes of a leader: Humble / Hungry (i.e. motivated) / Smart.
Which do you think the world says is the most important and why? Lenconi determines that humility is the most important attribute for a leader. Why do you think that is the case?
Read Phillipians 2:8
How would you explain to a non believer why Jesus had to take on human form? How would you explain to a non believer why it was necessary for the God of the universe to die on a cross?
Read James 4:10
Where have you seen this to be the case in the lives of others? Humbling ourselves is not easy. Where or how do you find the strength to do this in your life?
COMMUNITY DICIPLESHIP for MAY 23rd, 2021
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS
Have you ever had a time that you really struggled to be part of Ridge Church (or another church)? What made you stand firm? In verse 1, the Apostle Paul speaks of the work of Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit in someones life as being foundational for unity within the church.
Is the work of God in someones life enough of a foundation for unity within the church or does unity depend on more? Why or why not?
In verse 1 the Apostle Paul also speaks of the importance of affection and sympathy when it comes to unity in the church.
Who is the most unlikely person that you have developed a genuine relationship with (affection) because of what Jesus has done in your life? How can we develop sympathy for the position of someone that we disagree with if we arent able to know their story? How would you describe or define "emotional intelligence"?How do you think emotional intelligence is created or developed?
In verse 3 Paul speaks of having the humility to count others as more significant than yourself.When you think of humility who comes to mind?
How do you think humility gets developed? What does counting others more significant than yourself actually look like in a practical sense?Where do you see rivalry pop up? How do you prevent rivalries or heal them?How does comparing yourself to others lead to disunity in the church?
How does a church feel when there is unity verses when there is disunity? Why is unity so vital and valuable in the church?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP for MAY 16th
CONVERSATIONS
What is the difference between persecution and pressure? Where have you felt pressure to conform or compromise to the culture (ie. at work, family, etc.)? Paul says that we are to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel. (v. 27)
In a post-Christian culture, why is this more important than ever? Have you witnessed a Christian who was not living in a manner worthy of the Gospel and how did that affect you or others?
Paul calls on us to stand firm in one spirit. (v. 27)What does this mean?
Where or how did you learn the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith? Which of those foundational beliefs would you find hard to articulate and explain to others? In light of this command to stand firm in one spirit, how should we think about the theological differences that we have between us?
Standing firm in one spirit calls us to lean into the next generation.
Who in your life supported you in following Jesus as a young adult or new believer and what did that look like? What do you think are the biggest questions and struggles that the next generation is wrestling with? Who in your life do you have an opportunity to lean in on and help them to stand firm? What could that look like? Do you find that exciting or intimidating?
Paul says that we are not to be frightened in anything by our opponents. (v. 28)
How does a biblical understanding of the future (heaven) help us not to be fearful in the present? (see vv. Philippians 1:21 - 24) Would you say that you have a good understanding of heaven? Why or why not?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP FOR MAY 9TH
CONVERSATIONS
Do you think being a disciple is the same thing as being a Christian?
Whats the difference? Should every Christian be a disciple?
When you look at the near future (the next 6 months to a year) what kinds of feelings, questions, or fears do you have...
...for you personally? for us as the church?
Read Phil 1:21-23.
Paul writes that [his] desire is to depart.Can you relate to Pauls sense of tiredness?What do you tend to do when you feel tired in your discipleship? What has helped you feel refreshment? Do you think it is getting harder to be a Christian in our culture? Where have you felt that pressure in your own life?Do you find following Jesus to be simple? Why or why not?
How has following Jesus given you purpose in your life?
John Stott writes that The mark of a justified believer is JOY. Would you agree or disagree with this statement?Is your faith marked by joy? How do you experience joy, and how do you think God could use that for your progress in the faith?
Discipleship for Communities May 2nd, 2021
SCRIPTURE: Read Philippians 1:12 - 18 CONVERSATIONS
What has been the biggest disappointment of "plans" changing that you have experienced this past year? Do you have an example of someone you have watched follow Jesus through disappointment or suffering?What did you notice or learn, from watching them?How did their faithfulness impact you? Are disappointments and suffering something that we should embrace as followers of Jesus or try to avoid if at all possible? Why?In what ways is suffering and disappointment valuable and even important in your discipleship to Jesus? Read Hebrews 4:14 - 1 6.When you consider the temptations and sufferings of Christ, how does it change the way you view your own suffering? What does it mean in v. 14, that Jesus is our great high priest?What does it mean to hold fast our confession (v. 14)?Do you find it hard to invite people into your disappointments and suffering? Why or why not?What is the value of inviting someone into your suffering?What are the dangers of inviting someone into your suffering?If there was a time that you did, what was the result?
DISCIPLESHIP in COMMUNITY for APRIL 25th, 2021
CONVERSATIONS In Philippians 1:5 Paul thanks the Philippian church for their partnership in the gospel. The word word translated partnership is the Greek word for fellowship.
What is a fellowship in this context? (A fellowship is a group of deeply devoted friends whose friendship has flourished through the pursuit of a common cause or goal.) How is that definition different from the common understanding of fellowship that most Christians have? What are the benefits and costs of being part of a fellowship?The opposite of being part of a fellowship is to approach Christianity from a consumer mindset. What does it mean to have a consumer mindset when it comes to following Jesus? What are the benefits and costs of this approach to following Jesus.
Read Philippians 1:7 and 29 - 30.
How can suffering be perceived as experiencing grace?How does suffering together produce strong, deep friendships? Do you have a personal example from your life?
Read Philippians 1:6.
Why is this important for a church that is on mission to be reminded of this verse?
Read Philippians 1:9 - 11. Pauls prayer for the Philippians was they would love more, know Jesus more and gain more wisdom -- in other words that they would continue to grow spiritually.
What are some things that would slow or stop someones spiritual growth? How could a person jumpstart their spiritual growth if they dont feel like it even though they know that they should? What would it look like to pray for the spiritual growth of the people in your world that are important to you? Recently we have been encouraging you to adopt a new practice, whats a practice youve tried that has brought new growth in your life? (If you arent sure - whats a practice youd want to try?) Rd Philippians: 10-11 What happens if we are not maturing?
DISCIPLESHIP FOR APRIL 18th 2021
CONVERSATIONS
Phillipians is a letter to the church in Philippi calling them to grow and mature in their faith.
What was the season in your life where you really grew in your faith?
When in your life were there seasons of spiritual withering? What caused that?
Review the story of the founding of the church in Philippi (see Acts 16: 11-35)
We see here how people came to faith in different ways (intellectual engagement, the power of God and watching someone live out their faith). When you think of how you came to faith, which way was most like yours?
Like Philippi, our church is surrounded by many shifts in culture. What are some of those changes in our post Christian culture that are most noticeable to you? How do they influence us / affect our faith?
Read Philippians 2:17 4:9
What does it look like to imitate someone who is following Jesus?
Can you give examples of times when you have imitated someone who is following Jesus? What did that look like?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP for APRIL 11th
SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:50 - 24:12 What stands out to you? What do you see or hear? CONVERSATIONS
Has following Jesus always been what you expected it to be like? How is following Jesus different for you now then it was when you first came to faith in him? Have there been times when you questioned if following Jesus was the right direction for you? What caused you to question following him? What kept you following him? Read 1 Corinthians 15:12 - 21. If Jesus death on the cross atoned for our sins why is the resurrection so important? What difference does it make if we see all of life through the lens of the resurrection? When we look at Luke 24 we see three responses to the empty tomb - believer, skeptic and seeker. Of the skeptics that you know, what do you think is their greatest hang up regarding Jesus? Do you know any seekers? If so, is there something that God is calling to you to do to help them in their journey to know Jesus? During the service, we saw folks from our church family sharing about how following Jesus has changed the direction of their life. How long have you followed Jesus? If you look back over that time, would you say that it was worth it? Why or why not?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP for APRIL 4th, 2021
CONVERSATIONS
A paradox is a seemingly contradictory statement that is actually true, what are some examples you can think of? In the sermon, Pastor Dan referred to the paradoxes of Jesus discuss them:
He is powerful (storms /demons) but _______ He is glorious (transfiguration) but _______ He is full of grace (wont throw a stone but ______ He is fully God (Holy without sin) but _______ He is the Lion but the ______ He is coming to rule but also to _____
We see in the scriptures that the people had expectations of what and who Jesus would be. What are some expectations we have on God? (ie. a good job).What do we do when our expectations are not met? Because Jesus came to both SAVE and RULE we often only want of him. Discuss how we can want to be saved from but not ruled in these areas of our lives:RelationshipsFinancesWorkTime CS Lewis said you dont have a soul, you are a soul. You have a body. We can often see ourselves as the opposite, a body with a soul and so we focus on what is happening outside of ourselves (our circumstances). With this in mind what expectations do we have of Jesus? Where is it that we need to change our expectations of Him?
COMMUNITY DISCIPLESHIP - FOR MARCH 28th, 2021
CONNECTION:
What was the best vacation you have ever had? What was the most disappointing destination/vacation you have experienced? Where would you like to travel or visit first when COVID is over?
PRAISE PRAYER Everyone shares praise for what where you have seen God at work this week, including answers to prayer from the previous week. OPEN YOUR BIBLES TOGETHER Read Galatians 5:23-24 Read Exodus 34:5-7 Read Hebrews 12:1-3 CONVERSATIONS:
What do you see or what do you hear in those passages? How would you explain "faith" or "faithfulness" to someone who asked you? Everyone shares about someone in your life who has exemplified "faithfulness" (who were they to you, what are they like, and how specifically do you see the fruit of faith in them?)
Read Matthew 23:5-12
Where in the world do you see hypocrisy/compromise? Over the last year, are there any areas where you've "compromised" in your faith? What has that looked and felt like?
Read Romans 12:1-2
Where do you find faith most challenging (submission to the Bible? Christian ethics? failure of leaders? of following Jesus? somewhere else?) What can help us reorient our heart towards Christ as the "Author and perfecter" of faith this week?PRACTICE: (suggestions)
JOURNAL: take 10-15 mins each day to write and reflect where you felt faithful or faithless. CONFESSION: with a spouse or close friend, engage in a conversation where you are struggling in your faith and ask them to pray with and for you. Take the next week to read through the Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) during your devotional time.(For deeper reflection, use Eugene Peterson's "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" as a study guide.)
COMMUNITY Study Questions
Read Luke 19:1 - 4. Zacchaeus was someone who was on the periphery.
What reasons would the crowd on that day have for wanting to keep Zacchaeus on the periphery? What reasons would we (as individuals or as a church) have for being tempted to ignore people on the periphery (whether they are in the church or outside of the church)? Think of someone that you know who is on the periphery. What would it cost you to invite them closer to Jesus? How exactly would you do that?
Read Luke 19:5 - 7. Jesus took a real risk to reach out to Zacchaeus.
What are the dangers of taking risks to meet people where they are at so that they can hear the Good News of Jesus?What are the dangers of not taking risks and always playing it safe? What is one change that has taken place in church this year that you didnt necessarily love? How should you think about that kind of a change in light of the fact that you are part of a larger community of people who are following Jesus? What are one or two changes that have taken place in church this year that you really like? Why?
Read Luke 19:8. When Zacchaeus really meets Jesus it changes how he lives his life.
Think of that person who is kind of on the periphery (whether outside of the church or already in the church). What might it look like if they responded to the call of Jesus to go deeper in their commitment to him? If there was one area of your life that you wanted to see Jesus transform, what would that be?
Read Luke 19:9 - 10. Salvation means that Zacchaeus is part of the community of the people of God.
Being in community with other believers is not always easy. What are some of the challenges of being in community together with others? Being in community is so important for followers of Jesus. Why is it worthwhile being in community even if it isnt always so easy?
PRAYER
COMMUNITY Study Questions
Read Galatians 5:22 - 23.
Define biblical goodness as compared to the way that our culture defines goodness. Goodness is one facet of the fruit of the Spirit. In what ways is goodness connected to or intertwined with some of the other facets of the fruit of the Spirit?
Read Matthew 5:14 - 16.
We see the need to be bearers of light and good works so that our city might KNOW JESUS -- Again, as ambassadors of Christ, how can we uphold this responsibility and privilege? What ways are non- believers trying to address these issues of brokenness? Will these good works function in a restorative way? (Romans 2:14-15) How is being the light of the world both an individual and a community activity?
Read Ephesians 2:8 - 10. Jonathan stated that doing biblical goodness is not a gimmick to get people to come to Christ. We dont do good works so that people will become Christians; we do good works because we are Christians.
How is goodness connected to evangelism and at the same time separate from evangelism? How do you feel about that? Why do you feel that way? If that is the case then we, as followers of Jesus, should be free to work with secular organizations that are seeking goodness in our city. How do you feel about that? Why do you feel that way? If you were to join any secular organization in our city that was pursuing goodness, what type of an organization would you be attracted to? (i.e. Where would your interests lie if you were to volunteer to join them?) Can you see how your presence as a believer would be valuable in these organizations?
Share a time when you saw or experienced biblical goodness in action, either that you were part of or witnessed or heard about. What made it beautiful?
PRAYER
COMMUNITY Study Questions No Study Questions this week because of KNOW RIDGE Break. Email: dayna@ridgechurch.ca or jonathan@ridgechurch.ca with any questions you might have! PRAYER