Foundation Church - SoundSage

Paul came to Corinth in weakness with great fear and trembling. He receives encouragement in Christ from fellow believers, financial generosity, and from Jesus Himself when Jesus tells Paul, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking, for I am with you."

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God called Paul to be an apostle. Paul was faithful to go from city to city to preach and teach. Paul's stance of faithfully preach week after week is not unique to him. We also have been called to serve God faithfully with all that God has given us.

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People have manipulated the feelings and actions of the town. Paul and Silas were arrested, denied justice, and abused. God took those actions and used it to introduce people to Himself and protect His new church. God's will is often not how we want things to go, but God's will leads to incredible, good things happening.

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Paul and Silas are continuing on in their ministry and they come across a possessed slave girl. Paul, exercising the authority over demons given to him by the Christ, casts out the spirit within the girl and the town goes against them. This is the buildup for the story that is about to follow in the upcoming verses

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Because God opens the door for the gospel, we can depend on Him to be his witness, by following His calling, trusting his timing when we face closed doors, and by using his gifts.

Discipleship Questions:

What does a call to be Jesus' witness look like for you?
How might you build bridges with those the Lord is calling you to witness to?
What might it look like to do ministry as a team? Who might you be a mentor for? Do you need a mentor?
What closed doors are you facing as a time of testing?
What does it look like to lean on God in times of testing by waiting?
Where do you have a passion for using your gifts and resources for advancing the gospel?

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We find the early church facing a major dispute, but with guidance from the apostles, they are back on track and rejoicing the many accomplishments they have achieved. They are spreading this good news out to the other churches. Then two brothers in Christ, Barnabas, and Paul face their own dispute that leads to them parting ways. But what seemed like a defeat for the church the Lord used to continue to accomplish his mission even though these disputes.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever entered into a disagreement knowing you had a bias towards a particular answer? Have you entered into a disagreement without knowing you had a bias and the Lord showed you afterward that you did have a bias?
Have you ever disagreed with someone that ended on bad terms? Did the Lord teach you something in that situation? If so, What was the lesson?
Are you facing a trial or disagreement now that is challenging? Are you trusting in the Lord?
What does trusting in the Lord look like for you?

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Today, in our Advent Series “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, we will focus on the main verse which begins - “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. Who did Israel hope for in their exile? They hoped for a triumphant king or maybe a valiant warrior that would defeat their enemies. And yet, the long hoped for Emmanuel came as a lowly baby and was laid in a feeding trough. Why was this Emmanuel (“God With Us”) good news for them and good news for us this Christmas?

Discipleship Questions:

What was the people of Israel’s biggest need being exiled in a foreign land?
Why did the average person in Jesus’ day not see Him as being the promised Emmanuel?
In what ways have you expected Jesus to have a certain character or act in a certain way that might be contrary to what the Bible teaches about Jesus?
Describe a time where you’ve experienced comfort knowing that Jesus has experienced humanity and sympathizes with you in your time of need.
When have you experienced the deepest and sweetest relationship with Jesus?

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Today, in our Advent Series “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, we will focus on the verse which begins - “O Come, Thou Key of David”. Isaiah spoke to a people in Judah and warned them about trusting their own hands to save them from the threats of Assyria. He reminded them that God alone can save them. Isaiah pointed them to a coming Savior with the title “Key of David”. Only Jesus would unlock the door to Salvation. Let’s rejoice in Emmanuel, Jesus who came to save His people and bring them safely into His forever Kingdom!

Discipleship Questions:

Share something God’s been teaching you this Advent Season.
Do you find it difficult to Rejoice in Emmanuel? Why do you think that is?
Where do you trust the work of your own hands? Why does the Good News of Jesus coming as the “Key of David” bring us hope even as we look at our sin?
Do you find hope and rest knowing the sure promise that Jesus, the “Key of David” will lead us to our “Heavenly Home”? Explain.
How will you look to Jesus and rejoice in Emmanuel for the remaining days leading up to Christmas?

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As we continue looking at the song,’O Come Emmanuel’, we need to ask ourselves what is it we are looking forward towards. We can get an answer by going back to Israel and looking at what they look forward. We can then have our hearts turned to the same. It will require asking for God to provide sight that is beyond our circumstances.

Discipleship Questions:

Is Advent a tradition that is familiar to you?
Do you feel more like a foreigner or a person who belongs here? How does that impact the way you relate to others?
When is the last time you ask, “Why God?”
Do the promises of God bring you comfort?
When you look to the future of Jesus’s return, do you ask for only relief from your situation or do you ask for his presence as well?

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As we prepare for the Advent of Jesus, we look at the anticipated coming of Jesus through the context of the song, “O’ Come O’ Come Emmanuel”. Written through the lens of God’s chosen people of Israel, we’ll show how God’s grand story of redemption is carried along through the song and points us all to the one who is our greatest gift and only hope – Jesus Christ.

Discipleship Questions:

Of the seven different antiphons, which one resonates with you and why?
Which story told through God’s redemptive plan encourages you the most?
How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your own life? Can you relate to the story of Israel?
During the holiday season, what reminds your heart that Jesus has come and is coming again?
What are you planning this holiday season to celebrate the coming of Jesus?

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With our busy lives, we tend to forget to be thankful to God for the many things that he provides for us. We will take time to celebrate a secular holiday of Thanksgiving, but how often do we stop and celebrate a day of thanksgiving to the Lord? We're going to examine scripture that has the Lord calling his people to do just that.

Discipleship Questions:

How will you celebrate this coming Thanksgiving holiday? Will you give thanks and honor to the Lord during that time?
What are you thankful to the Lord for? How do you give thanks to him?
We looked at the Feast's of the Lord and they take the Sabbath very seriously. Do you take time to rest? What does that look like for you?
Some of the Feasts of the Lord focus on God rescuing his people from slavery in Egypt. How has God rescued you? What has God rescued you from?
Do you celebrate and rejoice in the Lord? How do you do that? Do you do that with others?

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While the church had been under physical attack from outsiders for years, an attack from within the church on the gospel became a threat to truth and fellowship. A council of church leaders, church members, and apostles were called together to settle these disagreements once and for all. Through much debate, the sharing of experience, and records of prophecy, it became clear that the means of salvation for all was through faith in Jesus alone. No adherence to the Mosaic laws should be added upon the Gentiles, yet the Gentiles were exhorted to be sensitive to the practices of their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ. As such, a solution was identified to bring these groups together for the sake of Christian fellowship and witness.

Discipleship Questions:

Why did a party of the Pharisees insist that Gentiles participate in circumcision and keeping the law of Moses?
When is it okay to have no small dissension?
What were the primary objections raised by Peter and James against the argument for the Law?
How does, and doesn’t, this Council shape how we should seek to settle disagreements within the church today?
What defenses do we personally need to equip ourselves with to persevere in the one gospel of Jesus Christ, and not be swayed by false yet persuasive influences?

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This passage overflows with the Heart of God towards the spiritual orphan. God graciously gives himself in pursuit of spiritual orphans to make them adopted sons and daughters.

Discipleship Questions:

Why is God’s gracious pursuit of the sinner good news?
Why is the heart of God towards spiritual orphans important for us to understand?
Are you able to relate to God as a good Father? Explain.
Do you have experience with Adoption or Foster Care? If so, share your experience.
How is God prompting you with regard to caring for orphans in distress?

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The Christian life is not an easy life. With the cost of following Jesus, comes a lot of difficulties, trials, and suffering. But, because God is faithful, he gives us the grace to endure anything that comes our way- be it difficulties, suffering, and even death.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you had a time where following Jesus really cost you something? Be it a relationship, a career, wealth, health, etc. Share what you learned in that.
In the city of Lystra, Paul and Barnabas experienced the temptation to give in to the praise and worship of other people. How have you experienced this temptation in your own life?
Tim Keller has described the spiritual life as having two great tests: the test of success and the test of suffering. Both of these tests reveal our heart's idols. Which of these tests seems to draw you closer to Jesus? Which of these tests seems to draw you away from worshipping Jesus?
When Paul and Barnabas reconvene with the church in Antioch to share about what God has done with them, they understand that God is working out His purposes through their hardships. How have you seen or failed to see God's hand in your hardships?

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This passage is all about the proclaimed good news of Jesus Christ. This good news is referred to as “The Gospel”. As Christians, we often use the term, but we should be absolutely clear what it means. The Gospel is the good news that God is the primary actor in history. He is abounding in mercy, steadfast love, and forgiveness and yet He is also holy, just, and full of wrath towards sin. Humanity apart from God is dead in sin wholly engaged in all the desires of the flesh. The gap between sinful man and a Holy God is impossible, but Jesus came down, took on human flesh, and died on a cross in the place of sinful humanity. He thereby absorbed God’s wrath and justice and bridged the gap to God. For those that place their faith in Jesus’ work on the cross, grace is given, forgiveness is given, and a relationship with God is given!

Discipleship Questions:

What first comes to mind when you hear the word “Gospel”?
Why is understanding God’s character important to understanding the Gospel?
What is the human condition apart from God?
Explain what it means for Jesus Christ to be sufficient?
What must be overcome in your life so that the proclamation of the Gospel becomes urgent in your relationships?

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We see that the beginning of Acts Chapter 13 is the first church sanctioned missionary trip with the sending of Saul and Barnabus to Cyprus. As with the example of Jesus starting his ministry; Saul's missionary trip is met with opposition from the enemy. Saul faces this opposition directly and God shows himself through his divine powers.

Discipleship Questions:

How is your prayer life? How do you worship the Lord?
Have you been involved with a mission's trip? Where, when, and how did it impact your life?
Have you encountered someone that directly opposed your Christian belief? How did you handle it?
Give an example of a time when you were angry, but showed grace to that person?
Do you really believe that the teaching of the Lord is astonishing/amazing? Why?
Do you feel that you are too familiar with the story of the gospel? How do you overcome that?

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The Godly life is really pretty simple!

Discipleship Questions:

What is the biggest problem you are facing right now? How are you/can you bring God into this problem? Verse 9 “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Pastor Tim said that “Fear Is a Choice!” (Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged). Talk about why you agree or disagree with this statement.
What is it that is so powerful about meditating on Scripture? Verse 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Discuss how you go about meditating on Scripture. How has it helped you? What questions or difficulties do you have about Scripture meditation?
How does God’s view of success differ from the world’s view of success? Verse 8 Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Why is it so important for us to tend even to the details of God’s commands? Verse 8 be careful to do everything written in it. Compare Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

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Acts 12 marks a transition point in Acts. For the first 11 chapters, Luke recounts the gospel spread from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the gentile regions beyond. Then in chapter 13, he will change the focus towards Paul’s ministry to the gentiles. But, Luke takes a moment in chapter 12 to check-in on the church in Jerusalem. It turns out, persecution was rampant, and they faced a new threat with the murder of James and imprisonment of Peter. How would the church respond? They responded with earnest prayer but struggled to believe God would act. Thankfully, God in His grace did act to rescue Peter and care for the church. More importantly, God ensured that His Word and the gospel spread would not be thwarted.

Discipleship Questions:

What strikes you about the difficulty facing the Jerusalem Church in this story?
How did the church demonstrate earnest prayer?
Describe a time when you prayed earnestly, but struggled to believe God would act in that situation.
In this story, what are the ways God is clearly in control despite Herod's seemingly endless power?
Do you struggle to trust God in prayer when the answer is ‘No’. Maybe there isn’t healing or the rescue doesn’t come. Discuss your struggle with the group. What are some promises in the Bible that help you trust God in these situations?

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In this passage, Luke catches his breath and hits rewind on the story to take us back to the death of Stephen and the results it had on the church scattering away from Jerusalem and Judea. Luke gives us four scenes with four people(s) that capture a stunning picture of the Gospel in action and the Church serving as a witness to the end of the earth.

Discipleship Questions:

The first characters we are introduced to in our story are the “unnamed” men who preach the Gospel to Gentiles. Have you ever shared the gospel with someone you didn’t have much in common with? What were some of the challenges and how did you find common ground? (think about the common realities of all humans: brokenness, sin, struggle, etc)
The second character is Barnabas who the text describes as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” who saw the grace of God in the belief and salvation of the Gentiles. Have you ever been “upset” because Jesus saved someone; maybe someone who hurt you, treated you poorly, etc? Has your negative opinion or feelings about someone hindered you from sharing your faith with them? How might we pray for God to make us more like Barnabas, full of the Spirit and of faith?
Saul was in Tarsus for almost ten years before Barnabas found him and his ministry as we know it began. To say that Saul was just twirling his thumbs and waiting in Tarsus would be a mistake. He was learning, growing, maturing, and witnessing there in his hometown. How are we using the years when we might think no one is watching or when we should be preparing for what God has in store?
The church in Antioch (which is only a year or two old) hears about the need for the churches in Judea/Jerusalem and begins to save and send relief. Where do you struggle, in the sending/serving or in the receiving? How can we grow in both areas over the next few months, especially with Christmas coming up?

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In these verses we see the new Christian community in Jerusalem struggling with the Gentiles new-found reconciliation to God apart from adhering to Jewish ritual purity laws. Peter recounts how he came to a fuller understanding of the new means by which a sinful people are now able to stand in God's presence - by grace, through faith.

Discipleship Questions:

Describe a time when you felt particularly close to God and the circumstances surrounding it.
In verse 3, the primary criticism of Peter is that he "...went to uncircumcised men and ate with them." Why would that be a point of contention in this community?
In verse 18, Peter's critics appear to have resolved the tension–in their own minds–between the Gentiles reconciliation to God apart from adhering to Jewish ritual purity laws. What new insight enabled this change in their understanding?
How might a deeper understanding of the closeness you have with God through Christ change how you respond to difficult circumstances? to favorable circumstances?

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The amazing story of Cornelius reveals God’s great rescue plan for all people and all nations. First to the Jew and then to the Gentile. What the early Apostles didn't realize was just how God would go about making disciples of all nations, and how they would be strategically used for God’s plan of bringing his Gospel to everyone. Salvation is on God’s timing and through His hands. God is strategic in his ways, and we see through the Story of Cornelius and still today, the Gospel continues to go forward through his people.

Discipleship Questions:

What encourages you in the way God prepared Cornelius and Peter for their meeting together?
Has there been a time when you were confused by what God was trying to teach or show you? How did that work out?
Where has it been difficult for you, to wait on God’s timing and plans?
How has God uniquely made you or positioned you to show others his goodness and his Gospel message?

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From the beginning of the church in Acts and all throughout history to today, God has been inviting his church to participate in his mission: to share the good news of Jesus with the world. But we don't do this on our own terms or through our own efforts. Rather, we are to connect with God and follow his lead. How do we do that? That is what we will look at in Acts 10:1-23

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God's will is not some ethereal aspect of the universe that cannot be understood. God's will have some easy to understand elements. Once we look at those elements and incorporate them into our lives, we can be more aligned with God. We can give Him glory and be blessed by it.

Is God's Will hard to comprehend?
How is God a foundation for your life?
Does God's sovereignty allow free choice?
Does your understanding of God's will allow for minor action?
How do you feel you reflect God's light to the work?

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Saul had a radical plan against the early Church, but Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and saved him. Saul tried to spread the gospel in Damascus and Jerusalem, but the Lord changed his plan on each occasion finally sending him to the Gentiles. The Lord may change our plans and we have to decide if we're going to be ok with that or feel defeated.

Community Group Questions: 1) Have you had an important plan for your life that was changed? How did you feel when things changed? Were you frustrated with God? 2) If your plans changed how did it turn out? 3) Saul felt that fleeing the city in the middle of the night was defeat. Have you ever felt defeated before? 4) How did you over come the situation or your feeling of defeat? 5) Do you struggle with the notion that the revelation comes from Jesus Christ or are you comfortable with that? 6) What does walking in the Fear of Lord look like to you?

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Acts 9:1-19 places on full display two fundamental aspects of the Christian life: (1) How the Lord Jesus works in the heart of those whom he saves; those who once found themselves standing in opposition to him. Every sinner apart from Christ stands in opposition to the risen Lord, but when that same Lord desires through the Holy Spirit, to make alive the soul that was once dead, nothing, not even the militant heart, can stand in the way. (2) How even the difficult challenges and surprises that come as a result of following Christ in obedience, reveal to each of us very important truths about our fears and our faith. But regardless of the challenges and surprises, we can have confidence that the Lord Jesus is with us and is in charge of it all.

Discipleship Questions:

When the Lord saved you (if you can remember), what were some of the circumstances that surrounded your life?
If there was one person (family, friends, or famous/infamous personality) that you would be shocked to find out, given their previous life, that they came to saving faith in Jesus Christ, who would that be? Why would you be shocked? Would someone be able to say the same thing about you?
Describe a time and circumstance where you were clear that God was leading you to move/act/respond in a particular way that stirred up fear in you. How did you respond (obey/disobey)? What was that experience like? Of what were you fearful? What did you learn about your faith?
Knowing that even someone like Saul (or like you) can be saved by the grace and mercy of God in the person and work of Christ, for whom might you need to be in prayer, pleading with the Lord to invade their heart? Will you pray?

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Acts 8:26-40 is a demonstration of the true statement “for (the gospel ) is the power of God for salvation” Rom 1:16. It is the power of God made opportune by the obedience of man. Phillip is the obedient servant of Christ. After the wild events in Samaria, he is willing to go to ‘a desert place.’ This time to again proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. But this time not to large crowds with signs and miracles but one man trying to understand the scriptures. Phillip is the plum line for all of Acts 8. While Saul is ravaging the church, Christ is building His church proving, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).

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Luke, in Acts 8, recounts the story of God’s Kingdom expanding beyond the walls of Jerusalem. In a most unlikely story, in the middle of intense persecution, the Christians in Jerusalem were scattered to the regions of Judea and Samaria. The very regions Jesus said they would be His witnesses! In the power of the Holy Spirit, Philip and the others preached the Good News of Jesus Christ. And even the hated Samaritans would believe. God worked radically to reconcile two groups of people who were far apart but united in Christ. God’s Radical Kingdom Expansion was underway!

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think God often uses difficulty, even persecution to accomplish His purposes?
What was so radical about Philip preaching the Good News of Jesus and His Kingdom to the Samaritans?
How does the explanation for why there was a delay in the receiving of the Holy Spirit sit with you? From your understanding of the text, what would you add? What question do you have?
What strikes you about God’s powerful display of reconciliation between the Jewish Christians and the Samaritans?
What barriers or obstacles are keeping you from believing that God can and does work powerfully to expand His Kingdom today? What keeps you from freely speaking of the good news of Jesus Christ?

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Effective prayer has three requirements. 1) Effective Prayer requires Orthodoxy; 2) Effective Prayer requires Holiness; 3) Effective Prayer requires Urgency

Discipleship Questions:

What are two or three reasons you can think of why your prayers might not look like they are being answered?
Do you think we should expect God to heal every sick person we pray for? Why or why not? What do you think verse 15 means by “the prayer offered in faith”?
Is there anything a Christian can do to increase the likelihood of God answering prayer?
If you had an urgent prayer request, is there one specific person you would want to be praying for you? Why exactly did you choose that person?
In your own words, what do you think Pastor Tim meant when he said “We Need to Believe that We Have a ‘Yes” God”?

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Stephen’s trial and murder remind us that we follow in the footsteps of heroes of our faith who counted the cost and believed following Christ was worth any price, even death. If you and I are going to stand strong as disciples of Jesus in a hostile world, we need to learn from Stephen’s example, because he lived “Like Jesus”.

Discipleship Questions:

Since Acts 7 has 60 verses, we don’t have time to read all of it in the Worship service. But your small group time is ideal for doing it. Reading scripture out loud is powerful. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to read chapter 7 out loud, so if you want to, rotate readers and hear the whole story imagining yourselves there with Stephen.

What stands out to you most as you read the story of Stephen’s trial? What do you appreciate most about him and what he did here?
Where principles from Stephen’s are most helpful to you in being more prepared for our own 1Peter 3;15 opportunities?
Have you ever experienced significant push-back from anyone for your faith? Or have you ever had someone really angry at you about your faith? How did you handle it? How would you respond differently if you had a chance?
How does Stephen’s story encourage you in evangelism?
How does Stephen’s story reflect the need to count the cost of following Jesus? In your view, is following Jesus worth any cost?
How does God’s sovereignty give you reassurance as you read a story like Stephen’s?

**Additional resources on Christ’s advance in hard places: Dispatches from the Front video series, Frontline Ministries. Also, Open Doors International website. Also, Nik Ripkin, The Insanity of God.

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In the Book of Acts, we see how the Holy Spirit empowers and equips the saints into every good work. Stephen, a deacon of the early church finds himself in the middle of a literal trial. Facing the prospects of death, the trial of Stephen shows us the greater reality of God’s intentions to bring fullness of life and joy that is only found in Him.

Discipleship Questions: 1. Why are the Jews of the Synagogue disputing with Stephen?

In verse 14, what does it mean when they speak of Jesus destroying “this holy place” and changing the “customs that Moses delivered to us”? Why does that seem to be such a blasphemous claim?
During Stephen's trial, his face was like the face of an Angel? Why is this such a significant observation?
What personal encouragement comes to mind when you consider that God dwells with you now and will be with you forever in eternity?
Where do you struggle to believe there is fullness of life and joy to be experienced with God? If you’re comfortable, can you name why that is?
Where do you feel God has called and equipped you or is growing you to stand in victory over darkness?
What reassurance do we have about the good works we’ve been called to?

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Big Idea: There is a Biblical Template for Pain-Response!

Discipleship Questions:

God could have saved us to a pain-free life. According to our James 1:1-12 passage what are some reasons why he didn’t do this?
Can you share a personal story of pain and how God used it for good in your life?

3 Describe how “consider/count” in verse 3 requires an act of faith. In other words, what do we have to believe about God and His ways to be able to “consider” pain as a “joyful” thing?

What could you say to help a suffering Christian friend who is doubting that God is always good to him/her?
What’s so valuable about “perseverance”?

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The early church was led by 12 Apostles. Eleven of these men were personally appointed by Jesus and the twelfth was then selected by the 11. They were responsible for everything from a leadership position. At this point, there had not been real opposition so the whole church was still in Jerusalem. But as the church grew, problems arose that led to the need for more leadership. The Apostles’ approach to this growing need gives us great insight and advice on how to solve similar needs in our churches today.

Discipleship Questions:

Read John 21:15-18: Jesus tells Peter that loving Him meant caring for the flock. This is what a shepherd is called to do. A shortage of shepherding power in a congregation can lead to a variety of issues. Discuss some examples of issues you have seen over the years that could be attributed to not enough shepherding of the flock?
There were two styles of delegating mentioned in the sermon. When delegating to:
Workers: the more prep in organization and clear instructions the better
Leaders: the more autonomy and empowerment the better Discuss both styles and purposes of delegating. What are the pros and cons of each? What are good examples of each style? Discuss good and bad examples of delegating you have experienced.
The qualifications the apostles gave for these new Deacons were all “character” over “skill”.
Discuss other scriptural examples where high character overcame lack of skill or experience.
Discuss personal examples you have seen in others where their good character overcame a shortage of necessary skill.
In light of Gamaliel’s suggestions in chapter 5, what is the importance of the final verse in our text today; “and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” v7b?

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Our Church’s Vision is placed firmly on the foundation of Jesus Christ. However, in this life which is marked by sin and brokenness, it can be difficult to see how God is at work. This letter from Paul to the Corinthians reminds us that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is a treasure. Even though we feel the effects of weakness and even death, God is showing us there is life Jesus. God is bringing about his Kingdom ushered in by Jesus and guaranteed by his death and resurrection. We need eyes of faith with a Vision towards Jesus’ Kingdom Work in us and our church.

Discipleship Questions:

What is the treasure Paul speaks of in verse 7?
Why is it necessary for us to be weak in order for God’s power to be shown?
What is significant about how Paul sees death, especially Jesus’ death?
Where do you struggle to see God at work in difficult circumstances?
Where do find hope to keep living on mission in a broken, sinful world?

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The early church found itself facing many difficulties and when they gathered they prayed for God to do a mighty work in them. Acts 5:12-16 is the answer to those prayers. God does many signs, wonders, and healings through the Apostles and multitudes of people were added to their numbers.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you prayed like the early church did in Acts 4:29-30 before?
Have you ever experienced signs or wonders? Do signs and wonders make you nervous? If yes, why so?
Have you ever asked God to give you a boldness before to help spread his word?

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Today’s passage from Acts 5 is difficult at face value. It often raises more questions than it answers. But through this story, it’s clear that Jesus takes His Church seriously. Ananias and Sapphira, a believing couple from the early church, deceived Peter by withholding some proceeds of a land sale but claimed the whole amount was given. Then, in a shocking display of God’s judgement, they both die at the feet of Peter. God’s judgement was swift, and it was surgical because this deception threatened the very mission and fabric of unity given by the Holy Spirit for the early church.

Discipleship Questions:

What is shocking to you about this story?
What was at stake in those early days of the church?
What was the true sin of Ananias and Sapphira?
Why was God’s swift judgement needed here? Why not give them chance for repentance?
In what ways are you deceiving those around you by holding back?

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What is important for a church to believe and practice? Also, what should a church not believe and practice? Paul reminds the Corinthian church of how he pastored and cared for them so they might be left seeing what is important in churches. In my final sermon at Foundation Church, I hope to simply echo Paul’s reminders.

Discipleship Questions:

Why is Paul intent on reminding the Corinthian church of the way he pastored and cared for them?
In what is not important in the church what point stood out to you and why?
What is the difference between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom?
Why is “Christ and Him Crucified” indivisibly central to the Church?
Where is the power of God on display within Foundation Church?

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Jesus’ interaction with women and mothers should leave us astounded at his grace, mercy, and love for all who bear the image of God. But in this passage we might be left with a different impression, that is until we understand what Jesus is doing by modeling for us what his love truly offers and the faith that it inspires.

Discipleship Questions:

What is significant about Jesus travelling to the region of Tyre and Sidon?
What do you notice about the woman who approaches him, what stands out? Why?
In light of what we now know why is Jesus’ interaction with this woman so revolutionary?
What do you learn about faith through this passage?
Where do you need to practice this type of faith in your life?

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Faced with the ongoing unfaithfulness and rebellion of the city of Jerusalem God reveals his mighty power in a single event. He does this in a couple of ways but ultimately we should all be shocked by how this event plays out and we can be left in an utter state of awe at the power, might, and goodness of God.

Discipleship Questions:

What stands out to you in Isaiah 29?
What was so bad about the people of Jerusalem's behavior?
Why is God’s response to them so shocking?
How do you relate with the people of Jerusalem?
Have you experienced the grace of God? Tell the story.

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God's people stop trusting in God and His Word because they no longer saw it as living. God's Word is deep and nourishing, but it requires us to allow it to speak for itself. God's Word will match our effort. It will grow with us and mature with us. It will also discipline us if we hold anything above it. God is ultimately in charge, and it is for our good to allow His Word to speak to us and tell us how he wants us to live.

Discipleship Questions:

Is God's Word living, or is it a rule book for you?
If it is a rulebook, when was the last time it was living, if ever? Is there anything different between then and now?
Has one of God's rules turned into a principle for you?
Have you had to repent of your understanding when it comes to God's Word? For what and in what way?
Have you experienced God's Word growing with you?

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Even the most faithful and eloquent preaching from God’s own anointed messenger can fall on hard hearts. With all the depth and power of Isaiah’s words, and the stark reminder of what has happened to the hard-hearted, his listeners remain unmoved. What must we look to in our own hearts as we study this challenging sermon?

Discipleship Questions:

What stands out to you in Isaiah 28:1-13?
Why do you think this sermon of Isaiah was recorded in his book?
What is the importance of the authority of scripture in the life of a Christian?
Where might your heart be hard to God’s Word?
What does ‘Keeping the Faith’ look like for you?

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Continuing on with his survey of God’s coming judgment and victory Isaiah reflects on a period of time that isn’t filled with victory but is filled with the expansion of God’s Kingdom. Living in light of the victory of God leads the people of God to be employed on Kingdom expansion business and in confidence because of the confidence we have in the biblical story.

Discipleship Questions:

What stands out to you in this passage?
How in your understanding of history have you seen the kingdom of God expand?
Why does Satan continue to oppose the expansion of God’s kingdom?
Why is it significant that on the final day of victory God’s people are gathered in from the surrounding nations?
Are you living in obedience to the great commission (Matt 28:18-20)? Why or why not?

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In this passage, Paul longed to get face to face with the Christians in Rome. He knew of them and had correspondence with them but hadn’t yet been able to see them in person. This cry drove Paul to pray that God would make a way for the visit. For Foundation Church, we too have a deep longing to visit Christians and churches on the mission field. The church supports 5 church planters and their families in Ethiopia. Our conviction is that face to face relationship is critical in this Kingdom partnership. Like Paul, we desired mutual encouragement from the trip. We prayed for the opportunity. God was gracious and faithful to provide that and to set our hearts towards further expansion of His Kingdom, for His glory.

Discipleship Questions:

What drove Paul’s longing for this face to face gathering with the Christians in Rome?
Why is prayer vital in the life of the church?
After hearing stories of the Church Planters and their daily experience, how do you respond? How are you encouraged? How are you driven to pray?
What are the barriers to evangelism for you? After you’ve shared, stop and ask God to break down those barriers and give you opportunities to exercise sharing the good news.
Why do we have confidence that sharing Christ with others will be effective?

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In a song of victory God’s Isaiah records the celebration of all that God has done for his people. Through this passage, we see for ourselves a blueprint of the essential elements found in the walk of all Christian’s

Discipleship Questions:

What stands out to you in Isaiah 26? Why?
Why is song used a medium for recording stories in the Bible?
What element of the Christian Life as recorded in Isaiah 26 encourages you the most? Why?
What element of the Christian life as recorded in Isaiah 26 do you need to recommit to obedience in? Explain?
Using only Isaiah 26 can you present the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

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Following on from Chapter 24 where Isaiah describes the day of God’s coming judgement we see the victory parade, feast, and response from God’s people. How can we begin to prepare ourselves for this coming day and what impact does it have on our lives in the here and now?

Discipleship Questions:

What stands out to you in this passage? Why?
Why is it important to understand how this passage was interpreted by Isaiah’s original audience and people in Jesus’ day?
What will happen on the day of God’s victory?
How do we experience some of God’s victory in our own lives right now?
Why does hope in the Christian life look different from hope in the world around us?

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Isaiah’s oracle against Jerusalem focuses on one man, Shebnah who is in every way self-made. He is fully reliant on the works of his hands to make a name for himself. God exposes his sin and shame to the people of Jerusalem. He exposes us as well. We too are guilty of relying on the works of our hands to achieve success. For both Jerusalem and for us, God’s shows hope and redemption through the person of Eliakim who is a foreshadow of the true and better Eliakim - Jesus Christ. If we are God-Made in Christ, the shame is removed and we are given a place of honor in the very household of God.

Discipleship Questions:

Why does Isaiah continue to weep over Jerusalem?
How does Shebnah bring shame upon himself?
In what specific ways are you attempting to achieve success apart from God?
Describe what it’s like to be in the place of honor as God’s adopted child?
How will you live as a child who’s been set free from sin and shame?

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Our text opens on to a city wide party, Jerusalem is celebrating their prowess and strength that they believe will protect them on the days that their enemies surround them. But there is one person who is not celebrating, Isaiah, he is weeping over the delusion of the city.

Discipleship Questions:

Why does Isaiah weep over the city of Jerusalem?
What is so offensive about Jerusalem’s actions in fortifying their city?
Where, outside of God, do you place your hope and trust?
What does faithful living look like?
How does trusting in Jesus make us faithful?

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So far in our story, God has relentlessly pursued his people so that he might dwell with them, after the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell in the hearts of God’s people we see that’s God’s chosen instrument to redeem his world is the Church. But what next? We’re left waiting for the fullness of God’s return but not without God’s clear promises for the future.

Discipleship Questions:

Retell The True Story of the Entire World.
If this story is true what is God like?
If this story is true what does it mean for you?
If this story is true what does it mean for people who don’t believe in Jesus?
If this story is true then how should the church operate in our present day?

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After the mighty and powerful work of Jesus to pay the price for sin on the cross the risen saviour ascended back into heaven leaving the disciples wondering what’s next? It is now that the power of God and his desire to free the world from sin and dwell with his people begins to expand to a magnitude that the disciples could never comprehend.

Discipleship Questions:

Retell the story up to our current day
Why was it important for Jesus to leave and ascend back to heaven?
What does the coming of the Holy Spirit to dwell within believer signify?
What is the purpose of the Spirit filled Church in the world?
Why do you think God is still waiting to return to his world?

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The tension between the God’s people inability to clean themselves up and God’s continually veiled presence between his people and himself because of sin has built up to the point that everyone has begun to wonder if God’s promise to bring the one who will deal with sin will ever come to pass. Into this situation Jesus arrives and steps into human history as the one through whom all things will be made new again.

Discipleship Questions:

Retell the story up to the end of the Gospel accounts.
What is the most significant thing you see in this Act of the story?
Why is Jesus’ humanity so important?
What does the temple curtain being torn from top to bottom signify?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus the key to understanding the good news?

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As the effects of sin spread throughout God’s creation he sets out on his plan of redemption choosing a man through whose family would all nations be blessed. Over many generations, we see God’s plan of redemption for his people seemingly destroyed but God remains faithful by keeping his unbreakable promises and continually revealing himself to them for their good.

Discipleship Questions:

Retell the story up to the end of the Old Testament.
Why do you think God makes unbreakable promises to man?
What is the point of God giving the Law?
What is the point of the sacrificial system?
Why can't God’s people get it right?

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Our world is broken. There is generally going to be little argument against that fact. But how did it get this way? The Bible offers us a compelling reason for the brokenness of our world in its pages, one that is big enough to explain our own pain and suffering.

Discipleship Questions:

What explanations for the brokenness of the world around us have you heard before?
What stands out to you in the story of ‘the fall’ recorded in Genesis 3?
Why does God curse not just Adam and Eve but the whole creation?
How do you see the realities of the fall in your own life?
Take some time to feel the weight of your own brokenness and sin. Grieve it.

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We can all find our place within the biblical story, it is the deepest and widest story ever told encompassing all history past present and future. Why then are most of us so very unfamiliar with the fullness of the story?

Discipleship Questions:

What do you expect will happen over the course of this series?
How has western thinking affected your ability to engage with the biblical narrative?
Within the creation narrative what stands out to you?
What is exciting to you about how God designed things to be?
What do you think it would it be like to dwell with God?

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Power, for all of its attraction, has a way of revealing who we truly are. What is the true test of power and how can we know who has the greater might and power. These are really important questions to know the answer to especially as it relates to who we will give our allegiance to. There are two powers on display in the Advent story and only one will win out.

Discipleship Questions:

How is this strange story actually a confrontation of two powerful beings?
Why is weakness such a big player in the way that God operates?
Where is God’s power most clearly on display?
How have you been seduced by the power structures of this world?
Where must you repent and commit your life to Jesus’ power through you?

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Great questions about life and destiny have always been asked by all people, many religions, faiths and belief systems try to answer them usually with a very self-centric answer. The Bible gives us a different answer and a very different plan than we might expect. In the account of John the Baptist's birth, we can learn much about our own lives.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever asked the question ‘What is God’s plan for me/my destiny?’ What answer did you get?
Why is John’s birth and his life so important?
How in light of who God is can we begin to understand who we are?
Why is Advent a time that shows us God’s love for us?
What does it mean to be redeemed by Jesus and how does this give us hope?

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Discipleship Questions:

What is the toughest situation you've ever faced in your life? Did you lean on the Lord during that time?
Do you feel you fully trusted the Lord or did you struggle in that tough situation?
Are you facing any type of storm now?
Mary was a faithful servant to the Lord. How does her respond to Gabriel make you feel knowing that she stood to lose everything?
What does being in community look like for you? What does it mean to you personally?
Do you feel like at times you lose sight of what the Christmas season is really about, the coming of our Lord and Savior? What things can we do to help us not lose sight?

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The New Testament opens in Luke’s gospel with a story of two righteous people and a promise neither of the expected. Interestingly the righteous life is usually full of unexpected realities and today's text will allow us to look at some of the lies believed about the lives of those who are righteous.

Discipleship Questions:

The well known story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is often looked at only through a lense of Christmas, what did you learn about Zecharaih and Elizabeth from the text?
What is the one essential factor in beig made righteous? Why do you think this is?
What is a myth about righteous people you have heard and/or believed?
Why do you think God allows his people to endure suffering and shame while simultaneously calling them righteous?
How does Christ model for us the perfect life of a righteous person?

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As the waves of sin and evil bash against our everyday lives, who or what do you look to for salvation? The answer to this question reveals who you believe God to be. He’s either impotent and standing distant or he is God, ruling history and bringing about salvation. Isaiah warns us against alliances with the gods of this world. They may offer what seems to be protection from sin and evil, but they will surely fail. God and God alone brings salvation for His people.

Discipleship Questions:

Can you identify with the waves of threat the people of Judah experienced? If so, in what ways?
How are you tempted to make an alliance with a god of this world to save you or your family from the everyday threats of sin and evil?
Read Revelation 4-5 out loud. How does this vision of the throne room of Heaven change your view of God?
How does seeing Jesus as the lamb of God and the conquering lion give you reassurance that God is working out salvation in history?

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Our lives are filled with ups and downs, times of great celebration and times of great pain. If we are truly to give thanks then we must understand and reckon with this truth. We cannot enjoy the good times without a contrast of the bad. In today’s text David wrestles with this exact thing.

Discipleship Questions:

How do the highs and lows of life help us to give thanks to God?
Have you experienced the effects of brokenness and sin in ways other than mental and spiritual distress?
Why do you think that we feel the effect of sin in all areas of our life, e.g. body, mind, and spirit?
Where can we turn for help and healing?
How does the advent, and humanity of Jesus bring us hope in the midst of pain? And why should we be thankful for that?

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Isaiah is asked by God to act in a symbolic way to prophecy against poor political decisions. Sadly his warning goes unheeded and trust is placed in human means rather than God’s steadfast love. It may seem silly to us but I think we’re just as guilty as those in our text of placing our hope in things other than God.

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think God would have Isaiah act out this symbolic prophecy?
In what ways are you tempted to trust in man rather than God?
What are your idols?
Why is idolatry a big deal to God?
What does confession and repentance for idolatry look like for you?

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Our studies of the reformation in the church often leave us looking backwards and in many ways hoping for the ‘good ol days’. This is something that the reformers themselves would have never desired for us as the church. So how can we course correct?

Discipleship Questions:

Why does the Protestant Reformation demand that we continue to look forward as a church?
What is the importance of this song (1 Chronicles 16) in the biblical narrative?
Why does David act in such a ‘reckless’ and free way as the Ark enters Jerusalem?
How should we respond to this beautiful song of praise?
Why does worship of God lead us to mission and reaching the lost?

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God promises the destruction of an empire, this is not new or really that amazing when you consider that he is sovereign over all but it is interesting when we see why he brings down empires. Something that can not only bring down empires but our own lives too.

Discipleship Questions:

Why is human pride such a pernicious sin?
Why does God oppose human pride? And why is he good to do so?
Humility is greatly valued in the scriptures, how do we grow in humility?
How does believing the gospel of Jesus Christ bring freedom from pride?
Where do you need to repent for your pride?

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Our focus now turns towards the nation of Cush, a great and powerful African empire that God brings into covenant love by defeating a common enemy. The significance of this as great, and even greater when we consider the implication for us as missionaries and those who have been reached by God’s covenant love through Jesus.

Discipleship Questions:

Why are God’s mighty acts of power in the scriptures meant not only for his people but the other nations also?
What do you know about the nation of Cush? Why do you think we learned so little about them in school?
Why is God’s action of defeating the Assyrians ultimately an act of salvation for Cush also?
Read Acts 8:26-39. In light of Isaiah 18:17 how does this passage make more sense?
What has been your experience with racism in the Church? What is a biblical and gospel-centered response to racism?

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Isaiah’s prophecy is deeply embedded in the political and military workings of his day. He is speaking truth into the current reality of his world and is revealing to the people of God where their hope and trust should lie.

Discipleship Questions:

The bible is full of historical records, why do you think this is and how does it help us trust God’s word more?
Why when we are comfortable and affluent do we forget God?
How does suffering cause us to focus on God?
What are some promises of God that you lean upon in difficult times?
Why does the world rage toward God?

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Isaiah’s oracles of judgement begin with a powerful and difficult declaration against the nation of Moab. In such a powerful and seemingly ‘judgement heavy’ passage we see that the prescription for Moab’s salvation remains the same for us today.

Discipleship Questions:

What to do you generally feel about these large difficult passage of scripture?
Why is it important to read and understand a difficult passage like this one (Isaiah 14:24-16:14)?
When you hear the words ‘God’s Judgement’ what do you immediately think of/feel?
What is the prescription for Moab’s salvation and why is it the same for us today?
How does Isaiah 16:5 bring about hope in the midst of judgement?

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In a beautiful picture we get to see a glimpse of the early church gathering with one another. The description of this time is enough to make our hearts long to be back there. But obviously we can't do that. What should we do in place of this? Is this picture of community an ideal that we are unable to enjoy or is it something that we should all be longing and working toward in our relationships with one another?

Discipleship Questions:

Have you experience belonging within a community before? What did it feel like?
In our passage (Acts 4:32-27), what is attractive to you?
What about Christian community is different to other communities that we can be a part of?
What commonalities exist within Christian communities no matter where they are in the world?
Why is unity in Christian community so important?

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Peter and John's good work of healing a crippled man does not go over well with everyone. They are arrested and thrown in jail for an evening. Might this et-back deter them? Or dampen their spirits? No. There is much to learn in this passage for our faithful witness in our spheres of influence.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever been opposed while sharing the gospel with someone? What happened?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus the core belief of the Christian faith?
God chose to use Peter and John, normal fishermen, for spreading the gospel. How does this bring you hope in your responsibility to share the gospel?
What is the importance of having the Holy Spirit in sharing the good news of Jesus?
Where in your life do you need to disobey the world to be obedient to Christ?

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Many of us never ask the question ‘should an appreciation for the Arts and creativity play a role in the life of the church or the Christian?’ We have forgotten that it is something that God cares about not just a frivolous waste of time and energy. And our relationship with Art and creativity is linked with our sanctification process.

Discipleship Questions

Have you spent time thinking about a primary attribute of God as a creator before? What do you notice in this aspect of God’s essence?
How does your appreciation of art and creativity change in a right understanding of God creating all things?
Why are art and faith so closely related in the human experience?
How does the biblical narrative or the gospel story redeem art and creativity?
In what ways can you apply this message into our church or in your own life either as an artist or as one who appreciates art?

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Work can take many forms in our lives, but one thing is certain. We all work. God created us to work. However, in a world marred by sin and brokenness, work is difficult and often painful. If we’re honest, many times our first response to these difficulties is to complain. Paul confronts this issue of complaining and ties it to the effectiveness of our witness in a lost and dying world. When we complain we lack hope, we lack hope that Jesus is our savior and is bringing about salvation and restoration in this world. But there is good news, Jesus gives us hope and causes deep change in us that will overflow to the world around us.

Discipleship Questions:

What comes to mind when you think of work?
What areas of your life are you prone to complain? How has your complaining affected the people around you?
Explain how complaining is often tied to a lack of hope.
Where does our hope come from and why does that matter?
Give an example of a time when you didn’t complain, but rather worked constructively for change. How did people react?
How will you, daily, hold fast to Jesus and be sustained in your work?

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Read Genesis 2:8-17 and 1 John 2:15-17

How do these passages affect the way you view God?
How do these passages affect the way you view the things God has given you?
Do you naturally lean more towards contentment or dissatisfaction?
What are some areas where you think God may want you to change your habits of consumption (no matter the area of consumption)?
What areas of joy do you have with respect to God’s blessings in your life?

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Sexuality is a topic that continually brings forward strong emotions and is consistently brought forward in our culture. Is the church simply behind the times by not keeping up with the ever-evolving changes to sexuality? Or does the Church have a message of hope to all of us who are in one way or another broken sexually because of sin?

Discipleship Questions:

Read Genesis 1:26-31, what do you see in the text regarding God’s original design for sexuality?
Why are the effects of sin so pervasive as it relates to our sexuality?
How does acting outside of God’s good design for sexuality hurt us?
In what way does Jesus bring us hope as it relates to being made whole in our sexuality?
What gifts has Jesus given to help us as we seek to be made new sexually?

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Jesus tells us that we will always “have the poor amongst us” If that is true and God cares about the flourishing of all image bearers how do we engage with the poor? Why should we? And how do we look inward to make sure we are operating from a right place?

Discipleship Questions

What has been your experience as it relates to poverty?
Why does God care about care for the poor?
What is so important about our hearts as it relates to engaging with poverty?
How have you engaged with poverty in such a way that might have hurt rather than helped?
Where is God asking you to act in response to his Word (Deut 15:7-11)?

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Why are some people disabled? This has been a question we have wrestled with for millenium. There are many different theories out there but Jesus has an answer for us. In light of his answer what is the Christian response to disability in our world and in our churches?

Discipleship Questions: 1. What answers to the question “why are some people born with disabilities and some not?” have you heard or thought?

In light of our passage, what has changed in your answer to the first question, why?
Why is the Imago Dei (Image of God) in all humans the basis for our love for them?
What have you learned through your interactions with those less able than yourself?
Why can we have hope for the future in light of present struggles with disability?

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There is probably no greater environmental factor that affects how we see the world and how we live our lives like the family we are born into. With such a powerful influence in our lives, how are we to see the radical claims of Jesus on us, and what are we to do as we seek to relate to him as one of his people?

Discipleship Questions:

What is your initial impression of Jesus’ words in Luke 14:25-31?
Why do you think Jesus is so interested in having his followers total allegiance?
What type of family did you grow up in? In what ways has growing up in that family affected you?
What are some of the generational sins that you struggle with? Bring them to God in repentance and faith.
How has Christ made your understanding of family new?

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When we meet Jesus we change. This is an undeniable reality of the Christian life, but possibly a great evidence of meeting Jesus is not the immediate change in our lives but the ongoing change in them. Christians keep changing into those who are more like Christ. This Christian Life is a sermon series that is focussed on this ongoing change in all areas of our lives.

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Our annual Vision Sunday provides us a time of reflection on where we have come from, where we are currently and where we are going. The coming 12 months present for us an exciting time in the life of our community and our church. How is God calling us to build upon the solid foundation of his faithfulness that has been laid over the last 3.5 years and what are we going to prioritize as a church family into the future?

Discipleship Questions:

Where have you seen God’s faithfulness over the last 3 and a ½ years in the life of Foundation Church?
What season do you believe our church is currently in?
Why is faithfulness to Christ so important in all seasons?
Is God calling you to lead in our church? If yes where?
Is God calling you to step forward and be trained in caring for our church? Why do you think this is?

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What gets you the most excited? In this passage, Paul recounts a story of generosity among the Macedonians. They were excited in a most radical way. Despite enduring hardship and poverty, they gave money to support a group of Christians from Judea. Nothing would stop them -- joy and love overflowed for those Christians. Paul makes it clear that we too need to overflow with love. Love that is marked by the concrete act of generosity. In fact, without generosity towards the people of Jesus’ church, our love isn’t proved genuine. With the stakes this high, we must rely God’s grace to produce deep heart change that results in an overflow of love and generosity.

Discipleship Questions:

What excites you the most?
When you think of generosity, what comes to mind?
Explain how Jesus’ love for his church, the bride of Christ, would compel us to love the church.
Give an example of how you’ve been so moved in your heart (excited) to love the church or someone in the church, that you gave generously.
Does your head knowledge of this passage match up with new heart desires to love and to give? If not, what will you do to remember God’s Grace and seek those new Godly desires?

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With so much evil in our world, it can be easy to think that it will have the final say. But no matter what the opinion polls or the ever-changing and depraved culture around tell us is the right thing to think or do is God will have the final say and he will make clear that evil in all its forms will not be victorious.

Discipleship Questions:

What does the title ‘king of Babylon’ represent?
How can we ‘see behind the curtain’ when it comes to dealing with evil?
Why is it important that God humiliate the forces of evil?
Where can you find hope in our passage?
How do you feel knowing that you are a Sojourner saved by faith?

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Chances are you’ve heard of Babylon, it is a big part of the bible and rightly so. Again and again when God’s enemies gather together they do so under the banner of ‘Babylon’. We’re left in this text looking at God’s ultimate response to those who seek to destroy his good reign and rule.

Discipleship Questions:

What stands out to you in our passage of scripture?
How can we see God’s good Kingdom breaking through in such a confronting passage?
Why is God dealing with Babylon in such a seemingly harsh manner?
Where can we find hope in this passage for our own lives?
Who do you need to bring the hope of the gospel to?

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Again and again, in the scriptures, the work or promises of God are followed up by great songs of praise. Why might this be the pattern that we see? And how in a culture that is not used to communal singing can we rightly understand and apply this rhythm to our lives?

Discipleship Questions:

What is your experience with communal singing? How do you feel about it?
Why do you think Isaiah follows the promises of chapter 11 with a psalm of praise to God?
Why is the advent of Jesus such a big deal?
Of the three advents discussed in the sermon which do you associate with the most? Why?
Tell the story of how you have grown in singing praises to Jesus to your group.

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God has designed all things in his creation and women are not immune from this. They are not simply copies of man but are created with dignity, equality and distinctive purpose. In our world that has so been affected by sin, who God has designed women to be has also be affected. How can Gods good design for women be put right again?

Discipleship Questions:

Read Genesis 2:15-25, what are your initial impressions?
Why was it not good that Man was alone?
How has sin affected God’s good design as it relates to the place of women in the world?
Which of Jesus’ interactions with women is most impactful to you and why?
How does the work of God in his church regain his good design for women in the world?

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God’s tool of justice and judgment is proclaimed to be the nation of Assyria. What do we do with this challenging reality that God is using an evil people to judge his unfaithful people? What can be made of God’s goodness in the reality of his sovereignty?

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think God is using Assyria to judge his unfaithful people?
What do you make of God’s use of human agency to achieve his will?
Have you wrestled with the mystery of God’s sovereignty? Where did you land, or are you still wrestling?
How is the cross of Jesus Christ the ultimate picture of God using evil for good?
Where have you seen God’s sovereignty work for good through evil in your life?

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The Old Testament, and especially the book of Isaiah, is full of descriptions on what the coming hope of the world will look like. Beginning in Gen 3 we are promised that one will come to crush sin, Satan, and death, but here in Isaiah 9 we see an amazingly detailed description of the coming hope, but who could it be and why are we so sure we know the answer?

Discipleship Questions:

Why would have the promise of Immanuel been so hopeful for Isaiah’s readers?
What are some descriptions of Immanuel in Isaiah 9:1-7?
What is the significance of the titles given to Immanuel in v6?
How does Jesus Christ fit the description of Immanuel?
In what way does Jesus’ fulfillment of the promise of Immanuel effect you?

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The perilous political position of Judah leaves them exposed and vulnerable. Where will they turn what will God do? And maybe more importantly where will the people find their hope in such concerning times?

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think God had Isaiah publically make known the coming judgement?
What is the importance of the promise of Immanuel (God with us) to God’s people in the context of Isaiah 8?
Why is faith the defining factor in our relationship with God?
Where have you been tempted to believe that being faithful will exclude you from suffering?
Where might you need to repent and find sanctuary in Christ?

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In what is one of the most important moments of Isaiah’s early ministry he is sent to the King to bring God’s word to him. King Ahaz will respond in faith, but who will his faith be in? God or man?

Discipleship Questions:

Why is historical context important to our understanding? Find a historical narrative for this time period in the bible. (Hint - 2 Kings is a good place to start).
King Ahaz’ response seems like a good and holy response, why is that not the case?
Why is faith the defining factor in how we live our lives.
Have you had to make a hard faith decision? Share with the group.
How can we have confidence that our faith in God will not fail us?

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Palm Sunday may be very well covered ground for many of us but it is important that even if we are familiar with this great moment we continue to feel its importance and be moved to worship and reverence for Christ, our humble king, who comes to his people in love, grace, and meekness.

Discipleship Questions: 1. What is your experience with Palm Sunday?

Why is it important that we understand the greater context around passages of scripture, especially regarding prophetic texts?
How should we respond to Jesus’ in light of our passage? (Matthew 21:1-11)
Explain the differences between the peace Jesus brings us and any other peace
How are you preparing your heart for ‘Passion week’? Discuss.

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What stands out for you in this passage? Why?
Why do you think God explains to Isaiah that his ministry will be difficult and fruitless?
How do you feel about God’s prophetic words about the hardness of the peoples hearts?
Do you need to repent of a hard heart?
Discuss evidences of the grace of God in your life.

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In the midst of the sin of the nation Isaiah is called up the throne room of God is is shown the unfettered glory of the Lord. In this awe inspiring scene we see much and learn much about God, humanity and our future hope in how God deals with sin.

Discipleship Questions:

What are some of your observations as it relates to the description of God’s throne room in Isaiah 6:1-4?
Why do you think we get a glimpse of this event in the book of Isaiah?
Explain what you think God’s glory and holiness are.
Why is Isaiah’s response in verse 5 so important?
Where can we find hope when we are faced with God’s glory and holiness?

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The sin of Israel is so great and grievous that God in his loving rebuke of their unfaithfulness now lists out six ways in which Israel is in sin. This list is prophetically laid out in the form of woe statements reminding the people of the coming judgement of God on sin if they remain steadfast in their sin. What hope if any can we find in this difficult passage of scripture.

Discipleship Questions

What is your initial impression of this passage of scripture?
Why do you think God is so clear in calling out the sin of his people?
Is there one ‘woe’ that stands out to you or that you feel greater conviction around than the others?
What characteristics of God are most on display in our passage?
How can we find hope in a passage like this?

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We don’t often think about the devastation of sin, and if we do, it’s usually accompanied by despair rather than hope in the gospel. Isaiah, in this passage, puts sin and judgement front and center. He does so by comparing the people of Israel to a crop of bad grapes. God had given Israel everything needed to produce good fruit, but they rejected God. Isaiah grieves this total rejection of God’s grace. We too need to grieve. Our sin is every bit as devastating as the sin of Israel. Our hearts are hard and incapable of producing good fruit. But rather than despair, we need to turn and look at God’s mercy. Because of his great love for us, he sent his son Jesus to die as the just punishment for our sin and gives us new life in Christ.

Discipleship Questions

When you are confronted with sin, how does that make you feel?
Explain what it means for someone to have a hard heart.
How have you rejected God’s grace by preferring other things over God himself?
What is the Holy Spirit teaching you about the help he provides in the struggle with sin?
As a group, encourage each other. Confessing sin is difficult. Remind each other of God’s incredible love shown in his mercy towards sinners.

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Are there things in your life that are keeping you from experiencing God’s peace?
What does it tell us about God’s character when he punishes his people?
What can we learn about God when we see that He saves is people in-spite of their ability to follow him?
Where in my life have I seen God be faithful even though it seemed like things were going wrong?
Where do you need to believe God and his promise in your life?

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Discipleship Questions: 1. Why do we desire leadership so much? How can/does that desire go wrong?

Where in your life are you prone to place your ultimate hope in another leader besides Jesus? How does God want to change that in your heart?
How is God’s judgment at the cross of Christ our only true source of hope?
What would it look like if we lived like we truly believed that God was king: over our nation, cities, churches, and families?

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Implicit in the human condition is the desire to find our comfort, security and salvation outside of God’s love for us in Jesus Christ and this is not OK. So, is it possible to take comfort in the anger of God toward sin, especially when we know that we are one of the guilty parties? Only when we understand Idolatry for what it is and respond to the grace of God for us.

Discipleship Questions:

Read Isaiah 2:6-22. What stood out to you in the passage, why?
How would you explain idolatry? Discuss your explanation with the group.
Why is Idolatry such a big deal to God?
When God reveals his glory all the idols are consumed (v17-19), why do you think that is?
How can we hope in God amidst his promises to destroy idols?

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The Christian worldview is one that has few surprises. The bible is clear on where we can place our hope for the future, both now and eternal, because it gives us pictures of what things will be like there. In this passage we see one of those pictures, an important one and one that has deep significance for us as we strive to live faithfully in our current time.

Discipleship Questions:

What would the world you want to live in look like?
Why do you think God gives us glimpses of what eternity will be like in the bible?
What is the significance of Jesus’ incarnation for how we see the physical world?
How have we seen this passage (Is 2:1-5) fulfilled through history up the present day?
How does a truly biblical worldview fulfil your answer to Question No.1?

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The love of God and the justice of God are not bitter enemies as some might like for us to believe. No, they exist together in harmony especially in the face of sin, brokenness, and corruption. How could we who are so far from righteousness ever find hope in God’s justice?

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think God uses such strong language in this passage?
Where do you see the same type of corruption and oppression mentioned in verses 21-23 in our culture?
How can we find hope in God while surrounded by such darkness?
Why out of all God’s characteristics can we personally hope in the Justice of God?
Who do you need to go and tell about Jesus?

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Christian hypocrisy is one of the major reasons people leave churches, and it’s not a new problem. In Isaiah’s day, around 2700 years ago, it was a problem too. In our passage God laments the fact that even though things look good on the outside that his people are far from him. What hope is there for us and what has God done to make our lives and worship of him the same on Sunday as on Monday?

Discipleship Questions:

What has been your experience with hypocrisy in the church? Yourself included.
How had Israel ‘forsaken’ the Lord? How can you relate to their failures?
Why is going through the motions of church worship such an affront to God?
How can we cleanse ourselves of our sin?
How is verse 18 fulfilled in Jesus Christ and what does that mean for us?

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Isaiah is arguably the most important Old Testament book as it relates to understanding the coming of Jesus Christ. It is large, it is full, and most importantly it reveals to us the character of God that new, maturing, and seasoned Christians will be encouraged and challenged by.

Discipleship Questions:

What has been your experience with the book of Isaiah?
Why is it important to study the historical context and significance of a book as we begin to study it?
As you understand it, explain the role of the prophet within OT literature.
Why is it so easy to forget all God has done for us in Christ Jesus?
Spend some time in prayer asking God to be at work through our study of Isaiah.

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We’ve all asked the question, we’ve all struggled at one time or another. Does God Care? But how would we know the answer, not just individually, but across the board as humans. What would be enough for us to know that God is concerned about us and our lives? John gives us the answers in his gospel.

Discipleship Questions:

When have you asked the question ‘does God care?’
Why do you think John opens his gospel account with such a strong statement?
Why would have John 1:14 have been such a shocking verse to John’s original readers?
What do you think was God’s motivation for sending his son to the world?
How does the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus answer the question ‘does God care’?

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The fullest account of Jesus’ birth is found in the gospel of Luke, he is a historian, doctor, and detail oriented writer so there is much to focus on. But why when we become so familiar with a story, even a detailed one, do we miss it’s raw and gritty realities? Why has this story become one safe for children? Why has it become sanitary and clean? Maybe it’s time for a fresh look at this account.

Discipleship Questions:

In what ways have you become numb to the realities of the real Christmas story?
What is significant about Jesus’ birth happening during the reign of Caesar Augustus?
Why is Silent Night a terrible Christmas carol? Discuss
Why do you think Jesus was born in such a way?
What is the significance of the angels announcing Jesus’ birth to shepherds?

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Mark’s gospel account has no clear origin story of Jesus’ birth. But it does have a deeply powerful account of who Jesus is. Mark pulls no punches in letting people know the claims of who Jesus Christ is and in doing so sets the stages for our understanding of Advent.

Discipleship Questions:

What do you think about the titles given to Jesus in Mark 1:1
In the opening of his gospel why do you think Mark quotes from the Old Testament, especially since his readers were gentiles?
What role does Mark attribute to John the Baptist in our verses? Is there more going on here?
How does looking forward during Advent help us live as God’s Kingdom people in the present?
When you read the lyrics to ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ in light of Jesus’ second Advent how does the song affect you?

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We pause this advent season to reflect on the many facets of Jesus’ birth story. Matthew’s gospel, like each of the 3 gospels is unique. Matthew is focused on a primarily Jewish audience. For Matthew, he wants to make sure his fellow Jewish brothers and sisters know that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. But more than that, Matthew wants his readers to know that Jesus came for sinners and outcasts. He made it clear that having the right family line and keeping the rules wouldn’t save anyone. But Matthew had good news! Jesus came as God the son to save His people from their sins.

Discipleship Questions:

What do you take for granted (this could be anything)?
Have you had the opportunity to teach a small child something? How did that go?
After hearing Matthew’s story of Jesus birth, what are you curious about? What questions do you have?
What is the Holy Spirit teaching you about Jesus, perhaps for the 1st time or as a good reminder?
Jesus loved and spent time with the sinners and outcasts. Do you struggle to see the lost as Jesus does? If so, explain.

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The mighty work of God through his Apostles in the day of Pentecost has some amazingly beautiful ramifications for the lives of those who have trusted in Jesus. In this passage we see the description of this new community of believers and can learn much from their example.

Discipleship Questions:

In what ways are you prone to isolation?
Does the description of Gospel Community in Acts 2:42-47 appear attractive to you? Why or why not?
Reading the Bible in the context of community changes much of our interpretation, why is it important that we do this?
Why is being in the gospel community of a local church a non-negotiable for God’s people?
What is the most important thing for you about being in a gospel community?

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Can we be truly thankful when there is so much evil around us? Is there a place for joy in darkness? True joy cannot exist when evil is doing its worst to us and those around us it is only when light is shone on darkness that there can be true thanksgiving, and for the Church is it our responsibility to bring the Light of God in word and works to those enslaved by darkness.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever been accused of being boring (or alike) for living a Christian life? Explain?
When you hear the command “let your light shine” (Matt 5:16) what do you feel? Why?
Why is it important we bring light to darkness in all areas of our life?
Why do you think that being full of the Spirit is paired with bringing light to darkness in our passage (Eph 5:8-21)?
In what ways can you live out todays message?

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With the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles are faced with a large crowd. It is at this moment that the primary action of the Holy Spirit is engaged through Peter and the Good News of Jesus is proclaimed. There is much to learn and to be convicted by in studying Peter’s sermon not least of all is the simplicity and clarity of this gospel message.

Discipleship Questions:

When have you been attracted to the style of a message rather than the substance of it?
Why is Peter's sermon a ‘great’ sermon?
What are some ways we can discern Gospel preaching from counterfeit teaching?
Communicate the gospel message in the simplest terms you can.
How do you need to respond to Peter’s sermon in Acts 2?

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The Church has changed to history of the world, and today we look at it’s official birth. In a passage that has often been misunderstood how can we hope to understand the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit and what does that mean for us today almost 2000 years removed from this event?

Discipleship Questions:

Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit being understood as a ‘Person’?
In the redemptive story of the Bible, why is this Pentecost a big deal?
Read John 15:8-16:15 and discuss why you think Jesus talks about persecution and the Holy Spirit together.
What does the Holy Spirit do in the life of a Christian? Find Bible passages to support your answers.

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When we think of reform we are usually thinking of progressive changes forward. But what if the Reformation was not about forward progress at all. What if it was, and is, about returning to the Gospel that has been delivered to the saints once and for all.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Semper Reformanda’ before? What was your first impression of it?
Why do you think Paul is so adamant in his message to Timothy that he should guard the gospel?
What are some common attacks on the gospel in our day?
How can we be ‘Always Reforming’ in the church?
What part of your life needs to be reformed back to the gospel?

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Glory is often a misunderstood attribute of God. It is important, I think we all know that, but what is it and why should it be for God alone? If we take a look at our lives can we truly say that God get’s all the glory or are we trying to take some or all of it from him?

Discipleship Questions:

What do you think glory is?
Why is God unwilling to share his glory?
In what way have you operated as a ‘Theologian of Glory’?
How have you been changed to see things as a ‘Theologian of the Cross’?
When God is given his glory how do you feel?

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The person of Jesus Christ is a polarizing figure. He is important for sure, but why? Who was he, who did he claim to be and why is the doctrine of Solus Christus such a big deal in Christian belief?

Discipleship Questions:

Who is Jesus Christ? Have you always had the same answer?
Why do you think Jesus Christ so important, not just in the church but in human history?
How does the person and work of Jesus Christ presented in the gospel accounts challenge our culture's perception of him?
Why are the ‘I Am’ statements in the gospel of John significant?
How did you meet Jesus? Please share with the group

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Grace as a word is often thrown around carelessly but rarely reckoned with. Grace, if we are to truly understand it is profoundly confrontational and challenging. How could God show grace to those who have hated and fought with him? Where is the justice? The answer is astounding when we truly grasp God’s action of Grace in His world.

Discipleship Questions:

Why would God’s grace be described as outrageous?
Explain your understanding of what sin is.
How do you respond when you are confronted by your sin?
Why is Jesus’ death on the cross good news for sinners?
Talk about evidences of God’s grace in your life and in your community group.

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In these days where everyone seems to do what is right in their own eyes, where can we find unchanging instruction and authority? Throughout the reformation the one thing the reformers had in common was that the scriptures were their ultimate authority and guidance, giving them boldness and hope in difficult times. Might we find the same courage through the same means.

Discipleship Questions:

What misunderstandings have you had about the bible in the past?
Why do you think Peter trust the words of scripture more than his own personal experience?
Explain the difference between ‘Sola Scriptura’ and ‘Nuda Scriptura’
What or Who is the main point of the Scriptures? Discuss your answer
Why do you think the Reformers were willing to give up their lives to uphold the Doctrine of Sola Scriptura?

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The 5 Solas were beliefs that those seeking to reform the Church 500 years ago rallied behind. Inspired by historical Christian belief and the truth of the scriptures, these 5 doctrines remain as important and relevant today as they did 500 years ago.

The doctrine of Sola Fide or By Faith Alone dared to challenge the notion that a person could be justified before God outside of the approval of a priest or a member of the clergy. Justification by faith in Christ alone might seem simple to us, but it is profound and spectacular in its realities.

*Sermon audio & video will be uploaded after the service on 9/24/17

Discipleship Questions:

What do you know about the 5 Solas? Where did you learn about them?
How does the doctrine of Sola Fide or By Faith Alone make Christianity unique among other belief systems?
Why is it important that we have faith imputed to us by God?
How can God be the Just and the Justifier of those who have faith in Jesus?
Explain in your own words how you have been made right with God.

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While they wait for the promised Holy Spirit the Apostles and other faithful followers of Jesus are expectantly active in all they are doing. There is much to learn from their example for us as a church and community of faith in how we to should remain active in expectation of God

Discipleship Questions:

Do you live in faithful expectation of the power of the Holy Spirit? Why or Why not?
When has God asked you to wait? How did you respond?
How might you be an active part of growing the unity of our church?
Is God calling you to step up into leadership at Foundation Church? Ask the community to speak into your answer.
Spend time as a group in prayer together. Pray for the unity of our church and your community group.

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After his glorious resurrection, Jesus prepares to ascend into heaven, leaving his disciples with some very broad yet specific instructions to follow. These instructions remain applicable and true for us in our day too. So how might we be true to the orders of Jesus as we await his return?

Discipleship Questions

What do you know about the book of Acts? Do you study it often?
What opportunities do you have to be Jesus’ witness in word?
What opportunities do you have to be Jesus’ witness in deed?
What do you think Jesus means when he said “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”?
Where in your life do you lack passion for being a witness for Jesus? What needs to happen to see that change?

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Our response to suffering should always be changing and growing. As Christians we will suffer, just like everyone else, but how we respond to the situations of pain and hurt in our lives will change as we grow in maturity as followers of Jesus. In this Psalm we see laid before us a mature and godly response to suffering, we can learn much by studying it.

Discipleship Questions:

Think of two painful situations you have faced in your life, one a long time ago, the other more recently. How did you respond to them differently?
How has God revealed himself through painful times in your life?
Have you ever made resolutions in regards to how you will live your life as a Christian? What are they?
Why do you think David relinquishes control over his situation and ‘gives it up to God’?
Where do you need to relinquish control in your life? Especially in situations where you have been sinned against.

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If you have children or know children, which should be all of us, then you have a part to play in helping them grow up in what the bible calls the “instruction of the Lord”. What does a biblical understanding of how to raise children have to do with the church, the community of God’s people and what role does the church play in the raising of children who grow up in it?

Discipleship Questions

Did you grow up in a Christian family? If so how did your parents raise you in the Christian faith?
Why, as a parent, is your personal walk with Jesus so important in raising your children in the faith?
Why do you think Jesus cares about children?
Where do you need to begin to take more responsibility for the upbringing of your, or if childless those in your community’s, children?
Where do you need to trust God more with your children?

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Whether we see it or not, each of us is in desperate need of help. We find ourselves overwhelmed daily with all sorts of difficulties big and small. Where does help come from? Our help comes from God, creator of heaven and earth. For God’s people, there is help. God is a loving Father. He promises to keep you, to watch over you, and to protect you. God sent his own Son Jesus to die that we might be reconciled to Himself. God wants your complete trust and reliance upon Him for help, and through Jesus’ death and resurrection, this perfect trust is possible as a gift given to you by God.

Discipleship Questions

What are the circumstances of life right now that are overwhelming?
How do you feel when you think of the things that overwhelm you? Is your first inclination to ask God for help?
Which promise of how God keeps his people in Psalm 121 seems most applicable to your situation?
What are your roadblocks to believing the promises of Psalm 121.
Together as a group, pray for each other. Pray God’s promises back to Him. Ask Him to do those things in each other’s lives. Pray that God would do it for the sake of His name and glory.

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Trust in God not a natural position of the human heart. We love to trust what we can perceive and reckon in our own understanding, but that is not the way towards flourishing for the Christian. For the people of God trusting in God is the only way of growth, but how do we do that?

Discipleship Questions: 1. When have you been led astray by your own understanding of a situation? What happened? 2. When have you been led astray by your own fleshly desires? What happened? 3. When have you been led astray by others? What happened? 4. How does having a whole trust in God (Father, Son, and Spirit) help us from being led astray? 5. Where are you currently not trusting in God with your whole understanding? Repent and Recommit your life to trusting in God

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Often we can find ourselves feeling like we don’t have any support, that no-one understands us or cares about us. This may or may not be true, but no matter the validity of our feelings the reality of them is that to be isolated is to be in danger of making a wreck of your life. The writer of this proverb provides us with great wisdom on God’s intentions for how we are to live our lives in relationship with one another to avoid the foolishness of isolation.

Discipleship Questions:

Are you tempted to isolate yourself? Why do you think that is?
Which one of the sermon points stood out to you most? Why do you think that is?
Read Proverbs 18:1 in different versions of the Bible, which version do you like the best? Discuss.

4, In what ways do you experience community with God’s people?

What ways could you grow in living in community?

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One of the deepest struggles we all deal with is believing that we need to make ourselves tidy before God can help us. For so many people this belief keeps them from crying out to God in their pain and their craziness. As a result their pain simply continues unchanged. In this psalm there is hope for us all, that God not only can, but is at work in all situations no matter how crazy they are.

Discipleship Questions:

Read Psalm 34 together, what are your initial impressions?
How does the context of why this psalm was written help you understand it better?
When has God worked in your crazy life? What happened?
Looking back on your life how have you seen the redemption of God?
Explain what it means to be made righteous in the eyes of God.

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Worship is much more than singing, but does that mean that we can truly worship without singing to God? The psalms are a large collection of songs to God that can help instruct and guide us in our desire to learn more about how we worship God.

Discipleship Questions:

How do you feel about singing at church? Why do you think that is?
Why do you think the Psalms are filled with songs to God?
What’s your favorite song that we sing during church service? Why?
Singing songs is a form of Evangelism. Discuss.
If you’re brave enough, sing some of your favorite gospel songs together.

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Sadly wisdom literature is often overlooked in our theological development. It seems to be one type of scripture that is used only for coffee mugs or as cover verses for a greeting card. This is a sad reality that leaves many of us underdeveloped in our walk with Jesus. I hope that this can change through our study of the Proverbs and Psalms.

Discipleship Questions

What has been your exposure to the wisdom literature in the bible? How do you feel about studying the Proverbs and Psalms this summer?
Have you considered ‘wisdom’ as a characteristic of God? How does this characteristic affect your understanding of God?
Where in the gospel accounts do you see Jesus speaking wisdom? Share it with the group.
What does it look like to trust in Jesus for wisdom?
Where do you need to grow in Holy Spirit sanctified wisdom?

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God has chosen to bring his kingdom to bear in his world through his church. We often have a good understanding of the mission he has given to us, but lack understanding of the communal way that God works through his church. What does a local church do that makes it the instrument of God and what does that mean for Foundation Church?

Discipleship Questions

In the past how have you explained Foundation Church to your friends or family?
How do you feel when you think about the church being like a body?
Why do you think Jesus is the head of the church? And what does it mean for us that he is?
Go through your five senses and answer the question ‘What does Foundation Church ____ like to you?’
Spend some time giving thanks to God and praying for our church over the next twelve months.

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Generosity is often compelled out of guilt or pressure, but if those are the reasons for giving doesn't that make the very act of giving out of compulsion and not out of generosity? There is a much better reason for giving and a much greater motivation that brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.

Discipleship Questions

When have you made decisions in a reactive way, rather than a proactive way? How do the two feel different? Why do you think Paul closes his letter to Timothy with an exhortation to rich people? How do you feel when you think about the idea of storing up treasure? Of the four commands in 1 Tim 6:18 which one stirs your heart the most? Why? Why do you think there is such a clear comparison between generosity and taking hold of life in Christ?

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In the final chapter of Ruth we find the ending we all wished for. One that sees a future and a hope given to Ruth and Naomi. But even more than the hope given to these two ladies we see God weaving a far greater story of redemption through their legacy.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever been in a situation that seemed hopeless? How did God bring hope to you in the midst of it?
In what ways has God’s sovereignty been expressed in your life?
How do you feel when you reflect on how God used Boaz and Ruth to bring forth Jesus?
How do you express thanks to God for his hand in your life?
What part of the story of Ruth was the most impactful for you? Why?

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Love stories capture our minds and hearts like no other. They are deeply human, hopeful and speak to some of the deepest hopes of our hearts. The book of Ruth is one of these stories, it is rich with hope and above all the desire for Boaz to redeem poor Ruth. In the 3rd chapter we see the redemption of Ruth begin and learn much about God’s love for his people as a result.

Discipleship Questions:

What’s your favorite love story? What are the parallels between it and the book of Ruth?
Share with the group your concept of ‘Kinsman-Redeemer’.
What does Boaz’ reaction to Ruth teach you about honor?
Read Galatians 4:4-7, in your own words, explain how Jesus is our redeemer.
How have you been changed by Jesus’ loving redemption?

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Ruth and Naomi do not have a hopeful future and to even have the possibility of getting enough to eat Ruth must put herself at great risk to gather food. But in this dire situation the providence of God leads her to receive the kindness of Boaz. From this passage we can glean much about our God that can help serve us in our own dire situation.

Why do you think God created provision for the poor and sojourner in the law?
Where have you seen God’s hand of providence in your life?
How has God shown his kindness to you?
Do you struggle to see your sinfulness? Why do you think that’s the case?
How are Boaz’ actions in this passage a foreshadowing of Jesus’ actions on the cross?

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After tragedy and trauma we are all left changed and shaped by our experiences. We are all able to choose how to respond. Do we harden ourselves against further pain, do we get angry and bitter or might there be a better, more redemptive way the God offers us, one that doesn't lessen the significance of pain but harnesses it for our ultimate good.

Discipleship Questions:

What have been the tragedies in your life that have shaped you the most?
How have you responded to pain and suffering in the past?
Why do you think Ruth responds the ways she does? And what do you learn from her response?
In the bible it is clear that God uses suffering for his redeeming purposes. What do you think about that?
How does the cross of Jesus bring you hope in your pain?

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We are introduced to the book of Ruth with a difficult story of loss. Far away from the promised land Naomi, one of God’s people, is left with nothing but two daughters in law who don’t know her God. Things don’t look good right now, what can we learn about tragedy through the introduction to this story?

What has been your exposure to the book of Ruth?
Why do you think the story of Ruth holds so much significance in the greater story of the bible?
Have you been tempted to leave the security of God’s people before? Share about that time.
In your life what good has come from enduring through tough times in the church?
Who might God be calling you to bring into the church? Pray for them and take steps to reach out.

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Paul Gilbert from Sojourn Network joined us to preach from Daniel chapter 1.

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We hold the bible in the highest authority over our lives, but how do we know that we can trust it? Especially in light of passages within the scriptures that have questions surrounding them like the ending of Mark. Where can we go and what do we do when confronted with these passages?

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever wrestled with the bible? Talk about what happened.
What stands out to you from Mark 16:9-20?
Why do you think that Mark’s additional ending was added?
How does the wealth of biblical manuscripts we have increase our trust in the bible?
What steps do you need to take to dig deeper into the bible?

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We show honor and respect in direct correlation with the power of the person we are in contact with. But what if we forgot or mistook the identity of someone who had great power as someone we could mock and ridicule? What a terrible thing, to think about. But it is something that we often fall prey to, How might we find hope in our failures and see how God brings hope to those who have mocked and failed him.

Discipleship Questions:

What is your gut reaction to reading the passage (Mark 15:16-20)?
How have you been guilty of mocking God? Do you need to repent?
Have you been mocked before? How does Jesus sufferings bring you hope?
Tell a story of how God has transformed you from mocker to worshipper.
Do you believe that God can reach those furthest from him? Pray for someone far from God, ask him to meet them and transform them.

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What had begun with temple guards in the dark of night escalates in the daytime when Jesus is brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. In the scenes that unfold in this passage Jesus’ trial continues to devolve into mob rule. What could possible be gleaned from such chaos? Only Christ’s power can bring us hope in the face of such a farce.

What stands out to you in this passage?
How have you traditionally thought of Pilate? How do you feel about him now?
What can we learn from the actions of the crowd?
Why is Barabbas so important in our understanding of Jesus’ work?
Can you see Jesus’ power in his suffering? What does that mean for your life?

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The ones we look up to are the biggest,strongest and fastest. No kid ever grew up wanting to be strong like Danny DeVito, it was Arnold Schwarzenegger that people aspired to be like. Peter is the strong disciple, the bold disciple, but in this passage all his strength and boldness fails him. What does it mean to be strong in the Kingdom of God and how can we have hope if even Peter falls and fails?

Discipleship Questions

What are your strengths? List them off. How have you been praised for them in your life?
Why do you think Peter failed to keep his word to Jesus?
Have you ever trusted in your own strength and failed? What happened?
How does Peter’s response to his failure (v.72) bring you hope?
Where do you need to embrace weakness so you might be strong?

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After years of conflict and butting heads, the religious leaders have Jesus on trial for his life. He is being accused and attacked by many different people but he does not open his mouth to defend himself. It is only after being asked directly who he is that he opens his mouth and leaves us with a claim that we must reckon in our own understanding before we can hope to come to terms with Jesus Christ.

Discipleship Questions

In what ways have you simplified God to make him more palatable to you?
How have you been shocked by Jesus’ words or actions in the past?
When confronted by Jesus’ self-revelation (Mark 14:61-62), how do you feel?

4 . What do you need to repent of so that you might lay down your life for Christ?

Spend some time praying for each other, asking God to help us honor Jesus as Lord.

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In this section of Mark, Jesus is betrayed and arrested. We find out that Judas, a close friend and disciple was the betrayer. How could Judas betray Jesus? Was evil winning in this grievous act? Jesus’ calm response is helpful for us - “let the scriptures be fulfilled”. Nothing about Jesus’ betrayal and arrest was out of control for Jesus. Jesus willingly submitted to the Sovereign purposes of God. We find God’s glory revealed most fully as we consider this magnificent plan.

Discipleship Questions:

What do you feel when you see injustice?
How did the disciples respond in the face of injustice? How did Jesus respond?
When you hear Jesus say “let the scriptures be fulfilled”, what comes to mind?
In what ways has God given you a better understanding of His sovereignty? Be specific.
In what ways do you object or struggle with Biblical teaching on Human Responsibility and God’s Sovereignty? How will you wrestle with these objections and learn more?
Name a specific way that seeing God’s Glory more fully draws you to worship Him.

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Jesus spends the final moments before his arrest in a garden praying, this time is a picture of the powerful and often difficult relationship we can have with God’s sovereign plan and our own will. Jesus provides for us a the perfect example of obedience and wisdom through his distress in the garden.

Discipleship Questions

How does seeing the humanity of Jesus in the garden make you feel?
Explain a time when you have had to surrender your will to God?
When have you placed too much confidence in your own strength? What happened?
What does it mean for you to walk forward with resolve in what God has called you to?
Is God calling you to change direction in your life? Take some time to seek him.

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We are all addicts in one way or another. Some hide their addictions better than others, some addictions wreak more physical havoc in our lives than others but the same issue lies at the root of both. That issue is idolatry, our worship of the creation rather than the creator brings destruction to us. How can we right our addictions? Only through the power of the gospel.

Discipleship Questions:

What have you been addicted to in your life?

What was at the root of your addiction? What desire were you hoping to fill?

Have you confessed and repented of your sinful idolatry through addiction? If not repent to God.

How does God give us our deepest desires, and how are they better than our addictions?

What are your current struggles and where do you need help overcoming temptation? (Invite God’s people into your struggles)

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The darkness of mental anguish and illness touches many of us in significant ways. It cannot simply be explained away simply or brushed over by sentiments of shallow hope. It must be given the weight it deserves in our churches and in our relationships. What hope can be found in the darkest pit of depression and anxiety? There is only One.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you suffered from depression or anxiety?
In what way does reading Psalm 88 affect you?
Where can you find hope in the midst of mental anguish and suffering?
How does Jesus’ life, death and resurrection speak to your suffering?
Have you mishandled caring for someone who has suffered from mental illness? What does repentance look like for you?

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Sin has many effects on all that is around us, but it’s biggest effect is what happens inside of us. The root of so much suffering in our lives lies in the effects of sin inside of us. This plays out in the feelings of shame and guilt that control our thoughts, actions and rob us of true freedom.

Discipleship Questions:

Of the three internal effects of sin, which has affected you the most?
Right now how are you being affected by Shame or Guilt?
Do you believe that God cares about your feelings?
In your own words explain your understanding of the atonement.
Which aspect of the atonement speaks to you the loudest? Why?

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When anyone abandons the good and god given roles for their lives it brings pain and suffering to those they have left. It happens far too often and many of us struggle with the wounds for years and years. How can God bring healing and hope to those who have been abandoned and bring forgiveness to those who have abdicated their responsibilities?

Discipleship Questions:

Have you been abandoned by someone?
How did it affect you and your family?
In what ways is God working to bring you healing?
Do you need to forgive the one who abandoned you?
Pray for the person who has wronged you.

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The statistics surrounding abuse are horrifying, so many of us have had our lives shattered by being abused. It is deeply traumatic and painful, it is something that we carry for the rest of our lives. The wounds are real and healing can be difficult, but in Jesus and his grace, there is hope.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you suffered abuse in your past?
How does Jesus’ life and death connect with your experience of abuse?
Do you believe Jesus can heal your pain?
What steps do you need to take to heal from the wounds abuse left you with?
Are you an abuser? What steps do you need to take to repent for your sin?

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Death is a reality that we treat like a negotiable. All of us have been touched by it in one way or another, but it is usually absent from our thoughts and our conversations. How could something so certain be left out of our lives, and what do we do when it rears its ugly head in our lives?

Discipleship Questions:

Whose death has impacted you the most?
Do you feel like you have grieved that loss well?
In what ways did you distract yourself from the grieving process?
What are the major differences between grieving the death of christians/non-christians?
Read Exodus 34:6-7, how do you feel after reading God’s revelation of himself?

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Of all the topics that can be contained under the subject of pain and suffering, abortion is one of the most difficult to talk about. This shouldn’t be a shock to us as it is such a significant and weighty issue, both for those who have had an abortion and for those who have not. We are all affected by it and need to come to a place of healing through Jesus Christ together.

Discipleship Questions:

How have you been affected by abortion?
How does the gospel of Jesus Christ apply to the affects of abortion in your life?
What next steps do you need to take to heal from the effect of abortion?

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Synopsis Suffering is a universal human reality, but for the most part, we choose to keep our sufferings bottled up inside and out of public view when in all reality it is doing us much harm. In this sermon we study the root of suffering, the reality of brokenness and give hope for those who are currently, have previously, or will suffer.

Discipleship Questions

How does understanding Genesis 3:1-19 help you make sense of the brokenness all around you?
In what ways have you tried to inoculate yourself from suffering and pain, but to no avail?
Have you tried to hold pain and suffering inside yourself? What happened?
How do you hope that God will use this sermon series in your life?
Why does our rejoicing in suffering bring glory to God?

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Discipleship Questions:

How much have you paid attention to the lyrics of the Christmas carols? Are you surprised at the amount of scripture found in the carols?
Does the reminder of our invitation to meet (or know) the true King of all kings still evoke an emotion from you? Describe your emotion?
How do you worship Christ?
Are you living your life in a joyful and triumphant manner? Why or why not?
What does incarnation mean? When's the last time you described it to someone? As you described it were you touched by the meaning of the story?

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Do you find yourself singing the words of your favorite Christmas Carol without even thinking about the words and what they mean? We all do. “What Child is This?” is a classic Christmas carol written by William Chatterton Dix. He was an insurance salesman and a poet. He fell sick at 29, and in the midst of sickness and depression, wrote this song of worship to his Savior. This sermon explores why Jesus came to earth and specifically why he came in weakness as a Baby. God in his wisdom chose weakness to identify with us, to help us. God chose to redeem our sin and weakness and use the effects of it to draw us back to Himself in relationship. There’s hope for us this Christmas as we are all weak and broken sinners in need of a savior.

Can you explain the essence of what sin is and why it’s so devastating?
What are some reasons why Jesus came to earth as a baby?
Do you struggle with the wisdom of God as He chooses to work through our weakness?
Where are you struggling right now? Where do you need to cry out to God for help?
How has God, through Jesus, caused you to trust him more through weakness in your life. Use this opportunity to boast in Jesus who we celebrate this Christmas!

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God always work in ways that wouldn’t expect. Imagine you had the greatest announcement in all history to make, surely you and I would call King’s, rulers and powerful people together to tell them this great news. But that is not how God works, he shows that everyone of his image bearers have great value by choosing to make the announcement of jesus’ birth to those who the culture had no regard for, and in His actions we can find great truth for ourselves.

Why is it important to know the reliability of the source when finding out news?
Why do you think God chose to share the good news of Jesus’ birth with shepherds?
Who are the ‘shepherds’ of our day?
How does the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11 motivate you to share the gospel?
When we sing “Glory to God in the highest” what do you feel?

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One of the all time favorite carols has to be O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. This great hymn has an ancient background not only in its lyrics but also in the role it has played in the church over a millennia. How does the old testament promise of the coming messiah find its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus and why is this great hymn filled with strange titles for Jesus and even stranger promises of what will happen when he comes?

Why do you think there are many different Old Testament titles used to describe the coming messiah?
Which verse of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is your favorite, why?
Why is it important to understand the right balance of the ‘Already/Not Yet’ of the Kingdom of God?
The title Emmanuel means ‘God with Us’. What does that mean to you?
In what ways do you rejoice knowing that Emmanuel (Jesus) will come to redeem his people?

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Giving thanks is a biblical command. But many of us forget to give God the thanks and praise that he deserves. Instead, we lose focus on God and only see the cracks in our own lives. How can we refocus and find thanksgiving in the work of God — even through hard times?

Why is God’s discipline of his people actually an act of love for them?
How does God get glory through his action of putting his people back together again?
What caused you to see that you needed God to redeem you?
Where is God currently redeeming you?
Share the things you are most thankful to God for.

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Why do we take holy communion at church? If you think about it, it really is kind of a strange thing that Christians do. But if you dig back into the significance of the communion meal then you will reminded of something powerful and amazing.

Why is the passage we are studying so radical?
Why is the passover meal important not only to Jewish people but to Christians too?
How do you understand Jesus’ sacrifice better in light of the passover meal?
Have you ever been told something about communion that wasn’t true?
How does taking communion in light of its true significance make you feel?

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At the passover meal Jesus exercises his complete control over every detail, including his betrayal. This kind of control and sovereignty can often be used to paint God as unloving, or at worst, outright evil. This is far from the truth, for to truly understand Jesus’ control over all things should increase our confidence in every detail of our lives.

Discipleship Questions:

Why was The Passover the most important festival on the Jewish calendar?
Does Jesus’ control over the details of his final meal raise any thoughts for you?
How can Jesus be so calm about his impending betrayal and arrest?
When have you had to trust God’s sovereignty in the details of your life?
Read Romans 8:28-30, how does this verse make you feel?

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For the last 499 years we have been a part of a movement called the reformation. This movement was sparked somewhat unwittingly by a small town monk called Martin Luther, his actions on October 31st 1517 created a movement that has seen countless millions of people come to faith.

Discipleship Questions:

What was your understanding of the reformation before listening to the sermon?
Why do you believe the early church was persecuted so violently for three centuries?
Have you ever thought about church history? Why or why not?
Read Romans 4:4-5, explain what you think this verse means.
Why was preaching the grace of God such a radical message in the time of the reformation?

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At a celebratory dinner, Jesus is shown a powerful and significant act of devotion, but his disciples bristle at what has happened. Why do they see no value in this spectacular act of devotion and what can we learn from the devotion of this woman?

Discipleship Questions

In your opinion, why is this passage so significant?
When have you been indignant at someone for how they worshipped God?
Where might you be showing value rather than honor?
Who do you need to honor?
What is God calling you to give without holding back?

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The whole of Mark 13 is challenging for those of us who seek to interpret Jesus’ words, and there still remains much mystery in the discourse. Above all, one thing stands clear, and that is Jesus command to remain faithful to him through any future events — no matter how difficult they might be.

Discipleship Questions:

Why is this passage difficult for theologians and Christians to understand?
Why do you think Jesus uses so much Old Testament imagery in this discourse?
How does this passage encourage you to present faithfulness?
Read Revelation 19:11-16. If this is true, what effect should it have on your day-to-day life?
Do you trust God with your future? Why or Why not?

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As the disciples marvel at the greatness of the temple Jesus responds to their wonder with a direct and difficult discussion surrounding its destruction. In what has been turned into an interpretive circus in recent years we must dig deeper into Jesus exhortation to faithfulness and discipleship in the present and his promises of support and care for all who suffer for His sake.

Discipleship Questions:

Why was Jesus’ pronouncement against the temple so shocking?
Have you ever focussed too much on a certain secondary faith issue? How did God right your thinking?
Have you ever been lead astray by false teaching? Explain what happened
Is Jesus and his mission currently at the center of your life? Why or why not?
What do you need to do to re-focus on Jesus and live for him?

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After being subject to multiple attacks and questioning, Jesus now goes on the offensive and points out a deep truth that cut’s the scribes perceived holiness down to size. In doing so Jesus shows us what part of our life God truly desires in our obedience to him.

Discipleship Questions: 1. When was the last time you had to correct your theological assumptions? How did you respond to being shown your previous error?

Have you ever been accused of being arrogant in your faith? What happened?
Why do you think God is concerned with the motivations of our hearts?
What part of your life do you need to repent of and surrender to God fully?
Where is God growing you in generosity?

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After proving himself wise and understanding, Jesus is approached by a scribe and asked a simple question about the law of God. Jesus’ answer stands as the perfect summation of the law, but behind his perfect answer lies a bigger question surrounding who might ever be able to gain entry into the Kingdom of God.

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think Jesus’ response to the scribes question was so profound?
Do you delight in the law of God? Why or why not?
Have you been like the scribe before? Close to God but not in the Kingdom?
Explain in your own words how Jesus allows us entry to the Kingdom of God
Read Ephesians 2:8-9, what is most impactful about that passage?

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In no real change from recent events, Jesus finds himself in another confrontation this time with the Sadducees. How does Jesus engage and teach these opponents and what can we learn about the essentials of our faith and what Jesus demands from us?

Discipleship Questions:

Have you ever used the bible in a way that it wasn’t intended to be used to further your own ambition? What happened?
Why do you think that the Sadducees don’t like Jesus?
Have you had a passage of scripture illuminated and used by God to set your thinking straight?
When in your life have you put a knowledge about God above a relationship with God? How did that turn out?
How is your faith in God right now?

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Jesus is engaged again with some of his attackers, and this time they try to trap him in-between two seemingly opposing relationships with the government. But, thru Jesus fashion he gives an answer to those who would try to trap him that provides for us in striation and wisdom in how we relate with those in authority above us in government.

Discipleship Questions:

How have you previously engaged in politics or political discussions?

2, As a Christian how do you feel you have modeled Christ to others in political discussion?

How will you apply Jesus’ teaching in your life, especially in an election year?
How do you feel about exercising your freedom in Christ as it related to politics?
Why is our allegiance to Christ greater than our allegiance to a political party?

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Jesus often speaks very hard and disturbing Truth to those who he is surrounded by, and often to communicate this Truth he uses the form of a story. In this message we see Jesus using a disturbing story to illustrate an even more disturbing truth.

Discipleship Questions:

Why does Jesus choose to communicate this difficult truth in the form of a parable?
How do you feel after reading this parable? What raw emotions are you experiencing?
Have you rejected Jesus as the cornerstone of your life before? What happened?
Tell the group about a time when you were convicted by the Holy Spirit and hardened your heart. How did God’s love lead you to repentance?
What encouragement does Ephesians 4:30 bring to you?

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The religious leaders come directly to Jesus to ask him who has given him the authority to do the many miraculous things he's been doing during his ministry. Jesus offers to answer the question they pose with a question.

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In what might be one of the strangest passages of scripture surrounding Jesus’ earthly ministry, in this passage we see a physical object used as an objective lesson. As such we learn much about what God desires in faithfulness and expects in fruitfulness in the lives of his people.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you created a picture of Jesus in your mind that doesn’t seem like the Jesus we read about in our text? How do you feel after seeing Jesus’ actions?
Why was the action we read about at the temple so enraging to Jesus?
What is the significance of the fig tree in our passage?
Do you feel as if your life is categorized by fruitfulness or fruitlessness right now? Why do you think that is?
How does understanding sanctification bring you hope for the coming seasons of your life?

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Jesus’ arrival to Jerusalem marks an important point in the Gospel of Mark. Not only does Jesus ready himself for his coming death, but the nation of Israel also greets their coming King with no true understanding of his purpose or true mission. This passage fulfills many of the messianic prophecies in the Old Testament and is a powerful picture of Jesus’ revelation of his true messianic identity.

Discipleship Questions: 1. Read Mark 11:1-11. Why do you think Mark was so descriptive in his recollection of this event? What stands out to you in this passage?

What might Jesus be asking you to lay down in your life so you can honor him as King?
What is the significance of the crowd shouting “Hosanna” as Jesus enters Jerusalem?
Have you asked Jesus to save you? How did he respond?
Is Jesus King of your life? How would anyone know?

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As Jesus closes his journey to Jerusalem he passes through the city of Jericho where the crowd presses around him. In this chaos, we see that he is active and powerfully at work healing a man named Bartimaeus. Please listen as we learn from Bartimaeus' story, and the players in this account of Jesus’ mighty work.

Discipleship Questions:

In the passage of scripture we studied (Mark 10:46-52), what is the one detail in particular that stands out to you, why?
When have you acted as a scoffer? Why do you think you did this? Have you repented?
When was the last time you were encouraged by someone? What effect did it have on you?
How do you think you can grow as an encourager?
Have you felt like Bartimaeus? How did God respond to you?

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We are all leaders of something. Different people look up to us in different ways and there is no shortage of opinion out there of how to lead at work, home and the church, but what does Jesus tell us about leadership and our ambitions to be in power. In this passage, Jesus is faced with the ambition of the disciples and responds with his usual clarity about how things happen in the kingdom of God, something that is, as usual, completely different to how the world around us thinks.

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think that some theologians believe this passage is the key to understanding the Gospel of Mark?
What specifically are you encouraged by when you see Jesus’ humility in his leadership?
Looking at your own ambitions, where do you see similarities with James and John in your motivations?
How does believing the gospel free us from ungodly ambition and allow us to simply serve?
Read Mark 10:45, discuss the implications of this passage for your life and for the ‘many’.

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God’s Kingdom is one of the major themes in the scriptures, what is it? And how does the church play a role in the establishing of the Kingdom of God in the world? But furthermore how does God, equip, call and provide the authority to his Church to achieve this mission?

Discipleship Questions 1. How have you understood the concept of the Kingdom of God in the past?

Why is receiving both ‘Promise’ and ‘Power’ from Jesus important if we are going to be used by God in his Kingdom?
How do you feel about being given the authority by Jesus to do his kingdom work?
Being a part of a local church is the key to understanding the use of God’s authority, how have you seen the church do God’s work?
Read Rev 12:10-11, what does this passage describe? Notice the use of inclusive language (they, their) how do you see the passage differently in light of this?

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In living a perfect life, Jesus has provided for us a perfect example in all things but in particular he shows us what it is to serve. How does the gospel lead us to be amazed by and follow Jesus’ example in humble service?

Discipleship Questions:

What are some ways you expect to be served in different areas of your life?

How do you react when you aren’t served in the way you believe you should?

When has God served you in tangible ways throughout your life?

Of the three types of Christian service (inside, outside and church) which do you find the easiest? Why?

Who is God calling you to serve right now? How will you be obedient to him?

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The whole bible is essentially one grand and powerful narrative that shapes and molds those who believe and submit to its teachings. But what is the point of this great narrative? Is it simply to modify or change someone's behavior, their outlook on life, or to encourage them in tough times? Or is there something else at the point of this great story? Join us as we study why the bible and it’s teaching is a ‘Pillar’ of Foundation Church.

Discipleship Questions:

What are some things you have been told about the bible that you now longer believe to be true?
If Jesus is central to the bible’s story then how should you read the bible?
Why is the cross of Jesus Christ the defining moment in all history?
What is the gospel?
Why does believing the gospel have such a powerful effect on our lives?

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Love plays a bigger role in our lives than we all might think. As humans to be deprived of love has grave and destructive results. How are we as God’s people able to receive and empowered to give God’s love out effectively to all people?

Discipleship Questions:

When in your life has the absence of love affected you?
Have you tried to give love from your own strength and failed? How did that feel?
How does understanding your position in God’s family encourage you to show God’s love?
What role does the community of God’s people play in showing love to others?
In what way has God opened a door for you to love others? Will you do it?

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What is the mission and vision of Foundation Church over the next year? Where is God already at work in our midst and what is he calling us as a church to? Join us as we strive to be used by God to bring the whole gospel to Everett, Snohomish County and to the ends of the earth.

Discipleship Questions:

How does 1 Cor 3:11 bring you comfort in your own life and in the life of our church?

In all that God is doing in Snohomish County, what brings you the most excitement?

What do you see God doing in your neighborhood?

How might God be calling you to bring the whole gospel (word and deed) to your community?

How are you going to be an active part of Foundation Church over the next year?

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After the Rich young ruler left Jesus’ presence it allowed for a teachable moment for he and his disciples. In this teaching, Jesus presses on one of his favorite topics, money. In his teaching and the following dialogue he makes it very clear that the relationship that we have with money right now is going to affect our eternity.

Discipleship Questions:

What does your current relationship with wealth (monetary or otherwise) look like?
Why do you think Jesus makes such a big deal about the effect of loving wealth?
Is there an area of your life where you are currently serving two masters? What does repentance look like for you?
How do you feel when you are generous with your wealth? And what does that teach you about God’s intentions for wealth?
What is God calling you to do in regards to being generous with your wealth?

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Jesus is confronted by a very ambitious young man who has an almost spotless resume of good works and law keeping. But this young man get’s far more than he bargained for when Jesus tells him what he must do to inherit eternal life. So what does this mean for us if we are serious about our desire to inherit eternal life?

Discipleship Questions: 2. What are some incorrect caricatures of Jesus you have held to in your past? How were they challenged and changed as you grew in Christ? 2. Why does keeping the first commandment ensure that you will keep the other nine? 3. What would Jesus tell you to give up if you were standing in the 'Rich Young Rulers' place? 4. Why is idolatry a big deal? And why would it keep you from inheriting eternal life? 5, Practically what changes do you need to make in your life right now to be faithful to Jesus and follow him alone?

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In Jesus day children were seen as insignificant and of little value, so when the disciples try to stop some children bothering Jesus they would have never expected his response. Jesus responds to their efforts with a significant outburst, what can we learn from how Jesus see’s those with little value, and what does this teach us about the Kingdom of God.

Discipleship Questions:

Why do you think that Jesus responded with such powerful emotion to the actions of the disciples?
How does a good understanding of the ‘Image of God’ or Imago Dei inform how you see humanity?
In your own words, how do you receive the Kingdom of God like a child?
Have you had to wrestle with how God relates to children? How does this passage help your thoughts?
Take some time in prayer and ask Jesus to show you his love for you.

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We have all be affected in some way by the falling apart of a marriage and the divorce that follows. But in our culture divorce is considered the norm, and in some cases even celebrated. What does God have to say on this issue? And what does Jesus show us about God’s intentions for marriage?

Discipleship Questions: 1. How have you been affected by divorce? 2. What has been your attitude towards divorce in the past? How does Jesus' teaching differ from your attitude? 3. Why do you think that Jesus goes back to the book of Genesis to teach about God’s intentions for marriage? 4. Why is it important to take the full counsel of scripture when studying a topic like divorce? 5. How does the completed work of Jesus on the cross apply to divorce and your experience with it?

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We all struggle with jealousy in some way, and sadly within the church it is somewhat of an ‘acceptable sin’, but that is not how Jesus sees it. Jealousy in ministry, the warning about leading people astray, and a call to holiness as the remedy categorize this text. How can we a modern christians apply Jesus' teaching into our lives and allow it to be used by God to further his mission?

Discipleship Questions:

What are you currently jealous of? How is God calling you to trust him in your jealousy?
Why do you think Jesus uses such powerful imagery when calling his disciples to holiness?
In what area of your life are you currently struggling to be holy?
How do you think you can be used as a preserving and peaceful influence in your relationships?
Describe a time when you were empowered by the Holy Spirit to put sin to death and be holy. How did you feel during that time?

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Pride is a deeply rooted and painful reality of our sinful condition, and each one of us is affected significantly by it. Pride’s polar opposite is humility, something that Jesus set’s us a perfect example in. How do we then confront pride in our life with Jesus as our perfect example?

Discipleship Questions:

Explain the time in your life when you were the most prideful, what was the effect your attitude had on the relationships around you?
Did your pride end in destruction? What did that look like?
Examine your life right now, what are the greatest temptations to fall into the sin of pride?
What does it look like for you to love and receive into your life someone who is considered ‘insignificant’?
How does Jesus example of humility as outlined in Philippians 2:3-11 impact you?

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Nothing seems to halt the work of God in our lives like a lack of faith. In this passage Jesus encounters a desperate father in an incredibly chaotic scene and he lovingly prompts a response of faith that results in a miraculous healing. What can we learn from Jesus’ example for our own lives in particular how we relate to Jesus in faith.

Discipleship Questions

In the passage of scripture we are studying (Mark 9:14-29) what is the most interesting thing to you? Why?
Why do you think belief (faith) is such a big deal in this passage?
Do you feel like Jesus looks on you with compassion? Discuss
What role has the community of God’s people played in relieving your suffering?
What area’s of your life do you need to talk to God with more faith in?

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Discipleship Questions

Where do you struggle to believe Jesus and the plans he has for you?
Give a specific example where Jesus has given you sight after a period of struggle to believe?
In what ways could you be contributing to the Body of Christ at Foundation Church?
Who does your heart ache for – that they might know Jesus?

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Discipleship Question

1) What was it like for you when you first confessed that Jesus is Lord?

2) Has your expectations of Christ ever been disappointed?

3) Who is in your life that needs to be discipled?

4) Is there someone in your life that you want to confess that Jesus is the Christ? Do you have hope for them?

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Discipleship Questions

1) Do certain movies or books cause you to have doubt in your belief in Christ? Was there a time when something did cause you to doubt?

2) How strong is your faith? If it's strong, why? How would you explain your faith to a non-believer?

3) In Mark 8:15 Jesus said: "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”. Have you ever encountered someone who demanded some sort of proof or evidence of God? What did you say to them? If not, what would you say to someone who did?

4) Are you applying what you learn from the scriptures to your life? Do you find it difficult sometimes? Why?

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Discipleship Questions:

Can you recount a lesson that was hard for you to understand?
Can you sympathize with the Disciples difficulty in understanding who Christ really was/is?
Have you felt The Lords compassion before? Please describe it. Tell of a time that you had compassion for someone? Did it lead you to take action?
Is there currently somebody that you know that needs compassion that you can or should take action on?

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Discipleship Questions

What keeps you from approaching God boldly and confidently through prayer?
What aspect of your life is causing you to lose heart?
What truth(s) about God do you doubt most? What lies do you find yourself believing? Which gospel truth(s) from this passage resonate most with you?
Given your life’s story of experiencing imperfect, even hurtful love, what reality is God inviting you to experience and enjoy right now, through the power of his Spirit?
How can grasping the fullness of God’s love impact how you love others—your friends, your spouse, your children, with your neighbors and co-workers?

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Discipleship Questions:

What is the present status of your prayer life? How can your prayer life be strengthened? What factors distract you from prayer?
There is no place where earth’s sorrows are more felt than Heaven. What issues or areas of your heart do you need to take to Jesus and meet Him and receive his compassion and mercy? And how can you be a vessel of Jesus' compassion to those around you?
What can we learn about Jesus from his willingness to touch the deaf man? And not only him, but also the leper in Mark 1:40-45. How can you model your life after Jesus' example? Who are the 'untouchable' persons in our culture?
Why is God's Word central and necessary to establishing God's Kingdom? How did God use His Word in your life to draw you unto Him?

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Discipleship Questions:

How have you treated the Lord Jesus with contempt for only seeking him for things he can provide or do for you?
Have you ever witnessed the Lord do something amazing to only focus on that which was done but not on the One who did it (e.g., healing a broken marriage, provision, miracle, etc)? If so, what?
Speak to a time where you (in hindsight) knew your heart was hardened to the reality of who Jesus is because you were/are consumed with your present circumstances.
In what ways (currently) has the Holy Spirit opened your eyes, ears, and heart to the GLORY of Jesus Christ?
Mark’s record of Jesus walking on water is not about the rescue of the disciples (that’s a small part of the story), but rather it is all about Jesus revealing his GLORY to his followers. How are you growing in your understanding of the GLORY of Jesus more as we go through the Gospel of Mark?

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Does God care about your struggles and pains? Often it seems to us that the only way that God could love us is if we clean ourselves up and become presentable to him. But the bible doesn’t demand that, in-fact it is a primarily a story of God loving the unlovable and rescuing those who are dirty and broken. You should never forget the truth that when Jesus came, he came for you.

Discipleship Questions:

When was a time when you were rejected? How did you feel, what was you response to being rejected?

What thoughts do you have when you here the words ‘God so loved the world’?

Who in your life would you consider 'furthest from God'? How do you feel knowing that God could save them?

Explain in your own words how God has loved you?

Read Isaiah 55:1-3 together, what do we learn about God’s grace from this passage?

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As christians we believe that God is a redeemer, but so often our belief ends with our own personal salvation. In this sermon we ask the question how is God’s good creation redeemed through the coming of Jesus Christ and what role do we as christians play in that?

Discipleship Questions:

What are some of the physical effects of the curse that God placed on his creation?

Paul says that "the creation was placed under bondage to sin, in hope”. What do you think he means by “in hope”?

How does Jesus’ death and resurrection affect God’s relationship with his creation?

What role do you play in the redemption of God’s creation?

How does the idea that Jesus will make all things new again change your perspective on how you are living right now?

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We will all struggle with unbelief at some point in our life. In this sermon Jesus travels back to his hometown to evangelize the people he grew up with and is met with some hostility, where does this hostility come from and how do people so close to Jesus have such a hard time believing his message? The answer is much closer to home than we might like to realize.

Discipleship Questions:

Can you remember a time you were so familiar with someone so ordinary that you struggled to believe they were doing something amazing? Explain.
Why do you think the people in Nazareth were so offended by Jesus?
Have you faced a time in your life when people didn’t believe your message because they were so familiar with you? Explain what happened.
In what areas of your life do you struggle with unbelief?
How do Paul’s words in Romans 8:32 encourage you to put your faith in God?

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Do you always look on the bright side of a situation, or do you expect life to work out poorly? How we approach different situations has serious implications for our life. We see in this passage how different people approached broken situations and how Jesus met them each in different ways, providing for us important lessons in hope and faith.

Discipleship Questions:

Which of the 4 categories of hope do you usually fall into? How do you think this has affected the way you see life?

What can we learn from Jairus’ example of faith?

What is the most amazing thing to you about how Jesus responds to the woman with the issue of blood?

Is this whole narrative easy or difficult to believe? Why?

How can we help one another to find Jesus as the Yes to our hope in all situations?

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In our culture we tend to think that If something or someone is broken it means they cannot be used by God to achieve his purposes. Jesus has travelled many miles and been through a serious storm only to be confronted with a very broken man. What can we learn from Jesus' interaction with the demon possessed man on the shores of the Gerasenes?

Discipleship Questions: Have you experienced demonic attack or seen someone who was under demonic attack? What happened?

How does Jesus interaction with the demonic inform how we can stand strong while under attack?

What is the significance of Jesus’ judgement on the demons?

How has Jesus’ work and power restored the image of God in your life?

What opportunities do you have to use the example of God’s work in your life to tell others about Jesus?

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Discipleship Questions:

Explain a time in your life when you were in a storm, where did you turn for comfort or shelter?
Why do you think that Jesus is so calm during the storm?
What can we learn, good or bad, from the disciples actions during the storm?
Do you struggle to believe that Jesus can calm the storms in your life? Why?
What does it mean to you, to have ‘Jesus in your boat’?

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What makes a church spectacular? Is it the same thing that makes a church sincere? The bible has much to say about spectacular and sincere churches that we can learn from.

Discipleship Questions:

Read Acts 2:42-47 in your Community Group, does your life look like the description Luke gives us of the early church?

Why do you think that Paul commends sincerity over being spectacular?

Where have you measured the success of our church on its ability to be spectacular rather than it’s sincerity?

Of the marks of a sincere church, which one do you need to work on the most to embrace and live out?

What is your current motivation to proclaim the excellencies of Jesus?

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Discipleship Questions:

If you were talking with a non-believer and had to explain that we're to place the light of our lives (Jesus) in the highest place to rule supreme, how would you do that?

Are you inviting others into the light (to know Jesus) or are you hiding your beliefs? Has their ever been a time when you were afraid to talk about Jesus to others?

In times of darkness in your life (current or past) how did you lean on Jesus?

If Gods’ kingdom is not fully revealed in what ways do you see it revealed that are personal to you?

Have you ever been frustrated that God's Kingdom's is not restored or been fully revealed? How did you deal with that frustration?

If Mark 4:24 says; “Pay attention to what you hear" what does that look like for you? How do you hear Jesus?

When reading Mark 4:24-25 how do you relate that to your current walk and how does the verse make you feel?

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Jesus teaches a crowd using a style of teaching called a parable, he then explains to his disciples why he teaches in parables and what the explanation to this parable is. Who or what is the key to understanding Jesus parables? The Word.

Discipleship Questions:

Have you had trouble understanding the scriptures? What helped you begin to understand?

Does Jesus’ explanation of why he teaches in parables v10-12, clear things up for you, or give you more questions?

Explain what a parable is in easy to understand language.

When have you seen the ‘seed’ (Jesus) fall on the different ‘soil's’ (hearts)?

How does this parable motivate you to share the Good News of Jesus with other people?

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Jesus has another confrontation with his family, this time he makes an incredibly bold statement about who he considers family and how we can become a part of his family.

Discipleship Questions:

Has there been a time in your life when following Jesus has caused your immediate family to question your choices? How did you respond?

Are you made uneasy by Jesus telling you that to be a part of his family you will need to ‘do’ something?

Where in you life might you be flirting with Anti-Nomianism, and using ‘grace’ to excuse God’s law to do what you want?

Explain the relationship between the Law, the Gospel and the Holy Spirit. How does this relationship encourage you?

In light of the Holy Spirit’s empowering in your life, where do you need help to follow the will of God?

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Jesus’ fame has spread so much that he is now being openly opposed by the Scribes from Jerusalem, we get to see how he responds to their outrageous claims and from it we learn how we are to respond when we are attacked, falsely accused and misrepresented.

Discipleship Questions: Why do you think Jesus is so heavily opposed by the religious leaders of his day? Have you been falsely accused of something? How did you respond, and how was your response different to Jesus’ response? Why is it so important to remember what Jesus has done for us when we have been misrepresented and falsely accused? When have you been guilty of either beginning a attack on someone or fueling the fire by gossiping about it? Have you repented of this sin, to God, and to the person? What is your understanding of the ‘Un-forgiveable sin’? Explain.

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Jesus’ fame has spread far and wide and is now arguably one of the most famous men in Israel, he must make some changes to how he does ministry and chooses men to delegate authority and his mission to.

Questions: Why do you think Jesus’ reputation spread so far, so quickly? Explain why you think Jesus silenced the evil spirits when they tried to identify him? Have you been called into Jesus’ service? How did he do this? What opposition have you faced while following Jesus? How can we bear reproach in a godly way?

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Pastor Jeff Gwinn preaches a message on the importance of understanding God's intention in his law and how it can keep us from being legalistic, judgmental and critical.

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In this passage Jesus explains with perfect clarity just the kind of people he has come to minister to answering the question, can anyone be a disciple of Jesus? And he shows us just how accepting he is of those who we would consider too far from God to be saved.

Discipleship Questions: In light of what you know about Tax Collectors in Jesus day, can you think of the modern day equivalent in our culture? To eat with someone in Jesus time was to associate with their class, would you feel comfortable eating with the modern equivalent of Tax Collector? Why/why not? In what ways does your heart lead you to be like the scribes when looking at people living in bondage to sin? How does King David’s psalm challenge and convict you? How does understanding your need for Christ make his actions in Mark 2:13-17 impact you?

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Are you a good friend? How do you know? In this passage we get to see Jesus’ response to some amazing friends who show a great faith and get to personally see Jesus' proclamation and application of his authority.

Discipleship Questions: In light of a biblical understanding of friendship when have you been a good friend? Or a not so good friend? How does understanding Jesus love for us on the cross enable us to be good friends? Why do you think that Jesus responded in forgiving the paralytics sin after seeing the faith of his friends? When have you questioned God’s work in your heart? How did God convict you of that? How can we get better at glorifying God when he does amazing things in our church?

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Jesus is confronted with one of the most detestable human sights of his day, a leper, he responds in love and mercy but not without some serious consequences. These confrontations and consequences are just as real for us today as it was for him almost 2000 years ago.

Discipleship Questions: What was the most confrontational thing you heard in this weeks sermon? What do you consider to be the worst sin a person could commit? (e.g. To make them like a leper) Does it bother you that Jesus is willing to extend grace and cleanse someone who has committed that sin? Do you struggle to see yourself as the leper in this story? Why do you think that is? Why do we struggle to tell people about how Jesus has cleansed us from our sin?

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Was Jesus ministry one of simply working wonders for all to see or was it something much more? In this passage we see Jesus prepare for and proclaim the reason for his coming to earth. What can we learn from Jesus example of prayer and his focus on proclaiming the good news.

Discipleship Questions

How do you understand the role of prayer in the life of the christian? Is prayer something that you find easy or difficult to do? Why do you think that is? Are you surprised that Jesus’ primary focus was preaching the good news rather than doing miracles? What was the gospel that Jesus preached? What do we need to keep central to our telling of the good news of Jesus?

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Jesus heals both privately and publicly, The Kingdom of God is a major theme in Mark’s gospel and Jesus’ healing is a significant part of his ministry. How does this apply to us today?

Discipleship Questions: Why does Jesus heal so many people in the gospels? Is it the way he chooses to get famous? Or is there something much more significant going on? What is so significant about Simon Peter’s mother in law’s response after she is healed? How does that apply to you today? Do you struggle with the idea that Jesus can heal? What is significant about understanding Jesus’ attitude towards healing the crowd? What do you need to bring to Jesus to be healed of?

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Jesus opens his ministry in Capernaum by teaching in the local synagogue, there He brings the truth of the Kingdom of God out in word and deed. How does this event affect and equip us as christians today?

Discipleship Questions:

What do you think was the primary difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of the scribes?

Why were those present at the synagogue so shocked by the event’s of that day? Can you relate?

Have you been exposed to spiritual warfare in your time as a believer? What happened?

Why is prayer so important when dealing with spiritual matters?

What is the right response to seeing Jesus’ power on display?

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God has called us to be faithful, but what does that mean? Are we to simply hoard what he has given us or are we to invest it? And if we invest it who guarantees the return on our investment? Foundation Church want’s to be a Faithful and Steadfast church, listen and be challenged by God’s call to Christians to invest in the church.

Discipleship Questions:

In the parable of the ten mina’s (Luke 19:11-27), why do you think that the master is referred to as a ‘severe man’?

Paul’s exhortation in 1 Cor 15:57-58 to steadfastness is followed by a promise, what is that promise and how does it encourage you?

When has God broken through in your life and blessed you for being faithful?

Do you trust God with your investments of time, gifts and money?

Are you currently being faithful in investing your time, gifts and money in Jesus mission through his church?

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Pastor Dave Harvey, from Sojourn network, spoke from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. God uses weakness to accomplish His purposes. This is best demonstrated in The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Jesus calls the first disciples with incredible effectiveness, why would men with good, stable lives leave everything to follow this somewhat unknown roaming prophet from Nazareth?

Discipleship Questions: 1.When Jesus calls his first disciples he does so with incredible effectiveness, is this how God has always called his followers? 2. Does the reality of how effective Jesus’ call is bother you? Why? 3. Have you experienced ‘good’ or ‘bad’ things happen in your life since you started following Jesus? 4. What might possibly be the benefit of following Jesus, if there is no promise of immediate payoff? 5. What is the relationship between Jesus’ call and the disciples choice to follow him?

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Discipleship Questions: 1. What is the significance of Jesus’ baptism? Why do you think Mark did not give us more information about it? 2. When in your life have you faced your greatest temptation? Did you endure through it or give in? 3. How can understanding Jesus’ proclamation in Mark 1:15 give us hope? 4. How does your view of the gospel change when it is no longer only about your personal salvation, but about the Kingdom of God? 5. What is in your life right now that you need to have victory over, endure through or declare war on?

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Discipleship Questions: 1. How do you plan to study Mark along with our sermon series? 2. Do you respond well to direct communication? Why or why not? 3. Do you struggle with confessing sin and repentance? 4. Who do you have a platform with and how can you remain humble by putting the focus onto Jesus? 5. Have you experienced Jesus’ power by receiving the Holy Spirit? How did your life change when that happened?

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Discipleship Questions: 1. Do you find yourself either retreating form the world because of the sin you see in it, or not seeing anything as sin and engaging too much? 2. Are you uncomfortable with the idea of engaging our culture? Why? 3. Which of the seven points of engaging culture do you feel the most comfortable with, why? 4. Do you see God’s work of redeeming all things present in people who don’t yet know him? 5. How will you intentionally engage Non-Christians with the love of Jesus this summer?

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Discipleship Questions: 1. How does seeing God as inclusively missional change your reading of the bible? 2. Why do you find it hard to seek out the lost? 3. When will you step out in faith to be used by God for his mission? 4. What will you give up to meet someone else’s needs in Jesus’ name? 5. What might you need to suffer to see the mission of God go forward?

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Foundation Church: Recent Episodes

Pastor Ryan Williams