Ness Ave. Baptist Church

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1. Have you been on a missions trip? Where did you go? How was the experience?

Are you involved in any outreach? Is there any outreach or evangelism that you would like to try?
Read Romans 8:28-30. How can this passage comfort and encourage you when you face troubling times serving God? What do you think is the “good” this passage points to?
How can 1 Cor 15:58 give you hope and confidence, even though you feel you are not “succeeding”?
What is God’s goal in shaping you, especially in seasons of trial and discouragement? Why is that important?
Have you considered getting in touch and staying in touch with a missionary so they can share their challenges and receive some encouragement?

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What kinds of things have you been collecting and keeping?
There are many good things in this world. How do they become ultimate things? What can happen to our faith and focus if they do become ultimate?
What is the “treasure” we store up in heaven?
How do we ensure we are filled with the right “light”? What happens when we focus only on the “shiny” stuff of this world?
Why can we not be simultaneously devoted to God, and to money and financial security? Is wealth bad?
Scripture frequently calls us to examine ourselves.(e.g., 1 Cor 11:28; 1 John) What questions can we ask ourselves to determine if we have turned a good thing into an idol? How can we pray against idolatry in our lives?

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1. What is meant by “hallowed be your name?” How do we do this?

If God is already sovereign and reigning, why are we praying for His kingdom to come? What is it we are praying for? How welcome would it be to you personally?
In praying that God’s will be done, what are we committing ourselves to? What are we committing to with respect to God? What are we committing to with respect to ourselves?
What do we acknowledge when asking God for our daily bread? How does Israel’s experience in the wilderness illustrate God’s intentions and character in this?
How does praying help us to forgive? What kind of heart is a heart unwilling to forgive?
If we are saved, why do we ask God to lead us away from temptation and evil?
Do you look forward to personal prayer time? Why?

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The Lord’s Prayer is to be seen as an attitude and a pattern of approach in our prayer. The first words in the first line are “Our Father.” What is Jesus implying by using “Our”?
What does “Our” mean for our interactions with non-believers? What does this mean for our interactions with each other as fellow disciples of Christ, belonging to the same Heavenly Father?
Jesus uses the words "Our Father" in this passage, a word of close familiarity and family. What is Jesus saying about our relationship with God when he encourages us to pray to our Father? What does this say about God’s desire for us? What does it say about our identity?
See Luke 15:17-24 regarding the prodigal son. How does this parable reflect the nature of our relationship with God?
How does, or should, the church prefigure our heavenly joy as a family?
How will you pray to change your attitude towards people and towards God?

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1. How do you feel about public speaking or being the centre of attention?

How was the woman and what she was doing perceived by the onlookers? Why? How was it perceived by Jesus?
We have discussed before that pretentious and heartless prayer is not welcomed by God. What is true worship? Why is it welcomed by God? (See John 4:21-26 to help discussion.)
Why is true worship costly? Discuss in terms of time, talent, money, reputation and life.
What type of “righteousness” did Simon the Pharisee have? What sin was it masking or hiding?
What is it about our sin that can help drive us to true love, true worship and true obedience from the heart?
In what areas of your life are you more concerned about what others think of you? How can you pray and act against it?

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Do you ever have doubts about the Gospel? What circumstances have led you to doubt?
What are the facts of the Gospel? Why are they of “first importance?”
Why is the fact of Jesus rising from the dead so important? What are the implications?
The ESV translation in verse 2 says of the Gospel: “…by which you are being saved…” What is meant by “being saved”?
What does the world tell us to cling to?
How do you preach the Gospel to yourself everyday? What aspect do you focus on? How do you think this helps you to grow in love and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?

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1. What do you find most perplexing for yourself, or troublesome, in the Book of Revelation? Have you completed any reading or studies in the past to help gain more understanding of the book?

To review, what type of literary genre is the Book of Revelation? Are the visions to be taken literally? What are the visions meant to depict?
What three key themes found in the book were outlined in the sermon to help us keep Revelation in context and to help us understand the visions that John received?
What does the vision in 7:1-8 mean? What is meant by “sealed”?
Who are the people in the vision of 7:9-14? What allusions to the Old Testament do you see in this section?
Do you ever feel alone in your struggles? How do verses 15-17 and the “multitude” comfort you and encourage you to faithfully endure trials and tribulations?
Pray for our sponsored refugee families and ask God that they would faithfully endure their trials and tribulations.

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1. When you have been insulted, or when you realize you have been taken advantage of, how do you typically react?

What types of oath was Jesus addressing in verses 33-37? Why were these oaths so wrong? Did the people have any control over what they were swearing by?
What is the principle behind “eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”? (See also Ex 21:23-27) How can this principle curtail feuds and vendettas?
How do Jesus’s commands in vs 33-48 regarding integrity, justice and love reflect the character of God? Include the context of “friends” and “enemies” in your discussion.
What are key characteristics of the Gospel? What happens when we do not act in accordance with the Gospel?
Jesus said we must be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. What does He mean?
How do we do this?
In the coming weeks, where can you extend grace and mercy to people who do not share the same values or beliefs?

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Why do you think there is so much anxiety in our culture today? What surprising signs do you see of it?
The sermon illustrated 3 attitudes believers should have in suffering, persecution, trials and storms: Humility, Alertness and Hopefulness. Why is humility important? Who are we to humble ourselves before?
Why might pride be a source of anxiety and worry? What does Peter mean when he tells us to “cast all our anxieties” on God? Why must we do this? How do we do this?
From verses 8-9, why do we need to remain alert? How does the Adversary attack us? What is the target? (See Job 1:9-11; 2:4-6; 2 Cor 12:7 for help as required.)
From verses 10-11, what is our reason for hopefulness, no matter what happens to us?
In the coming weeks, how will you draw near to God and cast your anxiety on Him?

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What do you think is the greatest song ever written? What is it that makes it great?
Read the following verses in this order: Psalm 139:13-16; Luke 1:76-79; and 1 Cor 4:6-7.
How do you view John’s life meaning and purpose in light of these verses? How should you view your life meaning and purpose? Are there any grounds for arrogance and boasting?
When John asked his disciples to go ask Jesus if He was actually the Messiah, what expectations do you think John had of the Messiah? (Luke 7:18-20.)
Why do you think Jesus responded the way He did? (Luke 7:21-23). What scripture was He pointing to? Why did He encourage John and his disciples not to be offended, or in Greek: “scandalized,” by Him?
Jesus said John was the greatest prophet up to his time, yet, “…one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28) What did Jesus mean by saying this?
Do you live in a “Prison of Expectations”? If God does not act in a way we expect or desire, how can that affect our faith and love for God if we are not careful? Do you think that the expectations we place on God are often just about us?
The key take away verse from this sermon was John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” How will you pray and apply this verse to your life and ministry?

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1. Are there any TV ads that you like or still remember? What tools and techniques do you see advertisers using on us? How can these tools and techniques influence our desires and expectations in this life?

James said that if we break one of God’s commandments, we have failed to keep the rest of them (James 2:10.) How can this be? What if you were to approach adultery from the fact that sin is sin in thought, word and deed. Are there any other commandments that are violated in thought, word and deed in adultery?
How does Jesus show us that even sin in our imaginations must be taken seriously and dealt with? Why?
How do you think lust and covetousness influence considerations for divorce rather than “irreconcilable differences”?
See Ephesians 5:20-33. Why is marriage a picture of Christ and the church? How does this compel us to fight and struggle to keep our marriages intact and healthy?
In what areas of our marriage can we look to find true beauty, and to find true beauty in our spouse? What part does sacrifice play? What part does fellowship play?
What can we stop consuming from pop media and start doing instead to help shape a more healthy perspective on our marriages and other relationships?

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23-09-03-Armor of God-Sword of the Spirit.mp3File Size: 65477 kbFile Type: mp3Download File [...]

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How do you feel when you are lied to? What lies does our a culture tell us?
Why did Paul emphasize speaking truth as Christians?
When you have acted or spoke in anger, how did that work out for you?
How and where are we to labour in this life?
How should we use our words and actions as Christians?
The letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians is filled with theology and practical guidance. If we were to memorize vs 30-32, how would that help us be doers of the Word and not just hearers? What do these words prompt you to pray?

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Why is the self-help industry always booming? What do people want?
Why do we tend to judge people by their clothes?
If we reject God, and live in unbelief, Paul points out some consequences in verses 17 to 19. How do we see them playing out around us? Do you struggle against any of them from time to time yourself?
How do we put on our new clothes? Do we do it ourselves? Who and what can help us?

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What does Paul mean when he writes that Christ descended to the “lowest regions, the Earth?”
Why is the “ascension” of Christ important? What is its meaning and significance?
What gifts has Christ given the church? How do you see them as precious?
What are these gifts for?
By becoming a member of your local church, what are you saying or demonstrating?What are you committed to?
What is your vital role in the church?

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How does the Gospel dispel legalism and moralism?
What is distinctive about Christian unity and community?
As Paul writes in Eph 4:1-6, what three things form the basis of Christian unity?
What is the foundation of our calling?
What does Christian conduct look like? What aspects of it are despised by our national culture? What does it mean to bear with one another and what is our motivation and strength to do so?
What creed or confession is found in verses 4-6? How is the Trinity represented in this creed? How does this confession unify Christians?
To what extent are you willing to walk in a manner worthy of your calling?

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| | | --- | | 23-03_26 Treasure In Jars of Clay.mp3 | | File Size: | 56116 kb | | File Type: | mp3 |

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One indication of how important a word is its repeated use within a passage. The modern usage of “mystery” is to denote a truth or fact that must be sought out and discovered because it is hidden, like in a Sherlock Holmes mystery. In the Bible, what does the word “mystery” mean? (Hint: It was defined in the sermon. Or you can go to Oxford English Dictionary online for help.)
What is the mystery that Paul describes in this passage? Why do you think it was so radical or unexpected in that ancient culture?
When you were saved, did you expect a smoother ride in life? How was Paul’s life?
Why is the Church on display? Who is the “audience”? What is the Church’s message?
Why is it that we do not loose hope in suffering as children of God? (The sermon discussed 4 points with respect to this hope.)
What is amazing about God’s grace? How can we be sinful yet righteous at the same time?
Paul calls himself chief amongst sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). How does his self-assessment shape your attitude and actions towards yourself and others?

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1. What does verse 19 say about who we were in our natural state? What idea do think Paul is getting across?

Before you came to Christ, do you recall any times of feeling isolated, alone or lost?
To you, what makes a home a home?
Being followers of Christ, who are we now?
What is significant about being a stone that is being joined tightly to other stones? What truths does this metaphor illuminate? Why is Christ the cornerstone?
How important then is regular church attendance and being involved in life groups and ministries? Why? If we have God, His word and in-dwelling Holy Spirit, why would we need each other?
How has God showed us radical hospitality?

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1. What is the problem that Paul describes in Eph 2:11-15?

What is the solution? How did this solution come about?
What does Paul mean by a “new man” in v.15?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. How does this passage and our Ephesians passage show the nature and importance of reconciliation?
Can humans have peace and reconciliation with each other apart from peace and reconciliation with God?
As followers of Christ, how are we called to treat one another, whether that person is a believer or non-believer?

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What was our condition and our nature before God saved us? What did Paul mean by the phrase: “…following the prince of the power of the air?”
Paul uses the term “the flesh” in much of his writing. How would you explain what this means?
How are we saved?
Why are we saved? Or what are we saved for?
Any other religion, except Christianity, teaches that you must do good works in order to become righteous or to merit reward and blessing. What’s wrong with that thinking? Can’t people still do good apart from God and be rewarded eternally for it?
Discuss what you find incredible about verses 4 to 10.

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It is believed that James was the first New Testament work in wide circulation, around 45-48 AD. What was going on with the church around that time?
According to James, what should our response, or attitude be when we meet trying circumstances? Why?
How should we approach God in our trials? What should we ask for? Should we pray for a comfortable and happy life?
What does it mean to be double minded and unstable?
The sermon concluded by insisting that in trial we should be: (1) God facing (2) God inviting and (3) community embracing. Describe what that looks like.

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Why did Paul give thanks for the Ephesian church? How does this compare with what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-40?
What did Paul pray for the Ephesians? Do you regularly pray the same for yourself and others?
Who has the riches? What are they? How do they compare to worldly gain and status?
How do we draw on these riches?
What do you find are your biggest distractions in life?
What does it mean to surrender all to Jesus Christ? What do you find difficult to surrender or struggle with?

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Have you ever received an inheritance? What was that like for you?
If you have time this week, google “Adoption in Ancient Rome.” When we study Scripture, it is often important for us to consider how the original audience might have been hearing and thinking. What would “adoption” mean for them back then? How did many emperors become Emperor? Why would the fact that women are adopted “as sons of God” have been radical back then?
What is Truth? How do we respond to this truth? Why is saying or thinking there is no absolute truth self-defeating?
Can you define how “hope” is used in the Bible? Why is this hope important for how we live now?
God’s glory is the root, or basis, of our hope. How does our salvation and inheritance show God’s glory? How does the Holy Spirit assure and minister to us?
How does truth, hope and future glory motivate and affect us to praise, worship and serve God?

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We all have plans. Have your plans always worked out? Have you ever dreamed and planned only to find, once realized, it wasn’t what you expected?
What is God’s purpose and plan outlined in the passage? To what or whom does His purpose and plan point to? Can it be derailed or thwarted?
What does it mean to be “in Christ?”
How does God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together? Give some examples from scripture. If God foreordains and predestines, then why are humans accountable to God?
We are called to be “Christ like.” Describe Christ.
Why can we strive and work together in confidence?

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1. We were made for praise and worship. What was Paul emphasizing in his praise in Ephesians 1:1-14?

What does “blessed” mean here as Paul uses it, and generally as used throughout scripture?
Being found “in Christ” has entailments. What does it mean to be “legally” united to Christ? What does it mean to be “vitally” united to Christ?
Pastor Jeremy gave us a word picture of Redemption in his sermon. Can you define redemption in your own words? When the listeners back in Paul’s day heard “redemption,” what would have been in their minds? What does redemption mean for us?
Since we are “adopted as sons” into God’s family, what does that mean for us? (Think in terms of access, inheritance and security.)
In your own words, what is predestination or election? Give examples of election from the Old Testament. Why is the fact that God predestines or elects comforting? Does this preclude us from spreading the Gospel? (See Acts 18:5-11.)
Being found in Christ and richly blessed by God should inevitably result in……..? (Reflect on Paul’s life.)

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1. How are the terms “light” and “dark” used in the Bible? Do you find the world a dark place? How?

Our culture says all humans are basically good and we have light within us. We just need to search and find that light, then resolve to live by it. Do you think that is true? Why or why not?
Where does the Bible say light comes from? And joy?
In Luke, describe how Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary and John respond in joy. Would their circumstances be described as joyous to the outside world?
The sermon described 4 ways we can pursue and attain joy. Discuss each one.

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Has anything unexpected ever happened to you whereby you saw the reason or blessing only after words? What were your initial first responses to the circumstances?
In Luke 1:26-38, what “unexpected” things or challenges particularly stand out to you, or resonate with you? If everyone back then had had a better understanding of the Old Testament, should the circumstances of Jesus’ birth and the nature of his ministry really have been surprising?
How can our human wisdom and expectations hinder or blind us from seeing God at work or moving?
What do we require to submit to God’s purposes and plans? Why do we find this so difficult at times?
When the unexpected nature of Christ’s ministry to Israel came to an unexpected end, how were the apostles and disciples assured of who Jesus was and God’s purposes and plans? How do we have the same assurance?

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Compare 2 Samuel 24:1 to 1 Chronicles 21:1. If God is holy, perfect and sinless, can God actually tempt people into committing sin? How do these passages compare to Adam and Eve in the garden?
It seems reasonable that any nation should know its resources and population. So how did David sin? (See also Exodus 30:11-16.) How did the idols of comfort, security and power factor into David’s decision? Why is idolatry such an affront to God?
Comparing this account to the account of David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah, what was the same? What was different? Were there any signs of David having spiritually matured?
What did the 3 choices of consequences offered to David say about trusting man versus trusting God? How did David’s choice and subsequent plea for “the sheep” attest to what he had learned?
Why was the location of the altar of sacrifice significant? Why did David not take up Araunah on his offer? How does this all point to Christ? What does this also say about our “sacrifices”?
Throughout 1 and 2 Samuel, we have seen that despite David’s failures and triumphs, his sin and devotion, his ups and downs, God remained faithful and kept his promises to David, and God called him, “….a man after his heart.” How does David’s story encourage you to persist in seeking God? What does it teach us about repentance? What does it teach us about God’s faithfulness and promises? What does it encourage you to pray?

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Why do you think we are called to endure trial and tribulation? How can we persevere?2. How does James describe the “riches” of this worldly life?3. What do you think is meant by “the crown of life”? (See also 1 Cor 9:24-27.) What do you anticipate upon receiving this crown?4. In Genesis 3:1-7, what did the serpent imply about God? What did the serpent promise?Is our sin always the result of some external force?5. What is the difference between testing and tempt [...]

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How did David sin? What were the circumstances? When do you feel most vulnerable to succumbing to sin? What does it take for the seed of sin to grow?2. How did David attempt to cover up? Was his sin concealed? Does sin ever affect just the person committing the sin? Who suffered for David’s choices?3. What was Nathan’s goal in approaching David? What was the tone and nature of Nathan’s approach? What were David’s reactions? How do you think Saul would have respo [...]

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1. From Acts 26 and what you know of Paul’s life, describe how the process of Rebellion, Revelation, Repentance and Restoration worked out in Paul’s life? How does obedience fit in?2. Is this a one time process? Is it continuous in the Christian life? What kind of life did Paul lead?3. Do you think understanding and applying these four R’s can help you share the gospel? If we ever feel we may be at a loss for words or a convincing argument, how does Matthew 10:19- [...]

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22-10-23_podcast.mp3File Size: 54168 kbFile Type: mp3Download File 1. Have you ever been homeless? Evacuated from your home? In isolation away from your home? How did you feel or how did it affect you?2. How have “dwell” or “dwelling,” “tent” or “tabernacle “ been used in the Bible? Can you link those observations to the various Biblical covenants?3. Why do think David and Nathan thought it was a good idea to build a tem [...]

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1. How does the Ark of the Covenant point to God’s character? What attributes of His character stand out for you? How does the Ark point to Jesus?2. What were the specific directions God gave as to how the Ark was to be treated and transported? (See Exodus 25:10-22; Deuteronomy 10:8-10; Hebrews 9:1-10.) Do you think these instructions show God’s holiness and mercy? How? Why do you think Israel transported the Ark the way they did at first?3. Do you think God was too har [...]

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22-10-02_podcast.mp3.crdownloadFile Size: 426 kbFile Type: crdownloadDownload File 1. What does the term “anointed” mean and imply when used in the Bible? What does “fool” mean and imply in the Bible?2. In your own words, define forgiveness. Is forgiveness costly? How? Who bears the pain of forgiving? What is the cost for us of not forgiving?3. David was anointed by God to be King over Israel. Why do you think God took awhile to execute judgement and remov [...]

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Can you describe a time when a friend came through for you? What were you struck by or what stood out about it.2. Can you recall a time when you came through for a friend? What were the circumstances?3. Have you ever felt that you let a friend down? How did you cope or deal with that?4. What were the 3 characteristics of friendship that were discussed in the sermon and why are they crucial to friendship?5. Truth, duty, honour, loyalty, integrity, dignity and sacrifice are sometimes see [...]

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Discussion Questions Matt 6:25-341. What we fear or worry about can reveal the idols in our lives. What idols was Jesus addressing in Matt 6? Are the idols in our world the same, different or unique in any way?2. Worry, stress and anxiety often arise from fear of loss or failure to attain in this world. What idols are revealed to you by your anxieties and worry?3. Are there what may be termed appropriate or “healthy” fears or concerns in this life? Wha [...]

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