Elizabethtown Alliance Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Alliance Church Of Elizabethtown
"Reaching the Unreached in Thailand"
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/travis-to-the-unreached-in-thailand
Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion
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What do you think about the Great Unbalance?
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How would you explain to someone about why God judges everyone the same, even the people who are seemingly in the middle of nowhere, in distant countries, without access to Jesus?
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What is the greatest hindrance stopping you from "going to all the nations?"
"Love One Another Deeply" Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-one-another-deeply
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Why do you think Scriptures call us to love one another deeply and daily?
2.) What do you think that might look for you to obey that more faithfully this week?
3.) Toward the end of the message, Pastor Jim outlined several different groups that may be present within the church. What group might you be apart of? Are there any steps of faith and obedience that you need to take?
"Love Your Enemy" Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-your-enemy
1.) How is the example of God sending rain on the righteous and the unrighteous a powerful example of loving one's enemy (Matthew 5)?
2.) If it's true that we tend to hate (or strongly dislike/distrust) people in "groups", what are some groups that Evangelical Christians tend to consider their "enemy"? What groups tend to view Evangelicals as their enemy?
3.) Who are some people within your sphere of influence that may be categorized as belonging to one of these enemy "groups"? What would it look to intentionally pray for them, bless them, befriend them?
4.) Who is an "enemy" that you don't even know personally? How can you love them and pray for them still?
5.) This week, in addition to praying for the Church in Afghanistan, consider praying for the Taliban.
Love the Overlooked and Outcast Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-the-overlooked-outcast
1.) Why do you think God's people are called to love mercy and do justice? (See Micah 6:8)
2.) What does it reveal about our God that He took such special interest in the poor, the widow, the fatherless, and the foreigner?
3.) In what ways do we see ministry to these four groups repeated in the New Testament? What are some of the other groups that are highlighted in the New Testament?
4.) Take time to write down some actual names or categories of people in the Overlooked and Outcast section of your "Expanding My Circle of Relationships" CHART . Think about contemporary examples of these biblical categories. Be as specific as possible and begin PRAYING that God would expand your heart with a love for them and show you how you might begin to reach them.
5.) Email a leader at our church and let them know what you're thinking!!!
Sermon Title: Loving Your Neighbor-Neighbor Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-your-neighbor-neighbor
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Why do you think it's a human tendency to be friends with people who are just like us?
2.) What is the danger of having our Lego-block completely full of family and church family? What might you do if you realize that's you right now?
3.) Take time to write down some names of your "neighbor-neighbors". That is, those who are physically close to you where you live, work, study or play. Using the "Expanding My Circle of Relationships" CHART , write down their names on the second concentric circle and begin PRAYING over them, asking God to show you how you might better reach them.
4.) What are some practical steps you might begin to take THIS WEEK to put into practice at least one of the relationship principles outlined in this sermon?
"The Call to Compassion" Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-call-to-compassion
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Why is true compassion (meaning to "suffer with someone") so difficult for us?
2.) How does physical and emotional distance from the poor, the stranger, the widow, the fatherless, our enemies, etc. make it more difficult to even feel, let alone demonstrate compassion to them?
3.) What might it look like for our church to begin demonstrating compassion to those in need within our community?
4.) What might it look like for YOU to do the same?
"Live Upside Down"
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/live-upside-down
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) What are some of the principles of this world that at first glance might seem to make sense, but we know are wrong?
2.) Review the "Blessed" statements in Matthew 5. Why are these statements seemingly so "upside down" to our ears as humans?
3.) Which are these statements are most difficult for you to grasp or to walk out on a daily basis?
4.) What steps can you take to grow in that specific area this week?
A Call to Good Citizenship
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/a-call-to-good-citizenship
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Why are we to live very, very carefully before an unbelieving world?
2.) What is some of the ignorant talk of foolish people? What are some of the misconceptions that the world has against us?
3.) What is the good that we can intentionally do to silence this ignorant talk?
4.) Spend some time praying through 1 Peter 2:17--Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the government.
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-beautiful
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1) Why do you think that Peter tied the idea of living good (beautiful) lives among the pagans with good deeds?
2.) How does our status as "foreigners" and "exiles" impact the importance of this command?
3.) What happens when believers are NOT rich in good deeds?
4.) Are YOU currently performing your good deeds in a way that is obvious to unbelievers? What unbelievers are your directly impacting?
5.) In what way(s) can you more strategically and intentionally do good deeds "among" unbelievers?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-passing-pleasures-of-sin
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1) Do you actually believe that the Reproaches of Christ are greater than all the world has to offer? Take a moment to deeply think, are you living in a way where you are being reproached and suffering like Jesus? If not, what are ways God wants you to change your lifestyle to live in a way for Him that reproaches might happen to you?
2) Since sin is a Passing pleasure, what can you focus on the next time sin tries to allure you? What can you shift your focus to, bring to remembrance, to show that sin is a passing pleasure and the riches of God are eternal and fulfilling pleasures?
3) Do you believe that you've been spiritually eating the "fullness" of what God has for you? Or do you believe that you've only been eating the peel? What does the Lord want you to walk in to experience His fullness?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-harvest-is-past
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1) What did the Holy Spirit speak to you personally from this message?
2) When you share the faith, do you share Christ in a similar way as this message or different? How so if different?
3) What most stood out to you about how the Gospel was shared?
4) Is there anyone the Lord wants you to share the gospel with?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/we-are-at-war
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) How should the fact that our flesh is "waging war" against our soul (1 Peter 2:11) impact our daily spiritual habits and practices?
2.) How should the fact that our flesh IS (present tense) being corrupted by its deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22) impact our daily mindset?
3.) What did Peter mean by the idea that we are "foreigners and exiles" in this world and what ways does this impact our pursuit of holy living?
4.) In practical terms, what might it look like to "abstain" from our fleshly desires?
5.) What do you need to STOP? What do you need to START?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-sacrifice-of-giving
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions 1.) It was suggested that tithing is not taught in the New Testament. Do you agree? Disagree? How would you support your position?
2.) Instead of the tithe, what seems to be the pervading principle found in the New Testament?
3.) What principles from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 stood out to the most and why?
4.) What practical "next step" will you take in light of this message?
5.) Who can you ask to keep you lovingly accountable to follow through on this step?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/train-up-a-child
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) In what sense is dedicating our children up to God as "spiritual sacrifice"?
2.) Why do you think God called us to both love and fear Him?
3.) What might "systematic training" for our children/youth look like?
4.) What do we mean by "teachable moments"? How might we become more aware of these?
5.) What practical ways can we seek to make our homes a godly environment for our children to grow up in?
6.) Ask the Lord to show you what areas of your life may need to be addressed in order to be a more godly example to your children, grandchildren, etc.
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-sacrifice-of-prayer
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) How is prayer a "priestly duty" before the Lord?
2.) What aspect(s) of prayer do you find easy for you? Which aspect(s) are harder for you? Why do you think?
3.) What are some of the specific kinds of prayer we may pray? Which ones do you find yourself praying more often? Which ones might you begin to pray more intentionally?
4.) What are some of your "how long O Lord" prayers? How do you handle disappointment when God seemingly is not answering these prayers?
5.) How is Revelation 8:3-5 a comfort to the Church?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/barnabusaid
Barnabas Fund works to provide hope and aid for the persecuted Church, from Christians, to Christians, through Christians.
Bruce and Stephanie have served internationally for 33 years with the Alliance. Come hear what God is doing around the world!
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-priestly-duty-of-evangelism
Personal Reflection/ Discussion Questions
1.) Why do you think Paul described evangelism as a "priestly duty"?
2.) Paul told Timothy that he was do the "work of evangelism". Do you think that exhortation is applicable to every believer? Why or why not?
3.) Why did God give the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the Church (see Ephesians 4:11-13)? What implication does this have on the congregation in regards to evangelism?
4.) This week, let's pray that God would CONVICT our hearts, grant us COURAGE and even POWER for the work of evangelism.
Digital Bulletin-- https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-sacrifice-of-a-poured-out-life
Personal Reflection/ Discussion Questions
1.) Who is someone that you know that is living his/her life in a "poured-out" kind of way? Describe (or think about) why you would categorize him/her that way.
2.) How does the idea of the Old Testament "whole burnt offering" apply to us today?
3.) Think of the analogy of the soldier vs civilian, athlete vs spectator, farmer vs consumer. How would you describe yourself right now and why?
4.) Why was it so offensive to God that the people of Israel were bringing poor offerings to Him (Malachi 1)? What application does that have for us today?
5.) Think through the Practical Applications offered by Pastor Jim. Which ones might you begin to put into practice?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-sacrifice-of-a-contrite-heart
Personal Reflection/ Discussion Questions
1.) Why do you think that God wants us to walk with a broken and contrite heart? 2.) In what ways do we tend to minimize our sin? 3.) In what ways do we tend to minimize the grace of God? 4.) Where do you see themes of the Gospel embedded by the Holy Spirit in Psalm 51?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-sacrifice-of-praise
Personal Reflection and Discussion 1.) In what ways do people seek to bring "sacrifices" to God apart from simple faith in Jesus Christ? 2.) What are some other examples or Scriptures that would support the idea of praise being more than singing upbeat songs? 3.) In what sense is evangelism "praise"? 4.) Consider spending 15-30 minutes this week using the "MAPS" model in order to help you meditate on, respond to, and then share the mighty works of God.
Discussion Questions/Personal Reflection
Simply in light of who He is… 1.) Are you willing to follow Jesus Christ more passionately and obediently than ever before? 2.) Are you willing to do that today?
Digital Bulletin-- https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/called-out
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What are some conceptions of WHO the Church is and WHAT the Church has been called to do?
Peter describes the Church as a temple of the Holy Spirit. In what ways should that be observable to both believers and non-believers?
Peter describes the Church as a Royal/Holy Priesthood. How may that idea be practically applied?
What makes our "sacrifices" spiritual? What might be example of unspiritual sacrifices?
Take some time to review the "spoiler alert" and PRAY that God will transform our minds in regards to His Church and that we will become all that Christ died for us to be.
Digital Bulletin: https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/precious-cornerstone
Reflection/Discussion Questions:
1.) In your own words, describe why Christ is the foundation of our faith. Try this out loud by yourself, or with a friend or loved one nearby. Articulating the Gospel out loud is an important spiritual discipline to prepare us for that moment that we may have opportunity to share the Gospel.
2.) Pastor Jim listed several "hollow and deceptive philosophies". Can you think of other examples of these? What other worldly philosophies are out there?
3.) Pray that God would enable you to be that bold but gentle, respectful, yet unapologizing witness of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:2-6).
1.) What makes the Gospel offensive?
2.) Who is one person that you can continue to work hard and pray hard for their salvation?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What would characterize the life of someone who has found Jesus to be precious?
As you review this list, how does your life look currently? Would someone close to you believe that Jesus is precious to you?
For many of us, it is not that we do not love Jesus, it's that we are still so in love with ourselves and this world? In what specific ways do you still need to "die to self" in these areas?
Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/is-jesus-precious-to-you
Reflection/Discussion Questions
In what ways can you see the world, the flesh, and the devil warring against you, your family, our church, and this community?
In what ways may you be seeking to "fight back" against these attacks in a fleshly, worldly, even sinful manner?
What does it mean to "put on the full armor" of God?
Examine your daily and weekly priorities. How can you be more faithful to "war" in prayer against these attacks with other believers?
Samuel and Jennifer Hahn were married in 2003. Upon graduating college in 2004 Sam became an Army Logistics officer on active duty. After a tour in Iraq he left active duty to become a reserve officer. Sam and Jen attended PBU in 2007 where Sam received his M.Div and Jen received her MS in counseling. After PBU Sam was commissioned as an Army Reserve Chaplain in Scranton PA for 4 years and served as a pastor in the Eastern PA district for an additional 6 years. Upon receiving a call to missions in 2015 at General Council they took their two kids at the time and left in late 2016 for language school to become international workers in West Africa. After language school they landed in Senegal in December of 2017, with three kids and one on the way. Their ministry in Senegal consisted of teaching and training pastors and leaders of the local church, equipping them so they could plant churches and spread the gospel in Senegal. An additional focus was partnering with the international Christian musician Bernard Cissa to spread the Gospel through art and music to the people of West Africa. and the French speaking world. Sam helped Bernard to stand up a media department in the new studio call JOKKO studio. There is hope to launch a radio station in the near future so that the Gospel can be spread over the airways of Dakar and Senegal.
Prayer Focus #1--Pray that God would revive our hearts with a zeal to continue His ministry in the earth through: Solid teaching of His Word Bold and passionate preaching of the Gospel in which we actually pursue lost people Witness many miraculously healed leading them to faith in Jesus.
Prayer Focus #2 Pray that the Lord will grant His compassion to our hearts. Receive by faith a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit, anointing us to be His witnesses in the earth, granting us boldness and urgency.
Prayer Focus #3 Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up workers from THIS church to send into His harvest field—not only in our community, but to the ends of the earth. That He will cause our church to be FULL of people who are praying hard and working hard for the salvation of others.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Do you want to follow Jesus... really? In what ways do you need to repent of following Jesus casually?
2.) If one of the evidences of someone who is truly following Jesus is the work of the Holy Spirit in them to move them toward the lost to become "fishers of men", how are you doing in this area? If there is not much burden, urgency or commitment to reach the lost, what areas of your heart and life may need yet to be surrendered to follow Jesus more fully?
3.) Who is your one? Take some time to pray for them right now and prayerfully consider how you may reach out to him/her/them this week. And if you don't have someone that you are actively praying for and working for their salvation, ask God to reveal someone to you this week.
4.) Who is that person or people group that you struggle to love. Ask God to help you to repent of any pride or religious spirit toward them.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Examine your own heart before the Lord. To what degree as there been unrighteous anger, fear, and grief over this past year? Get beneath the surface. What may be driving that anger, fear and grief? Consider in what ways you are believing lies of the world, the flesh, or the devil or placing your faith and trust in anything besides Christ, His Kingdom and His promises.
2.) If need be, take some time to repent of anything the Lord may reveal to your heart.
3.) Reflect on the story from Acts 4:1-31. What will YOU do if of our religious freedoms begin to be taken away? What will you do if there is threat of being fined, prosecuted, or persecuted for refusing to worship with other believers. Take some time to pray from Acts 4:25-31 and make it your own.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Why do you think God often waits until we are seeking Him with all of our hearts before revealing Himself more deeply to us?
2.) What are those "idols" of the heart, or "broken cisterns" that you find yourself seeking for comfort, pleasure, joy, security, guidance, etc.?
3.) Take some time to turn fully away from these. It is not enough to simply acknowledge them. They must be forsaken in order to experience the full life of the Spirit God has promised you in the Gospel.
1.) In what ways does my life reflect someone who is still only half-dead? That is, where I see that the influence of my "body of death" (Romans 7:24) or old pattern of sinful thinking, feeling, and behaving is still alive and well and gaining victory over my new nature?
2.) In what ways does my life reflect someone who is still only half-devoted? That is, that I am not fully consecrated to the Lord and the work of the Gospel . Also, there may be "idols" in my heart that continue to demand my affection, my trust, and to satisfy God-given desires my way, rather than God's way?
3.) Think through the "How Do I Know I Need Personal Revival?" list. What areas may indicate my need for personal revival?
4.) Think through the "What Daily Repentance/Rest Looks Like" and really familiarize yourself with the process.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What may be grieving the Holy Spirit in your life, marriage, and family right now?
In what ways do you see that our church may be grieving His heart? How might you respond in interceding prayer?
How may you posture yourself this week to personally seek the Lord, asking for a greater vision (like Isaiah) of His holiness and majesty?
Commit to praying daily for revival--for you, your spouse and children, our church, and the Church around the world
Reflection/Discussion Questions
In what ways does (or should) the love of Christ compel us?
When you think of someone who is "on fire" for God, what characteristics comes to mind?
Why is it so hard to stay "on fire" for God?
General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, would urge his people, “The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart.” What are some practical ways we may tend to the fire on the altar of our hearts?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What is the evidence that people in general, but even we as Christians, tend to be "underwhelmed" by the story of Christmas?
Why might this be the case?
What can you do THIS Christmas week to meditate on the wonder of the Incarnation?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What do you think might be some of your spiritual gifts and why?
If you are not sure of what your spiritual gifts are, what might you do to discover them?
Why is it so important for YOU to be using your spiritual gift?
Why is it so important for the THE CHURCH for you to be using your spiritual gift?
Think of the pictures of reliable people--soldier, athlete, and farmer. In what ways are you behaving more like a civilian, spectator, and consumer right now?
Reflection/Discussion Questions In what ways may you struggle to believe the truths set forth in this message?
What truths do you need to choose to believe even if you do not feel them to be true?
What are some practical ways to no longer "set" your minds on things of the flesh?
What are some practical ways to "set" your mind on things of the Spirit?
What area of your life would you like someone to pray for you to experience the victory Christ has given to you?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
In what ways do we tend project onto God's divine love for us, our own human understanding of love.
Think of the terms Paul uses in Romans 5 to describe the human condition: powerless, ungodly, sinner, enemy of God. How does the fact that Jesus died for us in precisely THAT condition change the way you may view God's love for you today?
How would you like to see the love of Christ "compel" you in the days and weeks ahead?
Reflection/Discussion Questions 1. Who (or what) are some of the voices in your life that cause a sense of shame, fear, or condemnation?
- How does the fact that you have been declared "not guilty" by God Himself help to silence these voices?
3.How do we discern between a voice of conviction/challenge versus a voice of condemnation?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
We ALL struggle with our native language of shame, fear, pride, performance-based acceptance, critical attitude toward others, etc. Which of these emotions and thought patterns do you struggle with the most?
How does the Gospel address this particular area of struggle?
Which of the Five Gospel Declarations stands out to you the most and why?
Take some time to pray Ephesians 1:16-20 over one another. Pray too that you will become more "fluent" in the Gospel, and specifically these five declarations.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
Read Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:14-21 again. In what ways do you sense you need Jesus the Anointed One to minister directly to you by His Spirit?
Take time to pray through Isaiah 61:1-3 asking Jesus to minister to you personally.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
Read Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:14-21 again. In what ways do you sense you need Jesus the Anointed One to minister directly to you by His Spirit?
Take time to pray through Isaiah 61:1-3 asking Jesus to minister to you personally.
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions 1. What do you “crave” for emotionally and spiritually? 2. In what ways do you seek to satisfy these longings? Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself and others in answering this question as we are all broken in our appetites and pursuits. 3. What do you need to “detox” from? 4. In what ways can you intentionally pursue a deeper understanding of the “pure milk” of Gospel? 5. Ask the Lord to stir up a deep “craving” for the pure milk of the Gospel.
PERSONAL REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Peter stated that “the end of all things is near”. Why do you think God led him by the Holy Spirit to write these words thousands of years ago?
Peter then stated that in light of the end being near we should pray, love each other deeply and be hospitable to one another. Of all the things he could have said, why do you think he mentioned these three first?
Peter finally exhorted the church to serve one another in the spiritual gift God had given them—faithfully (vs 10) and in the power of the Spirit (vs 11). Consider the following questions:
• Do you know what your spiritual gift is? If not, what practical steps could you take to begin to discover this? (see the “How May I Discover My Spiritual Gift” suggestions above).
• Are you faithfully using your spiritual gift right now? If not, why not? And if not, what steps might you take to begin doing so?
• Do you have a sense that when you are serving in your spiritual gift that you are doing this for God or God is doing this through you? Make a commitment to ask the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit each time you serve.
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
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What are the things that are causing you to lose courage right now in this thing called “Life”?
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According to Hebrews 3 and 10, what is the danger of losing courage?
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In what ways do you feel Christians are being more “harmful” than “helpful” with their words, actions, or attitudes at times?
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In what ways do you feel most encouraged by others?
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What would it look like for you to come up with a “My Daily Encouragement Plan”? Take some time and be specific.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Take some time to discuss what superficial love vs deep love looks like between believers.
2.) Take some time to PRAY that the Holy Spirit would move in our hearts as a congregation to truly love another deeply.
Discussion Questions 1. Think again about the concept of proslambano described in the message. How might this picture of moving excitedly toward one another in order to welcome or greet them impact the way you engage with other believers the next time you see them or come to a worship service?
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Why is it so hard to “accept” other believers sometimes?
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Pastor Jim suggested that we are a highly “offendable” society right now. In what ways do you think this may be true? Give examples.
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How does the concept of “bearing with” one another impact how quickly we allow ourselves to become offended, turn off, or turn away?
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Is there anyone that you need to extend forgiveness toward in your heart?
NOTE: Sometimes it would be inappropriate to forgive someone privately, but it may need to be confronted. Seek counsel from Matthew 18 and godly mentors in this case.
- What do you find yourself quick to judge other believers on?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Review the four synonymous phrases for the Gospel found in vs. 22, 23, and 25. What light does each phrase shine on the Gospel? What are some other New Testament Gospel phrases? (e.g. Acts 5:20; Philippians 2:16, 2 Timothy 2:8; etc.). How do those phrases help us understand the Gospel?
2.) Review the definition of the Gospel below. How does it give you hope? When you explain the Gospel to others, what do you say that is not included in the definition below? Fundamentally, the Gospel is the proclamation of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what that means for us.
It’s the message that Jesus is the victorious and rightful King who has introduced peace into this broken world, through his incarnation, sinless life, death, resurrection, ascension, and return. He is the victor over sin and death and He welcomes us to experience, by faith, new life as part of his royal family.
3.) From your experience, when you depend on something(one) other than Jesus to bring peace to your broken world, how does that lack of faith in the Gospel hinder sincere love?
4.) From your experience, have you seen a connection between the strength of your hope and the strength of your love? Tell a story of a time when your strong hope in Jesus enabled genuine, sincere, costly love.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) Pastor Jim suggested today that our "beliefs dictate our behaviors". Do you agree? Why or why not?
2.) If repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of heart that leads to a change of behavior, why is it so important to get "beneath the surface" of our sin? Or, to put it another way, to pull up the "roots" of particular sin habit?
3.) Why is this process so difficult to do at times?
4.) Who is someone in your life that might be able to help walk alongside you in discerning what are the root sins, idols of heart, and lies of the enemy/flesh that you "put off" in order to "put on" the corresponding core virtues, true worship and the truth of God's Word?
Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) What area of your life do you KNOW is a sin but you are treating it with a very casual attitude right now?
2.) In what ways may your "repentance" be more self-centered remorse than true godly sorrow?
3.) What specific step can you take this week to STOP your normal daily activities, FOCUS on the guilt and offense of your sin toward God and others, and WAIT on the Lord to bring a godly sorrow?
NOTE: don't be quick to rush to comfort your soul with the Gospel until you have allowed the Gospel to be a deeper conviction over your sin as well.
4.) What do you need to confess today out loud with another brother or sister?
Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions
1.) The language of "put to death" you sin nature is purposefully strong. Why do you think?
2.) On a continuum of 1 to 10, 1 meaning "Not at all" and 10 meaning "All the way, every day", where would you rate your motivation to be killing sin in all areas of your life right now? Why is this?
3.) As you review the list of "What Mortification is NOT", which points seem especially applicable?
4.) As you review the list of "What Mortification IS", which points seem especially applicable?
Discussion Questions
1.) Puritan writer John Owen once wrote, "Be killing sin or it will be killing you." In what ways do you see sin "killing" believers?
2.) What is the believer's role in putting to death our sinful desires? What is the Spirit's role?
3.) Why is an ongoing pursuit of holiness so important in the life of a believer?
4.) When we see someone who claims to be a believer persevering in sin, what should we do?
Discussion Questions
1.) What have you always believed about the timing of the Rapture? What parts of the teaching today were new for you?
2.) Even though the timing of the Rapture is not a primary doctrine, why do you think it's important for us to understand what God's Word says about it?
3.) Inasmuch as we might be the last generation of the church, and inasmuch as the last generation of the church may go through a portion of, if not the entirety of, the tribulation... how then shall we live?
Take some time now to PRAY that God will stir you up and cause you to live in light of the persecution that may come, but also our BLESSED HOPE -- the revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven with His holy ones and the Rapture of His Church.
Discussion Questions
1.) What gets you most excited when you think about the Second Coming of Jesus? (during sermon at 13:05)
2.) Practically speaking, what might it look like to “keep watch” for Christ’s return? (after sermon)
Discussion Questions
1.) Test your memory. What are some of the characteristics of the Day of the LORD?
2.) In Matthew 24:15, Jesus mentions several precursors to the Day of the Lord/Second Coming of Jesus (vs 4-14), but in verse 15, Jesus mentions one very clear sign that He is about to return. What is it?
3.) The Temple Institute (templeinstitute.org) in Jerusalem is getting ready for the Third Temple (see article link below). How should the fact for the first time in almost 2,000 years that this is even possible cause this particular generation of the church to respond?
Article Link: https://free.messianicbible.com/feature/the-temple-vessels-are-ready-for-the-rebuilding-of-jerusalems-third-temple/
4.) Read Romans 13:11-14. In what ways is your life demonstrating the urgency of the hour that Paul is describing in this passage? In what ways do you still need to "wake up"?
5.) What is one change you would like to make THIS WEEK which would reflect a greater level of urgency for the hour at hand, believing that "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed (Romans 13:11)?
Discussion Questions
1.) How does it make you feel to realize that our God, who is Love (1 John 4:16), will one Day carry out His righteous wrath, even vengeance, upon all of mankind because of the millennia upon millennia of man's wickedness and rebellion against Him?
2.) How is it possible to worship God for His righteous wrath against the wickedness of mankind just as much as worshipping Him for His mercy and love towards mankind?
3.) How should the spiritual reality of "The Day of the LORD" cause us to respond in regards to the way we live out our daily lives?
4.) How may it impact the way we witness to unbelievers?
1.) What are some of the blessings of knowing that God Himself is your Father, spiritually speaking? That is, that you are actually, not just figuratively, a part of the family of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus (see Romans 8:29-30)?
2.) What do people tend to place their hope in? Why, in the end, is placing our hope in anything in this world a "dead hope"? Why can Peter say, that as Christians, we have been born into a "living hope"?
3.) Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What are some of the "spiritual blessings" we have in Christ?
4.) What does it mean that we are co-heirs WITH Christ? Hint: think of the Kingdom He has been promised to receive (Psalm 2; Philippians 2) and will one day establish on the earth. How should this motivate you to live even now?
5.) What stirs in your heart when you reflect on the fact that God Himself is guarding this inheritance for you AND He is guarding YOU for your inheritance?
1.) Have you ever been in a situation in which you felt like the "outsider"? What made you feel this way?
2.) What do you think it means for Christians to be "foreigners" and "exiles" in this world? What should that look like in practical terms in regards to our daily life?
3.) Pastor Jim suggested that we as North American Christians may not do this whole "foreigner" and "exile" very well. Do you agree? Disagree?
4.) Review 1 Peter 1:1-2 together. What impacts you the most as you reflect on how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have worked together to choose YOU for salvation?
Close in a time of lifting simple SENTENCE PRAISES to the Lord for our great salvation!
1.) Read Matthew 24:1-14. On this prophecy Jesus said that similar to a woman in child birth, whose contractions begin to get stronger and faster as she is about to deliver, our world will see an increase in wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. What are some examples of this in our world today?
2.) Jesus also said that right before He returns there would be such a tremendous persecution of the saints and increase of wickedness that "the love of most will grow cold". How does the fact that there will be a great falling away of Christians (or people who thought there were Christians) in the end times impact you? How does the idea of possibly going through intense persecution impact you? Are you ready? What may need to shift emotionally, mentally, spiritually for you to be ready?
3.) Pastor Jim mentioned a concern that the church in North America generally may not be ready for a great persecution. Do you agree? Disagree? What might need to shift in the Church in America for us to be ready to stand fast to the end?
4.) Read Hebrews 3:12-14 and 10:23-25 below:
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
In his closing comments, Pastor Jim called for us to be actively engaging in Christian community. Why is this so important? What might this look like for you?
1.) Paul said he wanted to know Christ in a head, heart, hands on kind of way. What do you think that means in practical daily experience?
2.) How does the spiritual reality that we may be able to actually participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4) differ from our merely trying to "be like Jesus"?
3.) According to John 15, we remain in the Vine by our simple, daily obedience. What are some daily choices (i.e. spiritual disciplines or practices, etc.) that may help us to walk in that kind of obedience?
4.) Which of these practices do you find to be easy and enjoyable? Which ones do you find to be more difficult?
5.) What does it mean to be "filled with the Holy Spirit"?
6.) Do you currently and regularly ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Let's do that this week!!
Discussion Questions
1.) According to the original language in this passage, what does it mean to "set" our hearts and our minds on something? (more below)
2.) What do you think it means then to set our hearts and minds on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God?
3.) What do you think it means to NOT set your hearts and minds on earthly things?
4.) Why should the fact that we have been raised with Christ (3:1) be a motivator to do the above?
5.) In practical terms then, what do you think it might look like for you this week to "stay focused"on Jesus and His Kingdom and NOT on earthly things?
In these days of great fear and anxiety because of COVID-19, let's respond in faith, not fear.
This week's ONLINE CHURCH guide: https://mailchi.mp/b616b18118e8/online-church-week-1 (copy and paste)
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