Sermon Guide

October 27, 2024: Mark 12:13-17

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus is the only hope for the world.
2. Christians have a God-given responsibility towards government.
3. We must keep politics secondary to our faith in Christ.
4. Our ultimate allegiance is to God, not any political party or leader.
5. We are called to obey God's commands in all areas of life, including how we engage with politics.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Jesus' response to the question about taxes (Mark 12:13-17) challenge our thinking about politics and faith?
2. Christians have a responsibility to respect, honor, submit to, and obey governing authorities. How do you balance this with situations where the government may ask you to disobey God?
3. Discuss the five areas of biblical obedience mentioned in the sermon (biblical sexual ethic, sanctity of life, civility, economic justice, racial equality). How do these impact your political views and decisions?
4. We can have "inexplicable unity with somebody you totally disagree with" when our hope is in Jesus. How have you experienced this in your own life?
5. What does it mean to keep politics "secondary" in our lives? How can we practically do this in today's polarized climate?
6. How does the example of Matthew the tax collector and Simon the zealot challenge our perspective on unity in Christ despite political differences?

Practical Applications:

1. Commit to praying regularly for wisdom in political engagement and for our leaders, regardless of party affiliation.
2. Before the next election, read the party platforms of the candidates you're considering voting for.
3. Identify one area where you may have elevated politics above your faith, and create a plan to realign your priorities.
4. Practice having a respectful conversation about a political topic with someone who holds a different view, focusing on listening and understanding rather than arguing.
5. Reflect on how you can demonstrate Christ's love and the hope of the gospel in your political discussions and social media posts.
6. Pray for unity in the church despite political differences, and for opportunities to share the hope of Christ in a divided world.

Sermon Guide

November 3, 2024: 1 Peter 2:11-17

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

How do you typically approach political discussions, especially with other Christians who may have different views?

Key Takeaways:

1. Our identity is in Christ, not in our current circumstances or political affiliations.
2. We are called to live as "strangers and exiles" in this world, being noticeably different from the culture around us.
3. We are urged to abstain from sinful desires and conduct ourselves honorably.
4. Submission to authority is commanded, even when the authority is unjust.
5. Our freedom in Christ should be used to serve God and others, not as a cover for evil.
6. We are called to honor everyone, love fellow believers, fear God, and honor those in authority.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to live as "strangers and exiles" in our current political climate?
2. How can we balance submitting to authority with standing firm in our faith when the two seem to conflict?
3. In what ways have you seen Christians elevate politics to an "ultimate" position? What are the consequences of this?
4. How can we disagree politically with other believers without resorting to slander or questioning their faith?
5. What does it look like to "honor everyone" in a polarized political environment?
6. How can we use our freedom in Christ to serve others, particularly in the context of political engagement?
7. What are some practical ways we can be "different" from the world in how we approach politics and elections?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, commit to praying for political leaders you disagree with.
2. Before sharing political content on social media, ask yourself: "Does this honor God and others? Does it reflect my identity in Christ?”
3. Have a respectful conversation with a fellow believer who holds different political views. Focus on listening and understanding rather than convincing.
4. Identify one way you can serve your community this week, regardless of political affiliations.
5. Reflect on areas where you might be putting politics in an "ultimate" position in your life. Pray for God's guidance in reordering your priorities.

Sermon Guide

November 10, 2024: Philippians 2:5-11

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

What comes to mind when you think of kings or royalty? Why do you think people are often fascinated by them?

Key Takeaways:

1. Throughout history, humans have been infatuated with kings and royalty.
2. Israel rejected God as their king in favor of human kings, which ultimately led to failure.
3. Jesus Christ is the compassionate, powerful, and victorious King we truly need.
4. Jesus demonstrated ultimate humility and sacrifice by becoming human and dying on the cross for our sins.
5. One day, every person will acknowledge Jesus as King, either in joyful worship or in defeat.

Discussion Questions:

1. How have you seen people today putting their trust in human leaders instead of God? Why do you think this happens?
2. Read Philippians 2:5-11. How does Jesus' example of humility and sacrifice challenge our understanding of leadership and power?
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus is a king who cares for us, crushes enemies, and can always be depended on. How have you experienced these aspects of Jesus' kingship in your own life?
4. Discuss the imagery from Revelation 7:9-17. What stands out to you about this picture of worship and celebration in heaven?
5. How does the description of Jesus as the conquering King in Revelation 19:11-16 impact your view of Him? How might this affect the way we live our lives?
6. We are not waiting for Jesus to win. He's already won by the blood of his cross. How should this truth influence our daily lives and perspectives on current events?

Practical Applications:

1. Reflection: Take time this week to examine where you might be placing your trust in human leaders or institutions instead of in Jesus. Write down areas where you need to shift your focus back to Christ.
2. Worship: Choose a worship song or hymn that celebrates Jesus as King. Listen to it daily this week, reflecting on the truths about His character and reign.
3. Service: Jesus demonstrated kingship through humility and service. Identify one way you can serve others in your community this week, following Jesus' example.
4. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Philippians 2:5-11 or one of the Revelation passages discussed. Consider memorizing a key verse that resonates with you.
5. Prayer: Commit to praying daily for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done in your life and in the world around you.

Sermon Guide

November 17, 2024: Psalm 103

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Share a time when you experienced something amazing but later found yourself taking it for granted. How did you regain your sense of appreciation?

Key Takeaways:

1. Remembering God's benefits isn't just recalling facts, but allowing them to change our behavior and perspective.
2. God's forgiveness is complete and permanent for those in Christ.
3. God's healing is ultimate, though it may be partial in this life.
4. God's love and compassion are abundant and eternal towards His children.
5. God knows our weaknesses and still chooses to love us.
6. God satisfies us with truly good things that fulfill our deepest needs.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to "bless the Lord" according to the sermon? How can we practically do this in our daily lives?
2. In verse 3 of this Psalm, David proclaims that God "forgives all your iniquity." How does this truth impact your view of yourself and your relationship with God?
3. How does understanding God's compassion and knowledge of our weaknesses (verse 14) affect the way we approach Him, especially when we've sinned?
4. Discuss the contrast between God being "slow to anger" and "abounding in faithful love." How does this shape your understanding of God's character?
5. In verse 5  David says God satisfies us with good things. What are some ways you've experienced God's goodness in your life recently?
6. How does the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman illustrate God's ability to see us and meet our deepest needs?

Practical Applications:

1. Daily Gratitude: Each day this week, write down one specific benefit from God that you're thankful for.
2. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on Psalm 103:8-14. Reflect on how these verses describe God's character and His relationship with you.
3. Sharing God's Benefits: Like the Samaritan woman, share with someone this week how you've experienced God's love and compassion in your life.
4. Self-Reflection: Consider areas where you might be hiding from God due to shame or disappointment. Pray for the courage to approach Him, remembering His compassion and knowledge of your weaknesses.
5. Community Encouragement: Think of ways you can remind others in your church family of God's benefits. This could be through encouragement, acts of service, or simply sharing your own experiences.