Sermon Guide

March 30, 2024: 1 John 5:1-5

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Share one thing that challenged or encouraged you.

Key Takeaways:

1. True Christian faith begins with believing Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah.
2. Loving God means obeying His commands, even in difficult circumstances.
3. God's commands are not burdensome when we understand the victory Christ has already won.
4. Many people want Jesus to improve their lives without fully surrendering to Him.
5. Seeing Jesus as God, not just as good, transforms our approach to obedience and surrender.

Discussion Questions:

1. When your experience doesn't align with Scripture you need to check your math. Have you ever felt that obeying God's commands was burdensome? Share your experiences.
2. How does understanding that Jesus has already won the victory change our perspective on obedience?
3. We spoke about being sponsored by Jesus versus being adopted by Jesus. What's the difference, and which one better describes your current relationship with Jesus?
4. Reflect on the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-27. Why do you think he walked away grieved? How might his response have been different if he saw Jesus as God rather than just "good"?
5. Jesus doesn't want to be part of your life. He wants all of it. How does this truth challenge you personally?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, identify an area of your life you haven't fully surrendered to God. Take steps to give control of that area to Him.
2. Practice reframing difficult acts of obedience as opportunities to live out of Christ's victory rather than your own strength.
3. Reflect daily on whether you're treating Jesus as a "sponsor" or as the Lord of your entire life. Make adjustments as needed.
4. Share with a trusted friend or family member one way you plan to more fully surrender to Jesus this week.

 Sermon Guide

April 6, 2024: 1 John 5:6-12

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

Key Takeaways:

1. True life is found only in Jesus Christ, not in self-improvement, religion, or worldly pursuits.
2. God has provided multiple witnesses and testimonies to the truth of who Jesus is.
3. Having Jesus means reordering your entire life around Him, not just adding Him to your existing lifestyle.

Discussion Questions:

1. John says "the one who has the Son has life, the one who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (1 John 5:12). How does this statement challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation?
2. There are three areas people often run to instead of Jesus: self-improvement, religion, and worldly things. Which of these do you find most tempting in your own life? Why?
3. How does the concept of "testimony" (martyria) as presented in the sermon impact your view of witnessing about Christ?
4. Frank shared three possible interpretations of "water and blood" in the passage. Which interpretation resonates most with you and why?
5. Discuss the various testimonies about Jesus presented in the sermon (Old Testament prophecies, miracles, God's voice, etc.). Which of these do you find most compelling?

Practical Applications:

1. Reflect on areas of your life where you might be seeking fulfillment outside of Christ. How can you surrender these to Jesus this week?
2. Practice sharing your testimony of how you came to believe in Jesus. Be prepared to share it with the group next time.
3. Choose one of the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus mentioned in the sermon and study it in more depth this week.
4. Consider ways you can "testify" about Jesus in your daily life, even in small ways

Sermon Guide

April 13, 2024: 1 John 5:13, Matthew 11:1-11

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

Have you ever experienced a moment of doubt in your faith? Share briefly with the group.

Key Takeaways:

1. Doubt is a common experience for many believers, even those mentioned in the Bible.
2. Jesus responds to doubt with mercy and evidence, not condemnation.
3. Our salvation is based on trusting in Christ's finished work, not our perfect faith or lack of doubt.
4. God's love for us remains constant, even in our moments of doubt.

Discussion Questions:

1. There are several reasons why people might doubt their salvation that Pastor Frank mentioned. Which of these resonated with you the most and why?
2. How does the Old Testament imagery of laying hands on the sacrificial lamb relate to our faith in Christ?
3. Discuss the story of Thomas in John 20. How does Jesus' response to Thomas challenge our typical views on doubt?
4. The sermon highlighted John the Baptist's doubt in Matthew 11. What surprises you about this account? How does Jesus' response encourage you?
5. "Jesus doesn't love you less because you're struggling right now.” How does that statement impact your view of God's love?
6. In what ways can doubt actually be a sign of spiritual life rather than spiritual death?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, when you experience doubt, practice "putting your hand on the head of the Lamb" by consciously choosing to trust in Christ's finished work.
2. Write down specific evidences of God's work in your life. Refer to this list when doubts arise.
3. If you're struggling with doubt, share it with a trusted friend or group member. Pray for each other in these areas.
4. Memorize a verse that reminds you of God's unchanging love, such as 1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

This is the one that Pastor Frank referred to the most - Vine of David Haggadah

Here is a free PDF of one that is very good:  Broken for You

And one more, also free in pdf form: Messiah in the Passover

 Sermon Guide

April 20, 2024: Luke 24:13-48

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus often shows up in unexpected ways and to unexpected people.
2. The crucifixion wasn't a failure, but the center of God's plan for redemption.
3. The resurrection offers an invitation to a new beginning and walking in newness of life.

Discussion Questions:

1. Sometimes we get "stuck on Saturday." What does this mean, and how might it apply to our lives today? Sunday’s Coming
2. How did Jesus reveal himself to the disciples on the road to Emmaus? Why do you think He chose this approach?
3. The sermon states, "These two were not doubting Jesus' power at all. But they were upset that Jesus didn't meet their expectations." How do we sometimes impose our own expectations on God? What are the dangers of this?
4. Jesus explained how the Old Testament pointed to Him. How does understanding the broader biblical narrative enhance our faith?
5. What was significant about Jesus showing His scars when breaking bread? How does this relate to our understanding of the resurrection?
6. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus didn't come to offer temporary solutions but to address our "permanent problem." What is this problem, and how does the gospel address it?
7. How does the reality of the resurrection change the way we live our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

1. Scripture Study: Spend time this week reading Old Testament passages that point to Jesus. Reflect on how they deepen your understanding of God's plan. OT Passages that Point to Jesus
2. Expectation Check: Identify any expectations you might be placing on God that aren't aligned with His character or promises. Pray for guidance in adjusting these expectations. 
3. Newness of Life: Choose one area of your life where you feel "stuck." What would it look like to walk in "newness of life" in this area? Make a plan to take one step in that direction this week.
4. Share Your Story: Practice telling someone about how Jesus has brought new life to you, just as the disciples on the road to Emmaus shared their experience.

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