Sermon Guide

February 8: Matthew 23

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Religion at its best is when God's love poured into us spills out to others. False religion is performance-based, focused on appearance, and burdensome.
2. Characteristics of the Religion Jesus Hates:
1. Loves the spotlight more than serving in the shadows
2. Makes salvation harder than Jesus did
3. Makes excuses instead of owning error
4. Busy with religious activities but unconcerned with justice, mercy, and faithfulness
5. More concerned with image than integrity
6. More aware of others' sins than our own
3. Jesus didn't come for good people—there are no good people. He came for those who recognize they're broken and run to Him for mercy.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Matthew 23:1-13 together. What strikes you most about Jesus' tone and approach with the Pharisees? Why do you think He was so direct?
2. In verse 4, Jesus says the Pharisees "tie up heavy loads" on people. What are some modern examples of how churches or Christians might do this today?
3. Jesus says in verse 11, "The greatest among you will be your servant." How does this contradict our culture's definition of greatness? How does it contradict religious culture?
4. Many people think they're Christians because they "vote Republican and don't drink light beer." What cultural markers or behaviors do we sometimes substitute for genuine faith?
5. Which of the characteristics of "the religion Jesus hates" resonated most with you personally? Why?
6. Just like the people Jesus was talking to we strain out gnats but gulp down camels. What are some "easy" religious activities we focus on while neglecting harder things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness?
7. Discuss the difference between tithing your tomatoes (easy, measurable religion) and showing mercy to difficult people (costly, real faith). Which comes more naturally to you? Why?
8. Read Matthew 23:37-39. After everything Jesus said about the Pharisees, His heart breaks for them. What does this reveal about Jesus' character? About His heart toward us when we fail?
9. Jesus didn't die for the cleaned-up version of you. He died for the real you. How does this truth change the way we approach God? The way we approach each other?
10. In what areas of your life are you most tempted to "clean the outside of the cup" while neglecting your heart (Matthew 23:25-26)?
11. The religion Jesus loves "constantly runs to Him for mercy." What would it look like for you to run to Jesus this week instead of performing for Him?
12. Who in your life needs to experience the mercy, justice, or faithfulness that should overflow from your relationship with Jesus? What's one practical way you can show that this week?

Practical Applications:

1. SHADOW SERVICE: Do one act of service this week that no one will know about except you and God. Don't post it, don't mention it, just serve.
2. MERCY MISSION: Identify someone in your life who is difficult, undeserving, or unable to repay you. Show them intentional mercy or kindness this week.
3. HONEST INVENTORY: Spend 30 minutes in prayer asking God to show you where you've been more concerned with image than integrity. Write down what He reveals and share it with one trusted person.
4. JUSTICE ACTION: Research one issue of injustice in your community. Take one concrete step to address it—volunteer, donate, advocate, or simply learn more.
5. CONFESSION PRACTICE: Instead of pointing out others' sins this week, practice confessing your own—to God and to someone you trust.

 Sermon Guide

February 15: Mark 1:21-39

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus is greater than everything - His authority surpasses all other powers, teachers, and solutions
2. Miracles are previews, not the mission - Jesus came to preach the kingdom, not just fix temporary problems
3. The temptation to settle for lesser things is real - Even Jesus faced pressure to focus on immediate needs over eternal purpose
4. Prayer is relationship, not performance - It's a child talking to their Father, not following a script
5. One of the quickest ways to fail at what matters most is to succeed at what doesn't

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Mark 1:32-39. What surprises you most about Jesus' decision to leave Capernaum when "everyone was looking for him"?
2. In verse 38, Jesus says, "This is why I have come." What does this tell us about Jesus' priorities? How does this contrast with what the disciples (and the crowd) wanted? If miracles were the mission of Jesus, Jesus failed because everyone he healed eventually died. How does this perspective change the way you think about Jesus' ministry?
3. Be honest—do you tend to see Jesus as useful (meeting your needs) or worthy (deserving your worship)? What does your prayer life reveal about your answer?
4. How do you react when you don't get what you want? Share a time when God answered your prayer differently than you hoped. How did you respond? Looking back, what did that experience teach you?
5. The noise of life: What are the "loudest voices" competing for your attention right now? (Work demands, family pressures, financial stress, social media, etc.) How do these drown out God's whisper?
6. Jesus regularly withdrew to pray, even with urgent needs surrounding Him. What makes it hard for you to prioritize time alone with God? What excuses do you find yourself making?
7. What "smaller roles" are you tempted to assign Jesus in your life? (Problem-solver, wish-granter, life coach, etc.)
8. Read Matthew 6:5-8 together. How does Jesus' teaching here connect with prayer being conversation, not performance? What would change if you truly prayed like you were talking to your Dad?
9. Many of our honest prayers happen when we’re alone. Do you share your frustration or complaints with him? Does it surprise you that God welcomes that kind of honesty? Why or why not?

Practical Applications:

1. Option 1: Like Jesus, wake up 15-30 minutes earlier than usual one day this week. Find a quiet spot and simply talk to God—no script, no agenda, just conversation. Journal about the experience.
2. Option 2: Turn off all non-essential notifications on your phone for 24-48 hours. Use the moments you would normally check your phone to instead acknowledge God's presence with a simple "Hey, Dad" prayer.
3. Option 3: Write out a completely honest prayer to God about something you're struggling with—including any anger, confusion, or disappointment you feel. Don't edit yourself. Then read it out loud to Him.
4. Option 4: Track how you spend your time for three days. At the end, ask yourself: "What do my time choices say about what I believe is most important?" Share your findings with an accountability partner.

 Sermon Guide

February 22: Mark 7:31-37

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus treats people with dignity, not as projects. He pulled the deaf man aside privately and gave him his full attention.
2. Jesus groans with us, not at us. His compassion moves Him to feel our pain in a broken world.
3. Jesus doesn't just repair—He re-creates. The healing was immediate because the Creator was restoring His creation.
4. We're called to be storytellers, not sales reps. Witnessing means sharing what we've personally seen, heard, and experienced.
5. The formerly demon-possessed man prepared the way for Jesus' return to the Decapolis by simply telling his story.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Mark 7:31-37 together. What stands out to you about the way Jesus healed this deaf man compared to other healings in Mark's Gospel?
2. Why do you think Jesus took the man aside privately rather than healing him in front of the crowd? What does this teach us about how Jesus values individuals?
3. What does Jesus’ groaning (verse 34) reveal about his heart toward human suffering and brokenness?
4. Have you ever experienced feeling alone even when surrounded by people? How does knowing that Jesus groans with you (verse 34) rather than at you change your perspective on bringing your brokenness to Him? What has Jesus touched and restored in your life when you are in the middle of crowded loneliness?
5. Which is harder for you: keeping quiet when Jesus says "be quiet" or speaking up when Jesus says "go tell"? Why do you think that is?
6. Read Isaiah 35:4-6. How does understanding this Old Testament prophecy deepen your appreciation for what Jesus was doing in Mark 7?
7. The crowd said Jesus "has done everything well" (verse 37)—echoing Genesis 1. What does it mean that Jesus is in the business of re-creation, not just repair? How does this apply to our spiritual lives?
8. Compare Mark 5:1-20 with Mark 7:31-37. How did the demon-possessed man's obedience to "go tell" prepare the region for Jesus' return? What does this teach us about the power of personal testimony?
9. We've taken the greatest news in human history and treated it like a socially inappropriate dinner conversation. Why do you think Christians often find it easier to talk about everything except Jesus?
10. Who are the people God has placed around you who know about your politics, hobbies, and medical history, but don't know your Jesus story? Name them specifically (you don't have to share names aloud if it's too personal).
11. What is your story? If you had to share in 2-3 minutes what Jesus has done for you, what would you say? (Consider practicing with your group.)

Practical Applications:

1. Option 1: Write Your Story - Take 30 minutes this week to write out your testimony in 3 parts. Keep it to one page so you can share it naturally in conversation. What was your life like before Jesus?  How did you encounter Jesus? How has your life changed since?
2. Option 2: Share Your Story - Identify one person from your answer to question 10 above. Pray for an opportunity this week to share part of your Jesus story with them. Don't force it—just be ready and willing when the opportunity comes.
3. Option 3: Practice Storytelling - Partner with someone in your group this week. Practice sharing your testimonies with each other (3-5 minutes each). Give each other feedback and encouragement. Pray together for opportunities to share with others.
4. Spend a few minutes in silence reflecting on these questions. Share with the group if you feel comfortable. What part of my life still feels "bound" or "stopped up" like the deaf man's ears and tongue? Am I willing to let Jesus touch those broken places? What would it look like for Jesus to say "Ephphatha—be opened" over that area of my life?

 Sermon Guide

March 1: Mark 9:2-13

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

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus is the glorified King who will reign forever in a perfect kingdom where there is no death, pain, grief, or crying.
2. Mountaintop experiences are meant to sustain our faith, not become our permanent residence. We must come down to serve others and fulfill Jesus' mission.
3. Remembering what God has done helps us trust Him in difficult times when His presence feels less evident.
4. Listening to Jesus through His Word is the most reliable way to sustain our faith when memories fade and feelings fluctuate.
5. We can live now in light of the future kingdom, bringing God's kingdom to earth by obeying Jesus' commands today.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose only Peter, James, and John for this experience? What does this teach us about how God works with different people?
2. What was the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus? How would this have impacted the disciples' understanding of who Jesus was?
3. Peter wanted to build shelters and stay on the mountain. Why did they have to come down? What does this teach us about spiritual "mountaintop" experiences?
4. Have you ever had a spiritual "mountaintop moment" where God's presence felt especially real? What was that like? How did it impact your faith afterward?
5. Since memories fade, what practices help you remember God's faithfulness when you're going through difficult times?
6. God commanded the disciples to listen to him. How would you honestly assess your listening-to-talking ratio when it comes to your relationship with God?
7. Do you view the Bible as "Genesis 3 to Revelation 20" (just managing sin) versus remembering Eden and looking forward to the new creation? How does this shift in perspective change the way we live today?
8. If we're supposed to pray "Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven," what does that look like practically? What would change in your daily life if you lived more like you will in the perfect kingdom?
9. Which of these commands of Jesus is God calling you to focus on right now: repent, follow, let your light shine, love enemies, seek God's kingdom first, forgive, love one another, make disciples. 

Practical Applications:

1. Option 1: Write down 5-10 times when God has been clearly evident in your life. Keep this list somewhere you'll see it during difficult moments, and add to it as you recognize God's faithfulness.
2. Option 2: For one week, spend the first 5 minutes of prayer time in silence, simply listening. Write down anything God brings to your attention. Share with the group next time what this practice was like
3. Option 3: Choose one of Jesus' commands mentioned in Mark 9:2-13. Identify one specific way you'll obey that command this week, and ask someone in the group to check in with you about it
4. Option 4: Commit to reading through the Gospel of Mark this week (it's only 16 chapters). Underline or highlight every command Jesus gives, and pick one to focus on implementing