Monday, April 27, 2015

"DTR" - Genesis 17:1-14 (April 26, 2015)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. Think about times when you've felt your relationship with the Lord has lacked intimacy. What has contributed to that?
3. It can be easy for us to base our relational health with God upon our moral health. Why is rule keeping never going to be enough?
4. Ryan said the legalist will either need to "domestic God's glory" or "decrease God's expectations." Think about your approach to the law, do you find yourself doing one of these? Which one and why?
5. How do we see God pursuing Abraham in this passage?
6. Where can we go when feeling like our relationship with God is in a rut?

Sermon Outline
1. Rules
   a. Domesticating God's glory
   b. Decreasing God's expectations

2. Routine

3. Regret

Sunday, April 12, 2015

"A Sturdy Hope" - Philippians 1:3-11 (April 12, 2015)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. Why do our fears of what others think about us concern us so much?
3. In this passage, what are Paul's thoughts about the Philippians?
4. What are the different ways that Paul reflects his joy about them?
5. Why is it hard for us to not only celebrate others but to receive praise about us from others?
6. What are some practical ways that we can show love to one another?

Sermon Outline:
1. Paul thinks of them with joy
    A. Joy in prayer
    B. Joy in partnership
    C. Joy in anticipation

2. Paul thinks of them with love

3. Paul thinks of them with hope

Monday, April 6, 2015

"Last Hope Standing" - Job 19:21-27 (April 5, 2015)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. What are the ways that we and our culture deal with despair?
3. How does this passage show Job seeking to confront his despair?
4. Job speaks of a "redeemer" in this passage, how does the redeemer act on Job's behalf?
5. Consider your actions, thoughts, words, etc. and describe how they reflect where you put your hope? Consider also what you're hoping for.
6. What is Job's hope for himself and for the world?
7. Think about Jesus' life, actions, and teaching. How does he confront despair, defeat death, and satisfy our desires?
8. What is one area of your life that you need to grow in your hope of a redeemer?

Sermon Outline:

Hope that...

1. Confronts Despair
2. Defeats Death
3. Satisfies Desire