CPC Discussions: May 2016

Monday, May 16, 2016

"Pursue(d)" - 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (May 15, 2016)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. What are some of the different messages that we're told in our world?
3. What is the message the Paul puts before the Thessalonians in this passage?
4. Why is easy for Christians to deviate from God's pursuit after become Christians and why is it important that we continue to hold to the Gospel?
5. With what manner are we to present the Gospel?
6. Who are the people and what are the circumstances in our lives that need us to live in a manner of compassion and commitment?

Sermon Outline:
1. The Message of Pursuit
a. New life
b. Continued life

2. The Manner of Pursuit
a. Compassion
b. Commitment

Monday, May 9, 2016

"Look and Rejoice" 1 Peter 1:3-12 (May 8, 2016)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. Think about the different instances of Peter's life, what do we know about him from those?
3. How does knowing Peter's life help us to see the amazing grace of God?
4. What does this passage tell us about the inheritance to come? What are other passages that help us to know about the eternity that awaits us?
5. How does knowing about this inheritance affect our lives today?
6. What are the various trials that Peter's audience, and he, faced? What are the one's you're experiencing?
7. How does this passage help you in the midst of those trials?

Sermon Outline:
1. Looking back to grace

2. Looking forward to inheritance

3. Looking through trials

4. Looking into God's salvation

Sunday, May 1, 2016

"Life in the Best Worst Place" - Genesis 50:15-26 (May 1, 2016)

1. Have someone read the passage aloud.
2. Think about the evils that have been done against you. What makes it so hard for us to say, "what others did for evil, God meant it for good?"
3. How have Christians, at times, used this verse in inappropriate ways?
4. How does this passage cause us to resist ignoring evil? How does Joseph acknowledge it?
5. Where have you seen God's goodness and his sovereignty at work in your life?
6. Ryan said, "Joseph isn't saying the spiritual people can figure out all the ways God is working, Joseph is saying we are to trust." Where are the places in your life that you need trust God?

Sermon Outline:
1. Realistic View of Evil

2. Resilient Trust in God
A. The goodness of God
B. The sovereignty of God

3. Radical Grace Toward Enemies

Seven Tips For Staying On Track

1. Read through the Bible together with other people.

2. There will be some passages that you may not find interesting and / or difficult to read. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as you read these passages: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be equipped for every good work." Ask yourself why God spoke this particular passage, and how it is profitable to you.

3. Do the whole reading for each day, but look for a "best thought" for each day - something you can ponder the rest of the day, a verse to memorize, something memorable.

4. As you come the Word each morning, ask God to open your eyes to the wonders found in his word.

5. Let your prayers for others flow out of what you read. Pray and read Scripture. After you read a passage, pray that passage for yourself and for others.

6. Some readings will be long and some short. Take advantage of shorter passages by reading them carefully, reflecting, asking questions, praying for answers, engage.

7. Look for ways you can practically live out what you're reading. James 1:22, "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."

*The above is taken from Stephen Witmer, http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2010/12/29/two-year-bible-reading-plan/