CPC Discussions: November 2019

Monday, November 18, 2019

Thank God for Gratitude: Luke 17: 11-19, Ryan Laughlin

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Gratitude is good for us. But it can be difficult to cultivate. What are some ways that gratitude gets impeded in our lives?

2. In the sermon, we heard there are some practical ways to cultivate “gracious gratitude” in our lives as believers. Discuss the following:
A) We can cultivate true gratitude by “calling out in need.”

B) We can cultivate true gratitude when we “turn back in wonder.”

C) We can cultivate true gratitude when we “fall down in worship.”

3. Sermon quote: “When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” G.K. Chesterton (Discuss with the group)

4. We may not have leprosy like the lepers Jesus healed in this passage, but most likely there is something in our life that makes us feel isolated from others. (Personally reflect on what that could be to yourself. Take a moment to ask God to start healing/restoring that in your life.)

5. 9 out of 10 lepers from the passage, missed out on thanking the person who healed them. Gracious gratitude is relational. How does this passage inform our approach to be grateful to Christ in our lives?

Monday, November 4, 2019

Why Give? 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Ryan Laughlin

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) In these verses, Paul makes it sound like generosity is good for us. Is it? In what ways? How would our culture respond to that idea?

2) God loves joyful and sacrificial givers. How does that challenge your giving habits?

3) According to Paul, how does the Gospel motivate us toward generosity?

Quote: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” C.S. Lewis (Discuss with the group)

Prayer focus: Our generous Savior, I desire to be a more joyful giver because You have been a joyful giver with me—and You still are! Inspire our church to use our resources creatively and effectively for service in Your Kingdom. Keep us humble and dependent on You, particularly in this unique season of our church. We look to You for all good things. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

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/