Monday, October 26, 2020

What's Your Story? Acts 28:17-28 Rev Ryan Laughlin

 

 

 

                                              

                                   Sermon Discussion Questions

 

1) What are the ancient promises Paul is wanting the  the audience in Acts to remember?

 

2) Sermon quote: "We weren't created to be the author of the story of our lives, but to be characters written by God in His story." Discuss this truth with the group. How do we act like the author sometimes?

 

3) Why is Paul reminding them of the shared story between the Jews and Gentiles?

 

4) The story of God reclaiming His creation through His kingdom is our our story. How have you seen God reclaiming His creation in your life?

5) What are some of the narratives that the world wants us to have dominating our story? When are tempted to believe in other narratives that aren't grounded in the gospel?

 

6) Bulletin quote: "There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling the one Big Story. the Story of how God loves His children and comes to rescue them." (Sally Lloyd-Jones) Is this truth encouraging to you? What is challenging about it? 

Monday, October 19, 2020

"Smuggling Karma" Acts 28:1-16 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

 

 

 

                                                                

                                                Sermon Discussion Questions

    

  1) Paul had just survived a shipwreck. What does the text say the Maltese people assumed about Paul when the viper attacked him?

2) How do we see Paul responding to the circumstances in this passage?

3) Do we have a "karma" like view of God? (ie: You get what you deserve) 

4) What are the consequences when we don't live in the truth of God's grace? When we don't live in the truth that we have been given the righteousness of Christ. 

5) Bulletin quote: "What keep most of us from God is not the sin we know we have, but the righteousness we think we have." (Nate Larkin) Does this resonate with you at all? Has this been your experience in your relationship with Christ?

6) How can we "smuggle grace" into our lives instead of karma? What are some practical ways we can live in the truth of the gospel of grace?

 

Monday, October 12, 2020

O Captain, My Captain? Acts 27 Rev. Greg Meyer

 

 

 

 

                                                Sermon Discussion Questions

 

      1) Summarize what is going on this chapter? What was happening with Paul in this passage? 

       2) How do you see Paul responding and acting throughout different stages in Acts 27?

       3) Bulletin quote: "Somehow, the puzzle to divine sovereignty and human responsibility is not to be found in a formula but in flesh and blood. In Jesus' flesh and Jesus' blood. And in our flesh and blood." (N.T. Wright) Discuss with the group. How does this truth play out in our lives?

   4) What can we learn from Paul's trust in God's sovereignty in these verses? What are some practical takeaways from reading about the shipwreck?

   6) "In Christ, we have assurance, that the storm in not in vain." (sermon quote) Have you found this to be true after going hardships in your life? 

    7) Who/What are we tempted to trust in when difficult times come? How are we able to put our hope in Christ in our "storms" of life?  

Monday, October 5, 2020

"A Persuasive Life" Acts 26 Rev. Ryan Laughlin

 

 

 

 

                                                   Sermon Discussion Questions

 

   1) Reading over the chapter again, list the people that are mentioned. What are their roles? Who was Paul speaking to?

  2) How does Paul try to persuade the audience that Jesus is both believable and beautiful?

 3) How does Paul identify with those arguing against him? and how does he simplify the argument?

4) What do you notice about Paul's delivery and demeanor in his speech? What can we learn from his style of persuasion and apply in our lives?

 5)  When was the last time you were persuaded to change your mind about an important life matter? Reflect and share with the group.

 6)  "Those who claim the name of Christ have been broken, that we may follow Him." (Sermon quote) How is this truth of the gospel played out in our lives?