Monday, March 30, 2020

“Keeping the Right Distance” Acts 7 Rev. Ryan Laughlin






                             Sermon Discussion Questions


    1) After reading over Acts 7, can you give a brief summary? What are the major themes in Stephen’s speech? What was Stephen being accused of by the religious leaders?

    2) What do we hear in Stephen’s warning as he addresses the religious leaders?

   3) Essentially, the religious leaders in Acts 7 had rejected Jesus and therefore spiritually distancing themselves from God. Are there times in our lives when we have spiritually distanced ourselves from God by rejecting His Word, like the leaders in Acts 7?

  4) Stephen also warned the leaders about replacing the presence of God just as God’s people had done previously throughout redemptive history. We can heed that warning now in our present time. What are ways we have replaced the presence of God in our lives? What/who is the source of our hope in times of uncertainty?

5) Stephen was addressing the very council of leaders that had sentenced Jesus to death weeks or months prior. Yet, he was confident that Jesus was close to him in the midst of persecution. How do we see Jesus being “there” for Stephen in Acts 7:55-56? How do we see Jesus being victorious, sovereign and attentive in this passage?

6) Sermon quote: “As believers we have union with Christ. We don’t have to coerce Him to be close to us. In Christ, we already have a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” How does this truth change the way we live on a daily basis? How does it change the way we interact with each other?


Sunday, March 22, 2020

“The Profile of a Servant” Acts 6 Rev Greg Meyer 2/22/20




                                                 Sermon Discussion Questions



1) There was a social need in Acts 6 that was taking place. What was the need and how did the disciples respond to that need?

2) What does a servant look like according to Acts 6? 

3) Quote from the bulletin: “We do a great disservice to the church whenever we refer to the pastorate as ‘the ministry’...All Christians without exception, being followers of Him who came ‘not to be served but to serve,’ are themselves called to ministry, indeed to give their lives in ministry. But the expression, ‘full-time Christian ministry is not to be restricted to church or missionary service, it can also be exercised in government, the media, the professions, business, industry and the home. We need to recover this vision of the wide diversity of ministries to which God calls His people.” John Stott (Reflect on this quote. Where in your life do you feel called to ministry and to serve?) 

4) What is Stephen’s posture like towards the end of chapter 6? Compare Stephen’s posture to the posture of Moses in Exodus 34:29-35? Stephen was facing personal persecution 

5) In times of persecution and suffering, areas of our hearts and lives may be exposed where we aren’t prepared to suffer with Jesus. Have you experienced this ever or recently? What was your response when those places are exposed?

6) In Jesus Christ we see what the life of a servant should look like. He fits the profile of being a servant leader (one who is called by God, equipped by the Lord and suffers for the Lord in service). Does the way we serve mirror the life of Jesus? What is the source of our service? Is out of the gift of God’s grace and mercy? Or our self-sufficient reasons?

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

“The Danger of Dis-Integration” Acts 5:1-11 Greg Meyer

 


                                                     
                                            Sermon Discussion Questions


1) Read over Acts 5:1-11. What do we see going on in this section?

2) Dishonest deceit was interrupting the church community. How do these verses contrast with what is going on at the end of chapter 4? (4:32-37)

3) We see Ananias and Sapphira living compartmentally. How does living this way effect them, their community and God?

4) Sermon quote: “Divided hearts, create divided lives. This is the opposite of what God wants for us. He has called us to holiness. What does living an integrated life look like?” Discuss with the group. 


5) When we believe lies about God or about ourselves, it has ripple effects on all of our relationships. (Relationship with God, with others and ourselves). Can we name some of those lies that we believe? Do we see God as a harsh ruler? Or a loving/forgiving Father? Are we living out of these fears? 

6)We stand in Jesus, gloriously complete. Through the gift/power of the Holy Spirt in our lives, we are able to live holistically, where every area of our lives are in conformity with the gospel. This includes our whole being: our emotions, our sexuality, our bodies, our minds and our spirits. How does this truth change the way we live daily? Does it change how we live daily? Does this truth encourage you? 

Monday, March 2, 2020

“When Pressed” Acts 4:23-37 Chris Smith




                                   Sermon Discussion Questions



 1) As you read over the passage, what do you see the believers doing or saying?

 2) How did the Christians face troubles in the early Church?

 3) When we find ourselves being pressed with difficulties who  or what do we turn to? Do we turn to our church family/community? Or do we tend to run/hide and deal with difficulties alone?

 4) Sermon quote: “God has not called us to live our Christian life alone.” What comes to mind when you hear this? Do you agree? What might stop us from reaching out when we go through diffficulties?

5) It is important that we look to community for support, but not just any community. It matters what the community is rooted in or whom they are rooted in. What must your Christian community be rooted in?

6) God’s people are called to mission and mutual care. This cannot be done in our own strength. We can only do this with the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you seen this played out in your own life when you have faced difficult times? How has the Holy Spirit used your community to come along side you in those times?