tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46836771859510982252023-11-15T12:57:09.985-06:00CPC DiscussionsWelcome to the CPC Discussions blog.
This blog is a place to foster further discussion between individuals at CPC. As we encounter new information and ideas, we all take time to process through what our response is. Often, when we have the opportunity to engage with each other during this processing, we find our ideas enriched and expanded.CPCDiscussionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14948637440644250696noreply@blogger.comBlogger423125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-6343929828173388162022-05-11T09:46:00.001-05:002022-05-11T09:46:23.569-05:00Romans 13 "Navigating New Relationships" Rev. Greg Meyer<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1) Being a Jesus follower changes us but also changes all of our relationships. Which relationships in particular does Paul address in this chapter?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2) What are our responsibilities in regards to our state?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 3) What does Paul say about our neighbor and how we are to treat them?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 4) How does a believer respond to the culture?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 5) Bulletin quote: "Law and love need each other. Love needs law for its direction, while law needs love for its inspiration." (John Stott) How does this help us understand our reaction to live out Romans 13? </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-68921460529081816842022-05-03T08:51:00.002-05:002022-05-03T08:51:26.672-05:00Romans 12:9-21 "What's Love got to do with it?" Rev. Chris Smith<p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"> Sermon Discussion Questions</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) What does Paul say about love throughout this passage?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) Why is it difficult for our love to be sincere and genuine sometimes?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) What type of "competition" is Paul describing in Romans 12?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) What does John 4 say about love? Who is our source of love?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5) How has the love of God changed the way you live and love others?<br /></span></p><p> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-52973177103545384212022-04-25T11:16:00.007-05:002022-04-25T11:16:37.617-05:00Genesis 18:9-15 "The Gospel and our Shame" Rev. Ed Dunnington<p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) What does the Lord say to Sarah in this passage?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) How does Sarah respond? Why do you think Sarah responds this way?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) What had God told Abraham in the previous chapter (17)?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) What is the significance of the Lord addressing Sarah by her name?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5) How do we respond to God when we have felt our shame in the past? How can the hope of the gospel inform our response to shame when it pops up in our daily lives? </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-9027890071320900272022-04-20T14:07:00.003-05:002022-04-20T14:07:49.579-05:00Acts 10:34-43 "Resurrection Hope" Rev. Dr. Tom Gibbs<p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) Why should we believe the resurrection is true? What are the 3 reasons given?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) Why is the resurrection so important? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) The world's message is "The better you are, the better your life will go." Why do Christians reject that philosophy? What does this passage have to say about that mentality?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) How does the truth of the resurrection change our lives now? </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-52326215297350112662022-04-04T14:17:00.000-05:002022-04-04T14:17:03.399-05:00Romans 12:1-8 "Changed Lives" Rev. Dr. Tom Gibbs <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) What does Paul write about the sanctification process in this passage? How do we grow/change as believers?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) What is the posture of a Christian in the process of sanctification? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) Do we wait on others to do the "right" thing or another act of mercy before we act? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) What are ways that we give our lives to Jesus currently? What does trusting Him look like in your daily life at work, school, relationship etc?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) Sermon quote: "To become a self, I need the community of believers." How can this be challenging? How can this be encouraging?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-65765733811693637112022-03-28T12:27:00.001-05:002022-03-28T12:27:06.091-05:00Romans 11 "Make No Room for Spiritual Pride" Rev. Dr. Tom Gibbs<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1) What was Paul reminding the readers of in this passage?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2) What does spiritual pride look like in practice? How can it be damaging?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 3) Was God rejecting the Jews in His plan of salvation?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 4) How do we see these dynamics at work between Christians of various traditions now? What are ways we can meet these dynamics with the truth of the gospel message?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 5) Do we think of our salvation as a gift? What is challenging about that? What are areas of growth in our lives in this regard? </span></span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-25548460241471541952022-03-25T12:16:00.000-05:002022-03-25T12:16:02.930-05:00Romans 10:1-21 Preach the Gospel Rev. Dr. Tom Gibbs<p> </p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) What does Paul remind us about the gospel in this passage? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) What is our message to others when we preach the gospel?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) What is our role as believers in sharing the gospel?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) Who is the message of the gospel for? Why is it challenging to share the gospel? </span></span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-22009775891929565062022-03-14T10:28:00.002-05:002022-03-14T10:28:14.468-05:00Romans 9:1-33 The Sovereign Mercy of God Rev. Chris Smith<p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) What does this passage remind/teach us about God's sovereignty?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) What are the questions about God that Paul writes in this passage? Do those questions resonate with you at all?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) How many times is the word mercy referred to in this section? What about God's mercy and sovereignty was Paul trying to communicate?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) What about God's sovereignty can we find comforting as His people?<br /></span></span></p><p> </p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-85567134626716238582022-02-28T14:10:00.003-06:002022-02-28T14:10:47.586-06:00James 5:13-19 "The Heart of God" Dr. Paul Kooistra<p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <b>Sermon Discussion Questions</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) What does this passage remind us about prayer?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) "Prayer is the most important thing we can do in missions." Have you thought of prayer as a resource? What about this is challenging?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) When should we pray? What situations cause you to pray? What area of prayer would you like to grow in?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) Do we approach prayer as our greatest resource of power? How is prayer being a resource different than what our culture says? </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-55525128123551559212022-02-22T09:49:00.002-06:002022-02-22T09:49:23.512-06:00Romans 8:12-30 "From Groaning to Glory" Rev. Chris Smith<p> </p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p> <b> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) What does the text say teach us about the Spirit of God?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) What does the power of the Spirit enable us to do as believers? What is our relationship status as believers with God?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) How is the sovereignty of God explained in this passage?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) How do we see the Trinity working together in this passage?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) Is it challenging to see yourself as a child of God? What is comforting about this reality of being the children of God as believers? In what ways would you like to grow in this reality?</span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-1720592796605399992022-02-14T20:06:00.004-06:002022-02-14T20:06:32.606-06:00Romans 8:1-11 Life in the Spirit Dr. Tom Gibbs <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <b> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) How many times is the "Spirit" used in this passage? Why do you think Paul is wanting to draw our attention to the Spirit?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) What does the Spirit do for the life of a believer that the Law cannot do?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) "The ministry of the Spirit is to direct our lives. It is a gift to us with direction." (sermon quote) How does the Spirit direct our lives? Is it a challenge to see this as a gift?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) In Romans 8:10-11, what does it say about the Holy Spirit? How does He empower the believer?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5) Bulletin quote: "You can't say that the law is the power of God unto salvation. The law is the will of God., but it is certainly not the power of God to save people. (Jack Miller) Does this help you understand the difference between the law and the power of the Spirit? </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-46360734178827984212022-02-04T10:12:00.002-06:002022-02-04T10:12:51.907-06:002 Timothy 1:8-14 "He is Able" Dr. Tom Gibbs <p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></b><br /></p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) What does Paul say about Christ in this passage? What does Paul say our response should be?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) Who's sufferings to we share in? Are we active participants in the work/suffering of Christ?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) Where do we put our confidence when it is not in the Lord? (status, finances, etc?)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) </span> <span class="markedContent" id="page77R_mcid199"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 127.617px; top: 584.52px; transform: scaleX(0.800922);">Bulletin quote: "The strength of the dangers ranged against us often make us despair or at least tempt</span><br role="presentation" /><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 134.4px; top: 612.853px; transform: scaleX(0.827112);">us to distrust God. However, for our defense, we are armed with the knowledge</span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 134.4px; top: 641.186px; transform: scaleX(0.822397);"> that we have adequate protection in God’s power. So Christ, encouraging us to be</span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 134.4px; top: 669.52px; transform: scaleX(0.772606);"> con</span><span class="markedContent"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 163.45px; top: 669.52px; transform: scaleX(1.00744);">fi</span></span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 175.187px; top: 669.52px; transform: scaleX(0.817465);">dent, uses the argument, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater</span><br role="presentation" /><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 134.4px; top: 697.853px; transform: scaleX(0.841154);">than all” (John 10:29). By this he means that we are out of danger since the Lord</span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 134.4px; top: 726.186px; transform: scaleX(0.791009);"> who protects us is well able to resist everyone." Is this helpful to you as you reflect on this passage? Do you agree with Calvin's words?</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="markedContent" id="page77R_mcid199"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; left: 134.4px; top: 726.186px; transform: scaleX(0.791009);">5) How are we able to celebrate the love of our God in the midst of our darkest tragedies? What does that look like?<br /></span></span></span></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-68318368408300632112022-01-24T15:53:00.000-06:002022-01-24T15:53:15.595-06:00Acts 20:28-38 "The Deeply Rooted Church" Rev. Greg Meyer<p> </p><p> </p><p> <b> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) "Our stories are woven together like forests and trees. That is the way God intended it." (sermon quote) Yet being connected to each other isn't always easy. How we can we be better rooted here at Covenant? Where can we set our attention to help us grow?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) All good things we have, God has given us. How can we care for those things better? How can we care for ourselves better in light of taking care of what God has given us?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) In response to what God has given us, how does that gratitude translate into serving others/good works?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) What gifts, time, resources, knowledge, presence can you be using here at Covenant with our church family?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) Love is inherently personal. God is the source of our love. His grace (unmerited favor) has been lavished on us. How does that truth of the gospel change the way you interact with our church family?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-16244535263562240882021-12-13T08:29:00.001-06:002021-12-13T08:29:43.814-06:00Luke 1:39-56 "Joyfully Waiting" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;">Sermon Discussion </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) What does Mary say about the Lord in this passage? What is she joyful about?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2) Do we associate joy and waiting together? What does joyfully waiting for the Lord look like in our lives?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 3) We see Mary magnifying the Lord and sharing her joy in community. Is that a challenge in your life? How can we share joy in community?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) In the midst of the sadness how can we hold both joy and sorrow together? Is it possible?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) Why is it good news that Jesus is Immanuel, God with us? </span></span><br /></p><p> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-77743031243623515052021-12-06T12:01:00.001-06:002021-12-06T12:01:06.174-06:00Luke 1:26-38 "Humbly Waiting" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) "Jesus came leaving behind what He deserved to give us what we don't deserve." (sermon quote) How do we see that being explained in this passage?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) "Even before going to the cross, Jesus had given up a lot to be one of us." (sermon quote) How does this change your life? Does it foster an attitude of Thanksgiving?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) What was Mary's response to Gabriel in this passage? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) What would it look like to live under the reign of Jesus? Would it change our posture towards obedience and our love of others?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5) What does this section teach us about Jesus?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 6) What does the world/our hearts tell us we need in order to be happy? What actually will be cause us to flourish? <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-3529694507483788012021-11-23T10:04:00.002-06:002021-11-23T10:04:28.399-06:00Romans 6:15-23 "Choose Your Chains" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) After reading this passage, what are we reminded about sin? How does it destroy our freedom?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) How does the good news of the gospel and the work of Christ free us? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) What does our freedom in Christ look like in our daily lives? What does it look like in our relationships, worship, inner-lives, etc?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) Even though we have been delivered from the power of sin, it doesn't mean that sin is still not a struggle. How do you see Jesus working/redeeming/growing you in this way? What does Romans 7 say about this reality of being free in Christ?<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5) What stops us from really believing that Jesus died for our sins and we are no longer condemned because of it? How does the truth that sin does not own you...help in your daily relationship with Jesus, others, yourself, the world?</span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-84266277172352172222021-11-15T09:28:00.001-06:002021-11-15T09:28:25.650-06:00Romans 6:1-14 "Bike with No Brakes" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) After reading over this passage, what does Paul tell us about grace?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) What does it mean for a believer to have be in Christ? (union with Christ) What are the benefits?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) How can we make time to reflect on our being baptized with Christ, being crucified and being raised? How does this truth change our current daily lives?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) "Just because we are positionally dead to sin does not mean we are practically immune to it." (sermon quote) What does this mean for a believer? How is the work of Christ good news in this endeavor?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) How can we use our bodies as an "instrument of righteousness?" </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-45761513793829881522021-11-08T09:30:00.003-06:002021-11-08T09:30:23.979-06:00Romans 5:12-21 "Were Not the Right Man on Our Side" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) How does this passage compare Adam and Christ as our representatives? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) What do we gain with Jesus being our representative? Why does He alone qualify to represent us for salvation, redemption?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) How does the abounding grace of God influence our daily lives? How does it influence how our relationships with others? Are we quick to be gracious to others?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) How can we draw from the well of grace in Christ in our lives?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="markedContent" id="page69R_mcid179"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 134.4px; top: 432.103px; transform: scaleX(0.817279);">"So </span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 134.4px; top: 463.77px; transform: scaleX(0.822983);">when we are convinced that “grace reigns,” we will remember that God’s </span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 134.4px; top: 495.437px; transform: scaleX(0.839327);">throne is a “throne of grace,” and will come to it boldly for mercy and to </span><span class="markedContent"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 134.4px; top: 527.103px; transform: scaleX(1.00663);">fi</span></span><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 147.813px; top: 527.103px; transform: scaleX(0.789939);">nd grace for every need." (John Stott) How does this stir your heart? Do we need convincing that grace reigns?</span><span class="markedContent"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 376.027px; top: 527.103px;"> </span></span><span class="markedContent"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 26.6667px; left: 832.5px; top: 527.103px;"> </span></span></span><span class="markedContent" id="page69R_mcid180"><span dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 16.6667px; left: 769.987px; top: 561.721px;"></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-4144210251852722282021-11-03T15:52:00.002-05:002021-11-03T15:52:51.415-05:00Romans 5:1-11 "Always Reforming" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) In this passage, we see the work of the Trinity. What are the readers told about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the passage? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) What does Romans 5 teach us about the doctrine of justification?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) In your daily life...do you have confidence that you belong to the Lord? What/whom do you base that confidence on?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) What does the work of Jesus mean for our standing in grace now and our future glory?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5) Sermon quote: "When God says He will do something, He will do it." Does this truth encourage you? <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-40656454967204337382021-10-19T11:01:00.002-05:002021-10-19T11:01:10.167-05:00Romans 3:9-31 "The Humble Brag" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p><b> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1) After reading over the passage again, what does it tell us about righteousness? What does it tell us about faith?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 2) What is Paul reminding the audience about who God is and what God does in this text? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 3) Why should we stop bragging about ourselves?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 4) Why should we start bragging about Jesus?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 5) When is it the most challenging to brag about Jesus? Where are some areas in your life where you can brag on Jesus and the work He is doing? </span></span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-35780306401137516192021-10-11T14:25:00.002-05:002021-10-11T14:25:34.430-05:00Romans 2:17-3:8 "The Heart, the Spirit and the Letter"<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) After reading over this passage again, what does it say about our hearts and the Spirit?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2) What are some of the questions that are asked through out the passage?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3) How can being part of God's covenant family lead us to self-sufficient pride and looking down on others? What is Paul's warning/examples about this in Romans?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) How does the good news of the gospel help us answer some of the questions posed throughout the passage?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4) </span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-56656285358405616462021-10-04T14:26:00.006-05:002021-10-04T14:26:52.271-05:00Romans 2:1-16 "Let's All Feel Superior" Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 1) What does this passage remind us about things that we may struggle with?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> 2) Is is easy for us to judge others in our circles? What are areas that God can refine and grow us in these ways?</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> 3) What would it look like to live out of our Christ righteousness rather than our own self-righteousness?</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> 4) </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What does it look like to "own our sin", "mourn our sin" and "fight our sin"? How does the gospel make these things possible?</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">5) How does the gospel/good news of Christ help us in our sanctification process and our attitudes of thanksgiving? <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span></span> </span></span><br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-82040265686805357282021-09-30T09:48:00.005-05:002021-09-30T09:48:55.438-05:00Romans 1:18-32 "The Tragedy of Unbelief (or How it Feels to Get Everything You've Ever Wanted) Rev. Ryan Laughlin<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <b> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sermon Discussion Questions</span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1) After reading over the text in Romans, what does it tell us about suppressing truth and switching our allegiances? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2) What are we reminded about God and our relationship with Him in this passage?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3) How does the heavy news about the "wrath of God" in the section help us as believers?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4) Bulletin quote: "For when we worship God, we do not worship nothing, we worship anything" (GK Chesterton) Have you seen evidence of this in your own life with different idols?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5) Are we able to say "no" to the things God says no with tears/compassion? How have we seen the grace of God work in our hearts with our sin? What are some ways we can extend that grace to others in our lives?</span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-72484882791677857282021-09-20T14:58:00.003-05:002021-09-20T14:58:27.559-05:00 John 1:14-18, 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 "Something More Glorious" Rev. Greg Meyer<p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sermon Discussion </span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">1) What does John 1:14-18 and 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 tell us about God's glory?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">2) When we talk about God's glory...what are we talking about? Can you define it?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">3) How does the world define glory? Are there cultural examples from music, movies you can think of as an example?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) Colossians 1:15-20 What does this passage tell us about the glory of God displayed?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) How are we as the Church to respond to God's glory?<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">6) How do the cross and the resurrection display the glory of God? How do we experience God's glory now as His people?</span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683677185951098225.post-11832764221114000192021-09-13T15:04:00.003-05:002021-09-13T15:04:55.631-05:00Romans 1:1-17, "The Gospel of God" Rev. Chris Smith<p> </p><p> </p><p> <b> </b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sermon Discussion</b> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1) As you read over the passage what are some of the main themes (repeated phrases) that you notice?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> 2) What is the difference between the gospel being good news and not good advice?</span> <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 3) We see in the passage the <b>source</b> (vs 1-2) of the gospel, <b>substance</b> (vs 3) of the gospel, <b>scope</b> (vs 5) and the <b>power</b> (vs 3,16) of the gospel. Discuss in more detail these areas of the gospel with your group.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">4) In what way did you see the gospel in a new light after reading over this passage and hearing the sermon?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">5) Bulletin quote: "The message of Romans is not that "man was born free, and everywhere he is in chains", as Rousseau put it...it is rather that human beings are born in sin and slavery, but that Jesus Christ came to set us free. (John Stott) Is this helpful to the way you view yourself in light of the gospel?</span></span> <br /></p>Mary Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01004707937558228671noreply@blogger.com0