Sermon series: The Church
Week of: August 15, 2010

Study questions:

1. Read Matthew 16:13-20. In this passage, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” In our culture today, what do people think about Jesus? Who do they think He is?
2. If someone asked you to describe Jesus, how would you describe Him? Do you know Jesus personally?
3. How did Peter know who Jesus is? How was it revealed to him, according to Jesus? How can we know Jesus — what resources do we have through which we can learn more about Him?
4. According to this passage, who will build the church and to whom does the church belong? Why is it important to remember these two facts?
5. This Sunday we talked about things that the church is NOT. What are some misconceptions that people have about the church? Share any misconceptions that you have had about the church as well.
6. Why do some people avoid church?
7. What are some poor or inappropriate motives that people can have about meeting with the church?
8. Why do you meet with the church?
9. When has the church been a blessing in your life? Share stories of how living in a church community has affected your life, your walk with Jesus, etc.
10. End this discussion by praying for our church. Here are a few things that you can pray for specifically:
    • Pastors/elders
    • Teachers
    • Marriages
    • Children/youth
    • Visitors
    • Missionaries
    • Impact on our community

Sermon Series: Amazing Grace

Week  of: June 13, 2010

Study Text: John 4:1 – 21

Study Questions:

1. Why do the Samaritans and Jews not get along? Is there a certain ‘type’ of person that you do not get along with?  If so, how can you apply God’s grace to that situation?
2. How do you define grace? How does Jesus extend purposeful grace to this woman? (See verse 4)
3. Reflect on this quote: “Grace, grace is the sound of the gospel.” How do the grace and gospel interweave into your life?
4. As relational grace is applied to this woman, how does she respond? (See verses 11-15)
5. How is Jesus better than Jacob, whose well from which Jesus was drinking? (See verse 13,14)
6. How do you deal with grace when you are confronted with your own brokenness? (See verse 16-18)

Sermon Series: Amazing Grace

Week of: May 30, 2010

Study Text: Luke 18:9-14; Luke 5:27-32; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Romans 3:23-24

Study Questions:

1. Read Luke 18:9-14. Who do you most identify with– the tax collector or the Pharisee? In other words, which is harder for you– to believe that you are in need of God’s grace, or to believe that you can freely receive God’s grace?
2. The Pharisee began his prayer by listing all of the things that he does or does not do to make himself feel righteous, or deserving of God’s favor. Have you ever performed certain actions or avoided certain actions to make yourself feel good, or to earn God’s love? Give some examples.
3. Read Luke 5:27-32.
   1. Why did Jesus eat and associate with sinners?
   2. Who, in this passage, does not need Jesus?
   3. Do you need Jesus? What do you really need from Him? Does your life reflect a desperation for Jesus?
4. Read Jeremiah 9:23-24.  The Pharisee in our parable trusted in his good behavior. What are some of the things that we boast in, or rely upon, other that God?  Specifically, what are some things that you count on to sustain you or to make you feel successful before God and the world other than God’s grace?
5. Read Romans 3:23-24.
   1. What is the only source of righteousness, or right standing, before God?
   2. What can you do to help you remember your need of God?
   3. What can you do to help you remember that God is always offering His grace to you, despite your sin?

Sermon Series: Amazing Grace

Week of: May 16, 2010

Study Text: Psalm 32:1-7, Numbers 5:5-7, Psalm 51, 1 John 1:9

Study Questions:

1. Describe a time when you felt true guilt– you felt guilty as a result of something you did wrong.
2. Describe a time when you felt false guilt or condemnation– you felt like a failure, inadequate, etc.
3. Have you ever tried to make someone feel guilty or used guilt as a means of manipulation? Have you ever had someone try to manipulate you with guilt?
4. Why is true guilt a helpful thing in our lives?
5. How do condemnation and shame affect our relationship with God? With others?
6. Read Psalm 32:1 – 7.
   1. How did guilt and hidden sin make David feel?
   2. What did David do to make his guilt and misery go away?
   3. How does David feel after his sin is acknowledged and forgiven?
7. One important element necessary to eradicate guilt is restitution.  Read Numbers 5:5-7.  What does God say about restitution?  Have you ever done something wrong and had to make restitution?
8. Read Psalm 51.
   1. What does David ask God to do with his sin and guilt?
   2. Is confession a regular part of your relationship with God?  With others?
   3. Describe a time when you asked someone to forgive you.  How did it affect your relationship?
9. Read 1 John 1:9.  What happens if we confess our sins to God?

Sermon Series: Amazing Grace

Study Text: Matthew 20:1-16, Matthew 19:16-30

Study Questions:

1. Personal experiences: Think of a time when you received more than you deserved.  Share and discuss those experiences.  How did that feel?  Were you grateful?  Did it seem unfair?  Was it hard to receive?
2. Read the parable of the landowner (Matthew 20:1 – 16).  What was your first reaction?  How would you have felt if you had worked all day?  How would you have felt if you had worked the last hour?
3. Look at the context of the parable of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16 – 30.  Notice Peter’s comment and question in v. 27.  How does this relate to the parable?
4. What does the parable of the landowner teach us about the heart of God?
5. What does the parable of the landowner teach us about us/people?

Sermon Series: Amazing Grace

Study Text: Exodus 33:12 – 34:7

Study Questions:

1. In the beginning of this passage, Moses is wondering if God is actually going to keep all the promises He has made to Moses and His people.  Have you ever been in a situation where it felt like God was not keeping His promises?  Did you ask God about it, as Moses does in this chapter?  What did you do to keep from losing faith in God and His word?
2. Describe God.  What are the first words and phrases that come to mind?  How does God describe Himself in this passage?  How do you think God wants Moses to feel about Him?
3. When you think about God, what are the primary emotions you feel?  Fear?  Awe?  Respect?  Love?  Indifference?  How do you think He wants you to feel about Him?  If you asked God to describe Himself to you, as Moses did, what do you think He would say?
4. What/Who do you think has influenced your view of God?  Do you think you have an accurate view of God?  Why is that important?
5. Read Psalm 103.  What are the attributes of God given in this chapter?  Pray through this chapter, asking God to make Himself known to you, as who He really is.

Study Questions:

1. Have you ever had someone come to your door and try to tell you about their faith or religion?  What was your response?  Did you want to convert?  Why or why not?
2. Have you ever tried to tell someone about Jesus and they did not respond in the way you desired?  What was your technique?  What do you think you did right?  What do you think you did wrong?  Why do you think they responded the way they did?
3. On extremely effective way of evangelism discussed this Sunday is to demonstrate the value of Jesus in your life each day.  How can your lifestyle reflect to others that Jesus is the most valuable One in the world to you?  What could you practically do and say that would show that Jesus is your treasure?  (Read Matthew 13:44-45 for thoughts on how to respond when you treasure Jesus’ kingdom– how it affects your priorities and your possessions.)
4. Read Luke 24:13-35.
   1. How did Jesus begin a conversation with the people on the road to Emmaus? In what ways did He listen before He shared?
   2. How did Jesus use their scriptures and their studies to witness to them about Himself?
   3. When was He made known to them?
5. Consider those in your workplace, community, etc. who do not know the Lord.  How can you engage them in their own context, as Jesus did?  How can you use the “breaking of bread” to witness to them?

Sermon Series: HIS Story
Study Text: 1 Corinthians 15

Study Questions:

1. Have you ever experienced a time of hopelessness and despair in your life?  What caused it?  What helped you to cope and move forward?
2. 1 Corinthians 15:19 says that in Christ, we have hope.  How can we find hope in the resurrection of Jesus?
3. This passage states that we not only have hope in Christ now, but also after death.  What hope do we have after death?  How can we be certain that God will give us life after death?
4. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – 14.  Why should our grief be different than the grief expressed by the rest of the world?  Have you ever been to a funeral that really was a celebration of life and hope?  Have you ever been to a funeral or to visit someone in the hospital where there was no hope in Jesus?  Describe the difference that hope makes in the life of one who is facing death.
5. How can we encourage one another to have hope int he midst of desperate circumstances?  What can we do to nurture hope in our own lives?

Sermon Series: HIS Story
Study Text: Genesis 4:1 – 10

Study Questions:

1. Have you ever considered the World of Kingdom of Darkness as a system of control, manipulation, and violence?  Give some real life examples.
2. Do you sometimes act as if God is sitting as an eternal Judge over you, or are you fully convinced that God is a completely satisfied Father?  Give personal examples.
3. What are some implications of the world being “crucified” to you?
4. What are some of the implications of you being crucified to the world?
5. How do the two truths of justification (our legal innocence) and sanctification (our transformation) help you relate the crucifixion of Jesus to your everyday life?