sermon
discussion
questions

utilize these discussion questions to dive deeper
into the sermon each week!
they are perfect for Life Groups, personal reflection
or family discussion around the dinner table

4 January 2026 - What Are Your Symptoms?

Sermon Discussion Questions for January 4 2026
Pastor Cliff Purcell – What are your symptoms?

1. Pastor Cliff suggested we memorize Galatians 5:22-23, “The Fruit of the Spirit”. Can you quote it”

2. When you invite Jesus to come into your life, He will not leave you alone. You are now His partner. He is working in and through you. You are the way He gets things done. This is the normal Christian life. What do these verses say about the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives?
A. Galatians 5:16 –
B. Galatians 5:18 –
C. Galatians 5:25 –

3. The “Fruit of the Spirit” are not commandments we are supposed to do. What does Galatians 5:1 have to say about this?

4. Pastor Cliff described “The Fruit of the Spirit” as symptoms. What are they symptoms of? When we see fruit on a tree, what does that tell us about the tree?

5. The first fruit is “Love”. How is this defined?

Closing statement:
“Holy Spirit, come live in me. Take my stubborn will and reshape me. I surrender all of me to you. Remake me in your image.”

Watch online

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Go To Media

What Are Your Symptoms?

Jan 4, 2026 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

In The Fear of The Lord, Pt.2

Dec 28, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

A Day and A Difference.

Dec 21, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Prepared + Patient = Peace

Dec 14, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Not THAT Kind of Prepping!

Dec 7, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Christ's Return - The 3 Questions

Nov 30, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Great Times and Difficult Days.

Nov 23, 2025 • Bob Ogden

Living in the Fear of the Lord.

Nov 16, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Living in the Fear of the Lord

Nov 16, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Jon Twitchell guest speaker

Nov 9, 2025

A Sinning Religion?

Nov 2, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

Slaves To Nothing.

Oct 26, 2025 • Pastor Cliff Purcell

24-25
sermon
discussion
questions

28 December 2025 - In The Fear of the Lord, part 2

Sermon Discussion Questions for December 28, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – “In The Fear of the Lord, part 2”

1. This sermon series outlines the extremes of the legalism of the church at Galatia and the sin-freely mentality of the church at Corinth. Which of these extremes do you tend to lean toward?

2. Read Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. These highlight actions that if a person continually participates in, they will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

A. “Idolatry and Witchcraft” - Spiritual loyalty.
a. Idolatry – giving allegiance to another god.
b. Witchcraft – an attempt to harness and manipulate spiritual powers for my gain.
How do you see these lived out in our culture today?
Pastor Cliff encouraged us to avoid entertainments that include witchcraft and idolatry. Is there something in your home you need to get rid of?

B. “Hatred” – extreme dislike or ill will. While we seldom say that we “hate” someone, we might extremely dislike someone or want something bad to happen to them.
Who might you be tempted to experience this kind of hate toward?

C. “Discord strife, dissensions, and factions” – people who make it exhausting to be a part of the family of God.
Who are you tempted to criticize or stir people up against? What do you need to do to stop?

D. “Fits of rage” – If you struggle with this, please see Pastor Cliff for personal help in overcoming this.

E. “Selfish Ambition” – self exaltation rather than a desire to serve others.
Get in the habit of asking, “How can I help?” Who might you ask this of?

F. “Drunkenness” – Warned against repeatedly in the Bible.
If you struggle with this or any other addiction, we offer a class, “Freedom from Addictions”, coming this Spring.

G. “Thieves, swindlers, greedy, jealous” – believing God won’t provide for me through the normal means of hard and steady work, and refusing to be content until my desires are met.
What can you do to be more content with what God has provided?

H. “Slanderers” – criticize others behind their backs instead of speaking with them directly.
Who do you need to talk to personally?

3. James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” After studying this list, what do you need to confess?

21 December 2025 - A Day and a Difference

Sermon Discussion Questions for December 21, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – “A Day and a Difference”

1. Which do you think has more historical reliability?
A. The Bible
B. Shakespear
C. Plato
D. Marc Anthony and Cleopatra

2. Isaiah lived 750 years before Jesus. What did Matthew (one of Jesus’ disciples) think of Jesus as compared to Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the messiah? See Matthew 1:22-23.

3. Peter was another of Jesus’ disciples? What did he say about Jesus and what the prophets had said about Him? See 2 Peter 1:16-19.

4. What do you believe and say about Jesus?

5. Jesus’ birthday changed the world. It made possible Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, which resulted in:
A. Forgiveness of our sins
B. Our conscience cleansed so we can live in God’s presence
C. We have hope for the future
D. We have help for the present

While we need all of these, which are you most aware of today?

14 December 2025 - Prepared + Patient = Peace

Sermon Discussion Questions for December 14, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell, “Prepared + Patient = Peace”

1. As you were growing up, what did you know and feel about Jesus’ second coming?

2. Read 2 Peter 3:1-15a. What does this passage say about God’s reasoning for delaying Jesus’ second coming?

3. Pastor Cliff encourage us to quit trying to figure out “when” Jesus will come again, and instead focus on waiting.

A. Wait expectantly, like a kid at Christmas. Christ will deliver all of the good things He was promised. What are you expecting when Jesus comes back to get you?

B. Wait hopefully, confident, sure. Read 1 Corinthians 2:9. What can we be hoping for when Christ returns?

C. Wait thankfully! Read 2 Peter 3:9 and 15a. What can we be thankful for as we wait patiently for Jesus to return?

Who would you love to see accept Jesus as their Savior and change their lives before Jesus returns?

4. Read 2 Peter 3:14. While we are waiting, how should we live?

Pastor Cliff concludes: “Patiently trust Him and choose contentment.”

7 December 2025 - Not THAT Kind of Prepping

Sermon Discussion Questions for December 7, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell, “Not That Kind of Prepping”

We are expected to live like Jesus until He comes again. How did Jesus live? Four ways. Read Isaiah 11:1-2.

1. Isaiah said Jesus would live with the presence of the Holy Spirit on Him. If Jesus was God, why would He need the presence of the Holy Spirit? (See Philippians 2:3-8.)

Ephesians 5:18 tells us to “… keep on being filled with the Spirit.” Pastor Cliff suggests we pray each morning, “Lord, send Your Holy Spirit to me again today.” Are you willing to pray that prayer daily?

2. Isaiah said Jesus would live with a spirit of wisdom, understanding, and counsel. Pastor Cliff encourages us to pray:
A. “Father, help me see the situation the way You do.”
B. “Help me see the other person the way You do.”
C. “He me know what action to take.”
Are you willing to pray these prayers concerning the people and circumstances you face?

3. Isaiah said Jesus would live in a spirit of might. He was mighty because of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Pastor Cliff encouraged us to pray, “Help me see how much I need the Holy Spirit.” Are you willing to admit how much you need the Holy Spirit in the situations you face?

4. Isaiah said Jesus would live in fear of the Lord. We learned last week that the fear of the Lord means to listen, love, cling to, and obey. The mature version of obey means to observe the wisdom of God and apply it to life.
A. What have you been fearing that distracts you from fearing the Lord instead?
B. In what do you take delight that distracts you from delighting in the Lord?

30 November 2025 - Christ's Return : The 3 Questions

Sermon Discussion Questions for November 30, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell, “Prophets, Patience, and Peace”. Matthew 24-25

1. If you were to design a “Christian Calendar”, would you start the year four Sundays before Christmas by focusing on the Second Coming of Jesus, or something else?

2. Every generation since Jesus ascended to heaven that has read Matthew 24:4-14 believes that this applies to their generation. Pastor Cliff suggested that these “signs” are not a puzzle to figure out when Jesus will return. Read Matthew 24:36. So what should we do with these verses?

3. Read Matthew 24:37-44. From this, what do we learn about Jesus’ second coming?

4. Read Matthew 24:45-51. What can we learn from this about Jesus’ second coming?

5. Read Matthew 25:1-13. How would you describe the five who didn’t bring enough oil? What can we learn from this?

6. Pastor Cliff said,, “The mystery of Jesus’s return isn’t a riddle to be solved. It is a kindness to us so that we may prepare ourselves for him.” Our task is to prepare for an eternal relationship with Him. What might distract followers of Jesus from being prepared? Does Jesus matter enough to you to keep Jesus as your #1 priority?

23 November 2025 - Great Times and Difficult Days

Sermon Discussion Questions for November 23, 2025
Pastor Bob Ogden – Mark 3:7-34 “Great Times and Difficult Days”

1. What might be included in Great Times for you?
A. Vacation
B. Popularity
C. Significance
D. Spiritual Power
E. Productive Ministry
F. Something Else

2. What might be included in Difficult Days for you?
A. Overwhelmed
B. Misunderstood
C. Falsely Accused
D. Defensive
E. Something Else

3. What is happening in you that lets you know it’s time to “refocus”?

4. How do you handle the Great Times?
A. Enjoy Them
B. Spend time with Jesus – Grow your roots deep
C. Get a lot of good and important things done
D. Realize that “Great Times” won’t last
E. Something else?

5. What do you need most when experiencing Difficult Days?
A. Don’t let them defeat you
B. Deal with problems one at a time
C. Stay close to Jesus
D. Expect to win eventually
E. Something else

16 November 2025 - To Fear the Lord

Sermon Discussion Questions for November 16, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – “To Fear the Lord”

1. What does it mean to fear the Lord? Read Proverbs 9:10.
Four connotations of “fear the Lord”:
A. Listen – Pay attention
B. Love – Because you are attracted to it
C. Cling to it – Don’t let go.
D. Obey – do what He says.
Do you fear the Lord?

2. Read Galatians 5:19-21 and list the “Acts of the Flesh” according to the following categories:
A. Sexual sins:
B. Cults and the Occult:
C. Relationship damage:
D. Hedonistic lifestyle (living for pleasure):

3. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and explain each of the sexual sins Paul lists:
A. Fornication –
B. Adultery –
C. Orgies –
D. Homosexuality –
All sexual sins are equally sinful and have the same consequence.

4. Pastor Cliff said there are several reasons he preached this for us:
A. The Law of God is the loving wisdom of God made available to us.
B. He loves and cares about us as one of our pastors. He wants us to know what the Bible says about these things because sin damages. See Hosea 4:6.
C. The opposing voices have gained the upper hand in our culture, and someone must speak the truth.
D. If you are currently involved in any of these sexual sins, you are a slave to it. See Romans 6:16.
Do you believe Pastor Cliff cares about us

5. If you are currently involved in any of these sexual sins know that:
A. God loves you completely and deeply!
B. Sin is destroying you.
C. God is calling you out of your sin so you don’t destroy yourself and your relationships.
D. Guilt is a gift from God intended to turn you away from your sin.
See Ezekiel 18:30-32.
Forgiveness and hope are available.

6. Do you “fear the Lord” enough to listen to God’s truth, love God’s truth, cling to it, and do what it says?

9 November 2025 - Legacy Weekend

Sermon Discussion Questions for November 9, 2025
Jon Twichell - Legacy Weekend

1. Tell about a plan you had that did NOT go as planned.

2. Read 1 Kings 17:2-7. What was God’s plan for Elijah?
Why might Elijah need this? How did God end the plan?

3. Read 1 Kings 17:8-14. What was God’s new plan for Elijah?
What was the cost for the widow? What was the cost for Elijah?

4. Read 1 Kings 17:15-23. How did the widow’s generosity affect her son’s life?

5. The speaker said, “God doesn’t need our money. He wants our life.” He went on to list several things God’s generosity does for us. List some of them:

What does your generosity do for you?

6. Like Elijah asking the widow for food, our speaker asks us to plan to give to churches and ministries as our legacy. Our speaker asks because God invites us to partner with Him and be generous like Him. Are you willing to include God in your estate plan?

Only 40% of Americans have a will or a trust. Are you part of the many or the few? If you would like to start a will or trust on your own, see NazareneFoundation.org/Wills.

Blessings:
May you plan diligently and put the Lord first in all your plans.
May God grant you grace and patience whenever those plans are interrupted.
May you find ways to be a blessing during life’s little interruptions.
May you see God’s hand faithfully providing for all of your needs.
May you graciously receive and share those blessings with others in need.
May you faithfully walk with Jesus in the way of radical generosity.
May your generosity be the conduit through which God blesses the world that God so loves!

2 November 2025 - A Sinning Religion?

Sermon Discussion Questions for November 2, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – “Grace Isn’t a License to Sin”

1. Because we have been “born again”:
A. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 -
B. Read Romans 6:6 -
C. Read Romans 8:11 –

How have these affected your self-image?

2. Read Galatians 3:24-25. What do we do now that we are free from the guardianship of the Law?
A. Read Galatians 5:13-15 -
B. Read Galatians 5:16-18 –

3. Pastor Cliff said, “To be led by the Holy Spirit means to ask for and to follow His guidance.” Are you ready to ask for guidance and follow it, or do you still want to battle your sinful nature by yourself?

4. Read Mark 3:24. Describe what happens when we attempt to battle our sinful nature by ourselves.

5. Pastor Cliff offered two tools we can use when tempted:
A. Prayer – Ask God for guidance and then follow it.
B. Scripture – Read regularly in order to prepare for the next battle.

What sinful temptation do you often experience? Devise a strategy to make use of these tools.

6. Sometimes when we are tempted and checked by the Holy Spirit, we want to argue or rationalize in order to do what we want. What can we do when we realize this is happening?

What might it include to “court the Holy Spirit”?

26 October 2025 - Slave to Nothing

Sermon Discussion Questions for October 26, 2025
Pastor Cliff, “Slaves to Nothing” – Questions by Ryan Cullen

1 Growing Through the Law:
Galatians 5:1 reminds us that Christ has set us free, yet we’re still called to live with wisdom and boundaries. How have God’s “laws” or instructions helped you grow in spiritual maturity rather than feel restricted?

2 Heart vs. Rule Keeping:
The message talked about “reading between the lines of the rule keepers.” What does it look like to follow God’s heart instead of just following rules? Can you share a time when God taught you to see with His heart rather than through legalism?

3 From Immaturity to Wisdom:
The pastor said that God gives instruction to the immature to help them grow. What are some “childlike” areas of your faith or life where God might be inviting you to mature in patience or understanding?

4 Freedom and the Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22–25 shows what true freedom produces — the fruit of the Spirit. Which of these fruits do you feel God is currently growing in you, and which one do you find most challenging to live out daily?

19 October 2025 - Grace and Grace Alone

Sermon Discussion Questions for October 19, 2025
Pastor Cliff – Galatians 5:1-14 By Grace and Grace Alone

1. Some false teachers were following behind Paul telling people something different than the Gospel Paul preached.

A. What was Paul teaching?

B. What were the false teachers teaching.

C. How did Paul respond to the Galatians concerning the false teachers? (Read Galatians 5:1-4.)

2. What did Paul have to say about the false teachers?
(See Galatians 1:8, 3:1, and 5:7-12.)

3. Pastor Cliff said, “There’s nothing I need to do to get God to welcome me. Because there’s nothing Jesus left out of the plan to save me.”

If that is true, what about the 612 applications of the Ten Commandments that the Jewish Pharisees attempted to keep?

What about God’s commandment to Abraham that all Israelite males must be circumcised? (See Galatians 5:5-6)

4. What religious rule causes you to doubt whether you will be accepted into heaven?

Where did that sense of guilt or doubt come from?

What strategy can you create to overcome this?

12 October 2025 - Jesus Went to the Lake

Sermon Discussion Questions for October 12, 2025
Pastor Bob Ogden – Jesus Went to the Lake, Mark 16

1. When you go to the lake, what do you like to do?

2. Read Mark 1:16-18. When Jesus called out to Simon and Andrew, what did He ask them to do? What did He not ask them to do?

3. What new skill set would they need?

When God asked you to be involved in some kind of ministry, what new skill set did you need to learn?

4. “No matter where a person is at in their relationship with God, our job is to help them move a step closer to Jesus.” How might we do that?

5. Who should we be most interested in? Answer – The person right in front of us. Who can you think of that is often in front of you?

6. Who do you know that might be somewhat like these fish?
Eel – Hiding, never around, can’t find them. ________
Bass – All mouth, talks a lot, not productive. ________
Swordfish – Selfish, can’t agree with anyone, might poke you. _________ Salmon – Goes against the current. ________
Puffer – Blows up about everything, gets offended easily. _______
Crawfish – sneaks out back when work starts. ________
Gold fish – shows off, look at me attitude. ________

As you are out-and-about in your world, hear the voice of Jesus calling out to you, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”

5 October 2025 - Serve Sunday

Serve Sunday Discussion Questions
October 5, 2025

1. Read Matthew 20:28 NLT, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Romans 12:11 NLT, “Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

How important is it for followers of Jesus to serve others?

2. Did you participate in Grandview Church of the Nazarene’s “Serve Sunday”?

Where did you serve? What did you do?

Who did you serve with? What did you learn about them?

What gave you the most satisfaction?

3. What else have you done recently to serve someone?

28 September 2025 - Let Me Introduce the Holy Spirit!

Sermon Discussion Questions for September 28, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – Let Me Introduce the Holy Spirit

1. Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The Apostle Paul was one of the great preachers of his time. Based on these verses, describe Paul’s preaching style.

2. In 1 Corinthians 2:6-10a, what does Paul say God’s wisdom does for us?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 2:10b-13. Pastor Cliff said, “The Holy Spirit searches the mind of God, and our minds, and brings them together. The Holy Spirit exposes lies we believe and replaces them with truth. And truth changes people. Has your life changed much lately?”

4. Read 1 Corinthians 2:14. Who has made fun of you because your belief in Jesus doesn’t make sense to them?

5. Read 1 Corinthians 2:15-16. Pastor Cliff said that the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives completely outfits us to live in this messy world. What hope does this offer you for the difficulties life sends your way?

6. The Bible offers 3 ways to receive the Holy Spirit into a person’s life:

A. John 20:22 – (Jesus) breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

B. Acts 2:38, In his sermon on the Day of Pentecost Peter said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

C. Acts 19:6, When Paul was in Ephesus - “… When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them…”

Have you received the Holy Spirit?

21 September 2025 - When the Job is Too Big

Sermon Discussion Questions for September 21, 2025
Pastor Bob Ogden – When the Job Is Too Big: 1 Kings 3

1. Tell about something from one of the chapters of your life. Choose from:
A. Childhood
B. Teen years
C. Young adult
D. Marriage / Kids
E. Empty nest
F. Retirement

2. When Solomon became the unexpected king, he asked God for wisdom to lead the nation. What else could he have asked for instead of wisdom?

What are some other things that modern people put a very high value on?

3.“The purpose of wisdom is to learn the truth about how God intends for us to live our lives. And then to do our best to live our life that way!” What is something you have learned about how God intends for us to live our lives?

4. What change or new chapter in life are you experiencing?

Ask God for wisdom as you navigate this change or new chapter.

14 September 2025 - When the Cross Gets in Your Face

Sermon Discussion Questions for September 14, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – When the Cross Gets In Your Face

1. In our culture, where do you often see a cross?

2. Pastor Cliff said, “When the cross gets in your face, God is confronting us with truth. Some leave to avoid confrontation. Some argue because they don’t believe. Some respond with faith and belief.” How have you responded in the past?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
A. What were the Jews looking for that the cross did not offer?
B. What were the Gentiles looking for that the cross did not offer?
C. What do Christians need in order to value the cross?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. How does the cross level the playing field?

5. How do you respond to Pastor Cliff’s conclusion? “Is the cross causing disruption in your life? Ask God for clarity. Reach out by faith and decide to believe. Bet your life on the fact that there is a God who loves you and sent Jesus to die in your place on a cross.”

7 September 2025 - Between Legalism and License

Sermon Discussion Questions for September 7, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell – Between Legalism and License

1. Read Acts 10:11-16 and 28-29 and 44. How did Peter interpret all this?

2. Read Galatians 2:11-14. Do you think Peter was a hypocrite or struggling?

3. Read Galatians 2:15-18. Describe the tug-of-war described in these verses:
A. Keep the rules.
B. Trust in God’s grace and don’t worry about sinful behavior.

What rules pull you toward legalism?
What sinful behaviors push you?

4. Paul rejects both of these. Read Galatians 2:19-21. Describe Paul’s conclusion.

5. Pastor Cliff said, “Instead of rules or no rules, focus on living in relationship with God. His Spirit lives in my spirit. Because His Spirit lives in us, we can live free from the Law, forgiven of sin, and faithful to the Holy Spirit.” Read Psalm 23:3.

6. Make Psalm 25:4-9 your prayer.

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

31 August 2025 - Two Church, One Problem

Sermon Discussion Questions for August 31, 2025
Two Churches – One Problem

1. Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-2. What does the term, “Sanctified” mean?

Something that is “sanctified” - it’s purpose, condition, and status, make it what?

2. Read Leviticus 27:30. How might this verse apply to Pastor Cliff’s statement, “That which is set apart for God must be used appropriately. Because of its involvement with God, that which is sanctified becomes good, pure, and wholesome.”

3. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3. If it is God’s will that we be “sanctified”, what do we need to do? (Answer: Give yourself to God. Surrender to His purposes. Come out of hiding, and let God change you from the inside out.)

4. What happens to a person that God sanctifies?
A. Our heart is changed to be like Jesus.
B. We begin loving God and loving people with a new kind of love, instead of focusing on living for self.
C. Our behavior begins to change, flowing from God’s character.

5. Final questions:
A. Do you prefer to be totally set apart for God, or continue living in
½ self and ½ God relationship with God?
B. Are you tired of being ashamed when in God’s presence?
C. Are you tired of hating religious standards, because you keep falling short?
D. Are you willing to become light in a dark world?
E. Are you willing to become like salt that flavors the relationships of
your life?

24 August 2025 - Where Do We Start?

Sermon Discussion Questions for August 24, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell. Life Between – Letters to Early and Modern Christians
Where Do We Start?

1. In the timeline following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, put the following in order 1-5:
_____ Matthew, Luke, and John write gospel records concerning Jesus
_____ Paul writes letters to churches
_____ We live in our day according to what we learn from these writings
_____ Mark writes a gospel record of Jesus
_____ The events recorded in the book of Acts

2. Pastor Cliff said we need to be saved from:
A. An inner soul sickness, that keep dragging us down with attitudes and behaviors that are rebellious toward God, because He is God.
B. If you keep on, God will give you the desire of your heart, including God’s wrath.
C. The present evil age – serving pleasure.

We can’t save ourselves from these. Some try by being super religious or super strict. Paul says to trust Jesus. Let Him live inside you. He is going to change you.

In what ways have you changed because of Jesus living in you?

3. Paul wrote to the Galatians and the Corinthians. Match each with the purpose Paul wrote to them:
A. An over-emphasis on God’s grace, which led to taking sin very lightly.
B. An over-emphasis on keeping all of the rules of the Jewish religion with the addition of Jesus.

In light of these two over-emphases, where do we want to live?

4. Read Galatians 1:1-5. How are the terms “grace” and “peace” defined?
A. Grace –
B. Peace -

5. Ask God to reveal one part of your life that He is excited about bringing into harmony with Him? Options might include:
a. An old habit
b. My thought life
c. How I handle my finances
d. My sexuality
e. My anger
f. Something else

Let’s make God the Father’s dreams come true!

10 August 2025 - Guatemala Mission Report

Sermon Discussion Questions for August 10, 2025
Guatemala Mission Trip Report

1. Where is Guatemala? (Multiple Choice)
A. Africa
B. South America
C. Asia
D. California
E. Central America

2. Our Nazarene denomination describes the greater mission organization of the church as “A movement of God through the people of God.” Explain what that means.

3. Which of the following were included in the tasks this mission trip included:
A. Construction – Building
B. Electrical
C. Women’s Group
D. Children’s games and crafts
E. Painting
F. Car Wash
G. Witnessing
H. Relationship building

Which would interest you most?

4. What inspired you most from this report?

5. Have the people in your group who have been on a mission trip talk briefly about their trips.

6. How might you know if God is asking you to go on a mission trip? (See Isaiah 6:8.)

3 August 2025 - Hurry Up and Wait!

Pastor Bob Ogden – “Hurry Up and Wait!”

1. What is something you had to wait for?

2. While David was waiting to be king, he experienced the following:
A. He learned how the government functioned.
B. He learned how the military functioned.
C. He learned how to endure criticism and the attacks of enemies.
D. He learned the culture of an enemy nation.
E. He learned how to lead difficult people and to provide for their families.
F. God told him what He wanted for him to do that day.
G. He learned to trust God for protection.
H. He learned that baby steps are often part of God’s plan.

Which of these would be valuable for a new king?

3. Read the following Scriptures about “waiting”. Which speaks to you most?
Lamentation 3:25-26
Psalm 62:1-2, and 5
Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 27:14
Psalm 37:7
Isaiah 64:4
Micah 7:7

4. What are you waiting for now, and what are you learning as you wait?

27 July 2025 - Final Warnings, Part 2

Pastor Cliff Purcell, Matthew 7:15-20.

Read Matthew 7:15-25

1. The Old Testament test of a true or false prophet was whether what they predicted came true. In the New Testament Jesus said the test was whether their lives matched what God’s Word said. Should this apply only to “preachers” or to all who claim to be Christian?

2. Pastor Cliff offered several questions for us to ask concerning the preachers we choose to listen to and support:

A. When they teach about the blessings of God, do they focus on the blessings of the Beatitudes and the Kingdom of God, or money and things?

B. Are they chaste? Do they refrain from extramarital sex?

C. Are they without unnecessary ornamentation: expensive watches and shoes, and famous friends?

D. Are they building vast fortunes from ministry? Reminder – you can’t serve both God and money.

E. Are they end-time preachers who claim to know more about end times matters than others and make repeated predictions?

Which of these are you most tuned in to?

Which are you more likely to ignore or let slide?

3. What can we do to determine if a preacher is genuine or a false teacher?

A. Watch their life. Does their everyday life closely reflect the teachings of Jesus? How might we do this? Who should we talk to? What should we be aware of?

B. Read and study the Bible for yourself, so you will know how God intends for life to be lived. What is your plan? What resources help you?

20 July 2025 - Final Warnings, Part 1

Sermon Discussion Questions for July 20, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell

Read Matthew 7:13-14.

1. Arguing with those who have proven themselves wise is arrogant and foolish. When we do something unwise and it turns out ok, we tend to think we were wise, and then return to foolish decision-making. What are you tempted to do that you have been told is not wise?

2. Older folks, quit being so grouchy and critical that younger folks don’t want to hear what you have to say. What might you do or say to a younger person that is uplifting and encouraging rather than grouchy and critical?

3. Following Jesus is not easy. You will get tested. Read James 1:2-4. What have you experienced lately that could fit this?

4. Not everybody who starts on the track stays on it. In order to keep following the path that leads to Jesus, you may have to make the decision to leave behind some people who won’t be faithful to Him. Who have you decided to leave out of your life because they refuse to follow after Jesus? What potential friendship have you not pursued?

5. Each of us needs friends that we talk with regularly for encouragement and accountability. Who keeps you on the path?

13 July 2025 - Through New Eyes, Pt. 5

Sermon Discussion Questions for July 13, 2025
Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 7:12

1. What is something in the Old Testament that you find difficult to understand?

2. What does Jesus say sums up all of the Old Testament?

3. Review the 9 ways God has promised to bless in Matthew 5:3-12. Which ones seem especially attractive for you?

4. Pastor Cliff said, “If you want to enjoy a blessed life, trust God to provide it for you, and YOU provide it for others by treating them how you would like to be treated.” We could all do better in this area. Who can you think of that you could do a better job of treating well?
a) Spouse
b) Kids
c) Relative
d) Co-worker
e) Neighbor
f) Friend
g) Someone else

5. Jesus said that His kingdom is here now. Will you be the one to give people what God has blessed us with: Kingdom, Comfort, Earth, See God, Mercy, Filled, Blessed?

6 July 2025 - Through New Eyes, Pt. 4

Sermon Discussion Questions for July 6, 2025
Pastor Cliff Purcell, Matthew 7:7-11

1. Read Matthew 7:7-11. Some people think they will receive everything they ask God for. Some see these verses as a great disappointment, because they don’t get what they ask for. What are your thoughts on this subject?

2. Read Matthew 5:3-10 and consider all of the ways God has promised to bless us. How much sense would it make to settle for a Cadillac, when God has promised to give us the Kingdom?

3. In what ways are you tempted to pray for wrong things? Ask God to reveal ways we have asked for our will and not God’s will.

4. (Bonus Question – Listen to Garth Brooks song, “Unanswered Prayers”) What prayers are you thankful God did not answer the way you had hoped?

Conclusion – Since God is so good, and has promised to provide everything we need, make up your mind to “Seek God’s Kingdom, and that’s it!”

29 June 2025 - Walking with Jesus

Sermon Discussion Questions for June 29, 2025
Alyssa Boogerd – Luke 24:13-35

1. The two on the road to Emmaus had been walking with Jesus, but didn’t recognize Him. How often are we walking with Jesus and don’t invite Him in?

2. Look back over your life and notice how God has been preparing you to fulfill His purpose for your life.

3. Pastor Cliff ended with this statement, “God said we are walking together, but sometimes He feels close and other times He seems far away. For Pastor Cliff God seems close when he remembers the promises God has made to him. What promise do you remember that God has made to you?

22 June 2025 - Through New Eyes, Pt. 3

Sermon Discussion Questions for June 22, 2025

Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”

1. Thinking about the context of this teaching by Jesus to His apostles before sending they out to preach, heal, and cast out demons, what was Jesus telling them with this word picture?

2. Pastor Cliff made the following statements. What is your response to each?

A. There are periods in people’s lives when they can’t receive the truth. Be mindful of those who are not ready to hear and act. If we move in too soon, they will be slower to respond in the future.

B. Sometimes God’s people use the truth as a weapon and see people as an enemy. Truth isn’t information. It’s the description of God’s very nature, so it must not be used as a weapon.

C. Have a proper regard for pre-Christian people. They bear God’s image. They have a family likeness that God delights in.

D. Have a proper regard for God’s mastery of time. He knows when people are ready to receive the truth about Him. Trust Him enough to wait until He nudges you.

3. Read Hosea 11:4. What do you see in this word picture?

Conclusion: God will let you know when to speak, with kindness and love. God loves dogs and pigs.

15 June 2025 - Through New Eyes, Pt. 2

Discussion Questions for June 15, 2025
Father’s Day – Pastor Cliff

Read Matthew 7:1-2, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

1. “Do not judge” – Review the history of the word:
A. To the ancient Hebrews it meant “sunder”, to divide, separate, or take apart.
B. Then it became “sifting”, like sifting through sand looking for something you lost.
C. Then it became “to decide” between mine and not mine.

2. The Old Testament used the word “judge” as a title for a ruler who led Israel by bringing judgment on their enemies. What “judge” in the Old Testament captures your attention?

3. Israel’s judges did not help people live lives pleasing to God. The result was that God sent them into exile. When they missed home and God, their hearts turned, and God brought them home. By Jesus’ time the people were looking for a national deliverer, the Messiah, who would judge their enemies and restore national sovereignty to Israel. “But what if the messiah sees how sinful I am?” The Pharisees attempted to get the people to live lives God would be pleased with, so the nation would not be “judged”. But what was missing in their approach?

4. As our messiah, Jesus still calls out sin, but offers to help us with it. Read John 3:17.

5. God gives us the desires of our hearts:
A. If your heart desires justice for the sin of others, we will get justice for our own sin.
B. If your heart desires mercy for the sin of others, we will get mercy for our own sin.
C. What does your heart desire?

6. All of us recognize right and wrong. But instead of offering grace, mercy and forgiveness, we like to judge and divide people. This makes us feel better than those we sift out and reject. Who is a person or group that you tend to “judge”?

Conclusion – Trust God to judge. He will get grace, mercy, and forgiveness right. Ask God to remind us of this. Pray that God will forgive me, cleanse me, sanctify me, and help me be like Jesus.

8 June 2025 - “It’s Just Money.” Mmmm, maybe not.

Read Matthew 6:19-34

1. Which pitfall tempts you more:
A. Money controls us with a constant desire for more.
B. We feel like we never have enough, and we worry.

2. Verse 19 talks about the temporary state of our treasures, because they are subject to moths eating and rust destroying. The original hearers in their language heard this a little differently – “where moths eat them and the Eater is disappearing them.” The “Eater” referred to our spiritual enemy. In what ways have you seen an enemy disappear treasures?

3. Verse 24 says we can’t serve both God and Mammon. While many translations use the word, “money”, “Mammon” may be more accurate. MAMMONA was a lesser god (evil spirit) that would destroy them and their family. Sometimes money isn’t just money. Pastor Cliff warns us, “If you start to love money, it will either function like an evil spirit in your life, or an actual evil spirit will begin to attack your weaknesses with the intent of destroying you.” Have you ever thought that making money a priority in life may be a trick an evil spirit may be using to destroy you and your family? How can you defend against that attack of the enemy?

4. How is a Christian to live concerning money? Are you willing to do the following?
A. Ask God to show you if you love money?
B. Tithe to your church and give generously to the poor. If God asked you to give away your prized possession, what might that be?
C. Would you be willing to pray the following prayer? “Father, if you know I will not prove to be a faithful steward of money, please give me only what my family and I need. I’ll be grateful for what you provide and that you have delivered me from evil.”

Closing thought – Blessed are those who are not flirting with Mammon.

1 June 2025 - A Family Conversation, pt. 2

Sermon Discussion Questions for June 1, 2025
Pastor Cliff – The Lord’s Prayer part 2

1. In what way might Matthew 6:14-15 be like a warning siren warning us that there might be destruction coming?

2. Pastor Cliff said that the hardest of Jesus’ teachings is to forgive. Why do you think that is true?

3. If you had a list of terrible things that have happened to you in the past that might be difficult to forgive, what might be on your list?

4. What is on the list of things God has forgiven you of?

5. Pastor Cliff compared being unwilling to forgive like holding on to a person’s throat, with the right to squeeze in the future. How might you describe refusing to forgive

6. Forgiveness is the path to a united, loving family. Do you think this benefit might be worth forgiving?

18 May 2025 - The Secret Life of Christians

Pastor Cliff – New Ways to be Human – Matthew 6:1-18 Three ways to provoke God’s goodness.

1. Read Matthew 5:42 and 6:1-4. How have you decided to give to the poor?

2. Read Matthew 6:5-15. Pastor Cliff encouraged us not to turn prayer into a religious exercise, but keep it as a family get-together, talking with our Father. What helps prayer to be meaningful for you?

3. Read Matthew 6:16-18. Pastor Cliff encouraged us not to make fasting a physical, statistical exercise, but use it to put ourselves in a space and frame of mind to be able to hear clearly from God. What has been your experience in fasting?
Since Jesus seems to have assumed that His followers would fast, how have you decided to include this in your spiritual life?

4. Three times in this section Jesus says that if we do these three things privately without announcing it to the world, then, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (verses 4,6, and 18). What kind of “reward” do you think Jesus might have had in mind?

5. Which of these three will you choose to do for the purpose of putting a smile on God’s face?

11 May 2025 - Jesus Wasn't a Pacifist

Pastor Cliff – Jesus Wasn’t a Pacifist

1. Read Matthew 5:38-42. In the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day “An eye for an eye” was not a prescription for justice, but rather the maximum penalty allowed for justice. In what ways does our culture go beyond what the Old Testament Law allowed?

2. In the honor-bound culture of Jesus’ day, what did it mean for someone to slap a person on the right cheek?

What did it mean for someone to slap a person on the left cheek?

What was the message for turning the left cheek after being slapped on the right cheek?

What can we learn from this about not passively taking abuse?

3. Jesus’ words in these verses tell us not to stand against an evil person in the same way they stood against you. The Apostle Paul phrased it, “Overcome evil with good.”

How might verse 40 be an example of this?

How might verse 41 be an example of this?

Pastor Cliff reminded us that God’s holy horsepower is love and the fruit of the spirit. Read Galatians 5:22-25.

4 May 2025 - A Seat at the Table

Sermon Discussion Questions for May 4, 2025
Pastor Kelsey – A Seat At The Table

1. If you were to invite your best friends to a party, who would you invite?

2. What do we know about Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples?
a) Matthew 26:14-30 –
b) Mark 3:14-15 -
c) John 13:29 -
d) John 12:4-6 -
e) John 6:64 –

3. Based on Matthew 26:21-25, how was Judas perception of Jesus different from the other disciples?

4. How could Jesus sit at the table, with a smile on His face, when His betrayer was there with them as a friend? (See Matthew 5:44-45)
Pastor Kelsey said, “Our enemies need a place in our lives.”

5. Who does God want you to extend an invitation to?

27 April 2025 - Honesty : The Real You In Relationship

Sermon Discussion Questions for April 27, 2025
Pastor Cliff – Matthew 5:31-37

1. Read Matthew 5:33-37. Is Jesus giving us a set of rules to keep? Or is He talking about something else?

2. Excuses are lies we tell ourselves to let us off the hook for failing. What is an excuse you have used recently? What

3. Pastor Cliff described the way we western people think: Words begin as ideas in our brains. Our thoughts become words which are spoken. The one hearing our words decodes them into thoughts that have meaning. But for the Jewish mind of Jesus’ day, words begin in the heart and are the authentic you. (Read Luke 6:45) Do words ever just pop out of your mouth without thinking about what you are saying? Is that the real you speaking?

4. “Lies come from a person who doesn’t exist. Breaking a vow and lying, come from a different person that God doesn’t know.” (Matthew 7:23) “God counts your words as the real you and responds to you according to what you have said.” Thinking back at your recent conversations, what is the real you like?

5. If we realize that we have been less than truthful, what should we do? How will God respond to us?

6. A thought to remember – “Honesty isn’t a rule to keep. It’s the only way for the real you to have real relationships.”

20 April 2025 - Why Believe in Jesus?

Sermon Discussion Questions for April 20, 2025
Pastor Cliff – Easter

1. Why did you attend a church worship service on Easter Sunday?

2. Read John 14:6 and John 17:3. Why do you think Jesus claimed to be the ONLY way to God?

3. Is Jesus credible? Consider the following:

a. Read Matthew 20:18-19 – Jesus told His followers He would be crucified and rise from the dead.

b. The New Testament surpasses all standards for authenticity and historicity set by scholars for secular historical documents. There is a tighter paper trail for the New Testament than for Shakespear or Alexander the Great. Do you believe that Shakespear and Alexander the Great existed?

c. How was Jesus’s death confirmed by Roman soldiers? Read John 19:31-34.

d. How many people saw Jesus after His resurrection? Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-8. Many of them were martyred for their belief that Jesus rose from the dead. And at the end of their lives, they did not change their story.

4. How easy is it to become a follower of Jesus? Read Matthew 7:13-14.

What kind of life can followers of Jesus expect? Read John 10:9-10 and Ephesians 3:16-21.

5. Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead and offers salvation and forgiveness of sins? Would you stake your life on it?

13 April 2025 - Marriage for Kingdomites

Sermon Discussion Questions for April 13, 2025
Pastor Cliff, New Ways to be Human: Marriage for Kingdomites

1. Read Matthew 5:27-32. If you were reading this from the perspective of a rules-keeping religion, what do you see?

2. If you read this using the Law as a lens to determine the heart and purpose of God, what do you think God is talking about?

3. Explain what Pastor Cliff meant when he said, “When we marry, we join our whole person to our spouse, spirit, soul, and body.

4. Why would Pastor Cliff tell is to “quit trying to commit half-sins or almost-sins, to experience the pleasure of sin, but counting yourself not guilty on a technicality”?

How might this apply to men?

How might this apply to women?

5. In what ways is human marriage a picture of the relationship God wants with the Church and with us?

6. What is God’s plan when we fall short of His divine ideal?

6 April 2025 - Anger + You

Sermon Discussion Questions for April 6, 2025
Pastor Cliff, New Ways To Be Human, “Anger and You”

1. Describe the physical, emotional, and relational damage that anger does?

2. Read Matthew 5:25-26. If we don’t resolve the issue of our anger, what might come of it?

3. Read Matthew 6:14-15. If we choose to hang on to anger and refuse to forgive, what will happen to us?

4. Read James 1:19. Anger doesn’t bring about the life God desires. How can we deal with anger in a way that pleases God?

5. Read Proverbs 19:11. What happens when we choose to overlook and offense?
Pastor Cliff encourages us to look over and above (like using a periscope) the offense and see the person, made in the image of God and important to us. God does that for us every day.

6. What do you think Pastor Cliff meant when he said “Choose to put “a ready grace” out in front of you? Remember his definition of grace, “permission to be imperfect and still be loved completely.” Grace becomes the filter that produces meaningful relationships.

The God who gives grace for sins to be forgiven, can also give grace for Godly living!

30 March 2025 - Anger + The Church

Sermon Discussion Questions for March 30, 2025
New Ways to Be Human – Anger + The Church
Matthew 5:21-26

1. What are you good at and what are you not good at?
None of us are good at “anger”.

2. Read Matthew 5:23-24. What basic principle can we take from these verses?

3. What if you know that the person you need to go to will not receive you well?

4. Thousands of people have cycled through our local church and have chosen to leave, some because they were hurt by someone in the church. Who do you know like this?

Jesus tells us to take the lead in restoring relationships. What might you do to go to them?

5. Pastor Cliff said, “As we mature with Jesus, restoring unity in the family becomes a higher priority than my personal feelings.” How might our personal feelings keep us from taking the lead in restoring relationships?

6. “Anger has poisoned the church, paralyzed the church, split the church, damaged the church’s credibility, and quenched the Holy Spirit’s fire.

But have you noticed how these days the Spirit of God seems to feel welcome, how He moves among us frequently, free to do what He decides on any given day? That’s why we must honor Him by being obedient to Jesus’s teachings on anger.

If other people are angry because they have been hurt by you, it’s time to humble yourself, even if they won’t, and go to them, before we come back to church next Sunday. Disarm their anger with your love and humility. It’s Jesus’s way.”

23 March 2025 - When You Are Not Good At Anger

Sermon Discussion Questions for March 23, 2025
Pastor Cliff, New Ways to be Human – When you are not good at anger,
Matthew 5:21-22

Allowing anger to be a part of your life is like playing with hand grenades. Yet we all tend to allow it. But Jesus said that murderers and anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

1. What did God create anger in us for?

2. How do we tend to use anger?

3. Who does anger harm?

4. Pastor Cliff said, “Anger indulges my sinful desire to think I am better than, more powerful than, and in control of others.” Can you think of an example of this in real life?

5. A significant part of this sermon was about HOW to give your anger to God:
a. Anger is a secondary emotion. It is what we choose to feel so we don’t have to feel the deeper emotion, like hurt, being afraid or threatened, shame, sorrow, etc. When you are tempted to become angry, what is often the deeper emotion that you don’t want to deal with?
b. Sit in that deeper emotion for awhile and feel it. Call it by name. Are you willing to experience the deeper emotion?
c. Speak the truth about your situation to God. Ask God to help you with this deeper emotion.
d. Spend some time quietly remembering what often makes you angry. Think through to find the deeper emotion. Name it. Feel the pain of that deeper emotion. Know that God is with you in your pain. Give that difficult experience to God.

16 March 2025 - Breakthrough

Sermon Discussion Questions for March 16, 2025
Breakthrough – Rev. David Gosset

The speaker defined “evangelism” for our day as “Sharing our stories with other people.” Also included in that definition was “Sharing life together.” He then shared his story with us.

1. Some stories of attempted evangelism don’t go the way we had hoped. A missionary to Ecuador told how local pastors blocked their attempts and then how COVID shut them down. Tell about a time when you attempted to share the good news about Jesus, but it didn’t go the way you had hoped.

2. A boy prayed to be a mirror reflecting God’s glory. Then God asked him to tell His story publicly, even though he was not a gifted public speaker. When he hesitated, God asked if he was “in or out”. When he said, “in”, God said, “Then trust Me!” Tell about a time when God asked you to do something difficult, then told you, “Trust Me!”

3. When the speaker was 27 he was asked to move to Arlington, Oregon, and be a pastor. 6 weeks later the church burned down. For the next 8 years he endured all kinds of hardships and felt like God was totally absent. It was a dark night for his soul. Tell about a time when you felt like God was conspicuously quiet or absent.

4. The speaker encouraged us to say “yes” to God, but to realize it’s a hard road. People have the opportunity to hurt you. But you will have opportunity to minister through your hurt. God is still there. What helps you realize that God is still there in spite of difficult and hurtful circumstances?

5. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-12. What do you notice about these verses?

9 March 2025 - Faith Promise, Global Missions: Jim Ritchie

Faith Promise – World Evangelism – Jim Ritchie

1. Statistics for the world-wide Church of the Nazarene include:
a. 31,000 local churches
b. 466 missionaries and 317 missionaries’ kids
c. The missionaries are from 61 world areas and are serving in 81 countries
d. 38 of them are new missionary deployments
e. But there are still 100 nations we are not in yet!
Did you have any idea that our denomination was this large around the world? The Church of the Nazarene is in more places than Starbucks, or Burger King, or Subway. “The sun never sets on the Church of the Nazarene.”

2. The Nazarene denomination is organized in 6 world regions:
a. Africa
b. Asia-Pacific
c. Eurasia
d. Meso-America
e. South America
f. USA/Canada
Which region do you think has the most Nazarenes? (Answer – Africa)

3. Read Romans 10:9-15. The speaker had four points from this passage:
a. What is the message of Missions?
b. What is the extent of Missions?
c. What is God’s method for Missions?
d. How does the writer describe the beauty of Missions?

4. On Sunday evening there was another session with the Ritchies. In a question and answer format they were asked what they would recommend to our local church? They answered, walk the streets of your neighborhoods and community asking God to show you what He sees. Then respond to the need that God shows you.

Would you be willing to walk your neighborhood or another neighborhood, asking God to show you what He sees?

2 March 2025 - Faith Promise: Jim Stuck

Faith Promise – Local Ministry: Jim Stuck – Young Life

1. What are some things that are different for youth today from what you experienced during your teen years?

2. Jim said that young people are so keen and aware of truth and untruth. He referred to the Dollar Store, where everything is not $1. What examples of untruth do you see in our culture?

3. A small group of young people asked Jim why he was talking to them, and why was he there? He responded, “I’m here because I want you to know that you matter.”
a. Who in your world lets you know that you matter?
b. Who in your world do you let know that they matter?

4. “There is joy in bringing someone into your world.” A first step is to know their name. What do you do to help you remember a new friend’s name?

5. Our assignment included:
a. Go talk to your neighbor with no agenda.
b. Learn their name and hang out.
c. Or go somewhere uncomfortable and do the same.
d. Keep showing up around people and ask questions. God will encounter them in crazy, wild ways. Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable.
e. Engage the next person.
f. Everyday remind yourself that you are “beloved” by God.
Are you willing to overcome your uncomfortableness and do these?
Who will you go to first?

23 February 2025 - New Humans and the Law

Pastor Cliff, “New Ways To Be Human” – Matthew 5:17-20

1. Have you been confused by something Jesus did or said? (Leaders, let people express their confusion without attempting to answer.)
Pastor Cliff offered a method for working through the confusion:
a) Intentionally think about the issue.
b) Pray that God will let you know the meaning.
c) Test a possible meaning by talking with other strong Christians.
d) If you are not satisfied, try again.
2. Three words in verses 17-20:
a. Jesus said: “I did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets”. What did Jesus mean by “abolish”?
b. Jesus implied by not mentioning it, what is meant by “keeping the Law”. Why didn’t Jesus give instructions for how to “Keep” the Law?
c. Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law. What did He mean by that?
3. Pastor Cliff said that the Law was Jesus’ binoculars to look beyond the details of the Law to see the heart of the Father. We can see what God intended when we see into His heart. Read Ezekiel 36:25-27. A stoney stubborn heart attempts to follow all the rules. A tender responsive heart sees beyond the rules to see the purpose behind the rules.
4. What part of the Law do you struggle with?
a) Deeper than the rule, what do you think God intended?
b) What is there in God’s character that this Law intended to express?
c) Think about it. Pray for God to reveal His character to you. Talk with other Christians about it. Test your conclusion. Then re-evaluate.

16 February 2025 - New + Improved Salt Lamps

Pastor Cliff, New Ways to be Human – Matthew 5:13-16

1. What is the saltiest thing you have ever tasted?
What is the brightest light you have ever been in?

2. Read Matthew 5:13-16. How does the enemy use these verses against you to make you feel like an inadequate failure?

3. Pastor Cliff says these verses say something about ourselves that we didn’t know – that we are living in the Kingdom of God and have God’s approval. What would it take for you to believe that God thinks highly of you and is blessing you?

4. Jesus says that when His followers go out into the world, their saltiness and light will spill out. Family and friends may reject your words, but they will respond to your love and joy. We can be confident and simply show up and be ourselves. God’s Holy Spirit will enable them to see our love and joy. Relax in the love of God and let Him work through you.

You are bright and salty, even if you don’t realize it!

09 February 2025 - Two Kingdoms

Sermon Discussion Questions for February 9, 2025
Pastor Bob Ogden – “Two Kingdoms”, Matthew 5:1-12

1. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4, Peter 5:8, and John 10:10. Who is behind the two kingdoms, and what will be the result of each?
a.
b.

2. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Describe what you believe to be appropriate “mourning” for a significant loss.
a. How long should it last?
b. What happens when a person refuses to appropriately mourn a significant loss, thinking they should be happy all the time?

3. “God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” But our culture believes that having a full understanding of evil is necessary in order to not be naïve and stupid. Give an example of something you have seen in the entertainment industry that has attempted to educate the public concerning evil.

4. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.” Tell about a time when you were made-fun-of or looked-down-on because you are a follower of Jesus.

5. What did you gain from this comparison of the two kingdoms?

02 February 2025 - Righteous, Merciful, Pure and Peaceful?

Pastor Cliff, New Ways to be Human, Matthew 5:6-9

1. Verse 6, “Hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Our spiritual enemy is an accuser, pointing out our failures, that we are not good enough, not trying hard enough, and wanting to do evil. Which of these does he often use on you?

But hungering and thirsting for righteousness is a gift and a blessing God offers. He wants to grow us and mature us. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23. How confident can we be that God will do this?

2. Verse 7, “The merciful will be shown mercy.” God wants to give you so much mercy that you can give mercy to others. The result will be that you will be free from judging others. Who are you most inclined to judge? How might you show them mercy instead of judging?

3. Verse 8, The pure in heart will have a new set of eyes that sees God everywhere. Where are you most likely to see God?
a. In creation
b. In little children
c. When you are feeling blessed by the goodness of God
d. When you are struggling and need Him most
e. ______________________

4. Verse 9, “The peacemakers will be called Children of God.” To be a child of God also means that we have a family likeness to the character of God. Peacemakers experience peace and give it away. We quit causing conflict and help others work through theirs. Who drags you into their conflicts? How do you attempt to help them achieve peace?

5. Which of these four do you need most?
a. A hunger and thirst for righteousness.
b. Mercy – So much that you can give it away.
c. Purity of heart, a new set of eyes that sees God everywhere.
d. Peacemaker – helping people work through their conflicts.
Invite God to compound His character in your life.

26 January 2025 - Poor, Mourning & Meek?

New Ways to be Human : The Sermon on the Mount
Pastor Cliff – Matthew 5:3-5

1. “You will be blessed when you are poor in spirit because you won’t be addicted to material possessions and the joy they falsely promise.” How did you learn that material possessions don’t provide real joy?

2. “You will be blessed when you mourn because you won’t be addicted to good feelings or try to chase away negative feelings with things that will enslave.” When faced with a personal loss, do you embrace the grief and feel bad for awhile, or do you medicate your grief so that you don’t feel bad? What is your usual way of not facing personal loss?

3. “You will be blessed when you are powerless because you won’t be addicted to power or resent that you don’t have any.” We enjoy being in control, and struggle when we aren’t in control. It often creates anxiety and fear. Which out-of-control scenario causes you the most concern?

4. Remember: those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, and those who recognize that they are powerless are welcomed by God to live His good life with Him! The goodness of God and the blessedness of His Kingdom are here now. We can trust this God!

19 January 2025 - Is This Thing Inside Out?...

Pastor Cliff – Matthew 5, New Ways to be Human

1. Our world has been turned inside out, so much that the dysfunction almost seems normal. Where in our world do you see corruption, violence, or abuse?

2. Jesus described the right-side-out world. He used the word, “blessed”, nine times in Matthew 5. Pastor Cliff defined “blessed” as deeply happy, fortunate and lucky. How would you describe these concepts?
a. Deeply happy -
b. Fortunate -
c. Lucky -

3. Jesus indicated that even when we are experiencing what seems devastating to others, pain, hopelessness, etc., we are still blessed. How do you explain that?

4. There are many lies about God: That He is harsh, judgmental, vindictive, etc. What does Hebrews 11:6 say that counters those lies?

5. How have you experienced God’s blessing?

12 January 2025 - We Interrupt History

New Ways to be Human : Sermon on the Mount
"We Interrupt History..."

1. Jesus’ ministry was primarily isolated to a geographical area one-third the size of Yakima County. How does this fact change your understanding of Jesus’ impact on the World?

2. How has the concept of being blessed been watered down in our society today? How do these societal views of being blessed clash with Jesus’ intended message?

3. Read Matthew 5:1-11. How deeply must God love you if He had Jesus tell you nine times that you are blessed before he taught you anything else?

05 January 2025 - Facing Boredom

1. The dictionary defines “bored” as “The state of feeling disinterested in one's surroundings, having nothing to do, or feeling that life is dull.” How would you described feeling bored?

2. Aaron knew that the Israelites were used to sacrificing to an idol and having a party while they were living in Egypt. So he gave them what they were used to, even though it was wrong. What other options might Aaron have used to challenge the people out of their boredom?
a.
b.
c.
d.

3. When do you tend to get bored?
a. Is it a time of year?
b. Does the weather make a difference?
c. What is the situation?
d. Is it usually when you are alone or with certain people?
e. Something else?

4. What could you do when bored to keep you from looking for excitement in something sinful and wrong?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

29 December 2024 - Matthew's Call and Assignment

Pastor Bob Ogden – A New Chapter

1. Review the year 2024. What were the significant events in your personal life?

2. As a tax collector for the Roman government, Matthew was considered part of the scum of society. Who are the disreputable sinners in your community?

3. When Matthew became a follower of Jesus his life changed drastically:
a. He quit his job
b. His big salary ended
c. His friendship group changed
d. But he was still looked down on by the super-religious

How has your life changed since Jesus told you to follow Him and become His disciple?

4. Jesus called Matthew to a bigger purpose, and He does the same for us. You have been sent into Jesus’ harvest field. It’s:
a. why you live where you do – your neighbors
b. why you work where you do – your co-workers
c. why you are going to the school you do and taking the classes you are taking – your fellow students
d. why you are in the family you are in – your family members

In the coming new year, look for appointments that God sets up for you with family members, neighbors, friends, school friends, co-workers, and random people- appointments that are opportunities to talk about Jesus and things that really matter.

15 December 2024 - Advent, He Reigns, Will You Let Him Rule?

1. Pastor Cliff spoke about King Jesus:
a. He’s the fulfillment of all the past.
b. He fulfilled all of the world’s history.
c. He’s a powerful, fierce King.
d. He has all of God’s power, holiness, and authority.
e. His life, death, and resurrection counts for our salvation and our benefit.
f. His goodness and grace are for us.
g. He offers to do the rest of our lives with us.
What do you think of this Jesus?

2. Read 2 Peter 3:9 about God’s patience.

3. What is the desire of your heart?
a. To let Him rule and obey His commands?
b. To rule myself?
You don’t get to use God for what you want. He will not accept a marginal role, because He is the King!

4. What does it look like for Jesus to be my King?
a. Bow your head and heart in worship. Come into agreement with God about everything. We may not always agree with God about everything and may not like what He says. But then we change our mind and adopt His way of thinking.
b. Bow your will in obedience. We must give mastery to His Holy Spirit over our sinful desires. We must give Him our:
i. Parenting
ii. Grandparenting
iii. Marriage
iv. Finances
v. Gender and Sexuality, no Pornography
There is no such thing as an “agreement with God” about my disobedience. Jesus came to be King of all my life, and “all” means “ALL”.

5. Pastor Cliff said that “A saved life is a surrendered life.” What is there in your life that needs to be surrendered to Jesus?

08 December 2024 - Advent, That's Not A King!

Pastor Cliff – The King is Coming, but That’s not a King!

1.   In what ways did John the Baptist look and sound like a prophet?

2. In what ways did Jesus’ baptism look and sound like He might be the Messiah?

3.   As Jesus toured Galilee, in what ways did He NOT look and sound like He might be the Messiah?

4. Read Isaiah 53:1-11. What does this prophet have to say about Jesus as the Messiah?

5.   Pastor Cliff described us: “We’ve made our own garbage and had others’ garbage splashed on us. Our garbage doesn’t repel Jesus, it attracts Him. We are not the garbage but the prize to Jesus. He bore our sin. He came to love us, heal us, and forgive us.” What response do you have for this Jesus?

6.   Pastor Cliff described Jesus: “He’s not our buddy or our partner, but our KING. He provides love and cleansing if we let Him rule our lives. He changes our lives!” Will you allow Him to be the KING of your life?

01 December 2024 - Advent, A King Is Coming!

Pastor Cliff – A King is Coming

1. Comparing Jesus with an earthly king (like King Charles of England), how did Jesus’ life not mark Him as a king?

2. Read the following Scriptures. What do they have to say about the reign of King Jesus?
a. Isaiah 9:7 –

b. Daniel 7:13-14 –

c. 1 Timothy 6:13-15 –

d. Revelation 1:15-18 –

e. Revelation 19:11-16 –

3. Pastor Cliff said, “Christmas is not a cute distraction from all that’s wrong with our world. It’s an announcement that a King has come to rule it well.” What does it mean to you to live in submission to King Jesus every day?

24 November 2024 - I Follow Jesus, Serve

The Mission of the Church – Serve

Theme – Help people. It doesn’t have to be overtly spiritual. Be helpful and encouraging.

1. Read Matthew 10:42. How big of a deal does our service need to be in order to count with God? What is something similar we could do?

2. Read Galatians 6:9-10. Who should we be helping?

3. Read John 15:5. Pastor Cliff explained that we are the branches and not grapes. Branches produce leaves and fruit for the vine. The grapes produce nothing, but only take, costing the vine nutrients. Do you only take from Jesus and the Church? What do you put back?

4. Read John 10:10. What is God’s goal for each of us?

5. Read Luke 17:33. Pastor Cliff suggested we quit asking God for a miracle for those we are praying for, and instead we help them and be the miracle. Who might you be a miracle for?

Bottom line: Give your life to Jesus: Connect with Him and others, Grow, Serve others.

17 November 2024 - I Follow Jesus, Grow

1. Reading in the Bible is a common way to grow in our relationship with God. Which of the Gospels do you connect with the most, and why?
a. Matthew was written for a Jewish audience, and includes many references to the Old Testament, which was the Bible of the Jews, proving that Jesus was the promised Savior the Old Testament had pointed to.
b. Mark is the shortest and is filled with action.
c. Luke was a physician and a scholar. He was a great historian and is very detail oriented.
d. John was written for non-Jewish people who were familiar with Greek culture. Since he wrote after the others, he includes many things the others left out, especially some of Jesus’ deeper and philosophical teachings.

2. The most important question to ask yourself when reading the Bible is, “What is God saying to me from this passage?” When has God spoken specifically to you through the Bible?

3. When praying and asking God for a specific answer, when have you had God:
a. Sometimes God says, “No”.
b. Sometimes God says, “Wait”.
c. Sometimes what we talk with God about requires an action on our part. At times we are equipped for that action. At other times we will need to learn and grow in order to accomplish it. You might ask,
i. God, what do You want me to do?
ii. What do I need to learn?
iii. How do I need to grow?
iv. What do I need to change in my life?
d. Sometimes God says, “Yes”. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4.

4. We often grow in our relationship with God as we experience the traumas of life.
a. What significant trauma have you experienced recently?
b. How did our spiritual enemy attempt to discourage and defeat you?
c. What helped you trust God during this difficult time?
d. What growth did you experience as a result?

10 November 2024 - I Follow Jesus, Connect

1. Would you rather attempt to connect with people through texts and social media, or in person?
2. Pastor Cliff said, “The remedy to the ache of feeling distant and alone is Jesus and His Church. Being connected with Jesus brings dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging.” How has this worked for you?
3. What does it mean to live in relationship with Jesus? “The Bible is the true story of God’s unwillingness to live with us separated from Him.” What does it mean to you that God worked for many hundreds of years to fulfill a plan of salvation so that we would not be separated from Him?
4. Which of the following has impacted you the most? “How can we have a relationship with God:
a. that addresses all my brokenness,
b. provides peace instead of worry,
c. more to life than collecting stuff,
d. healing from past hurts,
e. purpose for the present,
f. hope for the future?”
The solution for each of these Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, “You must be born again.” Which do you need most right now?
5. Staying connected with God requires participation and effort in these areas:
a. Prayer is simply talking with God. How comfortable are you with talking with God?
b. Gather with God’s people each week to worship. Worship means “The gathered people of God giving Him attention, affection, and the applause He deserves.” How consistent are you in fulfilling this purpose of worship when you attend church?

03 November 2024 - Teaching the Values

Pastor Cliff – Praying Your Way to Your Family’s Future

1. Hosea 4;6, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” What you don’t know can hurt you. What do you wish you had known yesterday?
2. The Purcell Family Prayer – “Gracious God, please grant the Purcells a long lasting legacy among your people – May all the Purcells always be Christians, and may it be a legacy of service, of moral courage, and of Christian virtue. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.” What might your family prayer include?
3. Character traits that might be a part of your family: Responsibility, Friendship, Work, Courage, Perseverance, Honesty, Loyalty, Faith,, Kindness, Patience, Faithfulness, Justice, Forgiveness, Prudence, Peace, Compassion, Generosity, Temperance, Gratitude, Love, Humility, Charity, Hope, Knowledge, Gentleness, Respect, Reliability, Courtesy, Trustworthiness, Sacrifice. Which of these does God want in your family?
4. Pastor Cliff makes the following comments. How do you respond to each?
a. Psalm 37:5, “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will help you.” Pastor Cliff’s new life verse.
b. Soak your family’s prayer and purpose into your family members. Pray your family prayer with your children every night, because repetition is the best teacher. Have your children define or explain the important words. There is something about speaking out loud that cements learning.
c. It is never too late to be about the business of God with your family. Pray over the phone with adult children and grandchildren. Ask them to remind you what the family purpose is.
d. Live inside the walls of your home, putting the family purpose to work with family members. And live outside the walls of your home in your neighborhood. Look for ways to implement your family’s purpose.
e. You will know your family purpose has taken root when you realize something you have done fits the purpose after you have done it, and it just seemed to fit.
f. If you want your family to pursue God’s purpose, you must keep that purpose ever before their eyes, ever in their ears, even after it begins to lodge in their hearts and minds.
g. This world is supposed to be a better place than it is. By the power of God’s Holy Spirit, God will use your family to make it better!
h. Commit yourself and your family to the Lord. Ask Him to give us one step, and then act on it.

27 Oct 2024 - Not Everything That Seems Bad Really Is

Not Everything That Seems Bad Really Is Genesis 37-50

1. When Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, what did God do to take care of Joseph?

2. When Joseph was falsely accused and lied about, how did God keep that from destroying him?

3. When Joseph was forgotten by someone he had helped, did God forget about him, too?

4. Joseph experienced three major injustices that God used to develop him for a big job. Do you think Joseph understood what was happening along the way? How might our confidence in God help us to keep going when we experience difficulties?

5. Do you believe that God has a plan to develop your character, your abilities, and to get you ready for the work He created you for?

6. How have you seen God use you to accomplish His purposes?

7. (For personal reflection.) Review the major injustices you have experienced throughout your lifetime. Think through each:
a. What Christlike quality has this injustice helped to develop in me?
b. What wisdom have I gained as a result?
c. How has this deepened my ability to relate to other people who have experienced something similar?
d. As this event changed the trajectory of my life, what major additions have come into my life since then?
e. What have I learned about God through this process?
f. How has God used that tragic event to deepen my character and my faith?

20 October 2024 - Praying the Values

1. Pastor Cliff referenced Deuteronomy 11:18-23. The scripture makes reference to "...walk in His ways...". What are the "ways" he speaks of?

2. How is a relationship with Christ similar to a relationship with a human?

3. What do you want your family's legacy to be in the Kingdom?

4. What did Pastor Cliff mean when he stated, "Christ did not call my family to prominence but to service."

5. When was the last time you and your family had a conversation with God?

6. How badly do you want your family to belong to God? Would you hound, beg, and plead with Him?

13 October 2024 - Dreaming God's Dreams

Praying Your Way to Your Family’s Future – Dreaming God’s Dreams

1. What was God’s plan for each of these families?
a. Adam and Eve – Genesis 1:28
b. Abraham and Sarah – Genesis 26:4
c. David – 2 Samuel 7:16
d. Joseph and Mary – Matthew 1:20-21, Luke 1:30-33

2. Does God have a purpose for my family, and if so, how can I know it? See Joel 2:28-29.

3. God doesn’t communicate the same way to everyone all the time. For some, God will share his plan for your family quickly. For others it will come over time. Steps we can take in discovering God’s plan include:
a. Pray and listen
b. Talk over what you hear from God with family
c. God will find a way to let you know what His plan is for your family
How have you experienced these steps in your own life?

4. When God has let you know His purposes for your family, what good things might you need to set aside in order to reorder your family life around God’s purposes?

5. Pastor Cliff offered several options of a family’s purpose to get us started thinking about God’s purpose for our family. As you think about these, what might God’s purpose for your family be?
a. Courage
b. Compassion
c. Always be generous to the poor
d. Using the arts in ways that draws people to God
e. Financing the mission in this valley or in some other part of the world
f. Being the prayer team that carries our needs to God and God answers them
g. Political service with integrity
h. Being teachers, generation after generation
i. Churchmen who are always there doing whatever needs to be done
j. Farmers feeding the world
k. Something else …

06 October 2024 - Give Your Family to God

1. Thinking about your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, were they rooted in God or in the world? What were their spiritual lives like?

2. Pastor Cliff said, “Give your family to God forever. Use your influence to shape your family intentionally. Choose your family’s future as it relates to God, and pray your way toward it.” Do you believe you can have an impact on the spiritual lives of your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren?

3. Read Exodus 19:5-6. As priests of our family, how much can we demand of our children and how much must they decide for themselves?

4. Read Joshua 24:15. At this point in Joshua’s life, he was a senior citizen and grandfather. How much influence might a grandparent have over their extended family?

5. Read Psalm 37:5-6. Pastor Cliff offered a 3-step plan concerning committing everything you do to the Lord and then trusting Him:
a. Represent your family to God.
b. Present your family to God.
c. Commit your family to God.
Explain each of these steps.

6. Will you take your place as priest of your family and use your influence to point them to God? Yes/No? God will help you! Trust Him.

29 September 2024 - Once Upon A Time, A Nation Woke Up

1. What are some of the symptoms that lead us to believe that our nation has fallen asleep to the Godly lifestyle the Bible prescribes?

2. In 2 Chronicles 30:10, some of the people who received the king’s message about returning to God “scorned and ridiculed” the messengers. What issues do you see people in our culture scorning and ridiculing a call to return to a godly way of living?

3. In verse 11, some of the people humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem as the king’s message asked them to. What is something similar that we might do today?

4. Many Christians in our time are looking to someone else to turn our nation and our culture back to God. Who might they be looking to?

5. This Scripture indicates that it was common people that changed their actions and attitudes, and as a result turned the nation back to God. Which of the following are you willing to do?
a. Humble yourself before God.
b. Live a godly lifestyle.
c. Forsake your favorite sins.
d. Pray for godly leaders who will allow their hearts to be stirred by God.
e. Set my phone alarm for 8 pm each day, and pray that God would change my heart and the hearts of others.

22 September 2024 - Speak UP

1. Do you talk a lot, or are you the silent type?

2. Read Acts 1:1-9. What does a witness do?

3. Explain the following:
a. We are to be witnesses, not preachers.
b. We are to be witnesses, not professors.
c. We are to be witnesses, not defenders.

4. What question should we be ready to answer? How would you answer that question today?

5. What could we do when we feel a lack of hope?

6. What did Pastor Cliff mean when he told us to put hope on our faces?

7. “You are being sent out to tell people what you’ve experienced. God will create opportunities and give you the words to speak!” Are you willing?

15 September 2024 - Stay UP

1. Is the world rigged against anything enduring?

2. Read the following Scriptures about people who start the Christian life but don’t endure: 1 Timothy 4:1, Revelation 2:4, and 2 Peter 2:20-22.

3. Is endurance a spiritual gift, or something we have to build?

4. How might we use “trust” to build endurance into our lives? (Read Hebrews 11:6.)

5. How might we use “love” to build endurance into our lives? (Read 1 Corinthians 13:7.)

6. How might we use “hardships” to build endurance into our lives?

7. How might we use “the church family” to build endurance into our lives? (Read (Read Hebrews 3:12-14.)

8. What area of life are you most likely to give up and need deeper endurance for? Ask God for help and contact one of your church family members.

08 September 2024 - Give UP Part 2

Basic Principle #1: God owns everything. We don’t own anything. Read Deuteronomy 10:14. If you borrowed a guitar from Pastor Cliff, would you be willing to care for it the way he instructed? If God really owns all our possessions, how do we want to use and care for them? God’s car, God’s house, God’s furniture, God’s food, etc?

Basic Principle #2: God requires me to return 1/10 of my income to Him through the church, as a demonstration of my financial submission to Him. Read Matthew 23:23. What does Jesus expect of His people?

Read Malachi 3:7-10. A key word is “curse”. We don’t usually associate a lack of obedience to God with a curse. What might that look like in practical everyday terms? (See Deuteronomy 28:15-20.)

Pastor Cliff said, “The problem with our country is not the President, the former President, or the next President, but with the people of God who are not obeying Him and being faithful to Him.” How do you respond to that statement? (See 2 Chronicles 7:14.)

Basic Principle #3: Attitude – Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. God doesn’t need our money but He wants us to obey so He can bless us richly. What can we intentionally do to change our attitude toward giving from giving grudgingly to giving cheerfully?

Read Hosea 4:6: Would it be appropriate to let our children/grandchildren know that we are obeying God in tithing? If the answer is yes, how should we go about this?

“Tithing is a way of surrendering to God’s Lordship, of partnering with Him, of demonstrating faithfulness to Him, and of opening our families up to god’s blessings.” Would you trust God with what you have and not with what you don’t have?

01 September 2024 - Grow UP

2 Peter 3:1-4, 9, 14, 17-18, “Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” … The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. … Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. … Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

1. Grow in grace.
a. What is there in your life that gets in the way of you trusting God’s love for you?
b. Pastor Cliff said, “We mature into someone who knows God is changing them, and living like God has done something for them.” What is God changing in you at this point in your life?
c. “Because of the grace God has extended to us, we extend that grace to people who have hurt or disappointed us.” Who has hurt or disappointed you? Can you allow them to be imperfect and still love them?

2. Grow in knowledge.a. What are you doing to get to know God better?
b. How can we read the Bible with the thought of deepening our relationship with God, rather than looking for facts concerning Bible Trivia?

3. What step is the Holy Spirit leading you to in order to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

25 August 2024 - Show UP

Sermon Discussion Questions for August 25, 2024
Show Up!

1. Show up for Worship:
a. Read Luke 4:8 and Psalm 150:1.
b. Pastor Cliff taught that God created a pattern in Creation. Six days for work and one for rest. Later God added gathering for worship on the day of rest. In your life, is weekly gathering for worship a requirement, or is it optional depending on what else is going on in your life? What is most important to you that you build your schedule around?

2. Show up for Fellowship:
a. Read Hebrews 10:24-25.
b. Pastor Cliff encouraged us to carve out sacred friendships over time. Have you ever thought that the friendships you develop from Church are sacred? How might that change your attitude concerning friendships developed from Church?

3. Show up for Service:
a. Read Mark 10:35-45. Do you help or only receive? How do you help?
b. What do you think Pastor Cliff meant when he said that serving requires us to get over ourselves a little bit?

4. Pastor Cliff taught that as showing up for worship, fellowship, and service faded, so did our culture. Often each generation fades somewhat from the priorities of the previous generation. What are you doing to build a strong priority for Worship, Fellowship, and Service into your children and grandchildren? If you don’t have children or grandchildren, how are you influencing your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers?

5. What is God asking you to show up for?

18 August 2024 - Give UP Act 1

Give Up – as in Surrender
1.   What can we learn from the following Scriptures:
a. Romans 12:1 -
b. Jeremian 10:23 -
c. Jeremiah 32:27 -
d. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 -
e. James 4:7 -

2. Explain this statement: “Those who surrender to His truth, love and authority never have to be conquered by His power. Instead we are GIVEN His power to help us to live well.”

3.   Have you experienced salvation and a relationship with God in one step or two?
Step 1: God loves you and likes you. He forgives your sins and begins changing your life.
Step 2: Make God the Lord and Leader of every aspect of your life. You are set apart for God’s purposes only.

4. What would it mean for you to totally surrender every aspect of your life to God’s control? Are there areas of your life that you would prefer to stay in control of?
a. Pocketbook
b.   Sexuality
c. Entertainments
d. Career
e.   Family
f.   Location – where I live and work
g. Is there something you know God wants you to do, but you aren’t willing?
h.   Is there something you know God wants you not to do, but you really want to do it?
What do you need to surrender to God’s total control?

5. Do you believe that
a.   God loves you and wants His very best for you?
b. God’s way would bring you the most joy and satisfaction in life?
c.   God wants for you to be fruitful in things that really matter?

Will you authorize God to be the Lord and Leader of your life?

11 August 2024 - Times of Uncertainty

2 Chronicles26 and Isaiah 6

1. What are some of the causes of uncertainty in your life?

2. In what ways is your life better because you follow God and His plans for life?

3. What set-backs have you experienced because you did not follow God and His plans for life?

4. When you come closer to God, what do you find in yourself that needs to change?

5. What is there about God and His throne room that brings you encouragement and a sense of peace?

04 August 2024 - How This Becomes That

How This Becomes That – The Power of Love – The Book of Philemon

1. Why do you think the New Testament does not condemn slavery as a social evil, but instead offers instructions for how to live as slaves and slave owners? (See also Ephesians 6:5-9.)

2.   If you were a slave owner like Philemon, how would you carry out Paul’s instruction to love a slave like a brother? What specific actions would that include?

3.   If we apply this concept of “love like a brother” to our relationships now, think of someone you have a relationship with:
a. What does this relationship cost me?
b.   What does it cost the other person?
c.   Who benefits most from the relationship?
d.   What can I do to increase my cost in terms of preferring their comfort and benefits over my own? In other words, how can I love them more?

4. With whom is your relationship broken?
a. If you have been hurt in the process, allow God to heal your wounds.
b.   Ask God to replace your stone wall with His love for them. (See Romans 5:5)

28 July 2024 - Going Deep : The Quiz Show!

This week Pastor Cliff hosted a Bible Quiz as a review of the series on Romans. Here’s the questions:

1. How did Paul introduce himself in the opening of the letter?
A. a servant of Christ Jesus
B. an apostle
C. a servant AND an apostle
D. A televangelist and social media influencer

2. What was Paul’s response to the Gospel, and why?
A. afraid because it might get him persecuted
B. not ashamed because it is the saving power of God
C. impressed because it’s so complex
D. amazed because it’s so… amazing!

3. According to Romans 1:21, what happens when people willfully continue to sin?
A. nothing much
B. they get really good at hiding it
C. God punishes them
D. Their thinking becomes futile and their hearts become darkened

4. In Romans 3:21-22 Paul announced that righteousness is apart from WHAT and comes to us by WHAT?
A. apart from religion and by believing whatever you think makes sense
B. apart from the United States Post Office and by UPS
C. apart from the Law and by faith
D. apart from grace and by obedience

5. According to his actions, Abraham was not a very righteous person, but what was credited to him as righteousness?
A. excellent effort to keep God’s law
B. Abraham’s parents’ and grandparents’ good behavior
C. belonging to the right political party
D. Abraham believed God— actually trusted what God said

6. Fill in these blanks correctly: “Therefore, since we have been justified through ___________________, we have ___________________ with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (ROMANS 5:1)
A. FAITH and PEACE
B. JUSTIFICATION and REDEMPTION
C. JESUS and ETERNAL REWARDS
D. PRAYER and SALVATION

7. What was Paul’s strong reaction to the idea that since God gives us grace, we can go ahead and sin a lot because it just makes God look even more amazing?
A. “God forbid!”
B. “You’ve got a good point there.”
C. “Don’t make me tell you twice.”
D. “Yes— sin doesn’t matter because grace means we can do anything we want and still get forgiven.”

8. In Romans 6, Paul states that we get united with Jesus’s death AND with His resurrection through what?
A. church attendance
B. Holy Communion
C. Baptism
D. being descendants of Abraham

9. According to Romans 6:16, what is our relationship to sin when we indulge in it?
A. cousins
B. partners
C. don’t worry about it— there’s no relationship to sin
D. we become slaves to sin

10. Fill in this blank with the correct word: “Therefore, there is now no _______________________ for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (ROMANS 8:1-2)
A. fun
B. worry
C. sin
D. condemnation

11. In Romans 8:9 Paul said if the Spirit of God lives in you, you are not controlled by WHAT?
A. the devil
B. sin
C. the law
D. hand cuffs

12. In Romans 8:14 and again in 8:16 Paul said that we who are led by the Spirit of God have a special kind of relationship with God. Which kind of relationship is it?
A. we are God’s friends
B. we are God’s enemies
C. we are teammates with God
D. God is our Father and we are His children

13. Romans 13:8-10 tells us that we have a debt or obligation to do something, and that this same something fulfills every commandment. What is that one thing?
A. pay your taxes
B. love others
C. cheer for the Kansas City Chiefs!!!!
D. worship God every day

14. According to Romans 13:1, who must submit to governing authorities?
A. whoever wants to
B. whoever doesn’t want to get arrested
C. no one
D. everyone

15. In Romans 12:9 Paul reminds us that love must be WHAT?
A. sincere
B. impossible
C. a battle field
D. perfect
E.

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21 July 2024 - Who's #1

1. When you are around non-Christian friends, in what instances are you tempted to not follow the Christian lifestyle in order to not be offensive to them and not risk losing their friendship?
2. How would you respond to someone who makes any of the following excuses for not doing what God has asked them to do?
a. I can’t afford to tithe until I have my bills paid and my retirement plan is funded.
b. I can’t be that person’s friend because they live somewhere that isn’t safe for me.
c. I can’t go on the mission trip because the place they are going might not be healthy, safe, or comfortable for me.
d. I can’t eat at their home because what they eat is not healthy or safe.
3. Someone is watching your life as a role-model for their own. What do they see as your #1 priority in life?
a. Church and the spiritual life
b. Community and family events
c. Hobbies and activities
d. Some combination of the above

We have a choice: Choose God and church! Who is #1 in my life? God is my #1!

14 July 2024 - Last Words

Romans 15-16

This world needs a Savior. This world needs a church, and we are the church the world needs.

A “Benediction” is an expression of hope that one’s hearer will experience God’s goodness in special and specific ways. In these chapters Paul offers the church 3 benedictions and 1 warning.

1. In Romans 15:5-6, describe the three special gifts God offers:
a. Endurance –
b. Encouragement –
c. Unity –

How does Paul suggest we respond to these?

2. In Romans 15:13, Paul encourages us to receive what God offers, which is:
a. ______________
b. ______________
c. ______________

How much of these special gifts does God offer?

Why do we participate in so little of these when God offers a magnificent abundance?

3. In Romans 16:17-19, what does Paul warn Christians to watch out for?

How closely should we examine what is being taught?

How do you handle being around people who are critical and divisive?

4. What does Romans 16:20 say about Satan?

How victorious will Christians be over Satan and temptation?

How can this knowledge change the way we look at life?

5. Make an attempt at including all four of these into one statement that describes how to live within a Christian community like the church:

We are well on our way to becoming what God has in mind for us. God’s Word is true and trustworthy!

07 July 2024 - (Guess) Who's Who

1. Review from last Sunday – When should a Christian not submit to the governing authorities?

This week: Romans 14
2.   People had gathered in Rome from many different countries and cultures, each with their different ideas. As a result, they tended to think less of those who didn’t share their values. Among the issues the Christians differed on were eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols and celebrating religious holidays. Explain what these issues included.

3. Romans 14:1 says, “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” How are we to know which issues are not disputable for a Christian?

4.   What will God do for those who disagree with us? (see verse 4)

5. What should we be concerned about? (see verse 12)

6.   How are we to treat people who believe differently than we do on issues that are not included in the “non-disputable list”? (see verse 13-15)

7. What should our focus be on when we are with those who think differently than we do? (see verse 19)

8.   How forceful and confrontive should we be in getting other Christians to agree with us on disputable matters? (see verse 22)

9. How are we to handle disputable matters for ourselves? (see verses 14 and 23)

30 June 2024 - How Not To Church

Romans 13:1-14

1. People living in Rome were tired of Caesar’s tyrannical rule. Yet Paul wrote to them to “submit to governing authorities”. Why is it so difficult for American’s to submit to our governing authorities?

2. Pastor Cliff suggested that we pray, “Father, help us to submit to authority, believing that God chose them to be His servants rather than oppressors. God, help us change our attitudes and beliefs.” Is it possible to submit when we don’t agree with the decisions of our leaders? What needs to change in our attitudes and beliefs in order for this to be possible for us?

3. Romans 13:8 says, “ … If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.” Is it easier to attempt to keep all of the rules and laws of the Bible, or to genuinely love the people around us? Why is genuinely preferring others so difficult? What needs to happen in us to make this possible?

4. Romans 13:12 says, “ … remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.” Pastor Cliff made this very practical when he said, “Quit thinking of ways to satisfy sinful desires. If you think about temptation long enough you will give in.” What can you replace temptation thoughts with in order to steer our minds in a better direction?

5. Romans 13:13 lists some specific “deeds of darkness”, including intoxication, sexual sin, divisive speech, and jealousy. In our present political situation it is very easy to indulge in “divisive speech”. How serious are you about not participating in this “deed of darkness”?

6. What does God want your next step to be? Ask the Holy spirit to reveal that to you.

23 June 2024 - How to Church, Part 3

Sermon Discussion Questions for
Romans 12:17-21

1. Verse 17a says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.” How might anger and a lack of self-control fuel an inner desire to get even with someone who has hurt us?

2. Verse 17b says, “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Pastor Cliff paraphrased this as “Do what is right because everyone is watching”, or “Behave the same no matter who is watching”. What are some things people might do when they thought no one was watching, that they would never do if they thought someone was watching?

3. Verse 18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” What might we do if we have done everything we can think of to bring about peace in a broken relationship, but the other person refuses?

4. Verse 19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay’, says the Lord.” We sometimes think of this as a bigger and better revenge than we could do ourselves - but what does God usually do with someone who has caused pain? What did Jesus do with those who abused and crucified Him?

5. Verse 20 says, “On the contrary, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Pastor Cliff asked, “What if we thought that our response of generous kindness would be the tool God would use to save the person who is mistreating us?”

How do you react to the following comment? “We are to be recognized by our kindness in the face of mistreatment. Not by our ability to defend ourselves effectively.”

What has to happen inside of us in order for us to be able to act this way?

6. Verse 21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Explain the comment, “Lose if you need to so that God’s kindness can ultimately win.”

7. Who are you tempted to treat with anger, unkindness, or gossip about?
Who do you struggle most with being kind to?

16 June 2024 - How to Church, Part 2

1. Pastor Cliff highlighted Paul's call to "Help God's family and treat strangers like family." In your small group, take a few minutes to discuss what Pastor Cliff meant when he shared that, as a church family, we do the first part well but challenged us to be friendly to strangers.

2. What did Pastor Cliff mean when he said, "Give some of God's goodness to those who make life difficult on you because of your faith but because of your faith, give them only God's goodness"?

3. Cliff challenged us to come to a place where other people's stuff matters to the degree that we participate meaningfully in their celebrations and their sorrows. What are some ways you can enter into someone else's joy this week? What are some ways you can enter into someone else's sorry this week?

4. What were the two H's that Pastor Cliff challenged us to practice?

5. Pastor Cliff stated, "If you think you are too good for somebody, you will have to answer to Jesus for that." Talk about a time when you were less than harmonious or less than humble with another person. How did that work out?

Bonus Fathers Day Questions:
1. For those fathers who are grandfathers, what do you know about Christian fatherhood from the perspective of being a grandfather that you wish you had known as a young man?

2. For those fathers who have an active young family that puts many demands on you as a dad, what do you consider as you set priorities for your family's schedule and discipleship?

3. For all fathers, what do you pray about most often relative to your task of raising sons and daughters as disciples of Jesus?

09 June 2024 - How to Church, Part 1

Romans 12:3-12

1.   Pastor Cliff told us that American Christianity is individualistic, meaning I get to choose. How is this different from what we read in Romans 12:3-5?

2. In verses 9-12 the Apostle Paul offers 8 distinctives of what people in the church should aspire to be like. Give an example of each:
a.   Vs 9a, “Love must be sincere.” Put the wellbeing of others before yourself.
b. Vs 9b, “Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” Virtue is more than just doing what is right. It is loving what is right.
c.   Vs 10a, “Be devoted to one another.” Focus almost exclusively on “us”.
d.   Vs 10b, “Honor one another above yourself.” To honor is to do something that shows you recognize a person’s value.
e. Vs 11, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Stoke the fire and serve like you mean it.
f.   Vs 12a, “Be joyful in hope.” Quit being a Debbie Downer. Jesus’ people are always hopeful about the future!
g. Vs 12b, “Be patient in affliction.” Stop praying for patience. Choose it and do it.
h.   Vs 12c, “Be faithful in prayer.” Have a conversation with God. That is the key to being joyful in hope and patient in affliction.

3. Which of these does God want to make a project in my life this week?

02 June 2024 - Old Dogs, New Tricks

1.   Why do you think that so many Christian people in our culture don’t live much different from non-Christians?

2.   Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Pastor Cliff said we don’t need a new way of thinking, but an old way of thinking. What did he mean?

3. If renewing our mind means that we agree with God about how life should be lived, how might each of the following apply to us?
a. God is God and we are not His equals. He decides what is right and wrong.
b. God is all wise and knows better than we do what works in this world.
c. God is all good and therefore His ways are good. God’s ways are better than mine.
d. We trust God enough to do as He wishes and we prove trustworthy enough that He can bless us.
e. When we agree with God about how to live, our lives begin to change.

4. Pastor Cliff suggested that we read the Bible in order to learn the
mind of God, and then agree with Him. Give an example of how this might work.

5.   Where in your life are you in disagreement with God? (Where are you experiencing frustration, hurt, and damage?) If you were willing to change your mind and agree with God in this area, how would your life be different?

26 May 2024 - Presto Change-O, Not Exactly

Sermon Discussion Questions for
1. Describe the two definitions of the word “transformed” in Romans 12:2:
A.
B.

2. Pastor Cliff said, “I’m not a sinner because I sin. I sin because I am a sinner. We need a very thorough remodel.”
A. What is God’s part in the remodel of our lives?
B. What is our part in the remodel of our lives?

3. What can we do in order to avoid the sin that results from temptation?

4. What are some of the things that might need to change in our lives?

What needs to change in my life?

19 May 2024 - Muscle, Not Meat

1.    What does it take to get you and your family to church to worship God on a Sunday morning?

2. What did it take for a family in Jesus’ day to go to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship God?
a.   Travel:
b.   Kids:
c.   Animal for a sacrifice:

3. What was it like in Jerusalem during the “Day of Atonement”?
a. People:
b. Sounds:
c.   Smells:
d. Sacrifices – knives and blood:

4.   All this to “cover over” their sin for the year. Did it work? Read Hebrews 10:3-7, 10, “But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’” … And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

5.   What does God want from us? Read Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

6. Pastor Cliff offered several characteristics of a person who is offering their body as a living sacrifice. Which might God be talking to you about?
a. Enrich the lives of other people.
b.   Put aside pride and personal preference.
c.    Give up control of money.
d. Live selflessly to your spouse and family.
e. Surrender sinful desires.
f.     Be kind to mean people.
g. Change your mind to agree with God’s Word (the Bible).
h.   Submit to God:
   a. Your speech.
b.   Your business dealings.
   c.    Your attitude.
   d.   Your marriage.
   e. Your dating relationships.
f.   Your private thoughts.

“Your true worship is submitting all of you to Jesus and causing your life to take on the shape of His. … Die to selfishness, then live for Him.” Living is muscle, not dead meat.

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