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
into the sermon each week!
they are perfect for Life Groups, personal reflection
or family discussion around the dinner table
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 …
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.
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?
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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)
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!
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!
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)
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.