We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
Luke 13:34 - 35 & 15:11 - 32 FURTHER DISCUSSION How are these two passages similar? How are they different? What attributes of God are displayed in these two accounts? (Some were mentioned in the sermon, add others that come to mind) What should be our response to these passages? Women: Have you ever felt that a masculine God is difficult to relate to? Why or why not? Men: Is it reasonable (fair) that women might feel that way?
Luke 5: 1-11 FURTHER DISCUSSION 1. In the story, Simon says, “We toiled all night and took nothing” (v. 5) – what does this reveal about his mindset before Jesus intervenes? 2. Why do you think Jesus tells experienced fishermen to go back out into the deep (v. 4) after a failed night? What might this moment reveal about trust and authority? 3. Simon responds to the miracle by saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” (v. 8) Why do you think abundance leads to awareness of sin rather than celebration? 4. The sermon describes life as “splashing in the shallows of a not-enough world.” Where do you see this “shallow living” showing up most clearly in our culture today? 5. The message emphasizes that “it wasn’t about the fish—it was about the call.” What are some ways we might confuse God’s blessings with God’s ultimate purpose? 6. Where in your life do you feel like you’ve been “toiling… and coming up empty”? What might it look like for you to trust Jesus and “go deeper” in that area? 7. The disciples “left everything and followed him.” (v. 11) What might Jesus be asking you to leave behind—or loosen your grip on—in order to follow Him more fully?
1 Peter 3:21-22 FURTHER DISCUSSION What role did baptism play in the ministry of John to prepare the way for Jesus? How was the "baptism of Jesus" different than the "baptism of John?" Which picture of baptism presented today most resonated with you? Why? Have you been baptized? Whether yes or no, please describe your experience or thoughts about your own baptism.
Acts 16:16 - 40 FURTHER DISCUSSION Does this story bring to mind other biblical narratives or passages? How do we see the transformative power of God in this story? Why do you think Paul & Silas didn’t let their Roman citizenship be made known earlier in the story? How might the story have turned out differently if they had? How should we respond to things like unfair treatment and false accusations in light of this story? How does responding with praise grow our Jesus relationship?
Psalm 66 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are some of the rationale Psalm 66 gives for praising God? Does the psalmist’s admonition to praise God seem redundant or “overkill”? Is it difficult to consider testing or refining a positive thing to praise God for? Can you tell of a time God did something great for you? Do we ever find it difficult to tell others of the great things God has done? What does it mean to us that God hears our prayers? See Psalm 34:17-18; Psalm 116:1-2; Psalm 145:18-19; Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 29:12; 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:14-15. Compare come & see and come & hear with “eyes to see and ears to hear” from Mark’s gospel.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
Acts 20:7 - 12 FURTHER DISCUSSION Were you familiar with the story of Eutychus? What is your impression of this biblical narrative? Do you think this story has anything to say about long winded teachers or preachers? How might this account be addressing spiritual sleepiness? Do you think it’s realistic to expect great and wonderful things from God in our ordinary, day to day lives? What do you think we should take from this passage?
Acts 20:7 - 12 FURTHER DISCUSSION Were you familiar with the story of Eutychus? What is your impression of this biblical narrative? Do you think this story has anything to say about long winded teachers or preachers? How might this account be addressing spiritual sleepiness? Do you think it’s realistic to expect great and wonderful things from God in our ordinary, day to day lives? What do you think we should take from this passage?
Psalm 67:7; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 13:47 FURTHER DISCUSSION Did you know anything about Patrick’s life and mission work before today? What things stand out to you? Do you think Patrick’s passion for spreading the Gospel was exceptional or can/should all (most?) Believers emulate this? What sort of places or people groups might represent the “ends of the earth” today? Are there places or people groups that we are reluctant to evangelize? How does Patrick’s life and work inspire and encourage us as Jesus followers?
Psalm 67:7; Matthew 24:14; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; 13:47 FURTHER DISCUSSION Did you know anything about Patrick’s life and mission work before today? What things stand out to you? Do you think Patrick’s passion for spreading the Gospel was exceptional or can/should all (most?) Believers emulate this? What sort of places or people groups might represent the “ends of the earth” today? Are there places or people groups that we are reluctant to evangelize? How does Patrick’s life and work inspire and encourage us as Jesus followers?
Psalm 65 FURTHER DISCUSSION What does it mean to you that God hears you? (vs. 2) How does God call forth songs of joy? (vs. 8) How have you seen God provide? (vs. 9)
Psalm 65 FURTHER DISCUSSION What does it mean to you that God hears you? (vs. 2) How does God call forth songs of joy? (vs. 8) How have you seen God provide? (vs. 9)
Mark 16:1 - 8 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your impression of the women at the tomb? Why is the resurrection important to the story of who Jesus is? Do you think Mark has painted a good picture of who Jesus is? (Can we answer: “Who is this Jesus?”) Do you find yourself wishing Mark had included many more details throughout or do his short/quick accounts work for you? Does his account seem incomplete? How has our look at the book of Mark impacted your discipleship journey? Has it drawn you closer to Jesus?
Mark 16:1 - 8 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your impression of the women at the tomb? Why is the resurrection important to the story of who Jesus is? Do you think Mark has painted a good picture of who Jesus is? (Can we answer: “Who is this Jesus?”) Do you find yourself wishing Mark had included many more details throughout or do his short/quick accounts work for you? Does his account seem incomplete? How has our look at the book of Mark impacted your discipleship journey? Has it drawn you closer to Jesus?
Mark 15:16 - 47 FURTHER DISCUSSION Compare and contrast the many responses to Jesus’ passion and crucifixion as King (e.g. religious leaders, disciples, soldiers, Pilate, women, centurion). How was Jesus different from the expected Messiah, Son of God King? Why does this matter? How do you respond when asked: “Why did Jesus have to die?”
Mark 15:16 - 47 FURTHER DISCUSSION Compare and contrast the many responses to Jesus’ passion and crucifixion as King (e.g. religious leaders, disciples, soldiers, Pilate, women, centurion). How was Jesus different from the expected Messiah, Son of God King? Why does this matter? How do you respond when asked: “Why did Jesus have to die?”
Mark 14:27 – 15:15 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are the differences and similarities between Judas, Peter and the other disciples in this passage? Have you ever had a situation to deny being a follower of Jesus? What were those circumstances? What is significant about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane? What strikes you about the trials Jesus endured?
Mark 14:27 – 15:15 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are the differences and similarities between Judas, Peter and the other disciples in this passage? Have you ever had a situation to deny being a follower of Jesus? What were those circumstances? What is significant about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane? What strikes you about the trials Jesus endured?
Mark 14: 1 - 26 FURTHER DISCUSSION Compare and contrast the religious leader’s response to Jesus and the woman who anointed Him. Compare and contrast the woman and Judas. What is the relationship of the Passover Meal to the “Last Supper”? How does regularly sharing the Lord’s Supper impact our day-to-day walk with Jesus (discipleship)?
Mark 14: 1 - 26 FURTHER DISCUSSION Compare and contrast the religious leader’s response to Jesus and the woman who anointed Him. Compare and contrast the woman and Judas. What is the relationship of the Passover Meal to the “Last Supper”? How does regularly sharing the Lord’s Supper impact our day-to-day walk with Jesus (discipleship)?
Mark 13:1 - 37 FURTHER DISCUSSION How do you generally feel about “apocalyptic” (dealing with the end times) bible passages? Why are so many Christians preoccupied (obsessed??) about timing and signs for the end times? Why does Jesus include these end times comments in this passage? How do you understand the idea that Jesus’ return is “imminent”? What would our lives look like if we took seriously Jesus’ command to keep watch?
Mark 13:1 - 37 FURTHER DISCUSSION How do you generally feel about “apocalyptic” (dealing with the end times) bible passages? Why are so many Christians preoccupied (obsessed??) about timing and signs for the end times? Why does Jesus include these end times comments in this passage? How do you understand the idea that Jesus’ return is “imminent”? What would our lives look like if we took seriously Jesus’ command to keep watch?
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
Mark 11:27 – 12:24 FURTHER DISCUSSION What might you notice about the way Jesus handles conflict and what can we learn from His approach? Do you ever think about Jesus’ authority? Why or why not? How does authority work with following Jesus? What questions might come up regarding tax paying (vs. 13-17), life in eternity (vs. 18-27) and giving offerings (vs. 41-44)?
Mark 11:27 – 12:24 FURTHER DISCUSSION What might you notice about the way Jesus handles conflict and what can we learn from His approach? Do you ever think about Jesus’ authority? Why or why not? How does authority work with following Jesus? What questions might come up regarding tax paying (vs. 13-17), life in eternity (vs. 18-27) and giving offerings (vs. 41-44)?
Mark 11:1 - 25 FURTHER DISCUSSION Are there some things (practices, attitudes) that have become ritualistic (i.e. lacking real fruit) in the modern church? What might they be? How does the modern church sometimes look like a business and how can we avoid this? What might it look like for the modern church – our church – to be a house of prayer? How do we understand faith in light of vs. 22 – 24?
Mark 11:1 - 25 FURTHER DISCUSSION Are there some things (practices, attitudes) that have become ritualistic (i.e. lacking real fruit) in the modern church? What might they be? How does the modern church sometimes look like a business and how can we avoid this? What might it look like for the modern church – our church – to be a house of prayer? How do we understand faith in light of vs. 22 – 24?
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
1 Peter 1:18 & 19 FURTHER DISCUSSION How would you describe what humans are in bondage to? What all might encompass the “empty way of life” in verse 18? What do you think it means to be redeemed? Why are perishable things inadequate to redeem us? Why is it important to regularly remind ourselves of the cost Jesus paid?
1 Peter 1:18 & 19 FURTHER DISCUSSION How would you describe what humans are in bondage to? What all might encompass the “empty way of life” in verse 18? What do you think it means to be redeemed? Why are perishable things inadequate to redeem us? Why is it important to regularly remind ourselves of the cost Jesus paid?
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?
Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?
Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?
Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.
Matthew 2:9 - 11 FURTHER DISCUSSION Why was it appropriate for the Magi to give gifts to Jesus? Do you think they modeled meaningful gift giving well? Had you heard of the symbolism & significance of the Magi’s gifts to Jesus? Does any one stand out to you? How might the Magi’s giving gifts to Jesus impact our gift giving at Christmas? How do the Magi inspire you on your journey with Jesus?
Matthew 2:9 - 11 FURTHER DISCUSSION Why was it appropriate for the Magi to give gifts to Jesus? Do you think they modeled meaningful gift giving well? Had you heard of the symbolism & significance of the Magi’s gifts to Jesus? Does any one stand out to you? How might the Magi’s giving gifts to Jesus impact our gift giving at Christmas? How do the Magi inspire you on your journey with Jesus?
Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:5 FURTHER DISCUSSION Do you agree with the pitfalls mentioned in the sermon? Is one more problematic than the other or are they about the same? What other pitfalls might there be to gift giving at Christmas? Does one (or more) of the suggestions for meaningful gift giving stand out? Why can gift giving be so difficult (emotions, feelings, attitudes, approaches)? Do we really believe “it is more blessed to give than to receive?”
Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:5 FURTHER DISCUSSION Do you agree with the pitfalls mentioned in the sermon? Is one more problematic than the other or are they about the same? What other pitfalls might there be to gift giving at Christmas? Does one (or more) of the suggestions for meaningful gift giving stand out? Why can gift giving be so difficult (emotions, feelings, attitudes, approaches)? Do we really believe “it is more blessed to give than to receive?”
John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15 FURTHER DISCUSSION Have you ever considered the reasoning behind gift giving at Christmas? Does gift giving seem biblical or at least spiritually proper? What does it mean that God is the first and greatest giver? What does that say about His character and His attitude toward us? How do we give “gifts” to God? What might that look like? Why do people give gifts to one another, at Christmas or anytime?
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