Foundation Church

Paul came to Corinth in weakness with great fear and trembling. He receives encouragement in Christ from fellow believers, financial generosity, and from Jesus Himself when Jesus tells Paul, "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking, for I am with you."

God called Paul to be an apostle. Paul was faithful to go from city to city to preach and teach. Paul's stance of faithfully preach week after week is not unique to him. We also have been called to serve God faithfully with all that God has given us.

People have manipulated the feelings and actions of the town. Paul and Silas were arrested, denied justice, and abused. God took those actions and used it to introduce people to Himself and protect His new church. God's will is often not how we want things to go, but God's will leads to incredible, good things happening.

Paul and Silas are continuing on in their ministry and they come across a possessed slave girl. Paul, exercising the authority over demons given to him by the Christ, casts out the spirit within the girl and the town goes against them. This is the buildup for the story that is about to follow in the upcoming verses

Because God opens the door for the gospel, we can depend on Him to be his witness, by following His calling, trusting his timing when we face closed doors, and by using his gifts. Discipleship Questions: 1. What does a call to be Jesus' witness look like for you? 2. How might you build bridges with those the Lord is calling you to witness to? 3. What might it look like to do ministry as a team? Who might you be a mentor for? Do you need a mentor? 4. What closed doors are you facing as a time of testing? 5. What does it look like to lean on God in times of testing by waiting? 6. Where do you have a passion for using your gifts and resources for advancing the gospel?

We find the early church facing a major dispute, but with guidance from the apostles, they are back on track and rejoicing the many accomplishments they have achieved. They are spreading this good news out to the other churches. Then two brothers in Christ, Barnabas, and Paul face their own dispute that leads to them parting ways. But what seemed like a defeat for the church the Lord used to continue to accomplish his mission even though these disputes. Discipleship Questions: 1. Have you ever entered into a disagreement knowing you had a bias towards a particular answer? Have you entered into a disagreement without knowing you had a bias and the Lord showed you afterward that you did have a bias? 2. Have you ever disagreed with someone that ended on bad terms? Did the Lord teach you something in that situation? If so, What was the lesson? 3. Are you facing a trial or disagreement now that is challenging? Are you trusting in the Lord? 4. What does trusting in the Lord look like for you?

Today, in our Advent Series “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, we will focus on the main verse which begins - “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”. Who did Israel hope for in their exile? They hoped for a triumphant king or maybe a valiant warrior that would defeat their enemies. And yet, the long hoped for Emmanuel came as a lowly baby and was laid in a feeding trough. Why was this Emmanuel (“God With Us”) good news for them and good news for us this Christmas? Discipleship Questions: 1. What was the people of Israel's biggest need being exiled in a foreign land? 2. Why did the average person in Jesus' day not see Him as being the promised Emmanuel? 3. In what ways have you expected Jesus to have a certain character or act in a certain way that might be contrary to what the Bible teaches about Jesus? 4. Describe a time where you've experienced comfort knowing that Jesus has experienced humanity and sympathizes with you in your time of need. 5. When have you experienced the deepest and sweetest relationship with Jesus?

Today, in our Advent Series “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, we will focus on the verse which begins - “O Come, Thou Key of David”. Isaiah spoke to a people in Judah and warned them about trusting their own hands to save them from the threats of Assyria. He reminded them that God alone can save them. Isaiah pointed them to a coming Savior with the title “Key of David”. Only Jesus would unlock the door to Salvation. Let's rejoice in Emmanuel, Jesus who came to save His people and bring them safely into His forever Kingdom! Discipleship Questions: 1. Share something God's been teaching you this Advent Season. 2. Do you find it difficult to Rejoice in Emmanuel? Why do you think that is? 3. Where do you trust the work of your own hands? Why does the Good News of Jesus coming as the “Key of David” bring us hope even as we look at our sin? 4. Do you find hope and rest knowing the sure promise that Jesus, the “Key of David” will lead us to our “Heavenly Home”? Explain. 5. How will you look to Jesus and rejoice in Emmanuel for the remaining days leading up to Christmas?

As we continue looking at the song,'O Come Emmanuel', we need to ask ourselves what is it we are looking forward towards. We can get an answer by going back to Israel and looking at what they look forward. We can then have our hearts turned to the same. It will require asking for God to provide sight that is beyond our circumstances. Discipleship Questions: 1. Is Advent a tradition that is familiar to you? 2. Do you feel more like a foreigner or a person who belongs here? How does that impact the way you relate to others? 3. When is the last time you ask, “Why God?” 4. Do the promises of God bring you comfort? 5. When you look to the future of Jesus's return, do you ask for only relief from your situation or do you ask for his presence as well?

As we prepare for the Advent of Jesus, we look at the anticipated coming of Jesus through the context of the song, “O' Come O' Come Emmanuel”. Written through the lens of God's chosen people of Israel, we'll show how God's grand story of redemption is carried along through the song and points us all to the one who is our greatest gift and only hope – Jesus Christ. Discipleship Questions: 1. Of the seven different antiphons, which one resonates with you and why? 2. Which story told through God's redemptive plan encourages you the most? 3. How have you seen God's faithfulness in your own life? Can you relate to the story of Israel? 4. During the holiday season, what reminds your heart that Jesus has come and is coming again? 5. What are you planning this holiday season to celebrate the coming of Jesus?

With our busy lives, we tend to forget to be thankful to God for the many things that he provides for us. We will take time to celebrate a secular holiday of Thanksgiving, but how often do we stop and celebrate a day of thanksgiving to the Lord? We're going to examine scripture that has the Lord calling his people to do just that. Discipleship Questions: 1. How will you celebrate this coming Thanksgiving holiday? Will you give thanks and honor to the Lord during that time? 2. What are you thankful to the Lord for? How do you give thanks to him? 3. We looked at the Feast's of the Lord and they take the Sabbath very seriously. Do you take time to rest? What does that look like for you? 4. Some of the Feasts of the Lord focus on God rescuing his people from slavery in Egypt. How has God rescued you? What has God rescued you from? 5. Do you celebrate and rejoice in the Lord? How do you do that? Do you do that with others?

While the church had been under physical attack from outsiders for years, an attack from within the church on the gospel became a threat to truth and fellowship. A council of church leaders, church members, and apostles were called together to settle these disagreements once and for all. Through much debate, the sharing of experience, and records of prophecy, it became clear that the means of salvation for all was through faith in Jesus alone. No adherence to the Mosaic laws should be added upon the Gentiles, yet the Gentiles were exhorted to be sensitive to the practices of their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ. As such, a solution was identified to bring these groups together for the sake of Christian fellowship and witness. Discipleship Questions: 1. Why did a party of the Pharisees insist that Gentiles participate in circumcision and keeping the law of Moses? 2. When is it okay to have no small dissension? 3. What were the primary objections raised by Peter and James against the argument for the Law? 4. How does, and doesn't, this Council shape how we should seek to settle disagreements within the church today? 5. What defenses do we personally need to equip ourselves with to persevere in the one gospel of Jesus Christ, and not be swayed by false yet persuasive influences?

This passage overflows with the Heart of God towards the spiritual orphan. God graciously gives himself in pursuit of spiritual orphans to make them adopted sons and daughters. Discipleship Questions: 1. Why is God's gracious pursuit of the sinner good news? 2. Why is the heart of God towards spiritual orphans important for us to understand? 3. Are you able to relate to God as a good Father? Explain. 4. Do you have experience with Adoption or Foster Care? If so, share your experience. 5. How is God prompting you with regard to caring for orphans in distress?

The Christian life is not an easy life. With the cost of following Jesus, comes a lot of difficulties, trials, and suffering. But, because God is faithful, he gives us the grace to endure anything that comes our way- be it difficulties, suffering, and even death. Discipleship Questions: 1. Have you had a time where following Jesus really cost you something? Be it a relationship, a career, wealth, health, etc. Share what you learned in that. 2. In the city of Lystra, Paul and Barnabas experienced the temptation to give in to the praise and worship of other people. How have you experienced this temptation in your own life? 3. Tim Keller has described the spiritual life as having two great tests: the test of success and the test of suffering. Both of these tests reveal our heart's idols. Which of these tests seems to draw you closer to Jesus? Which of these tests seems to draw you away from worshipping Jesus? 4. When Paul and Barnabas reconvene with the church in Antioch to share about what God has done with them, they understand that God is working out His purposes through their hardships. How have you seen or failed to see God's hand in your hardships?

This passage is all about the proclaimed good news of Jesus Christ. This good news is referred to as “The Gospel”. As Christians, we often use the term, but we should be absolutely clear what it means. The Gospel is the good news that God is the primary actor in history. He is abounding in mercy, steadfast love, and forgiveness and yet He is also holy, just, and full of wrath towards sin. Humanity apart from God is dead in sin wholly engaged in all the desires of the flesh. The gap between sinful man and a Holy God is impossible, but Jesus came down, took on human flesh, and died on a cross in the place of sinful humanity. He thereby absorbed God's wrath and justice and bridged the gap to God. For those that place their faith in Jesus' work on the cross, grace is given, forgiveness is given, and a relationship with God is given! Discipleship Questions: 1. What first comes to mind when you hear the word “Gospel”? 2. Why is understanding God's character important to understanding the Gospel? 3. What is the human condition apart from God? 4. Explain what it means for Jesus Christ to be sufficient? 5. What must be overcome in your life so that the proclamation of the Gospel becomes urgent in your relationships?

We see that the beginning of Acts Chapter 13 is the first church sanctioned missionary trip with the sending of Saul and Barnabus to Cyprus. As with the example of Jesus starting his ministry; Saul's missionary trip is met with opposition from the enemy. Saul faces this opposition directly and God shows himself through his divine powers. Discipleship Questions: 1. How is your prayer life? How do you worship the Lord? 2. Have you been involved with a mission's trip? Where, when, and how did it impact your life? 3. Have you encountered someone that directly opposed your Christian belief? How did you handle it? 4. Give an example of a time when you were angry, but showed grace to that person? 5. Do you really believe that the teaching of the Lord is astonishing/amazing? Why? 6. Do you feel that you are too familiar with the story of the gospel? How do you overcome that?

The Godly life is really pretty simple! Discipleship Questions: 1. What is the biggest problem you are facing right now? How are you/can you bring God into this problem? Verse 9 “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." 2. Pastor Tim said that “Fear Is a Choice!” (Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged). Talk about why you agree or disagree with this statement. 3. What is it that is so powerful about meditating on Scripture? Verse 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Discuss how you go about meditating on Scripture. How has it helped you? What questions or difficulties do you have about Scripture meditation? 4. How does God's view of success differ from the world's view of success? Verse 8 Then you will be prosperous and successful. 5. Why is it so important for us to tend even to the details of God's commands? Verse 8 be careful to do everything written in it. Compare Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Acts 12 marks a transition point in Acts. For the first 11 chapters, Luke recounts the gospel spread from Jerusalem, to Judea, to Samaria, and to the gentile regions beyond. Then in chapter 13, he will change the focus towards Paul's ministry to the gentiles. But, Luke takes a moment in chapter 12 to check-in on the church in Jerusalem. It turns out, persecution was rampant, and they faced a new threat with the murder of James and imprisonment of Peter. How would the church respond? They responded with earnest prayer but struggled to believe God would act. Thankfully, God in His grace did act to rescue Peter and care for the church. More importantly, God ensured that His Word and the gospel spread would not be thwarted. Discipleship Questions: 1. What strikes you about the difficulty facing the Jerusalem Church in this story? 2. How did the church demonstrate earnest prayer? 3. Describe a time when you prayed earnestly, but struggled to believe God would act in that situation. 4. In this story, what are the ways God is clearly in control despite Herod's seemingly endless power? 5. Do you struggle to trust God in prayer when the answer is ‘No'. Maybe there isn't healing or the rescue doesn't come. Discuss your struggle with the group. What are some promises in the Bible that help you trust God in these situations?

In this passage, Luke catches his breath and hits rewind on the story to take us back to the death of Stephen and the results it had on the church scattering away from Jerusalem and Judea. Luke gives us four scenes with four people(s) that capture a stunning picture of the Gospel in action and the Church serving as a witness to the end of the earth. Discipleship Questions: 1. The first characters we are introduced to in our story are the “unnamed” men who preach the Gospel to Gentiles. Have you ever shared the gospel with someone you didn't have much in common with? What were some of the challenges and how did you find common ground? (think about the common realities of all humans: brokenness, sin, struggle, etc) 2. The second character is Barnabas who the text describes as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” who saw the grace of God in the belief and salvation of the Gentiles. Have you ever been “upset” because Jesus saved someone; maybe someone who hurt you, treated you poorly, etc? Has your negative opinion or feelings about someone hindered you from sharing your faith with them? How might we pray for God to make us more like Barnabas, full of the Spirit and of faith? 3. Saul was in Tarsus for almost ten years before Barnabas found him and his ministry as we know it began. To say that Saul was just twirling his thumbs and waiting in Tarsus would be a mistake. He was learning, growing, maturing, and witnessing there in his hometown. How are we using the years when we might think no one is watching or when we should be preparing for what God has in store? 4. The church in Antioch (which is only a year or two old) hears about the need for the churches in Judea/Jerusalem and begins to save and send relief. Where do you struggle, in the sending/serving or in the receiving? How can we grow in both areas over the next few months, especially with Christmas coming up?

In these verses we see the new Christian community in Jerusalem struggling with the Gentiles new-found reconciliation to God apart from adhering to Jewish ritual purity laws. Peter recounts how he came to a fuller understanding of the new means by which a sinful people are now able to stand in God's presence - by grace, through faith. Discipleship Questions: 1. Describe a time when you felt particularly close to God and the circumstances surrounding it. 2. In verse 3, the primary criticism of Peter is that he "...went to uncircumcised men and ate with them." Why would that be a point of contention in this community? 3. In verse 18, Peter's critics appear to have resolved the tension–in their own minds–between the Gentiles reconciliation to God apart from adhering to Jewish ritual purity laws. What new insight enabled this change in their understanding? 4. How might a deeper understanding of the closeness you have with God through Christ change how you respond to difficult circumstances? to favorable circumstances?

The amazing story of Cornelius reveals God's great rescue plan for all people and all nations. First to the Jew and then to the Gentile. What the early Apostles didn't realize was just how God would go about making disciples of all nations, and how they would be strategically used for God's plan of bringing his Gospel to everyone. Salvation is on God's timing and through His hands. God is strategic in his ways, and we see through the Story of Cornelius and still today, the Gospel continues to go forward through his people. Discipleship Questions: 1. What encourages you in the way God prepared Cornelius and Peter for their meeting together? 2. Has there been a time when you were confused by what God was trying to teach or show you? How did that work out? 3. Where has it been difficult for you, to wait on God's timing and plans? 4. How has God uniquely made you or positioned you to show others his goodness and his Gospel message?

From the beginning of the church in Acts and all throughout history to today, God has been inviting his church to participate in his mission: to share the good news of Jesus with the world. But we don't do this on our own terms or through our own efforts. Rather, we are to connect with God and follow his lead. How do we do that? That is what we will look at in Acts 10:1-23

God's will is not some ethereal aspect of the universe that cannot be understood. God's will have some easy to understand elements. Once we look at those elements and incorporate them into our lives, we can be more aligned with God. We can give Him glory and be blessed by it. 1. Is God's Will hard to comprehend? 2. How is God a foundation for your life? 3. Does God's sovereignty allow free choice? 4. Does your understanding of God's will allow for minor action? 5. How do you feel you reflect God's light to the work?

Saul had a radical plan against the early Church, but Jesus met him on the road to Damascus and saved him. Saul tried to spread the gospel in Damascus and Jerusalem, but the Lord changed his plan on each occasion finally sending him to the Gentiles. The Lord may change our plans and we have to decide if we're going to be ok with that or feel defeated. Community Group Questions: 1) Have you had an important plan for your life that was changed? How did you feel when things changed? Were you frustrated with God? 2) If your plans changed how did it turn out? 3) Saul felt that fleeing the city in the middle of the night was defeat. Have you ever felt defeated before? 4) How did you over come the situation or your feeling of defeat? 5) Do you struggle with the notion that the revelation comes from Jesus Christ or are you comfortable with that? 6) What does walking in the Fear of Lord look like to you?

Acts 9:1-19 places on full display two fundamental aspects of the Christian life: (1) How the Lord Jesus works in the heart of those whom he saves; those who once found themselves standing in opposition to him. Every sinner apart from Christ stands in opposition to the risen Lord, but when that same Lord desires through the Holy Spirit, to make alive the soul that was once dead, nothing, not even the militant heart, can stand in the way. (2) How even the difficult challenges and surprises that come as a result of following Christ in obedience, reveal to each of us very important truths about our fears and our faith. But regardless of the challenges and surprises, we can have confidence that the Lord Jesus is with us and is in charge of it all. Discipleship Questions: 1. When the Lord saved you (if you can remember), what were some of the circumstances that surrounded your life? 2. If there was one person (family, friends, or famous/infamous personality) that you would be shocked to find out, given their previous life, that they came to saving faith in Jesus Christ, who would that be? Why would you be shocked? Would someone be able to say the same thing about you? 3. Describe a time and circumstance where you were clear that God was leading you to move/act/respond in a particular way that stirred up fear in you. How did you respond (obey/disobey)? What was that experience like? Of what were you fearful? What did you learn about your faith? 4. Knowing that even someone like Saul (or like you) can be saved by the grace and mercy of God in the person and work of Christ, for whom might you need to be in prayer, pleading with the Lord to invade their heart? Will you pray?

Acts 8:26-40 is a demonstration of the true statement “for (the gospel ) is the power of God for salvation” Rom 1:16. It is the power of God made opportune by the obedience of man. Phillip is the obedient servant of Christ. After the wild events in Samaria, he is willing to go to ‘a desert place.' This time to again proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. But this time not to large crowds with signs and miracles but one man trying to understand the scriptures. Phillip is the plum line for all of Acts 8. While Saul is ravaging the church, Christ is building His church proving, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).

Luke, in Acts 8, recounts the story of God's Kingdom expanding beyond the walls of Jerusalem. In a most unlikely story, in the middle of intense persecution, the Christians in Jerusalem were scattered to the regions of Judea and Samaria. The very regions Jesus said they would be His witnesses! In the power of the Holy Spirit, Philip and the others preached the Good News of Jesus Christ. And even the hated Samaritans would believe. God worked radically to reconcile two groups of people who were far apart but united in Christ. God's Radical Kingdom Expansion was underway! Discipleship Questions: 1. Why do you think God often uses difficulty, even persecution to accomplish His purposes? 2. What was so radical about Philip preaching the Good News of Jesus and His Kingdom to the Samaritans? 3. How does the explanation for why there was a delay in the receiving of the Holy Spirit sit with you? From your understanding of the text, what would you add? What question do you have? 3. What strikes you about God's powerful display of reconciliation between the Jewish Christians and the Samaritans? 4. What barriers or obstacles are keeping you from believing that God can and does work powerfully to expand His Kingdom today? What keeps you from freely speaking of the good news of Jesus Christ?

Effective prayer has three requirements. 1) Effective Prayer requires Orthodoxy; 2) Effective Prayer requires Holiness; 3) Effective Prayer requires Urgency Discipleship Questions: 1. What are two or three reasons you can think of why your prayers might not look like they are being answered? 2. Do you think we should expect God to heal every sick person we pray for? Why or why not? What do you think verse 15 means by “the prayer offered in faith”? 3. Is there anything a Christian can do to increase the likelihood of God answering prayer? 4. If you had an urgent prayer request, is there one specific person you would want to be praying for you? Why exactly did you choose that person? 5. In your own words, what do you think Pastor Tim meant when he said “We Need to Believe that We Have a ‘Yes” God”?

Stephen's trial and murder remind us that we follow in the footsteps of heroes of our faith who counted the cost and believed following Christ was worth any price, even death. If you and I are going to stand strong as disciples of Jesus in a hostile world, we need to learn from Stephen's example, because he lived “Like Jesus”. Discipleship Questions: Since Acts 7 has 60 verses, we don't have time to read all of it in the Worship service. But your small group time is ideal for doing it. Reading scripture out loud is powerful. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to read chapter 7 out loud, so if you want to, rotate readers and hear the whole story imagining yourselves there with Stephen. 1. What stands out to you most as you read the story of Stephen's trial? What do you appreciate most about him and what he did here? 2. Where principles from Stephen's are most helpful to you in being more prepared for our own 1Peter 3;15 opportunities? 3. Have you ever experienced significant push-back from anyone for your faith? Or have you ever had someone really angry at you about your faith? How did you handle it? How would you respond differently if you had a chance? 4. How does Stephen's story encourage you in evangelism? 5. How does Stephen's story reflect the need to count the cost of following Jesus? In your view, is following Jesus worth any cost? 6. How does God's sovereignty give you reassurance as you read a story like Stephen's? **Additional resources on Christ's advance in hard places: Dispatches from the Front video series, Frontline Ministries. Also, Open Doors International website. Also, Nik Ripkin, The Insanity of God.

In the Book of Acts, we see how the Holy Spirit empowers and equips the saints into every good work. Stephen, a deacon of the early church finds himself in the middle of a literal trial. Facing the prospects of death, the trial of Stephen shows us the greater reality of God's intentions to bring fullness of life and joy that is only found in Him. Discipleship Questions: 1. Why are the Jews of the Synagogue disputing with Stephen? 2. In verse 14, what does it mean when they speak of Jesus destroying “this holy place” and changing the “customs that Moses delivered to us”? Why does that seem to be such a blasphemous claim? 3. During Stephen's trial, his face was like the face of an Angel? Why is this such a significant observation? 4. What personal encouragement comes to mind when you consider that God dwells with you now and will be with you forever in eternity? 5. Where do you struggle to believe there is fullness of life and joy to be experienced with God? If you're comfortable, can you name why that is? 6. Where do you feel God has called and equipped you or is growing you to stand in victory over darkness? 7. What reassurance do we have about the good works we've been called to?

Big Idea: There is a Biblical Template for Pain-Response! Discipleship Questions: 1. God could have saved us to a pain-free life. According to our James 1:1-12 passage what are some reasons why he didn't do this? 2. Can you share a personal story of pain and how God used it for good in your life? 3 Describe how “consider/count” in verse 3 requires an act of faith. In other words, what do we have to believe about God and His ways to be able to “consider” pain as a “joyful” thing? 4. What could you say to help a suffering Christian friend who is doubting that God is always good to him/her? 5. What's so valuable about “perseverance”?

The early church was led by 12 Apostles. Eleven of these men were personally appointed by Jesus and the twelfth was then selected by the 11. They were responsible for everything from a leadership position. At this point, there had not been real opposition so the whole church was still in Jerusalem. But as the church grew, problems arose that led to the need for more leadership. The Apostles' approach to this growing need gives us great insight and advice on how to solve similar needs in our churches today. Discipleship Questions: 1. Read John 21:15-18: Jesus tells Peter that loving Him meant caring for the flock. This is what a shepherd is called to do. A shortage of shepherding power in a congregation can lead to a variety of issues. Discuss some examples of issues you have seen over the years that could be attributed to not enough shepherding of the flock? 2. There were two styles of delegating mentioned in the sermon. When delegating to: - Workers: the more prep in organization and clear instructions the better - Leaders: the more autonomy and empowerment the better Discuss both styles and purposes of delegating. What are the pros and cons of each? What are good examples of each style? Discuss good and bad examples of delegating you have experienced. 3. The qualifications the apostles gave for these new Deacons were all “character” over “skill”. - Discuss other scriptural examples where high character overcame lack of skill or experience. - Discuss personal examples you have seen in others where their good character overcame a shortage of necessary skill. 4. In light of Gamaliel's suggestions in chapter 5, what is the importance of the final verse in our text today; “and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” v7b?

Our Church's Vision is placed firmly on the foundation of Jesus Christ. However, in this life which is marked by sin and brokenness, it can be difficult to see how God is at work. This letter from Paul to the Corinthians reminds us that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is a treasure. Even though we feel the effects of weakness and even death, God is showing us there is life Jesus. God is bringing about his Kingdom ushered in by Jesus and guaranteed by his death and resurrection. We need eyes of faith with a Vision towards Jesus' Kingdom Work in us and our church. Discipleship Questions: 1. What is the treasure Paul speaks of in verse 7? 2. Why is it necessary for us to be weak in order for God's power to be shown? 3. What is significant about how Paul sees death, especially Jesus' death? 4. Where do you struggle to see God at work in difficult circumstances? 5. Where do find hope to keep living on mission in a broken, sinful world?

The early church found itself facing many difficulties and when they gathered they prayed for God to do a mighty work in them. Acts 5:12-16 is the answer to those prayers. God does many signs, wonders, and healings through the Apostles and multitudes of people were added to their numbers. Discipleship Questions: 1. Have you prayed like the early church did in Acts 4:29-30 before? 2. Have you ever experienced signs or wonders? Do signs and wonders make you nervous? If yes, why so? 3. Have you ever asked God to give you a boldness before to help spread his word?

Today's passage from Acts 5 is difficult at face value. It often raises more questions than it answers. But through this story, it's clear that Jesus takes His Church seriously. Ananias and Sapphira, a believing couple from the early church, deceived Peter by withholding some proceeds of a land sale but claimed the whole amount was given. Then, in a shocking display of God's judgement, they both die at the feet of Peter. God's judgement was swift, and it was surgical because this deception threatened the very mission and fabric of unity given by the Holy Spirit for the early church. Discipleship Questions: 1. What is shocking to you about this story? 2. What was at stake in those early days of the church? 3. What was the true sin of Ananias and Sapphira? 4. Why was God's swift judgement needed here? Why not give them chance for repentance? 5. In what ways are you deceiving those around you by holding back?

What is important for a church to believe and practice? Also, what should a church not believe and practice? Paul reminds the Corinthian church of how he pastored and cared for them so they might be left seeing what is important in churches. In my final sermon at Foundation Church, I hope to simply echo Paul's reminders. Discipleship Questions: 1. Why is Paul intent on reminding the Corinthian church of the way he pastored and cared for them? 2. In what is not important in the church what point stood out to you and why? 3. What is the difference between worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom? 4. Why is “Christ and Him Crucified” indivisibly central to the Church? 5. Where is the power of God on display within Foundation Church?

Jesus' interaction with women and mothers should leave us astounded at his grace, mercy, and love for all who bear the image of God. But in this passage we might be left with a different impression, that is until we understand what Jesus is doing by modeling for us what his love truly offers and the faith that it inspires. Discipleship Questions: 1. What is significant about Jesus travelling to the region of Tyre and Sidon? 2. What do you notice about the woman who approaches him, what stands out? Why? 3. In light of what we now know why is Jesus' interaction with this woman so revolutionary? 4. What do you learn about faith through this passage? 5. Where do you need to practice this type of faith in your life?

Faced with the ongoing unfaithfulness and rebellion of the city of Jerusalem God reveals his mighty power in a single event. He does this in a couple of ways but ultimately we should all be shocked by how this event plays out and we can be left in an utter state of awe at the power, might, and goodness of God. Discipleship Questions: 1. What stands out to you in Isaiah 29? 2. What was so bad about the people of Jerusalem's behavior? 3. Why is God's response to them so shocking? 4. How do you relate with the people of Jerusalem? 5. Have you experienced the grace of God? Tell the story.

God's people stop trusting in God and His Word because they no longer saw it as living. God's Word is deep and nourishing, but it requires us to allow it to speak for itself. God's Word will match our effort. It will grow with us and mature with us. It will also discipline us if we hold anything above it. God is ultimately in charge, and it is for our good to allow His Word to speak to us and tell us how he wants us to live. Discipleship Questions: 1. Is God's Word living, or is it a rule book for you? 2. If it is a rulebook, when was the last time it was living, if ever? Is there anything different between then and now? 3. Has one of God's rules turned into a principle for you? 4. Have you had to repent of your understanding when it comes to God's Word? For what and in what way? 5. Have you experienced God's Word growing with you?

Even the most faithful and eloquent preaching from God's own anointed messenger can fall on hard hearts. With all the depth and power of Isaiah's words, and the stark reminder of what has happened to the hard-hearted, his listeners remain unmoved. What must we look to in our own hearts as we study this challenging sermon? Discipleship Questions: 1. What stands out to you in Isaiah 28:1-13? 2. Why do you think this sermon of Isaiah was recorded in his book? 3. What is the importance of the authority of scripture in the life of a Christian? 4. Where might your heart be hard to God's Word? 5. What does ‘Keeping the Faith' look like for you?