Horizon Community Church - Philadelphia

In our June 22 Sunday gathering we continue our series in Matthew. This week's discussion questions are: Discussion Questions 1. What stood out to you from this passage or the message today? Was there a moment that challenged or convicted you? 2. Why do you think the Pharisees were so focused on outward behavior and ritual purity? In what ways can we fall into the same mindset today? 3. Jesus says that what defiles a person comes from the heart. What are some signs that our hearts might be drifting away from God, even if we still look “religious” on the outside? 4. Have you ever found yourself using religious language, tradition, or theology to avoid doing something God has clearly called you to do? What did that look like? 5. What's the difference between having clean hands and a clean heart? Can you think of modern-day examples where Christians focus more on appearances than authenticity? 6. Jesus called the Pharisees “blind guides.” Who or what are the voices we're tempted to follow today that might actually lead us into a ditch? 7. What do you think it looks like to let Jesus “heal your heart”? What practices or postures help you stay tender to God and others? 8. Righteousness is about relationships—with God and others. What is one step you can take this week to grow in right relationship with both?

In our June 15 Sunday gathering we continued our series in Matthew. This week's discussion questions are: Discussion Questions 1. What kinds of fears or anxieties have you felt recently? How do those compare with what the disciples might have felt out on the water? 2. Can you relate to the idea that anxiety feels like a superpower turned kryptonite? What are some ways fear has helped or hindered you? 3. Why do you think Jesus “compelled” the disciples to get in the boat, knowing a storm was coming? What does that say about how God uses hardship? 4. Peter walked on water for a moment — what made him sink? What makes your faith feel strong in one moment and fragile in the next? 5. Which fear response (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) do you most naturally lean toward? How has that shown up in your spiritual life? 6. What do you think Jesus meant when he said, “Take courage. I AM. Don't be afraid”? How does that change how you view God in your own storms? 7. What are some daily or weekly practices you could implement to take courage and walk through fear with Jesus? (e.g., breath prayers, naming fears out loud, seeking help) 8. When has fear kept you from stepping out in faith? What would it look like to step out of the boat this week? 9. What does it mean to you that fear is not the absence of faith — but part of learning to walk with Jesus? 10. How might God want to use your fear or anxiety as an opportunity to reveal himself more deeply to you or to others?

We continue our series in Matthew in our June 8 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below: June 8 Discussion Questions: Why do you think the feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle (besides the resurrection) recorded in all four gospels? What does that say about its importance? Jesus sought solitude after John's death but responded with compassion when interrupted. How do you typically respond when your plans or grief are interrupted? What does His response teach us? The disciples said, “We only have five loaves and two fish.” Where in your life do you find yourself saying, “I only have…”? How might Jesus be inviting you to offer that “only”? What are some examples of how God has multiplied something small in your life—time, energy, resources, or faith? How did that shape your trust in Him? The disciples wanted to send the crowd away. Who in your life—or in our community—are you tempted to “send away” rather than serve? What might Jesus be saying instead? “Every opportunity for a miracle has a reason it shouldn't work.” What reasons or excuses tend to limit your faith in God's power? How do those compare to the reasons in this passage? The boy gave his lunch, and Jesus gave thanks for it. What would it look like for you to give thanks for what you have, even if it doesn't feel like enough? What might it look like for our church to attempt the impossible? Where is God calling us to trust Him with our “five loaves and two fish”?

We kick off an old new series by returning to our summer series in the book of Matthew. This week's discussion questions for June 1 are below: Discussion Questions June 1 1. What were some of the common expectations people had of the Messiah during Jesus' time? 2. In what ways do our modern expectations of God mirror or differ from theirs? 3. Have you ever felt disappointed with God? What were you hoping for, and how did you respond? 4. John the Baptist went from boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah to doubting him while in prison. What does that teach us about faith in seasons of suffering or silence? 5. Why do you think Jesus didn't intervene to rescue John from prison? How does that challenge our understanding of how God works? 6. How can we express our disappointment to God in healthy, faith-filled ways? 7. How does Herod's kingship contrast with Jesus' kingship in this passage? 8. What does it mean that Jesus redefined kingship through the cross? How does that impact how we follow him today? 9. Which of your expectations of God might be unconscious, unspoken, or unrealistic? 10. How might God be inviting you to “evaluate” and “adjust” your expectations? 11. Have you ever experienced a time when God didn't meet your expectations, but something deeper or better happened instead? 12. How can we support others in our community who are dealing with disappointment or unmet expectations in their faith? 13. What practices or habits can help us stay rooted in trust even when we don't understand what God is doing?

We conclude our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity. From our May 25 Sunday gathering. This week's discussion questions are below: May 25 Discussion Questions Have you ever struggled with the apparent contrast between the God of the Old Testament and the God revealed in Jesus? How does the idea of progressive revelation help make sense of this tension? 2. What stood out to you about the quote: *“God is the name of the blanket we throw over mystery to give it shape”*? How does that reshape how you think about theology? 3. What are some ways that learning about Jewish thought and tradition has deepened or challenged your understanding of Christianity? 4. In what ways has the church you've experienced leaned more toward a "Marcionite" view—separating the OT God from Jesus? 5. How does the Jewish idea of *Olam Haba* differ from the traditional Christian views of heaven or hell you grew up with? 6. Why do you think Jesus emphasized a “reversal” in the world to come—“the last will be first, and the first will be last”? What does that tell us about God's values? 7. Does the vision of a restored creation (rather than a disembodied heaven) affect how you think about your purpose here and now? 8. What does it look like to live today as if the *Olam Haba* is already breaking into this world? 9. In what ways can we help “colonize earth with the life of heaven,” as N.T. Wright puts it? 10. How does this vision of the future affect how you view justice, mercy, or forgiveness in your daily life?

In our May 18 Sunday gathering we continue our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity and some of the confusion that has caused for the Western church. This week's discussion questions are below: 1. Have you ever claimed a Bible promise thinking it applied directly to you, only to realize later it was originally meant for someone else? How did that realization impact your faith or understanding of scripture? 2. Why is it important to understand the original audience and context of a biblical promise? 3. How does knowing that God's promises depend on “His” character (not ours) give you comfort or challenge you? 4. What does Paul mean when he says “all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Cor. 1:20)? 5. How can promises made to Israel still bring blessing to us through Jesus, even if they weren't made “to” us? 6. How does viewing the Bible as "one continuous story"—with Jesus as the main character—change the way you read both the Old and New Testaments? 7. Why do you think we're so tempted to make the Bible “about us” rather than about God? 8. How should we approach verses like Jeremiah 29:11 in a faithful and honest way? 9. How does the promise “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20) personally encourage you? 10. The sermon mentioned asking: “Who is this promise for? What does this reveal about God's character? Is there a principle here for all people? How is this fulfilled in Jesus?” How might those questions change the way you study the Bible going forward?

We continue our series about the Jewish foundations of the Christian faith. Your discussion questions this week are: Discussion Questions 1. What does the Hebrew word “Barukh” reveal about how God defines blessing? 2. In Genesis 12:1–3, what does it mean that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through” Abraham? How does Jesus fulfill that? 3. How does the way Jesus describes "blessed" people in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) challenge our cultural view of what it means to live the good life? 4. How has the church historically misunderstood or mistreated the Jewish people? 5. Were you aware of how deeply antisemitism has been rooted in Christian history? How does that affect your perspective today? 6. Why is it important to remember that Jesus was Jewish—and how might that change the way we read the Bible? 7. What does it look like to “bless" the Jewish people in practical, everyday terms? 8. How can we stand against antisemitism in our own communities—both subtle and overt forms? 9. Is it possible to support the Jewish people and still speak critically about the actions of modern political Israel? How do we walk that line faithfully and lovingly? 10. Who in your life could you reach out to, listen to, or serve this week as a way of living out God's blessing?

We continue our series about the Jewish roots of Christianity. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions May 4 1. What were some things you were taught about the Old Testament growing up? How did that shape your view of the Torah? 2. The Hebrew word *Torah* means "instruction" or "direction." How does this definition affect how we should approach the first five books of the Bible? 3. Why do you think God gave Israel such specific and unusual laws (like not mixing fabrics or seeds)? 4. How does viewing the Torah as both a religious and cultural-political document help us better understand its purpose? 5. How does Genesis 15:6 challenge the idea that Old Testament believers were saved by following laws? 6. What does it mean that “belief is busy”? How do we see this concept illustrated in both the Old and New Testaments? 7. Why do you think it was so difficult for early Jewish Christians to accept Gentiles into the church without requiring them to follow the Torah? 8. Read Galatians 2:11–16 again. What do you learn about how Paul viewed justification (being made right with God)? 9. Have you ever seen modern parallels to the “circumcision group” mentality— where people are expected to follow extra rules to be considered truly “Christian”? 10. What are some ways we may still misread or misapply Scripture today by ignoring its original context? 11. Dallas Willard said, “Grace is not against effort. It is against earning.” How does this statement help us balance faith and works in our daily walk? 12. In what ways did Jesus “fulfill” the Torah rather than abolish it? (Matt. 5:17)

We kick off a new series about the Jewish people and how Israel affects our Bibles and the roots of Christinaity. Discussion Questions for this week are 1. Why is it important to understand the Jewishness of the Bible and of Jesus? 2. How does realizing that most of the Bible was written by and about Jewish people shift the way we read it? 3. What challenges do modern Christians face when interpreting ancient Jewish texts and customs? 4. Why did God choose the Jewish people to be his representatives on earth? 5. How do Genesis 12:1–3 and Isaiah 9:7 help us understand Israel's original calling? 6. What does it mean to say that Israel was “blessed to be a blessing”? How does that principle apply to us today? 7. What are some of the dangers of the church forgetting its Jewish roots? 8. What tensions arise when discussing modern political Israel in light of biblical Israel? 9. What does it mean to bear the name of Jesus in our lives today? 10. What does it look like when Christians misrepresent Jesus to the world? 11. What are some practical ways we can be agents of shalom in our daily lives? 12. Reflecting on Dallas Willard's quote: “Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you,” how would your life look different if you fully lived that out? 13. Are there areas of your life where you feel you've carried Jesus' name in vain (i.e., misrepresented him)? 14. What are some concrete steps you can take this week to better reflect Jesus to those around you?

In our April 20 Easter Sunday gathering we wrap up our miniseries about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 20, 2025 Discussion Questions 1. Have you ever had to reboot a device to fix a problem? How does that experience connect with the idea of Jesus rebooting creation through the resurrection? 2. Colossians 1:18 says Jesus is the "firstborn from among the dead." What do you think that means? Why is it important that Jesus goes first in resurrection? 3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:22. How does comparing Jesus to Adam help us understand the significance of the resurrection? 4. In Luke 24:1–12, why do you think the women believed the resurrection message first, while the disciples doubted? What does this say about belief and expectation? 5. The sermon says Jesus didn't just die to defeat sin, but to “reboot all of creation”. How does this expand your understanding of the gospel? 6. How is the resurrection both a personal and a cosmic event? 7. What does it mean that the resurrection is “here, but not yet fully here”? How does that tension show up in your everyday life? 8. Is there an area of your life that feels like it's still under the weight of death, loss, or brokenness? How might the hope of resurrection speak into that? 9. The sermon says: “The worst moments of our lives become tombs waiting for a resurrection.” Can you think of a time when something painful or dead in your life was brought back to life in some way? 10. If Jesus truly rebooted the story of the world, what kind of story are you living in now? How would your daily decisions or mindset shift if you lived more fully into that new story? 11. Share one way you could live this week as a citizen of the resurrected kingdom. What small act of renewal or resurrection could you practice—personally or for someone else? 12. If someone asked you “What does Easter mean to you?”, how would you explain it using the image of a reboot?

We continue our micro series about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 13 Discussion Questions What do you feel when you think about death—fear, peace, confusion, something else? Why? 2. How has your perspective on death changed over time, if at all? 3. The sermon argues that Jesus died in order to defeat death. How does that paradox strike you—does it feel confusing, hopeful, beautiful, or something else? 4. Revelation 1:18 says Jesus holds “the keys of death and the grave.” What does that image suggest to you? What might it mean for your own life? 5. Why do you think we still fear death even when we believe Jesus defeated it? 6. What does it look like to live without the fear of death? Have you known someone who lived like that? 7. Dallas Willard said, “You want to stop now... of thinking of your life as coming to an end.” What would change in your life if you truly believed that? 8. What do you imagine the life to come will be like, based on what was shared in this sermon? 9. What does the promise of resurrection and eternal life stir in you? Joy, doubt, curiosity, longing? 10. How can you live today in light of the truth that death has been defeated and that your life will continue beyond the grave? 11. What might it look like to “pray for the kingdom to come” in your everyday routines?

We kick off a new series about why Jesus had to die. This week's discussion questions are below: April 6 Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think the question “If God can do anything, why did Jesus have to die?” is such a powerful or challenging one? 2. Dallas Willard suggests that God's goal is to create a community of free, loving beings. How does that help explain why God allows our current world with its suffering and sin? 3. How does redefining omnipotence as “limitless power to live out God's unchanging character and promises” help us understand why God couldn't simply “snap his fingers” and remove sin? 4. Can you think of something that sounds logical in theory (like the “rock God can't lift” question), but breaks down when applied to a personal God? Why do abstract puzzles fall short in describing God? 5. Why does sin require death as a consequence? How does the “electricity” analogy help explain what sin does to our relationship with God? 6. What role did animal sacrifice play in the Old Testament? How was it a foreshadowing of Jesus' death? 7. How is Jesus described as the ultimate “Paschal lamb”? Why is the timing of his death (at Passover) important? 8. How would you define sin in your own words after hearing this sermon? Has your definition shifted? 9. Why do you think some people ask, “If Jesus forgave me, why can't I just sin as much as I want?” How would you respond to that? 10. In what ways does sin still carry consequences, even if it's forgiven? 11. The sermon describes God's commands not as arbitrary rules but as paths to joy. Do you find that view helpful? Why or why not? 12. What might it look like for you to grow into being a “person of peace and an agent of love like Jesus”?

We conclude our series on trials, by talking about the fires Satan throws into our lives. This weeks discussion questions are below: March 30, 2025 Discussion Questions What does Peter mean when he tells believers to "cast all your anxiety on Jesus"? How does this relate to spiritual battles? Have you ever experienced a time when you felt like you were under spiritual attack? How did you respond? In what ways do you personally struggle with either ignoring spiritual warfare or seeing it in everything? The sermon mentions that suffering can refine us. Can you think of a time when a difficult season in your life ultimately made you stronger or deepened your faith? What are some ways we can "stand firm" in faith when faced with trials or spiritual attacks? How can Christian community help protect us from "the roaring lion" that seeks to isolate and devour believers? The sermon discusses breath prayers as a way to "cast our anxieties" on Jesus. Have you ever practiced breath prayers or similar spiritual disciplines? How do you think they can help in times of stress or fear? How does the hope of Christ's return shape how we endure suffering today? How can we encourage others who are going through difficult times to remember who they are becoming through their struggles?

We continue our series in 1 Peter with a look at why trials often surprise us. This week's discussion questions are: March 23 Discussion Questions Peter tells believers not to be surprised by suffering (1 Peter 4:12). Why do we often feel surprised when we face hardships? 2. How does the idea of suffering as a "refiner's fire" change the way we view trials? Can you think of a time when a difficult experience refined you? 3. In John 16:33, Jesus promises both trouble and victory. How does holding these two truths together shape our faith? 4. What are some common misconceptions about why people suffer? How does Jesus' response in John 9:2-3 challenge these misconceptions? 5. The sermon discusses different views on God's providence and sovereignty. Which view resonates most with you, and why? 6. How can we trust in God's goodness when He doesn't intervene in the way we hope? 7. The sermon suggests that “God does not always remove hardship, but His involvement always transforms it.” How have you seen this play out in your own life? 8. Why do we often miss the subtle ways God is working? What are some practices that could help us recognize His presence more clearly? 9. What does it mean to shift from asking, “Why isn't God acting?” to “How is God moving in ways I do not yet see?” 10. How does this understanding of suffering impact the way we pray? Should we pray differently when we face trials? 11. How can we encourage others who are struggling to see God's hand in their pain? 12. The sermon concludes with the hope that God will one day bring an end to all suffering. How does this hope shape how we endure difficulties now?

We continue our series about trials and overcoming them from 1 Peter. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions March 16 1. Peter compares trials to a refiner's fire. Can you think of a time in your life when a difficult situation made you stronger? How did it refine you rather than destroy you? 2. What are some common ways people react to stress and hardship? How do you personally tend to respond when life feels overwhelming? 3. Do you see yourself becoming better or bitter when facing trials? What factors influence the direction you take? 4. Peter tells us not to repay evil with evil but instead to bless those who hurt us. Why do you think this is so difficult? How does this mindset help us grow rather than become hardened? 5. How does having hope in Jesus change the way we endure suffering? What does it mean to "be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15)? 6. Romans 12:18 says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." What does it look like to live at peace in a world that often feels hostile? 7. When going through trials, Peter encourages us to be like-minded, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble. Which of these is the hardest for you to live out in times of stress? 8. What are some practical ways we can reframe our hardships as challenges instead of threats? How does this shift in perspective change the way we endure them? 9. Who in your life has modeled resilience and faith in the face of trials? What can you learn from their example? 10. How can we cultivate gratitude even in the midst of suffering? What are some small practices that help shift our focus toward thankfulness?

We continue our series about trials and stress, by looking at 1 Peter 2. The discussion questions for this week are: 1. Have you ever experienced a trial or season of suffering that ultimately shaped you for the better? How did it change you? 2. Peter compares suffering to a refining fire that reshapes us. How does this metaphor help us understand the role of trials in our lives? 3. Why do you think suffering can open us to change in ways that comfort and ease do not? 4. Paul says that if we share in Christ's suffering, we will also share in His glory (Romans 8:17-18). What do you think that means practically in our lives today? 5. Jesus taught a radical response to injustice—creative, nonviolent resistance. How does this differ from passivity? How does it challenge our natural instincts? 6. Martin Luther King Jr. described nonviolence as “a courageous confrontation of evil by the power of love.” What are some examples of this kind of response today? 7. How can we honor those in authority (as Peter instructs) while still standing against oppression and injustice? 8. Peter calls believers “foreigners and exiles” in this world. How does seeing ourselves this way change how we engage with suffering, power, and culture? 9. What does it look like to live as a citizen of God's kingdom in a world that often operates on violence, power, and manipulation? 10. Tolkien's quote speaks of hope beyond the reach of darkness. How can we hold onto that hope in difficult times?

We kick off a new series about trials and stress and pressure. How do we respond when it feels like life is an inescapable furnace? We'll look at Peter's words to the early Christian's facing persecution under the tyrant Nero, and I hope all of us will find the courage, the endurance and the faith to keep going, keep loving our neighbors and keep pushing back the darkness. This week's discussion questions are below: 1. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt like you were being tested in a "refiner's fire"? How did that experience shape your faith? 2. Peter talks about trials revealing the genuineness of our faith. Have you ever discovered something about your own beliefs through suffering? What was it? 3. Stephen Colbert spoke about learning to love the thing he wished had not happened. Is there something in your life that, though painful, has led to unexpected growth or good? 4. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says trials refine our faith like gold. How does this analogy help us understand the purpose of suffering in a believer's life? 5. How do you interpret 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, where Paul talks about fire testing our works? What are some ways our motivations and actions might be tested in life? 6. Romans 8:18-22 speaks about all of creation groaning for redemption. How does this shape our understanding of suffering in the world today? 7. When facing difficult trials, how can we remind ourselves of the "living hope" that Peter talks about? 8. How can we encourage others who feel like they are being tested in the fire? What are practical ways we can walk alongside those who are struggling? 9. Peter calls believers to rejoice even in suffering. What are some ways we can find joy in difficult times without ignoring or dismissing the pain? 10. Russell Moore encourages us not to grow cynical or demoralized. What spiritual practices or habits help you maintain hope during hard seasons?

In our final message in our series about doubt, we explore the prayer of a father who tells Jesus, "I believe, help my unbelief." The discussion questions this week are: 1. Have you ever prayed, “Help me God”? What was the situation, and what happened after that prayer? 2. Where do you see yourself on the Engel Scale of belief? What step might be next for you? 4. In Mark 9:23-24, Jesus tells the father, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” What do you think Jesus meant by this? How does this differ from the way prosperity gospel teachers use this verse? 5. Read Matthew 13:58. How does a lack of faith limit what God does in people's lives? Does this mean God's power is dependent on human belief? 6. Ephesians 3:20 says God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” What does this reveal about God's nature and His plans for us? 7. Alex said, “Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.” How does this perspective change the way we approach doubts in our faith? 8. Tim Keller says, “A faith without some doubts is like a human body with no antibodies.” How might wrestling with doubts actually strengthen faith? 9. If someone told you they were struggling with doubt, how would you respond to them? How can we create a church culture where doubts are openly discussed? 10. What is one practical step you can take this week to move forward in faith, even if you have doubts?

We continue our series about Thomas the famous doubting disciple. This week's discussion questions are: 2/16/25 Discussion Questions The sermon contrasts Thomas's nickname "Twin" with the later label "Doubter." How does understanding his original nickname change your perception of him? What are the key differences between genuine doubt and cynicism, as explained in the sermon? How can you tell the difference in yourself? Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of positioning ourselves around believers and actively seeking truth, like Thomas did? How does Jesus's response to Thomas's doubt reveal his character and the nature of God's grace? What is the significance of Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!"? What does it reveal about his understanding of Jesus? The sermon suggests a "dangerous prayer" – asking Jesus to reveal himself as King and God. Would you be willing to pray this prayer? Why or why not? How can you apply the principle of "faith seeking understanding" (fides quaerens intellectum) to your own spiritual journey? Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to be cynical rather than genuinely doubtful? How can you shift your perspective? What specific steps can you take to "position yourself" to encounter Jesus, as Thomas did?

We cancelled our February 9 Sunday gathering due to sickness. Here is a quick mini message from Alex and this week's discussion questions: Have you ever experienced a season of doubt in your faith? If so, what was that experience like? How do you typically respond when you have doubts about God? Do you lean in, push away, or something else? Does knowing that historical Christian figures like St. John of the Cross, Charles Spurgeon, and Mother Teresa struggled with doubt make you feel encouraged or discouraged? Why? Matthew 28:17 says that some of the disciples doubted even after seeing the resurrected Jesus. Why do you think doubt can persist even in the face of clear evidence? What do you think Jesus' response to their doubt would have been? What do you think his response to your doubt is?

We continue our series about doubt by talking about what it means to have child like faith. 2/2/25 Discussion Questions How has your understanding of "childlike faith" been shaped by your own experiences in church or religious settings? Have you ever felt that your questions or doubts were unwelcome in your faith community? If so, how did that experience affect you? Do you resonate with the idea that American Christianity sometimes prioritizes feelings over intellectual engagement? Why or why not? In what ways do you see the tension between faith and doubt playing out in your own life? Do you think it is possible to have a vibrant, questioning faith? How does this sermon speak to that? How can we create church environments where both faith and critical thinking are valued? What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate a deeper intellectual life within their faith? How can churches better support those who are struggling with doubts or difficult questions about their faith? What are some ways to balance emotional experiences of faith with intellectual understanding? How might understanding "childlike faith" as humility change the way we interact with others, both inside and outside the church?

We continue our series on doubt and look at what James says about people who doubt. This week's discussion questions are below: Discussion Questions 1/26/25 1. Growing up, were you ever made to feel like doubt was a weakness or a sin? How has that impacted your faith or view of God? 2. How does the meaning of the Greek word diakrinoo (doubt) reshape the way you understand James 1:5-7? 3. James 2:4 uses the same word to discuss discrimination. How might this broader understanding of “doubt” as divided loyalty or internal conflict apply to your faith life? 4. How does Matthew 5:45, where God gives rain to the righteous and the unrighteous, challenge the idea that doubt or sin might limit God's generosity? 5. James doubted his brother, Jesus, until after the resurrection. How does James's story encourage you in seasons of doubt? 6. Why do you think James ends his letter by referencing Elijah, a prophet who experienced deep doubt? What does this say about God's grace toward doubters? 7. The sermon highlights how some churches portray doubt negatively. How can churches create space for honest conversations about doubt without fear or shame? 8. Alex said that “if the gospel is true, it can hold up to honest questions.” What role does community play in creating an environment where questions and doubts are welcomed? 9. Reflecting on James's teaching and personal story, how might you approach prayer differently when you're feeling unsure or doubting?

Our Jan 19 Sunday gathering is canceled due to an impending winter storm. Here's a quick Look at the Psalms from Alex. Exploring Doubt in the Psalms Reflecting on Doubt: Many Psalms, such as Psalm 13 or Psalm 22, express raw feelings of doubt and despair. How do these Psalms resonate with your own experiences of questioning or uncertainty in faith? The Honesty of the Psalms: Why do you think the Psalmists were so open about their struggles, doubts, and even anger toward God? What does this tell us about the nature of faith? God's Response to Doubt: How does the Psalmist in passages like Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted") convey God's presence even in times of doubt? The Role of Lament: How do the lament Psalms (e.g., Psalm 42-43) demonstrate that expressing doubt can be an act of faith rather than a sign of weakness?

We continue our series about doubt by exploring how doubt is possible both when God doesn't answer our prayers, and even when he does. This week's discussion questions are: 1. How do you view the relationship between faith and doubt? Can doubt coexist with faith, or does it feel like they are always in opposition? 2. Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? What triggered it, and how did you respond? 3. Why do you think unanswered prayers often lead to doubt? Have you experienced this personally? 4. Why do you think doubt can arise even after witnessing or experiencing a miraculous event, like in Elijah's story? 5. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah doubted and wanted to give up despite witnessing God's power. What does this reveal about human nature and faith? 6. How did God respond to Elijah's doubts? What does this teach us about God's character? 7. Elijah's perception of reality was distorted by his doubt (thinking he was alone, etc). How can doubt skew our understanding of situations? 8. What does it look like to take “the next step” in faith when you are struggling with doubt? 9. How can we support others who are experiencing doubt? What lessons from Elijah's story can guide our approach? 10. When you feel overwhelmed by doubt, what practical steps (e.g., rest, prayer, seeking community) help you move forward? 11. Alex's professor asked, “What would God have to do to make you believe?” How would you answer this question today? Is it possible to believe fully without some measure of doubt? 12. Have you seen doubt deepen someone's faith rather than destroy it? What factors might influence whether doubt leads to growth or decline in faith? 13. Despite his doubts, Elijah was honored by God and remained a central figure in scripture. What encouragement can we draw from his example?

We kick off a new series about doubt. Here's the discussion questions mentioned at the end of the message: Discussion Questions: 1/5/2025 1. Relating to Doubt ◦ Have you ever experienced a "bitter laugh" like Sarah's, where disappointment or hopelessness made belief difficult? ◦ How does acknowledging the doubts of biblical figures like Abraham and Sarah change your perspective on your own doubts? 2. Faith and Doubt Coexisting ◦ What does it mean to you that "faith isn't the absence of doubt, but acting despite doubt"? ◦ Can you recall a moment when you acted in faith despite uncertainty? What was the result? 3. Being Honest with God ◦ Why do you think it's challenging to be fully honest with God about doubts or fears? ◦ How might your relationship with God change if you felt free to bring your doubts to Him? 4. God's Faithfulness Amid Doubt ◦ What stands out to you about God's response to Sarah's laughter and doubt? ◦ How does it encourage you to know that God's promises are based on His character rather than your belief or faithfulness? 5. Personalizing the Story ◦ In what ways can you relate to Abraham and Sarah's journey of waiting and doubt? ◦ How do you think God might be working through your doubts right now, even if you don't see the outcome yet? 6. Transforming Doubt into Joy ◦ Sarah's doubt turned into joy when Isaac was born. What does this transformation teach us about God's ability to redeem moments of disbelief? ◦ Where in your life are you longing for God to turn bitterness into joy? 7. Doubt as an Invitation ◦ How might doubt be inviting you to deepen your understanding or relationship with God? ◦ What steps could you take this week to explore your doubts instead of suppressing them? 8. Faith as a Journey ◦ How does the concept that "doubt doesn't exclude you from Christianity" resonate with you? ◦ In what ways can doubt be a tool for spiritual growth rather than a barrier?

In our Dec 29 online service we look back at 2024 and look ahead to 2025 by asking what does God want from us?

In our online only December 22 Sunday service we conclude our Advent series by talking about the deep desire in all of us for Eden, for a Christmas without end, and our band leads us in worship.

Jesus came as a child, grew up to be a man, lived and died and lives again, but he's not around anymore, he left and we're waiting for him to come back. Why leave again? We discuss the ascension of Jesus during our third week of Advent.

Guest speaker Martry Julius continues our Advent series by talking about how the arrival of Jesus disperses darkness and fear.

We kick off our Advent 2024 series with a message about how the Christmas story starts in Genesis 3.

In between series in our Nov 24 Sunday gathering, Alex talks about the curious way our weakness and brokenness become containers for grace.

We have no in person Sunday gathering on Nov 17, instead Alex shares a short devotional about two Hebrew words.

We conclude our series on politics with two pastoral imperatives from Alex: 1) show empathy whether your candidate won or lost and 2) build from the unmoving love of Jesus to repair the world through acts of service and love.

We continue our series about politics by talking about the temptation to use violence to influence change, and the necessity of following the teachings of our Master Jesus who taught enemy love.

Are you anxious about politics? 7 out of 10 Americans say it is the #1 reason they are stressed. How do we live out Jesus' teaching to not be anxious in a world that seems complicit in making us anxious?

We continue our series about politics by exploring what the Bible says about our words, and how we should talk about different political parties and their candidates.

We kick off a new series about politics and how to remain faithful students of Jesus in the midst of division and the rise of politics as religion.

Guest Speaker Rev. Gerald Waters from Proclamation Community church teaches on Romans 2, and how we must do more than simply hear the Bible, we need to act on it, we need to get it in our blood and into our hearts so it moves past our head and moves our hands to act.

In our final message in our series about the Bible, we talk about how this book came together.

We continue our series about the terms and titles people apply to the Bible by talking about sola scriptura and whether or not it is a biblical idea.

This week we discuss inerrancy, and what means and does not mean as we continue our series about the Bible and the human terms we've developed define it.

We continue our series about the Bible and the theological terms used to describe it. This week we discuss inspiration and what it means to say scripture is inspired by God.

We kick off a new series about the scriptures, and what it means to be authoritative, inerrant and inspired and whether or not those titles are helpful as we look for Jesus.

We wrap up our series in Matthew for 2024, and we end with Matthew 13 and the final verses that say Jesus didn't do many miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith.

We continue working through Matthew 13 and a long collection of parables about what the kingdom of God is like.

We continue our series in Matthew 13, by looking at the parable of the Sower.

In our August 4, Sunday gathering we jump into Matthew 13, and do a deep dive into parables and the power of story.