Middletown Christian Church Podcast

Discussion Questions 1. What are your biggest fears for the future? 2. Where do you find yourself being the most anxious for the church during this time of transition? 3. Where do you find hope? 4. How do you life in the present instead of worrying about the future? 5. How do you find Jesus […] The post I AM: The Way, The Truth, and the Life appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What does Jesus’ compassion compel him to do for the crowd? 2. Why did the disciples suggest that Jesus send away the crowd? 3. How would you have handled the need to feed over 5,000 people? 4. Why does Jesus involve the disciples instead of solving the problem himself? 5. What’s the […] The post One More Time appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1.Why do you think Jesus takes them across the sea at night? 2.What is the worst life storm you’ve ever been through? 3.Why do you think Jesus was sleeping in the boat? 4.Why are the disciples still “terrified” even after Jesus calms the storm? 5.What do you think Jesus was trying to teach […] The post Jesus Stops A Storm appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1.What transitions have you experienced? What did you learn from your experience? 2.What emotions do you think Jacob was experiencing as the sun was going down? 3.What does Jacob discover about God during his transition? 4.What difference does it make to think of transitions as holy ground? “On the spiritual journey…each time a […] The post Finding God in Transition appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1.What have you learned from Peter about saying “Yes” to God? 2.What are some of the things that keep us from saying “Yes” to God? 3.When has saying  “Yes” changed the direction of your life? 4.How has God shown you that God is faithful and can be trusted? The post One Simple Yes After Another appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. In terms of a weather report, how would you describe your life at present? 2. Paul reacted to the situation with hope and courage. How do you generally respond? 3. How can Paul’s example and the principles you have learned from him help you? 4. What is your part and God’s part […] The post What’s Ahead: You’re (Always) Going to Need This appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What does spiritual worship look like to you, and where does that happen in your life? 2. What instance(s) of conformity can you identify in your life that might put you in conflict with God’s desire for you? 3. What pattern in this world is most present that you want God to […] The post What’s Ahead: Just One Thing appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Timothy was discouraged? 2. Who are the people in your life who encourage you? 3. What advice does Paul give that’s helpful to you? 4. What can you do to fan the flame of your faith? 5. Where’s the good news in this message? The post What’s Ahead: You Should Expect It appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What’s ahead for you in the New Year? Are you ready for something new? 2. Why did Terah settle in Haran instead of pursuing his dreams for his life? 3. What is the biggest lesson we can learn from the life of Abram and Sarai? 4. What are you thoughts about Sarah […] The post What’s Ahead: Get Up and Move appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Why are the wise men an important part of the Christmas story? 2. Why was Herod disturbed by the news the wise men delivered? 3. Why is it important to tell the darker side of the Christmas story? 4. What’s your biggest takeaway from the message? The post The Other Side of Christmas appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. When asked to think about it, where did you see yourself in the Christmas story? 2. How would it have felt to be in Mary’s shoes? 3. Where in your life and the world do you wish the peace of Christ would enter? 4. How easy or difficult is it to pause […] The post Can You Hear That? appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

“Advent is the Church’s way of observing and remembering, of marking the truth we believe that God came to be with us once, and God is still with us, and God is coming again to set all things right.”-Sarah Bessey  Discussion Questions 1. What heartache is Mary and Joseph experiencing in this story? 2. What […] The post Something to Believe In appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Matthew included women in the genealogy of Jesus? 2. Who in our world is forced to make desperate choices just to survive? 3. What does the genealogy reveal to us about the faithfulness of God? 4. What is the most hope-inspiring thing that you have heard in this […] The post Hope for All of Us appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Christmas for the Rest of Us: A Series for People without Perfect Lives “If Christmas is for the joy, then Advent is for the longing.”-Sarah Bessey Because of our God’s deep compassion, the dawn will break upon us, to give light to those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, to […] The post Advent is for Longing? appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What’s the most meaningful phrase to you in Psalm 100? 2. Which of the following statements makes the most sense to you? Why? -Gratitude grows our connection to others. -Gratitude is something that we practice. -Gratitude is paying attention. -Gratitude makes us more resilient. 3.What are you grateful for about Middletown Christian […] The post Together We Will Give Thanks appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What is Paul praying for in today’s scripture? 2. What does it mean to be strengthened in your inner being? 3. Why is it important to be rooted and established in love? 4. What does it mean to be filled with the fullness of God? 5. What would a church be like […] The post Together We Can Be Filled appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Epignosis-to know personally, intimately and experientially  Discussion Questions 1. What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God? 2. How might a church that encourages diversity grow our knowledge of God? 3. What might happen if we kept asking God to help us know God better? 4. Do you agree or disagree with […] The post Together We Can Keep Asking appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”-Ephesians 3:20 Discussion Questions 1. Fill in the blank. Together we can ____________________. […] The post Together We Can Come Alive appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. How have you benefited from this series on the Beatitudes? What you discovered that has made a difference for you? 2. Who would you regard as the most unfortunate people among us? How can you be a blessing to the unfortunate ones? 3. What does being persecuted for righteousness sake mean to […] The post Blessed are the Persecuted appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. How do you define peace? 2. Jewish tradition teaches that peace (Shalom) is not the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness. What do you think of this definition? 3. Where do you see a need for wholeness in your life? In your community? 4. What’s the difference between being a […] The post Blessed are the Peacemakers appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. How would you describe the condition of your heart? 2. What are some life circumstances that darken our hearts? 3. How does cynicism, resentment, and fear impact how we view others? 4. Do you see today’s beatitude as an invitation of a threat? Why? 5. What’s the most valuable lesson you learned […] The post Blessed are the Pure in Heart appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. When does Jesus show mercy to others? 2. When have you experienced mercy? When have you experienced un-mercy? 3. What does every day mercy look like to you? 4. How can you practice mercy in you every day life? “There is a strength, a power even, in understanding brokenness, because embracing our […] The post Blessed Are the Merciful appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What are you learning about the Beatitudes in this series? 2. What comes to mind when you hear the word righteousness? 3. When have you literally ached for things to be different? 4. What does it look like to hunger and thirst for righteousness? 5. What do you think about the quote […] The post Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Get in tune with people who are beaten down. Find way to love and encourage them. Who…. What… When…   For additional study: Leviticus 25, Isaiah 58, Isaiah 61, Luke 4:16-21, Luke 7:18-23, Luke 13:1-5, Mark 10:17-31 View a list of 12 authors who challenge how we think about the Bible, Jesus, and being a […] The post Blessed are the Meek appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. “Sorrow, grief, and loss are inevitable and necessary.” What does this statement mean to you? Why are these things necessary? 2. What are some of the different kinds of loss we experience? When has your heart been broken? 3. What’s the blessing for those who embrace mourning instead of avoiding it? 4. […] The post Blessed Are Those Who Mourn appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. “The world needs more disciples not believers.” Why or why not? 2. What does it mean to be poor in spirit? When have you been poor in spirit? 3. How does physical poverty crush the human spirit? 4. Why do you think Jesus begins his beatitudes with the poor in spirit? 5. […] The post Blessed are the Poor in Spirit appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What is the wonderful invitation Jesus is offering us in today’s passage? 2. Why do you think Peter and Andrew left their nets behind to follow Jesus? What does it mean for you to follow Jesus? 3. “It’s easier to get people interested in Jesus than it is to get them to […] The post A Wonderful Invitation appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What expectation in life have you set for yourself that you might not ever reach? 2. Why did you put that expectation on yourself? Or who put that expectation on you? 3. What does the Kingdom of God look like to you? 4. What would everyday life look like if we were […] The post You Can Sit With Us appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What things in your life do you worry about most often? 2. Do you think people today are more anxious and worried than in the recent past? 3. What questions would you like to ask Jesus about the passage this morning? 4. What is the Kingdom of God? What does seeking the […] The post What Worries You? appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. How do you respond when you experience abundance in your life? 2. What walls do you have in your life that keep you at a safe distance from others? 3. Who do you need to be with at the table in the next few weeks? 4. How can we as a congregation […] The post Tables, Not Walls appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Do you find the message of Revelation disturbing or comforting? Why? 2. What did you learn today about Revelation that was new for you? 3. What is most meaningful about this week’s prayer? Why? 4. How does this prayer give us hope and confidence in uncertain times? Revelation Resources: “The Book of […] The post Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What are you holding onto in your heart that is holding you back? 2. What does having a pure heart mean to you? What is a steadfast spirit? 3. Does your relationship with God bring you joy? Why or why not? 4. What are the benefits of praying this prayer? What can […] The post Create in Me a Pure Heart, O God appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. When have you experienced “imposter syndrome,” a feeling of not belonging because you feel inadequate in some way? 2. How do we get over imposter syndrome? 3. When have you, like Isaiah, said, “Here I am God, I’ll do it”? What was that experience like? 4. What hard but holy thing is […] The post Here I Am, Send Me appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

“A changed world begins with us, and a changed us begins when we pray.”-Eugene Peterson Discussion Questions 1. When you spend time with God, do you spend more time talking or listening? Why? 2. What are some of the things in our lives that distract us from hearing the voice of God? 3. Why do […] The post Great Prayers: “Speak, Your Servant is Listening.” appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. How does an understanding of life as a mist impact the way you live? 2. What are the risks of not involving God when we are making plans for our life? What are the challenges of knowing God’s will for our life? 3. Read Luke 12:15-21. How does this parable reinforce the […] The post When Making Your Plans appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think James uses such harsh language? How might his words possibly be misunderstood? 2. What are some examples of friendship with the world? What are some examples of friendship with God? 3. What difference does the grace of God make for us? Where have you seen God’s grace in […] The post An Enemy of God? appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”-James 1:17  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”-Proverbs 3:5-6 […] The post When We Are Fighting appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What does bringing heaven down mean to you? When have you seen heaven come down? 2. How is the Church supposed to be different from any other social group in the world? 3. What problems was James addressing in the church? How are those challenges among us today? 4. What kind of […] The post Bring Heaven Down appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions Has someone’s words ever shaped the way you think about yourself or someone else (good or bad)? Have you ever discovered that maybe those things you thought about yourself or someone else wasn’t the way it was? How did that process feel? Why are the words we use important? What is your biggest […] The post Does This Sermon Title Matter? appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions What is your normal response when trials come into your life? Is it realistic to ask us to look for joy when trials come? How does viewing trials as opportunities for growth change how you face them? What kind of wisdom do you think James is encouraging us to ask for in verse […] The post When Trouble Comes appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What did you learn about the main theme of James? 2. Why is faith that is not applied useless? 3. What did you hear in the message that you want to put into action? 4. What would you like to learn from this series on James? The post Faith That Works appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Additional Scriptures: Proverbs 18:2, Luke 7:36-39, 1 Samuel 16:7 Discussion Questions 1. What are some of the negative consequences of making snap judgments about others? 2. When was the last time your snap judgment about someone was totally wrong? 3. What do you need more of—Humility? Generosity? Curiosity? 4. What would it look like for […] The post It’s More Complicated Than That appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Why did Jesus ask Peter three times, “Do you love me?” 2. Why do you think Jesus continues to rely on Peter when Peter has so many failures on his resume? 3. When have you blown it so badly that you wouldn’t blame God if he gave up on you? What did […] The post This is Love: Peter, Do You Love Me? appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions What is your biggest takeaway from today’s sermon? Why does Peter go fishing? What do the empty nets symbolize? Why don’t the disciples recognize Jesus? Why does Peter jump into the water? Why does Jesus cook breakfast for the Disciples? The post This is Love: Breakfast with Jesus appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. What’s your Easter story? 2. How is your personal Easter story proof that Jesus was raised from the dead? 3. How does failure and death shape who we are? How do they help us become who we are meant to be? 4. Love rises from the dead instead of hate and vengeance. […] The post Love Rises appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Crux Probat Omnia  = The Cross Probes Everything  Discussion Questions 1. How has this message expanded your understanding of the cross? 2. What would it look like to remove the “but” from your relationships? 3. What difference would it make to remove the “but” from our lives? 4. How did this message change your definition […] The post There is No “But” in Love appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. If you feel comfortable sharing, when have you felt depressed or anxious? What triggers these feelings in you? 2.What has been helpful to you during these times? Have people said or done things they meant to be helpful but just made things worse? 3.What stigmas around mental health prevent people, especially Christians, […] The post Spiritual Crises: Anxiety & Depression appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think it is difficult to forgive those who hurt you? 2. What barriers have hindered you from forgiving others? 3. Have you experienced the freedom that forgiveness brings? If so, how? 4. What are you gaining by choosing to not to forgive? What are you losing? 5. Talk radio […] The post Spiritual Crises: Forgiveness appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

“I have come to regard with some suspicion those who claim that the Bible never troubles them. I can only assume this means they haven’t actually read it.”-Rachel Held Evans, A Year of Biblical Womanhood Discussion Questions 1. How has your reading and study of the Bible changed over the years? 2. What kinds of […] The post Spiritual Crises: The Bible appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

“Faith and doubt aren’t opposites, they are, it turns out, excellent dance partners.”-Rob Bell  Discussion Questions 1. What are some of the doubts you have? 2. When has a time of doubt felt like too much to overcome? 3. When has your doubt helped you grow in faith? 4. How can we keep moving forward […] The post Spiritual Crises: Doubt appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.

Additional scriptures: Psalm 22:1-11; Mark 15:22-39; Romans 8:28, 33-39  Discussion Questions 1. What easy explanations have you heard for why people suffer? What are some of the least satisfying? 2. What are the pitfalls of the statement, “everything happens for a reason?” 3. How has the problem of suffering impacted your life and the lives […] The post Spiritual Crises: Suffering appeared first on Middletown Christian Church.