Podcasts about sermon outline

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "Spectator Value: Traffic On The Road To Calvary" From Luke 23:26-32. Sermon Outline - 3 Bystanders And Their Role In The Crucifixion: 1. The Selected Stranger 2. The Wailing Women 3. The Common Criminals

That we must humble ourselves is the major point of this passage, and we see this theme repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments. But just because it is common in Scripture does not mean it is common in our faith and practice. We are proud and we are inclined to exalt ourselves even when it means God opposes us. Yet grace is promised to the humble. So what does it look like for Christians to live humbly?Sermon Outline:I. Christians Subject Themselves in Humility.II. Christians Dress Themselves in Humility.III. Christians Unburden Themselves in Humility.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What is the difference between performing humility and actually being humble? How might we tell the difference?2. What are some practical ways younger believers can show humility and respect toward older believers in the church? How can we do the same toward those who hold the office of “elder” in the church? 3. What would it look like for humility to shape the way we interact with others in everyday situations (family conflict, work disagreements, church decisions)?4. Why do you think it is difficult to give our cares and anxieties to God? When is it difficult for you to believe that God cares for you?5. How does reflecting on Christ's humility change the way you think about serving others or submitting to God? What is one specific area of your life this week where you want to practice humility?

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is "Sharing The Load: How Servants Make Ministry Possible" From Acts 6:1-7. Sermon Outline - 6 Stages Of Producing A Prototype Deacon: 1. The Problem 2. The Priority 3. The Proposal 4. The Prerequisites 5. The Process 6. The Product

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "Toi Story: Choosing God's Kingdom" From 2 Samuel 8. Sermon Outline - 2 Lessons From Toi's Choice So We Will Be Sure We Choose Rightly: 1. Bad News: Consequence Of Rebellion 2. Good News: Blessings Of Submission

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "Three Models Of Unbelief: Pilate, Herod, Israel" From Luke 23:1-25. Sermon Outline - 3 Types Of unbelief So That We Avoid Rejecting The Savior: 1. Indifference - Pilate 2. Curiosity - Herod 3. Hostility - Israel

Shepherding was hard and generally thankless work. And that is exactly the image the Bible uses for spiritual leadership. Consequently, shepherds can be prone to shepherd selfishly rather than sacrificially. How do we overcome this? Sermon Outline:I. The Shepherd's Perspective.II. The Shepherd's Calling.III. The Shepherd's Reward.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. Think of a leader in your life who modeled sacrificial shepherding. What did that look like practically, and how did it affect you?2. How does remembering that the people we lead ultimately belong to God change the way we treat them in the church, in our families, or in places where we have influence?3. Peter addresses three vices shepherds face: sloth, desire for gain, lust for power. Which of these do you think is most common today, and why? Where might you personally feel the pull of one of these?4. In what ways do you find your service drifting from love for Christ toward mere habit or obligation? What practices help you return to that first love?5. How does keeping eternity in view practically change the way you approach discouraging or thankless seasons of serving others?

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "David's Thank-You Note: A Model Prayer Of Gratitude" From 2 Samuel 7:18-29. Sermon Outline - 3 Lessons We Learn About How To Thank God: 1. Humility (Know What You Deserve) 2. Specificity (List What You Have) 3. Expectancy (Trust What God Says)

"It's About Jesus Christ" From 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 With Pastor Tom Gibson. Sermon Outline - 4 points from the message from Paul to guard the unity and main priority of the church: 1. The Plea For Unity 2. The Pride Behind The Problem 3. The Pointed Questions 4. The Priority Of The Cross

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is "God & Government: When To Defy The Authorities" From Acts 5:12-42. Sermon Outline - 4 Right Responses To Government So That We Obey God Over Man: 1. Recognize God's Invention 2. Respect God's Intention 3. Rely On God's Intervention 4. Rever God's Instructions

Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 12 – 13 Sermon Outline: 1 Corinthians 12:1–3 (NKJV) 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking… The post 01/03/2026 – Evening Service: The Lord is my King appeared first on Maroubra Presbyterian Church.

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "Christ's Kangaroo Court: Condemning The Only Innocent Man" From Luke 22:63-71. Sermon Outline - 3 Corruptions Of The Court That Convicted Christ 1. An Ironic Mistreatment 2. An Illegal Mistrial 3. An Ignorant Mistake

Peter reminds us here that we are living in the last stage of God's plan to bring all things to their culmination in his glorification through Jesus Christ and the victory he has already accomplished. Nothing and no one will be exempt from this process that will bring salvation to some and condemnation to others. Because this is the end toward which all history is moving, Christians should live today in a way that reflects that reality. Sermon Outline:I. Be sober-minded for the sake of prayer.II. Love one another persistently because sin will happen.III. Show genuine hospitality.IV. Use your gifts to serve one another.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. In what ways do you think Christians today are (or are not) paying attention to the fact that we are living in the last days? How does that awareness (or lack of it) shape how we live day to day?2. What tends to dull your mind and draw you away from a consistent prayer life? What is one practical step you could take this week to press more intentionally into prayer such as praying at set times, praying the Lord's Prayer, the Psalms, or some other rhythm?3. Peter says that love “covers a multitude of sins.” between covering sins and covering up sins. How do you personally navigate the tension between bearing with others' faults in love and knowing when something needs to be brought to light?4. If you came to church each Sunday looking to extend hospitality rather than receive it, what would you do differently? What one change can you implement this week?5. Spiritual gifts are not self-serving but given for the good of others. Are you currently using your gifts to serve the body? If not, what is holding you back, and what can be done about it?

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "Read The Instructions: David & The Temple" From 2 Samuel 7:1-7. Sermon Outline - 2 Sources Of Instructions From God: 1. The Wrong Source Of Instructions: Good Intentions 2. The Right Source Of Instructions: Revelation

God doesn't love us by spoiling us; He loves us by making us more like Him. When He seems slow to act, or when we face great sadness, those are the times He uses to offer comfort, strengthen our belief, and ultimately show His greatness. Sermon Outline @ http://bible.com/events/49568845

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "A Spiritual Wake-Up Call: Peter's Denial" From Luke 22:54-62. Sermon Outline - 3 Aspects Of Peter's Spiritual Wake-Up Call: 1. The Synoptics Explained 2. The Solecism Examined 3. The Sorrow Expressed

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is "Unity & Community: All Things In Common" From Acts 4:32-37. Sermon Outline - 3 Traits Of The Early Church That Teaches About Community: 1. Uniqueness Of The Early Church 2. Unity Of The Early Church 3. Unselfishness Of The Early Church

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "Audience Of One: Elements Of Worship" From 2 Samuel 6:9-23. Sermon Outline - 3 Elements Of Sincere Worship So That We Will Worship God On His Terms: 1. Worship Involves Fear 2. Worship Involves Humility 3. Worship Involves Passion

What we expect when we go into suffering greatly impacts how we experience it. If we expect that following Jesus is going to be an easy journey, we will be unprepared for the suffering which is a normal part of the Christian life.Sermon Outline:I. Arm Yourself with the Mindset of Christ.II. Leave the Past Behind.III. Live in Light of the Future.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What would it look like for you to consciously “arm yourself” with the mindset of Christ in your daily life? Can you think of a situation where choosing obedience to God would likely bring suffering or loss? How might preparing your mind ahead of time help you endure it?2. Being a Christian isn't primarily about what we avoid, but what we actively pursue. What might it look like to shift from a “don't do this” mentality to a “pursue this” approach? For us who are parents, how can we implement this in our parenting?3. In what ways should Christians look a bit crazy to the world around us? Are there areas where you've compromised to avoid looking different? What might it look like to more boldly dance to the music of the gospel?4. What are some “respectable” ways people (including Christians) can live for themselves rather than for God? How can we recognize and resist these more subtle forms of self-focus?5. How does keeping the future judgment and resurrection in mind help you endure present suffering or rejection for your faith? In practical terms, how can we live in light of the future this week?

Transactional faith, like the nine healed lepers, accepts the gift but ignores the giver of the healing, treating Jesus as a service provider. Relational faith, exemplified by the returning Samaritan, seeks a relationship with the Master, moving from asking to giving thanks. This shift marks the difference between a "half-finished" faith that heals the body and a complete faith that saves the soul. Sermon Outline @ http://bible.com/events/49564995

Bible Readings: Ephesus 1:1–23 Sermon Outline: 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV) 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. I Communion with the Father in His love Ephesians 2:18 (NKJV) 18 For through Him we both have access by… The post 15/02/2026 – Morning Service: Communion with the Trinity appeared first on Maroubra Presbyterian Church.

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "The Kiss That Killed: The Betrayal Of Christ" From Luke 22:47-53. Sermon Outline - 2 Attitudes At Play In This Betrayal So We Would Examine Ourselves And Worship Our Savior: 1. The Willingness Of Judas 2. The Willingness Of Jesus

In this passage, Peter tells us the outcome of the great battle of world history. Christ triumphs! Believers who know the outcome of history can take heart in the face of our suffering so that we do not back down or resort to our old ways of life. Instead, we can continue to follow the example of Jesus who also suffered for doing good. Sermon Outline:I. Take heart, Christ has died and triumphs over sin.II. Take heart, Christ has risen and triumphs over death.III. Take heart, Christ is reigning and triumphs over hell.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does understanding that Christ has already paid for all your sins change the way you think about suffering or difficulty in your Christian life? Where might you be tempted to believe God is punishing you rather than fathering you?2. Share about a time when following Jesus has cost you something (a relationship, an opportunity, respect, comfort, etc.). How can knowing the outcome of the story help us face that kind of suffering?3. If you've been baptized as an infant or later after you believed, how does your baptism serve as a reminder and encouragement that you share in Christ's death and resurrection? If you have never been baptized, what is holding you back? 4. What would it look like practically for you to invest more fully in Christ's kingdom this week? 

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is "Ganging Up On God? Human Power vs Providence" From Acts 4:23-31. Sermon Outline - 3 Realities Of God's Power That Shape Our World So We Will Have Confidence: 1. Perceived Power Of God's Politicians 2. Providential Power Of God's Plan 3. Practical Power Of God's Protection

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is "When Holiness & Sinfulness Collide: Uzzah & The Ark" From 2 Samuel 6:1-15. Sermon Outline - 3 Questions That Teach Us How To View God's Warnings: 1. What Is Holiness? 2. What Is Sinfulness? 3. What Happens When They Collide?

While pride uses people for self-benefit, humility values everyone as made in God's image, prioritizing their needs and welcoming all. Sermon Outline @ http://bible.com/events/49562031

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon - When God Prays: Blood, Sweat, & Fear In Gethsemane, From Luke 22:39-46. Sermon Outline - 3 Insights Into Our Savior's Prayers So We Can Know Him And Pray Better: Christ's... 1. Transparency In Prayer 2. Humility In Prayer 3. Fervency In Prayer

Jesus frees the oppressed, heals the suffering, and confronts our misplaced priorities. Sermon Outline @ http://bible.com/events/49558978 (Do To Winter Weather, In Person Services Were Cancelled. This broadcast was shared on facebook live.)

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is A Model Of Kingdom Come: When God's King Reigns, From 2 Samuel 4 & 5. Sermon Outline - 4 Characteristics Of A Kingdom When God's King Reigns: 1. No More Rivals 2. No More rebellion 3. No More Roaming 4. No More Resistance

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is Confidence In Christ: The Humor Of Human Power From Acts 4:1-31. Sermon Outline - 4 Ways Human Power Falls Short So All Your Confidence Is In Christ: 1. Humans Vs Impossibility 2. Humans Vs Hell 3. Humans Vs Reality 4. Humans Vs Providence

Bible Readings: 2 Timothy 3 – 4 Sermon Outline: 2 Timothy 4:16–18 (NKJV) 16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and… The post 01/02/2026 – Evening Service: The last words of Paul appeared first on Maroubra Presbyterian Church.

Meeting Jesus: Wednesdays Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is War And Peace: When Seasons Change From Luke 22:35-38. Sermon Outline - 2 Seasons So We Will Learn To Adapt To Meet Our Age's Challenge: 1. The Season Of Safety 2. The Season of Swords

Satan attempts to imprison us by blinding us to the truth, but true freedom is found when we recognize Jesus as the Stronger Man who has already conquered the enemy. Sermon Outline @ http://bible.com/events/49555643 (Do To Winter Weather, In Person Services Were Cancelled. This broadcast was shared on facebook live.)

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is Amazing Power Of Jesus' Name, Pt 3: Peter's Challenge From Acts 3:17-26. Sermon Outline - 3 Aspects Of A Biblical Miracle So You Will Recognize God's Power: 1. Particulars Of The Miracle (2 weeks ago) 2. Power Of The Miracle (last Week) 3. Purpose Of The Miracle (today) Today - 3 Beautiful Blessings That Repentance Brings So You Will Appreciate What You Gain By Giving Up Your Sins: 1. Relief From Guilt 2. Refreshment Fro Burdens 3. Readiness For The Return Of Christ

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is General Strike: Abner's Agenda & Joab's Revenge From 2 Samuel 3. Sermon Outline - 2 Personal Agendas that Sabotage The Kingdom: 1. Abner's Agenda 2. Joab's Revenge

Meeting Jesus: Wednesday Evenings In Luke With Dr. Clint Archer. Tonight's Sermon Is Agony & Ecstasy In Discipleship: Trials, Reward, & Grace Is From Luke 22:28-34. Sermon Outline - 3 Facets Of Discipleship So We Know What Awaits Us: 1. The Incentive Of Reward 2. The Inevitability Of Trials 3. The Imperative Of Grace

While modern society may be engaged in a war on men, the Bible is not. We recognize that God created humanity male and female and that they are not the same. When God made woman, it was good. When God made man, it was good. When he brought them into a relationship of headship and submission, it was good. Of course, like everything else, being a man has been complicated by the fact that we are all sinners. Join us to discover what it means to be a holy husband.Sermon Outline:I. Holy Husbands Live Understandingly.II. Holy Husbands Honor Intentionally.III. Holy Husbands Pray Effectively.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. What cultural shifts have contributed to the decline of masculine virtue? How does the gospel provide a better foundation for biblical manhood?2. What does it mean to live with your wife “according to knowledge” of God and of your wife? In which area are you lacking knowledge, and what can you do about it this week? 3. Why is spiritual leadership in the home so difficult for so many Christian men? What can be done about it?4. Why do you think active church involvement makes such a dramatic difference in how men treat their wives? How does the gospel transform the way we use whatever power or strength we have in relationships?5. How does remembering that your spouse is equally redeemed and equally valued by God change the way you approach conflict or difficulty in marriage?

Acts: The Revolution Begins | A Series With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermons Is Amazing Power Of Jesus' Name, Pt 2: Peter's Explanation From Acts 3:11-16. Sermon Outline - 3 Aspects Of A Biblical Miracle So You Will Recognize God's Power: 1. Particulars Of The Miracle (Last Week) 2. Power Of The Miracle 3. Purpose Of The Miracle (next week)

King David's Reign: Second Samuel Series With Dr. Clint Archer. Picking Sides: Knowing When To Divide From 2 Samuel 2. Sermon Outline - 2 Sides Everyone Needs To Choose Between: 1. The 2 Sides Introduced A) God's Kingdom (vs 1-7) B) Man's Kingdom (vs 8-12) 2. The 2 Sides At War (vs 13-32)

Many women and wives go through life hearing the message that they're not good enough or somehow always doing it wrong. Is 1 Peter 3:1-6 more of the same or is there incredibly good news in this passage? Join us to find out.Sermon Outline:I. Holy wives practice submission rather than manipulation.II. Holy wives focus on character over appearance.III. Holy wives are marked by courage more than fear.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How does remembering we have one ultimate authority free us from the impossible burden of meeting everyone's conflicting expectations? In what areas of your life do you find yourself most tempted to prioritize others' approval over God's?2. How does viewing submission as an act of faith in God (rather than merely obedience to a husband) change your understanding of this passage? What fears might prevent wives from practicing this kind of trust?3. Why might persistent verbal witnessing sometimes harden rather than soften an unbeliever's heart? How can this principle apply beyond marriage to other relationships where we want to influence someone toward Christ?4. What practical rhythms or habits could help you cultivate “the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”? How can we pursue appropriate care for our physical appearance while keeping our primary focus on developing godly character?5. What specific fears might tempt Christian wives (or any believer) to disobey God's design? How does knowing we've “returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls” address these fears practically?

King David's Reign: Second Samuel With Dr. Clint Archer. A New Hope: Lessons From An Empty Throne From 2 Samuel 1. Sermon Outline - 3 Lessons From An Empty Throne: 1. Our Leaders Are Put There By God 2. Our Leaders Are Accountable To God 3. Our Leaders Can't Save The World

Sermon Outline

Peter teaches us in this passage that Christians have been set free from the tyranny of sin and self so that we may freely submit to human authorities as servants of God. Sermon Outline:I. The Christian's Call to Submission.II. The Divine Purpose of Government.III. The Witness of True FreedomSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why is it important that our submission to authority be “for the Lord's sake” rather than merely for social order or personal convenience?2. How do we discern when civil disobedience is necessary versus when we're simply resisting authority because we disagree? What principles should guide us in making this distinction?3. How does viewing government as God-ordained (rather than merely a human invention) change how we pray for, speak about, and participate in civic life, especially when we're disappointed by our leaders?4. How does our culture tend to define “freedom”? How does Peter's definition challenge or correct that? 5. What are some practical ways you can use your freedom in Christ this week to serve others and bless your community?

The best way to know your true estimation of Jesus is by how you respond to him. In this message we will consider the two possible responses to Jesus: Either we see his true value and come to him as more precious than anything in this world, or we underestimate him and stumble into eternal shame. Sermon Outline:I. Those who see Christ's true value come to him and are built into God's temple.II. Those who reject Christ stumble into eternal shame.Sermon Discussion Questions:1. How would you honestly assess your own estimation of Jesus? What evidence in your daily life reveals whether you truly see him as precious and chosen, or whether you've underestimated his worth?2. Peter describes the church as being built together into one spiritual house. How does this image challenge our tendency to view faith as a private, individual experience? What might it look like for us to live more consciously as living stones connected to one another?3. Why is it significant that our worship is only acceptable through Christ and not on its own merit? How does knowing that Jesus perfects and presents our worship encourage you in your service to God?4. Where do you see pressure today to compromise biblical convictions to avoid shame? How can we encourage one another when identifying with Christ brings social cost?5. What does it mean for Jesus to be the cornerstone of your life? Are there any areas where you've been tempted to build on another foundation? What would it look like to realign those areas with Christ?

Series: Signs & GloryTitle: Why does Jesus lead us into dark places?Scripture:

How can we tell if we have experienced the new birth? Many well-meaning people want to reduce it down to some belief or practice that we can do in our own strength. But in this passage, we see that the evidence of being born again is a supernatural love for others and an insatiable longing for God. Sermon Outline:I. If we have been born again, then we will love one another.II. If we have been born again, then we will long for more of GodSermon Discussion Questions:1. In what ways are you tempted to reduce Christianity to something you can manage, measure, or control? How does Peter's emphasis on sincere, enduring love challenge that? 2. What are some “flat tire” signs in our lives that indicate we're living as if God doesn't matter? How does the gospel offer us not just repair, but a completely new life?3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, where do you find it hardest to love this way? Is it with a spouse, a difficult family member, someone with opposing political views, or in another relationship? What would it look like to love that person with the imperishable love that comes from being born of imperishable seed?4. Peter lists five things incompatible with love: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander (2:1). Which of these five is most present in your heart right now, and toward whom? What practical step could you take this week to put it off?5. How would you honestly assess your current spiritual hunger? What practices or habits most help you cultivate that desire, and what tends to diminish it?

No matter the cost, no matter the difficulty, no matter the alienation and ostracization, no matter the suffering it will cause, the holy man does what his Lord says to do. Today's passage looks at not only the why of holiness, but also the what and the how. Sermon Outline:I) The Why of HolinessII)The What of HolinessIII)The How of Holiness Discussion Questions:The message begins by connecting Reformation Day to holiness. How does this connection help reframe our understanding of “justification by faith alone”?Holiness is both a gift and a requirement — that you are “saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.” How can this tension between grace and holiness be understood and applied in daily Christian life?In today's culture, holiness is often viewed negatively as “judgmental” or “intolerant.” What practical steps can Christians take to pursue holiness without falling into self-righteousness or snobbery?The message describes holiness as obedience to God “no matter the cost.” How do modern distractions, pressures, or relationships challenge that kind of total obedience today?The passage concludes that true holiness depends on the work of the Holy Spirit through the “ordinary means of grace.” How can believers more intentionally structure their lives around Scripture, prayer, and worship to grow in holiness?

Our past rebirth into a future inheritance gives us a living hope in the present, even in suffering. There are three things described in this passage that we can praise God for no matter what we may be going through today. Sermon Outline:I. Praise God: we have been born againII. Praise God: we are being guardedIII. Praise God: we are being refinedSermon Discussion Questions:1. Why do you think Peter begins not with the believers' suffering but with praising God? What might that teach us about how to approach our own seasons of suffering or discouragement?2. Why is it important to remember that our salvation is rooted in God's mercy rather than our own merit? How does this truth affect the way we relate to God and to others?3. Peter describes our inheritance as “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” How does this promised inheritance differ from the things we typically hope for in this life? What practical difference could that make in the way we view success, loss, or aging?4. According to verse 7, trials test and refine our faith like fire purifies gold. How can understanding this purpose help us respond differently when we face future trials?5. What does it mean that God guards us through faith rather than from all suffering? How does this promise give you confidence about persevering in your faith until Christ returns?

Joshua reminds Israel in this text that they have been the recipients of centuries of God's faithfulness and rescue. Yet he knows how prone they are to forgetting what God has done for them. If they forget, they will slide into serving the idols of the surrounding culture. And so will we. We must make a decisive determination regarding whom we will live for, whom we will serve.Sermon Outline:I. A History LessonII. A Decisive ChoiceIII. A Renewed CovenantSermon Discussion Questions:1. Joshua reminded Israel of God's gracious acts in their history before calling them to renewed commitment. What specific acts of God's faithfulness in your own life or family come to mind, and how does remembering these strengthen your loyalty to Him?2. What “default idols” are most tempting in your own life or in our culture (money, beauty, approval, success, etc.)? What does it practically look like to put away these false gods in your daily life?3. For those with children at home: how are you intentionally leading your household to serve the Lord? For everyone: what specific practices or rhythms have you established (or want to establish) to pass your faith on to the next generation? Where might God be calling you to take greater initiative?4. How does Jesus' call to take up our cross daily sharpen our understanding of what true commitment looks like? How does this differ from the way Christianity is sometimes presented?

One of the great dangers for us as God's people is to forget God's history of faithfulness. When we forget, we will likely drift into compromise and reap the consequences of disobedience. But God loves us and has shown us how we can avoid the consequences of mission drift.Sermon Outline:I. Remember God's History of FaithfulnessII. Cling to God in Loving ObedienceIII. Be on Guard Against Gradual CompromiseSermon Discussion Questions:1. Share a specific time when God showed His faithfulness in your life. What practices help you regularly remember and celebrate God's track record in your life?2. Can you identify areas in your own life where you might be experiencing “mission drift”? What circumstances or influences tend to pull you away from your core identity in Christ? How can we help each other stay on course?3. What specific areas of obedience require the most strength and courage in your current season of life?4. What are some of the most subtle or appealing idols in our current culture? How can you tell when something good (work, money, success, etc.) is becoming an idol in your life?5. If you knew with absolute certainty that every promise and warning in God's Word would come true, how might it change the way you live this week?

Theological error, idolatry, and sin are serious matters that cannot be ignored because they are a constant threat to the unity of God's people. In this passage, we see the necessity of pursuing the peace and purity of the church.Sermon Outline:I. Because the LORD is God, We Must Cling to Him in Wholehearted DevotionII. Because the LORD is God, We Must Pursue the Purity of the ChurchIII. Because the LORD is God, We Must Pursue the Peace of the ChurchSermon Discussion Questions:1. The word “cling” used in Joshua's instructions is the same word used to describe how a husband and wife should hold fast to each other in marriage. What does it look like practically to “cling to God with loyalty, faithfulness, and affection” in the midst of busy daily life? What threatens to pull your affection away from Him?2. The altar built by the eastern tribes was misunderstood as rebellion. Can you recall a time when you misjudged someone's motives (or were misjudged yourself)? What would it look like for you to be slower to assume and quicker to ask questions in those situations?3. The western tribes feared the altar represented idolatry because sin spreads and affects the whole community. In what ways have you seen sin (whether your own or others') impact your family, church, or community? What does “guarding the purity of the church” look like in practice?4. When the misunderstanding was cleared, Israel rejoiced that “the LORD is in our midst” (v. 31). How does pursuing peace with one another help us experience and display God's presence today?5. How does this central confession that “The LORD is God” give us unity as believers even when we disagree about lesser matters? How could remembering this confession change the way you approach conflict?