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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
Episodes
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
Sunday Apr 21, 2024
ACTS 19:1-7
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (NIV 84)
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit. 3 So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. 4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
Importance of Ephesus - Paul will stay longer in Ephesus than in any other city he visits on his three missionary journeys. Ephesus becomes the center of the Jesus movement that started Jerusalem went north to Antioch and now west to Ephesus.
John the Baptist - the last in a long line of prophets who longed for the day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all of God's people.
The parabola of salvation (aka. the smiley face of salvation) - the full message of the good news includes the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Importance of Ephesus - Paul will stay longer in Ephesus than in any other city he visits on his three missionary journeys. Ephesus becomes the center of the Jesus movement that started Jerusalem went north to Antioch and now west to Ephesus.
John the Baptist - the last in a long line of prophets who longed for the day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all of God's people.
The parabola of salvation (aka. the smiley face of salvation) - the full message of the good news includes the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Icebreaker: like the example of my friend, Tim, do you have friends who you could contact this week who would only know you from the first half of your life? Do you have a recent example of reconnecting with an old friend in that way? Share with the group.
2 The disciples in Acts 19 had missed the announcement. Read again Acts 1:4-5. John the Baptist was the last in a long line of prophets who had longed for the day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all of God's people. Have you ever thought about Pentecost as the fulfillment of centuries of longing and hoping for this time?
3 The disciples in Acts 19 had missed the ascension. The fullness of the gospel is in the shape of a parabola because it includes the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. Discuss the importance of the ascension in understanding the good news of Jesus Christ.
4 The disciples in Acts 19 had missed the anointing. Simply put, they were ignorant of Pentecost. Read again Peter's explanation of what is happening at Pentecost in Acts 2:32-33. Have you ever thought about the explanation of the ascended Jesus being the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit?
1 Icebreaker: like the example of my friend, Tim, do you have friends who you could contact this week who would only know you from the first half of your life? Do you have a recent example of reconnecting with an old friend in that way? Share with the group.
2 The disciples in Acts 19 had missed the announcement. Read again Acts 1:4-5. John the Baptist was the last in a long line of prophets who had longed for the day when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all of God's people. Have you ever thought about Pentecost as the fulfillment of centuries of longing and hoping for this time?
3 The disciples in Acts 19 had missed the ascension. The fullness of the gospel is in the shape of a parabola because it includes the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. Discuss the importance of the ascension in understanding the good news of Jesus Christ.
4 The disciples in Acts 19 had missed the anointing. Simply put, they were ignorant of Pentecost. Read again Peter's explanation of what is happening at Pentecost in Acts 2:32-33. Have you ever thought about the explanation of the ascended Jesus being the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit?
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
Sunday Apr 14, 2024
ACTS 18:18-28
18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquilla. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he only knew the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (NIV 84)
18 Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquilla. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. 22 When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he only knew the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
Four statements about the will of God (from the book Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen):
1 Where God commands, we must obey.
2 Where there is no command, God gives us the freedom (and responsibility) to choose.
3 Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.
4 When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.
All Christians should have a theology of the dimly seen - based on 1 Corinthians 13:12, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part: then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Four statements about the will of God (from the book Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen):
1 Where God commands, we must obey.
2 Where there is no command, God gives us the freedom (and responsibility) to choose.
3 Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom to choose.
4 When we have chosen what is moral and wise, we must trust the sovereign God to work all the details together for good.
All Christians should have a theology of the dimly seen - based on 1 Corinthians 13:12, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part: then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 Who would you say that you know better than anyone else? Who knows you better than anyone else? Why would you say that person? Now with that in mind, how well would you say that you know God?
2 How have you thought about the will of God for your life? Have you thought about it like an individual, specific, detailed plan for your life or more like the way it was presented this morning? Discuss the four statements of guidance stated above. What do you think about this understanding of the will of God?
3 What do you think about all Christians having a theology of the dimly seen? Paul wrote, "now we see but a poor reflection" and "now I know in part." Can you remember a time when someone helped you have a more complete understanding of the ways of God? Can you share it with the group?
4 How did you experience the eclipse on Monday? Were you in the line of totality? Share your experience with the group. Remember a time when you have experienced the wonder of God's grace. Share about this time with your group.
1 Who would you say that you know better than anyone else? Who knows you better than anyone else? Why would you say that person? Now with that in mind, how well would you say that you know God?
2 How have you thought about the will of God for your life? Have you thought about it like an individual, specific, detailed plan for your life or more like the way it was presented this morning? Discuss the four statements of guidance stated above. What do you think about this understanding of the will of God?
3 What do you think about all Christians having a theology of the dimly seen? Paul wrote, "now we see but a poor reflection" and "now I know in part." Can you remember a time when someone helped you have a more complete understanding of the ways of God? Can you share it with the group?
4 How did you experience the eclipse on Monday? Were you in the line of totality? Share your experience with the group. Remember a time when you have experienced the wonder of God's grace. Share about this time with your group.
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
Sunday Apr 07, 2024
John 3:1-12
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him. 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again. 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. 9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. 10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "And do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" (NIV 84)
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him. 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again. 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. 9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. 10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "And do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" (NIV 84)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 When was the last time you allowed a long time held belief to be challenged?
1 When was the last time you allowed a long time held belief to be challenged?
2 What do you think about a salvation scale, weighing good vs bad? How has this idea manifested itself in someone you know? How about in your life?Describe a moment which helped you realize a scale isn't the way God works. What led you to this moment?
3 What do these verses say to you about this topic?
Romans 3:9-18
John 3:14-18
John 12:32
Romans 3:21
John 3:14-18
John 12:32
Romans 3:21
4 In the song, "Who am I?" by Casting Crowns, the chorus reads:
"Not because of who I am, but because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are."
What do you hear in these words?
"Not because of who I am, but because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are."
What do you hear in these words?
5 What do you learn from this encounter Jesus has with Nicodemus?
Bonus question: What do you think Nicodemus ended up believing about Jesus?
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
Sunday Mar 31, 2024
1 Corinthians 15:12-22
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dad are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam we all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (NIV 84)
12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dad are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam we all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (NIV 84)
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. (NIV 84)
1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON:
The gospel I gospeled: verse 1 literally reads "the gospel I gospeled to you." It is the same word first in noun form and then in verb form.
First importance: the announcement shared by Paul in verses 3-5 is of primary importance to our faith.
Three important components of Christ's death:
The gospel I gospeled: verse 1 literally reads "the gospel I gospeled to you." It is the same word first in noun form and then in verb form.
First importance: the announcement shared by Paul in verses 3-5 is of primary importance to our faith.
Three important components of Christ's death:
- Christ died "for our sins"
- Christ died "according to the Scriptures"
- Christ died "and was buried"
Three Scriptures concerning Christ's death:
Sacrificial - 1 John 3:16 - “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
Substitution - Isaiah 53:4-5 - “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him.”
Saving - Hebrews 9:27-28 - “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.”
Sacrificial - 1 John 3:16 - “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
Substitution - Isaiah 53:4-5 - “Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him.”
Saving - Hebrews 9:27-28 - “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - what is an example of a tradition you have received from someone else? What is an example of a tradition you have passed on to someone else? Are there any traditions surrounding the Holy Week that your family has "received and passed on"?
2. Which of these would best describe how you typically think about the gospel - as a plan of salvation, a set of ideas, a theological statement, or an announcement? Why? Does it help you to think about the gospel simply as an announcement?
3. As we focused on the death of Christ this morning, we emphasized three components of his death. The first one was that Christ died "for our sins." Christ's death was a sacrifice (1 John 3:16), a substitution (Isaiah 53:4-5), and saving (Hebrews 9:27-28). Which of these three aspects was good for you to think about? Why?
4. The other two components of his death was that Christ died "according to the Scriptures" and that Christ died "and was buried." Discuss these components of his death. Why do you think is it important to include these components as part of the announcement?
1. Ice Breaker - what is an example of a tradition you have received from someone else? What is an example of a tradition you have passed on to someone else? Are there any traditions surrounding the Holy Week that your family has "received and passed on"?
2. Which of these would best describe how you typically think about the gospel - as a plan of salvation, a set of ideas, a theological statement, or an announcement? Why? Does it help you to think about the gospel simply as an announcement?
3. As we focused on the death of Christ this morning, we emphasized three components of his death. The first one was that Christ died "for our sins." Christ's death was a sacrifice (1 John 3:16), a substitution (Isaiah 53:4-5), and saving (Hebrews 9:27-28). Which of these three aspects was good for you to think about? Why?
4. The other two components of his death was that Christ died "according to the Scriptures" and that Christ died "and was buried." Discuss these components of his death. Why do you think is it important to include these components as part of the announcement?
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
Sunday Mar 17, 2024
ACTS 18:1-11
1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. 7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshipper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because i have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. 7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshipper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized. 9 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. 10 For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because i have many people in this city." 11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
FROM THE LESSON:
What happens in Corinth, stays in Corinth: Corinth was well-known for its immorality. It was the Las Vegas of its day. From the 5th century BC on, "to corinthianize" meant to be sexually immoral.
Discouraged in Corinth: Paul arrives to Corinth greatly discouraged. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:3, "When I first came to you, it was in weakness and fear and much trembling."
The Four Horsemen of Discouragement:
What happens in Corinth, stays in Corinth: Corinth was well-known for its immorality. It was the Las Vegas of its day. From the 5th century BC on, "to corinthianize" meant to be sexually immoral.
Discouraged in Corinth: Paul arrives to Corinth greatly discouraged. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:3, "When I first came to you, it was in weakness and fear and much trembling."
The Four Horsemen of Discouragement:
- Fatigue - worn out by the activities
- Frustration - weighed down by the challenges
- Fear - worked up by the unknowns
- Failure - wounded within from the setbacks
Encouraged in Corinth: Paul finds encouragement in Corinth in three specific ways.
- He experiences the presence of God through His people (v 2-3, 5)
- He witnesses the power of God through the transformation of the Holy Spirit (v 6-8)
- He hears the promises of God through sharing of His word (v 9-10)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - when you are feeling discouraged, how do you typically try to manage those feelings? Is there an activity you do or a friend you call? What is your "go-to" form of encouragement when you are feeling discouraged?
2. Can you think of a specific time when you recently felt discouraged? What was the cause of the discouragement? Of the "Four Horsemen of Discouragement" which one tends to be the root cause of your discouragement more than another one?
3. Paul found encouragement in Corinth. The first way he found encouragement was through experiencing the presence of God through His people. How have you recently been encouraged in this way? Share an example with the group.
4 Paul found encouragement in Corinth. The second way he found encouragement was through witnessing the power of God through the transformation of the Holy Spirit. How have you recently been encouraged in this way? Share an example with the group.
5. Paul found encouragement in Corinth. The third way he found encouragement was through hearing the promises of God through the sharing of His Word. How have you recently been encouraged in this way? Share an example with the group.
1. Ice Breaker - when you are feeling discouraged, how do you typically try to manage those feelings? Is there an activity you do or a friend you call? What is your "go-to" form of encouragement when you are feeling discouraged?
2. Can you think of a specific time when you recently felt discouraged? What was the cause of the discouragement? Of the "Four Horsemen of Discouragement" which one tends to be the root cause of your discouragement more than another one?
3. Paul found encouragement in Corinth. The first way he found encouragement was through experiencing the presence of God through His people. How have you recently been encouraged in this way? Share an example with the group.
4 Paul found encouragement in Corinth. The second way he found encouragement was through witnessing the power of God through the transformation of the Holy Spirit. How have you recently been encouraged in this way? Share an example with the group.
5. Paul found encouragement in Corinth. The third way he found encouragement was through hearing the promises of God through the sharing of His Word. How have you recently been encouraged in this way? Share an example with the group.
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Sunday Mar 10, 2024
Exodus 19:3-8
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
FROM THE SERMON:
Israel's pattern of looking back:
Israel's pattern of looking back:
- Slavery was better than death in the desert (14:12)
- We miss Egypt (16:3)
- God brought us here to kill our children (17:3)
Look Back, See God, and Trust Forward.
How to help our perspective:
How to help our perspective:
- Commit to and engage with the church.
- Give it time.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - what is something you remember with "Rosy Recollection" - the experience of recalling something more positively than you actually experienced it?
2. What do you think is responsible for the Israelites' pattern of longing to return to Egypt?
3. How do you relate to the Israelites in the book of Exodus?
4. Their time in Egypt clearly had a strong effect on the Israelites, causing them to misunderstand God and distorting their values. What might it look like for this to happen to Christians in America? What are our golden calves, and what about American culture that doesn't mesh with following Jesus do we sometimes long for?
5. How can looking back on God's activity help us to trust him going forward? Do you have a moment you look back on as a reminder that God can be trusted?
6. Jeremy shared that one way to help with our perspectives on the past is by being engaged with the Church. How does the community of Christ's body help our perspectives?
1. Ice Breaker - what is something you remember with "Rosy Recollection" - the experience of recalling something more positively than you actually experienced it?
2. What do you think is responsible for the Israelites' pattern of longing to return to Egypt?
3. How do you relate to the Israelites in the book of Exodus?
4. Their time in Egypt clearly had a strong effect on the Israelites, causing them to misunderstand God and distorting their values. What might it look like for this to happen to Christians in America? What are our golden calves, and what about American culture that doesn't mesh with following Jesus do we sometimes long for?
5. How can looking back on God's activity help us to trust him going forward? Do you have a moment you look back on as a reminder that God can be trusted?
6. Jeremy shared that one way to help with our perspectives on the past is by being engaged with the Church. How does the community of Christ's body help our perspectives?
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Monday Mar 04, 2024
Psalm 33
1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth - 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. 21 IN him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (NIV 84)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Describe it to your group and share about why it is your favorite.
2. How well does praise fit you? Would you say something else in your closet fits you better than praise (ie. fear, pride, doubt)?
3. We praise God because of His character. Read verses 4-5. What stands out to you in these verses about the character of God? Eugene Peterson in the Message writes, "the Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction." Discuss this phrase with your group.
4. We praise God because He is our Creator. Read verses 6-9. What stands out to you in these verses about God as our Creator? Has recognizing God in creation ever caused you to praise? Share with your group a time when this happened.
5. We praise God because of His concern. Read verses 13-19. What stands out to you in these verses about the concern of God? How have you lately experienced His concern in your life?
6. Praise always leads to hope. Read verses 20-22. How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
1. Ice Breaker - do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Describe it to your group and share about why it is your favorite.
2. How well does praise fit you? Would you say something else in your closet fits you better than praise (ie. fear, pride, doubt)?
3. We praise God because of His character. Read verses 4-5. What stands out to you in these verses about the character of God? Eugene Peterson in the Message writes, "the Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction." Discuss this phrase with your group.
4. We praise God because He is our Creator. Read verses 6-9. What stands out to you in these verses about God as our Creator? Has recognizing God in creation ever caused you to praise? Share with your group a time when this happened.
5. We praise God because of His concern. Read verses 13-19. What stands out to you in these verses about the concern of God? How have you lately experienced His concern in your life?
6. Praise always leads to hope. Read verses 20-22. How have you seen this to be true in your own life?
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Sunday Feb 25, 2024
Psalm 32
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of the summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD" - and you forgave the guilt of my sin. 6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! (NIV 84)
FROM THE LESSON
Maskil - the giving of instruction or the giving of advice. Scholars call Psalm 32 the giving of instruction from Psalm 51:13 - "then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will turn back to you."
Blessed - scholars agree this word is better translated today as happy because it is a much more animated and exuberant word than blessed is in today's vocabulary.
Sin - this word has the sense of "missing a target." We can do the right thing for the wrong reason and miss the mark. We can do the right thing with the wrong attitude and miss the mark.
Iniquity - this word comes from a word meaning "to bend or twist something out of its original and proper shape." A good synonym for this word is perversion.
Transgression - this is a strong word that carries with it the meaning of "rebellion." This word indicates that our sins are not simply mistakes but acts of rebellion against God.
Maskil - the giving of instruction or the giving of advice. Scholars call Psalm 32 the giving of instruction from Psalm 51:13 - "then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will turn back to you."
Blessed - scholars agree this word is better translated today as happy because it is a much more animated and exuberant word than blessed is in today's vocabulary.
Sin - this word has the sense of "missing a target." We can do the right thing for the wrong reason and miss the mark. We can do the right thing with the wrong attitude and miss the mark.
Iniquity - this word comes from a word meaning "to bend or twist something out of its original and proper shape." A good synonym for this word is perversion.
Transgression - this is a strong word that carries with it the meaning of "rebellion." This word indicates that our sins are not simply mistakes but acts of rebellion against God.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Ice Breaker - what is the best advice you have ever received? Share with your group a piece of advice that you have remembered through the years and in turn shared with many other people.
2. Psalm 32 begins with happiness and it ends with joy. In the very center of the psalm is the forgiveness of sin. The forgiveness of our sins is at the center of true happiness and real joy. How have you found this to be true in your life?
3. Read again verse 5. David's advice is when we mess up, fess up. Discuss the importance of this advice with your group.
4. Discuss the three words used to describe the "messing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: sin, iniquity, and transgression. How do these words help you to better understand how we mess up?
5. Discuss the three words used to describe the "fessing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: acknowledge, uncover, and confess. How do these words help you to better understand how we fess up?
6. Read again verses 1 and 2. Discuss the three images used to describe how we are forgiven by God: lifted up, covered up, and not counted up. How do these images help you to better understand the forgiveness we receive in Jesus Christ?
1. Ice Breaker - what is the best advice you have ever received? Share with your group a piece of advice that you have remembered through the years and in turn shared with many other people.
2. Psalm 32 begins with happiness and it ends with joy. In the very center of the psalm is the forgiveness of sin. The forgiveness of our sins is at the center of true happiness and real joy. How have you found this to be true in your life?
3. Read again verse 5. David's advice is when we mess up, fess up. Discuss the importance of this advice with your group.
4. Discuss the three words used to describe the "messing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: sin, iniquity, and transgression. How do these words help you to better understand how we mess up?
5. Discuss the three words used to describe the "fessing up" part of David's advice in this psalm: acknowledge, uncover, and confess. How do these words help you to better understand how we fess up?
6. Read again verses 1 and 2. Discuss the three images used to describe how we are forgiven by God: lifted up, covered up, and not counted up. How do these images help you to better understand the forgiveness we receive in Jesus Christ?
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Mark 10:17-22
17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (NIV 84)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Jesus talks about money/wealth often. Uncomfortably often. Why do you think this is such a frequent topic of his? How does the frequency of this topic in his teaching impact you?
2. When have you experienced a pivotal moment regarding finances? Describe that moment. How did you respond in that moment? How were you changed by that moment?
3. What do you think the Rich Young Ruler was trying to accomplish in his interaction with Jesus? Why do you think he walked away? Was it more than just "because he had great wealth"?
4. What are your thoughts about offering God a blank check versus a gift card?
5. Jesus' answer to our struggles and temptations centered around wealth is direct, top the point. Give it away. List all of our excuses to justifiably side-step his simple directive.
6. What is your response to this meeting between Jesus and this wealthy young man? How do you relate to this encounter?
1. Jesus talks about money/wealth often. Uncomfortably often. Why do you think this is such a frequent topic of his? How does the frequency of this topic in his teaching impact you?
2. When have you experienced a pivotal moment regarding finances? Describe that moment. How did you respond in that moment? How were you changed by that moment?
3. What do you think the Rich Young Ruler was trying to accomplish in his interaction with Jesus? Why do you think he walked away? Was it more than just "because he had great wealth"?
4. What are your thoughts about offering God a blank check versus a gift card?
5. Jesus' answer to our struggles and temptations centered around wealth is direct, top the point. Give it away. List all of our excuses to justifiably side-step his simple directive.
6. What is your response to this meeting between Jesus and this wealthy young man? How do you relate to this encounter?