The Churches
Why Are There So Many Different Churches?
Why Does Church Feel So Yucky
August 27, 2023 • John Hill
Sometimes, church doesn’t feel very good. The connections seem empty, the messages don’t quite seem to apply, and everything is just a little stale… but why does this happen and what can you do right now to bring life to your church and to a community of believers!? Check out the final week of this series from Pastor John Hill! Discussion Questions: Can you think of any examples in your life where you've fallen into the trap of acting like you earned a gift that was free? How does this mindset affect your attitude towards the gift and your interactions with others? The analogy of lottery winners who fail to manage their winnings is used to illustrate the idea of not taking care of the gift of grace. How might this apply to our spiritual lives? In what ways could Christians neglect or misuse the gifts they've received from God? As Christians, it can be hard to share the gift of grace with others. Have you ever encountered situations where you felt reluctant to share your faith or the blessings you've received? Many people believe in God but struggle with fully engaging in their faith or sharing it with others. Why do you think this is a common experience? How can we move beyond a passive belief to an active and transformative relationship with God? How are you doing taking care of the gift of grace in your life? Of the 3 things talked about, which one do you struggle with the most? (Acting like you earned it, not sharing it, and/or not investing it)
What Makes a Church a Christian Church?
August 13, 2023
Today's message from Pastor John Hill identifies 6 key standards to look for in a church to determine what a Christian church is! Don't miss week 1 of our brand new series. // Discussion Questions // In the story of the criminal on the cross, how does the criminal's words and Jesus' response provide a clear foundation for Christian faith? What are the 5 criteria you would use to discern whether a church is real and godly? Do you personally believe in these 5 criteria? (Fearing God, recognizing our sin, repenting, acknowledging Jesus' sinless life, and asking Jesus for forgiveness) The church's purpose is making disciples of Jesus. Are there things in your life that take more of a priority? How can you keep making disciples the main thing in your life? Why do you think it is so important to keep a balance between grace and works within the context of church? What happens when we replace God's grace with mere human effort? What are some ways you can take more ownership of your church, contribute to making disciples, and actively participate in building God's kingdom this week?