Forged
Sermon Series
When the Enemy Prowls
November 12, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we wrap up our series, “Forged,” JP shows us three unavoidable obstacles that are found in Scripture and how to combat them. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how anxiety, temptation and suffering can be combated with a Kingdom first mindset. 1 Peter 5:6-10 1) In anxiety, humble yourself 2) In temptation, resist the devil 3) In suffering, practice patience Life Group Questions: 1) When faced with anxiety, how can you effectively cast those burdens on the Lord knowing how much He cares for you? 2) Was there a time when you were hesitant to bring sin to the light out of fear that others wouldn’t understand? What is a verse that you have clung to when faced with temptation? 3) What is a way that you can help others practice patience in times of suffering? Explain a time where you were shown grace in the midst of suffering.
The Key to a Healthy Church
November 5, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that humility is key for a healthy church body. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how church elders and members must serve one another with an eager heart. 1 Peter 5:1-5 1) For the church to work, you must have humble elders 2) Church leaders must serve with humble motives 3) For church to work, you must have humble members Life Group Questions: 1) How have you seen the church impacted in a positive way through our elders? 2) How can you grow in serving one another in humility? 3) Do you find yourself convicted of consumerism? What are ways that your output can be greater than your input?
Facing Persecution
October 29, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that Christians must lean closer to God in times of suffering because He is sanctifying us. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us five things we should not do in suffering. As we seek to become more like Christ, we must rejoice in suffering because our Savior suffered for us on our behalf. 1 Peter 4:12-19 1) Do not be surprised in suffering 2) Do not be discouraged in suffering 3) Do not be guilty in suffering 4) Do not be ashamed in suffering 5) Do not suffer outside of God’s will because our Savior suffered for us on our behalf. Life Group Questions: 1. JP shared that approximately 13 Christians are killed each day for sharing their faith. How can you be diligent to pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith? How can you grow in sharing your faith with others? 2. What is a spiritual discipline that you have seen growth in after experiencing a time of suffering? 3. Has there been a time when you suffered because of sin? How have you experienced God’s grace as you’ve fully surrendered your sufferings to the Lord?
Living in the End Times
October 22, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that we are called to live as though Jesus is returning in our lifetime. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how we should use our gifts to serve the body of Christ with sacrificial love. If we are truly living on mission for Christ, we wouldn’t have the desire to change how we live our lives on the day He returns. 1 Peter 4:7-11 1) Pray with perspective 2) Love without lamenting 3) Glorify God with your gifts Life Group Questions: 1. As believers we are called to pray with a sense of urgency. How can you improve your prayer life in a way that is others focused? 2. Paul reminds us in 1 Peter to meet the needs of everyone around you with a sacrificial love. How have you shown hospitality to others even when it is inconvenient for you? 3. Each of us have been equipped with spiritual gifts that are essential to the body of Christ. What is a need that you have seen within the church and how can your gift be illuminated in that ministry?
Assurance of Victory
October 15, 2023 • Dale Wallace
Where do we find peace? As we continue in our series, “Forged,” Dale reminds us that peace is found with God. Dale looks to 1 Peter to remind us that our job as believers is to tell everyone the good news despite experiencing worldly bad news. 1 Peter 3:18-4:6 1) Christ has triumphed over evil 2) No matter the suffering, we do God’s will 3) Everyone will give an account Life Group Questions: 1) When you come to a difficult or "bumpy" passage in the Bible, how do you approach the text? 2) In the context of recent events, how do you hold on to the peace of knowing that Christ has already achieved victory? 3) In what ways have you suffered or been persecuted for your beliefs? How has that impacted your faith?
How To Get Even
October 8, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that dealing with conflict must be handled in a way that reflects Christ. JP looks to 1 Peter to remind us that the mark of a spiritually mature person is one who loves God, understands how they are loved by God, and is a conduit of God’s love toward others. 1 Peter 3:8-18 1) Love each other 2) Repay evil with blessing 3) Christ is the goal Life Group Questions: 1. 1 Peter 3:9 says to repay evil with blessing. Discuss a time when you were called to show kindness to someone who wronged you. 2. How can you be better about asking for forgiveness? By extending grace to someone else, how would you incorporate this as an opportunity to share the gospel? 3. The mark of a spiritually mature person is loving God, understanding how you are loved by God, and being a conduit of God’s love toward others. What are some ways that you can grow in your spiritual maturity?
Roles in Marriage
October 1, 2023 • Nate Hilgenkamp
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” Nate reminds us that the best spouse makes their marriage centered around Jesus. Nate looks to 1 Peter to remind us that for a marriage to glorify the Lord, you must put your spouse first before the needs of yourself. Believers in Christ are called to serve each other through marriage in the same way that Jesus serves the members of His body. 1 Peter 3:1-7 1) Wives submit to their husbands 2) Seek a beauty that does not fade 3) Husbands live with your wives in an understanding way Life Group Questions: 1. When has there been a time when it felt difficult to submit to your spouse? 2. What are ways that you have seen your marriage be Christ-centered? What are some areas that you could improve in this way? 3. 1 Peter 3:3-4 reminds us that our beauty should not come from the things of this world, but rather our inner self, which is of great worth in God’s sight. Explain a time when you sought man’s approval instead of the Lord.
Submitting to Authority
September 24, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that believers in Christ are called to submit to authority. JP looks to 1 Peter to remind us that to best submit to authority, we must first seek to glorify the Lord and be representatives of his Word. 1 Peter 2:13-25 1) Submit to every human authority 2) Submit unfair authority 3) God is our ultimate authority Life Group Questions: 1. Which authority figures do you have the hardest time submitting to and why? 2. Why are Christians called to submit to unjust or unfair authority? 3. How does the example of Christ’s death provide a blueprint for how we can submit to earthly authority?
The War For Your Soul
September 17, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
As we continue in our series, Forged, JP reminds us that earth is not our home; our earthly calling is to make disciples of Christ. JP looks to 1 Peter to remind us of God’s grace as we push through the spiritual war over our hearts. 1 Peter 2:11-12 1) We are not home 2) We are at war 3) It’s not fair Life Group Questions: 1. The grace that we receive through Christ is the payment of our sins without us doing anything to earn or deserve it. Has there been a time when you felt that you needed to do the right things to be saved or to please God? Explain. 2. God has called us to live on mission. How can you represent Christ in a world that is not our home? 3. Luke 6:35 reminds us to do good to those who do wrong to you. How can you extend grace in the midst of injustice?
Watch Where You're Standing
September 10, 2023 • Nate Hilgenkamp
As we continue in our series, “Forged”, Nate reminds us that our Savior is the cornerstone; the foundation on which our faith stands upon. He shows us that we must hold strong to the rock of our faith, even as the world stumbles over Him. Nate points to 1 Peter to show us that where we stand matters! Peter 2:4-10 1) Our Savior is the stone on which we are shaped 2) Our Savior is the stone on which the world stumbles 3) Our Savior is the stone on which our title is secured Life Group Questions: 1. What have you built your foundation on? What are ways to continue to build your foundation in Jesus instead of the things of this world? 2. The five spiritual sacrifices are your body, finances, praise, service, and soul. How can you continue to sacrifice these things in order to bring glory to our Savior? 3. What is something that if it were taken away, you would not be okay? How can you align your priorities so that Jesus remains the cornerstone of your life?
Christians Are Weird
September 3, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda • 1 Peter 1:13—2:3
As we continue in our series, “Forged”, JP reminds us of what it means to live a life devoted to holiness. He reminds us that we are called to live set apart from the things of this world while we point people toward the cross. 1) Prepare your mind to live a holy life 2) Persevere in holiness, knowing who paid for it 3) Practice holiness with people of God’s Word Life Group Questions: 1. Being a follower of Christ is not about religion, it is a call to holiness. What are some ways that you live a life devoted to holiness? 2. How do you lean closer to the Lord when it feels like everyone around you is pursuing the things of this world? 3. What are some ways that you could lead others to pursue holiness?
Faith That Holds
August 27, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda
Life Group Questions: 1. What does it mean for you to find joy in the midst of pain? How have you been able to see a difference in the way you navigate trials since you made the decision to follow Christ? 2. When have you caught yourself clinging to worldly things to help ease your pain? 3. Do you wholeheartedly believe that Jesus is the only thing that can fully satisfy us? When have you found yourself doubting this truth and how did you overcome it?
The Elect Exiles
August 20, 2023 • Nate Hilgenkamp • 1 Peter 1:1–5
When we know who we are before God, we can know how to live before man. As start our new series, Forged, Peter sets up his first book. He lets his readers know who they are in Christ and all the benefits found in Him. 1) In Jesus, we are elect exiles 2) In Jesus, we have an imperishable inheritance 3) In Jesus, we are shielded by God's power Life Group Questions: 1 . When were some times that you were able to cling to hope in the midst of suffering? 2. Do you face challenges with the perspective of knowing that this is not our eternal home? How have you used this truth to guide others through trials? 3. 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us that through Christ we are given a new life through His death and resurrection. How could you encourage a nonbeliever with the idea that our past sufferings don’t define us?