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How Do You See Jesus?

September 3, 2023 • Mike Bullmore • Hebrews 1:1—2:8

Sermon Application Questions:


Main Point:

The main point of this past Sunday’s sermon was that Jesus is God’s very own son, which means he is the supreme, mighty God. Jesus is far grander, far mightier, far superior, far more powerful than our minds can comprehend. While it’s good to see Jesus as approachable and gracious and gentle, he’s also much more.  

 

Ice Breaker: 

In just a moment, I’ll say a word. When you hear it, I want you to quickly share the first word or thing that comes to mind. First a practice round. Ready?  

What immediately comes to mind when you hear the word “angel”? 

That was practice. Now for a second word.  

 

What immediately comes to mind when you hear the word “Jesus”? (make a list of the words people share. This will come in handy later).  

 

Digging Deeper:   

This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 1:1-2:4 that highlighted how Jesus is God’s Son, which means he’s grand and majestic and divine royalty. Often our initial sense of who Jesus sometimes is much too simplistic or narrow.  

Reread Hebrews 1:1-2:4 and make note of characteristics about Jesus. 

What characteristics about Jesus do you notice from reading the passage? Share the verse number of where you get that answer from. (add them to the list you made earlier) 

Given all the ways Jesus has been described, both in our conversation and in the passage: 

Which one or two of these words are usually in your mind when you think of Jesus? 


Which one or two of these words are rarely in your mind when you think about Jesus? 

For the terms that come rarely to mind, how would it change your life to think about them more? 

  

Hebrews 1:8 quotes Psalm 45:6-7. Would someone be willing to read Psalm 45:6-7? 

Even in the Old Testament, there is an awareness that Jesus is royalty (vs. 6a: “your throne, O God…”)  and that this royal Son was anointed by God (v. 7b: “Therefore God, your God, has anointed you…).  

 What difference does it make that the Old Testament was referencing Jesus hundreds of years before he came to earth? How does it make you appreciate the Old Testament itself? 

 

Would someone be willing to read Hebrews 2:1? 

How can we individually purpose to pay close attention to Jesus as God’s royal Son? How can we, as a community, purpose to pay attention to Jesus? 

How can we individually drift away from paying close attention to Jesus as God’s royal Son? How can we, as a community, purpose to pay attention to Jesus? 

 

Take It Home: 

What is one thing from this week’s discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? 

 

Prayer Requests: 

 


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Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

God Equips Us for a God-Pleasing Life

December 3, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 13:20–21

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on three encouragements to pursue a life pleasing to God in dependence on God:   (1)  God makes perfect peace (v. 20a) (2)  We have a living, almighty shepherd (v. 20b) (3)  God works in us to do his will. (b. 21) Digging Deeper:    ·      In your own words, what does a life of pleasing God look like?   ·      What aspects of your life are pleasing to God?   ·      What have you noticed in one another’s lives that is pleasing to God?   ·      What aspects of your life are displeasing to God?   ·      God knows we need encouragement to live a life pleasing to him. What from this passage encourages you to live a life pleasing to him?   ·      Verse 20 describes God as a “God of peace.” How have you in the past experienced God’s peace? How would you like to experience God’s peace in the future?   ·      From verse 21, Pastor Brett described how God actually works in us to do his will. How does this free you from feeling weighed down by the call to live a God-pleasing life?   ·      How could you even more cooperate with the Holy Spirit as helps us live a life pleasing to God?   Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

A Life Pleasing to God

November 26, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 13

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on how we respond to Jesus’ sacrificial death for us by pleasing God with sacrificial lives. We please God in at least three ways: With our love for one another (vv. 1-6) With our loyalty to what we’ve received (vv. 7-17) When we look to him to keep us faithful (vv. 18-21) Digging Deeper:   Read Hebrews 13:1-19. Put a star next to one or two encouragements that stick out to you. Then, discuss what you’ve starred.  One of the ways we can please God is by our love for one another (see verses 1-6). How have you experienced God’s love for you through other followers of Jesus? Being generous is a way of showing love to one another (vv. 2-3). What are some practical ways you could show generosity to people in your life who are in need?  Being sexually pure is a way of showing love to one another (vs. 4). Why does sexual purity impact the wider community? Being content is a way of showing love for one another (vv. 5-6). In what areas of your life are you most tempted to be less than content with what you have? How does contentment with what we have impact the wider community? Who is a past faithful leader you respect? What would it look like for you to imitate their faith (v. 7)? Are there ways you find it hard to “obey” and “submit” to your church leaders (v. 17)? How come? How does the verse help is do what it is calling us to do? Of all the encouragements mentioned in Hebrews 13, what is one that you want to think more about and grow in? Why? How can the Gospel Community be a part of helping you in this area? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

"Let Us Run With Endurance"

November 19, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 12

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview:  This past week’s sermon was focused on enduring in faith through laying aside sin and looking to Jesus.   Digging Deeper:     1. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  How is what we saw in Hebrews chapter 11 meant to motivate us to do this?  (Note how Heb. 12:1 begins.)      2. In what ways are you tempted to stop “running the race set before you”?      3. Pastor Brett helped us see from the passage that one of the ways we will "run with endurance” (persevere in the faith firm to the end), is by laying aside sin. How can we grow in our ability to recognize “weights” and sins that trip us up or hinder our endurance?      4. What weights and/or sins are slowing you down / hindering you?  What would it look like for you to lay them aside?  Who in your life can help you do that?     5. Hebrews 12:12-17 speaks of pursuing peace and holiness together. Do you strive for peace?  What does that look like for you?      6. Do you strive for holiness?  What does that look like for you?      7. Pastor Brett helped us see from the passage that another way we will "run with endurance” (persevere in the faith firm to the end), is by "looking to Jesus.”  How can we grow in “looking to Jesus”?      8. How does looking to Jesus motivate you to run with endurance?    Take It Home  What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?  Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532