Commended by Jesus
Sermon Series from August 2023
Not Seeing, Yet Believing
August 27, 2023 • Josh Mathews • John 20:24–31
Sermon Application Questions: Main Point: The main point of text is: that even though you cannot see Jesus, receive his blessing by believing in him. The passage contrasts Thomas who had his doubts, but was able to see Jesus and believe. For everyone after Jesus ascended into heaven, they wouldn’t be able to see Jesus. Jesus anticipates this period of history (post his ascension where his good news would spread and people would believe in him) and blesses those who believe without seeing. Ice Breaker: What is something you’ve changed your mind on? It could be an opinion on something significant or really mundane (e.g., I used to hate Chinese food but now love it). What led you to change your mind? Digging Deeper: [1] Have you ever had doubts about faith? If so, would you be willing to share? [2] Thomas is full of doubt. But Jesus makes a special visit for him. Jesus talks to him, invites him to touch him, and to believe in him. What does all this tell you about how Jesus approaches those with doubt? How is that similar or different to what you expected? [3] Read 2 Corinthians 5:7. So much of becoming and being a Christian is based on things we cannot see. We cannot see Jesus (as John 20:29 references). And we cannot see our future resurrected body (as 2 Corinthians 5:7 states). If Jesus or the future can’t be seen, how can someone base their entire life around those realities? [4] In the sermon, belief in Jesus at the very least means a personal life-altering allegiance that Jesus is God that came to save sinners. Do you believe in Jesus? Why or why not? [5] Jesus commends those who can’t see him but believe. If you do believe in Jesus, how does that encourage you? [6] Jesus’ blessing on those who can’t see him but believe can be: (1) an invitation to believe him for the first time, (2) an encouragement to keep believing, and/or (3) an inspiration to share this good news with others. As you reflect, which of those three sticks out to you? How come? Take It Home: What is one thing from this week's discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
The Good Portion
August 20, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Luke 10:38–42
Sermon Application Questions: Main Point: The main point of this past Sunday’s sermon was: Prioritize listening to Jesus over serving Jesus, for his pleasure and your peace. The passage contrasts how Mary and Martha approach Jesus differently. Martha wants to do good things for Jesus but is distracted, anxious, and troubled. Mary makes it her highest priority to listen to Jesus. Jesus commends Mary for choosing the good portion. Ice Breaker: What’s something you have to do that can often leave you frazzled? (it could be a task, chore, or responsibility at work or home). What’s something you get to do that often leaves you refreshed and energized? Digging Deeper: [1] Humans are limited. You are a human. You are limited. How does knowing that you can’t do everything you want land on you? Is it discouraging? Is it freeing? Something else? How come? [2] If you had to choose, would you rather complete tasks or hang out with people? In other words, which is the higher priority: productivity or relationships? [3] When it comes to Jesus, how can doing things for him actually crowd out knowing and listening to him? How might this tension show up in your life? [4] Why does Jesus commend Mary’s choice to listen to his teaching over Martha’s choice to serve him? (see verse 42). [5] What is the highest priority of your life? Why? [6] What would your life look like if you gave increasing space to listen to God? What benefits do you think it would produce? What would have to be regulated or given up? Take It Home: What is one thing from this week's discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
"Who is This?"
August 13, 2023 • Ryan Fultz • Luke 7:36–50
Sermon Application Questions: Main Point: The main point of this past Sunday’s sermon was: Jesus welcomes the broken and forgives those with humble faith. The passage contrasts how two people approach Jesus. One powerful leader has Jesus over but isn’t generous towards him. The other person has a shady reputation, but approaches Jesus with gratitude and lavish generosity. Re-read Luke 7:36-50 Ice Breaker: Share a story of a time when someone was really lavish towards you. Maybe it was a super nice gift, or a cool experience, or being really generous with their time. Digging Deeper: [1] Looking back at your notes from the sermon, was there anything that stood out to you, challenged your thinking, or was confusing? [2] Why do you think the woman was so lavish towards Jesus? And, in contrast, why do you guess the host was so restrained? [3] How is the woman in the passage humble and contrite? What can she teach us about humility? [4] The Pharisee saw the woman for what she had done (Luke 7:39). Jesus saw the woman’s changed heart and what she would be (Luke 7:47-50). How does this affirm or change your default thoughts about how God sees you? Read Isaiah 57:15 together. [5] Often when we’re around really important/rich/whatever people, we want to do our best to appear important/rich/whatever. In this passage, the opposite is the case. God is more important than any human ever, yet he wants to be with people who are low and humble. What does this reality tell you about God? How does this truth help you live honestly about your sin? How does this truth help you to live with freedom and peace? [6] How can you grow in humility before God? Why is it important to spend more time looking at God than ourselves to truly grow in humility? [7] How does the way Jesus is described in this passage help you live honestly about your brokenness without either being devastated by your sin or having to dismiss your sin? [8] Have you ever experienced Jesus’ forgiveness? If so, what did it feel like? How has it affected your life? Take It Home: What is one thing from this week’s discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
The Outsider
August 6, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Matthew 8:5–13
Sermon Application Questions: Main Point: The main point of this past Sunday’s sermon was: outsiders become insiders through faith in Jesus' authority--so trust in him. Ice Breaker: Share a time when you’ve been surprised. It may be a party or someone sharing a thought and being floored by it, or something else. Digging Deeper: This past Sunday we looked at a passage that highlighted how people that seem far away from God become one of God’s own people by trusting in him. Other passages that highlights this idea are Isaiah 19:23-25, 42:6, and 49:6. Read these passages together. [1] What do these passages tell me about God? [2] Israel was God’s people (though they really struggled to follow him). On the other hand, Egypt and Assyria were enemies. How would it land on you to hear that enemies would receive God’s favor? [3] Have you ever felt far away from God? Perhaps you feel that now. What was/is that time like? [4] When you feel far away from God, what lies about God do you believe? (e.g., you have to be good for God to like you). [5] Jesus dictates entrance into God’s family, not leaders or yourself. How is this a reassuring truth? How is this unsettling? Take It Home What is one thing from this weeks’ discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532