Matthew 12:38-45

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Matthew 12:38-45

Beyond the Show: A Call to Genuine Faith

September 22, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

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Sermon Discussion Questions:

1) In what ways do we, like the Pharisees, sometimes demand signs or proof of God’s presence in our lives? How can we cultivate a faith that trusts without needing constant affirmation?

2) How do we see the desire for entertainment or spectacle in today’s church culture? In what ways can this be a distraction from true worship and relationship with Christ?

3) What does it mean to submit to Christ’s reign in our daily lives, and what might that look like practically?

4) The Queen of Sheba traveled great distances to seek wisdom. What are some practical ways we can seek God’s wisdom in our daily lives?

Matthew 13:47-52

November 10, 2024 • Kevin Maloney

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) In the parable of the net, what does Jesus reveal about the reality of judgment? How does this impact how we view eternity? 2) Do we tend to embrace both the doctrine of God’s love and the doctrine of his justice? 3) How does the reality of judgment influence our understanding of sin and our need for Jesus as our substitute? 4) How can a clear understanding of God’s judgment and mercy shape our urgency to share the gospel with others? 5) What are our circles of influence, and how do we share the gospel there? 6) Who might you begin praying for in the hopes that you will be able to share the gospel with him or her?

Matthew 13:44-46

November 3, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 13:44–46

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) In Matthew 13:44-46, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a treasure and a pearl of great value. What aspects of the kingdom might feel like this kind of treasure to you personally? 2) The sermon mentioned that following Christ involves both sacrifices and deep joy. How do you think joy and sacrifice coexist in the Christian life? 3) Jesus used parables to adjust people’s expectations of His kingdom. How can setting realistic expectations of the Christian life help us persevere in faith? 4) C.S. Lewis spoke of our "inconsolable longing" that only Christ can satisfy. How can we keep our desires rooted in Christ rather than being pulled away by lesser things?

Matthew 13:31-33

October 27, 2024 • Kevin Maloney • Matthew 13:31–35

Sermon Discussion Questions: 1) Expectations vs. Reality: The people of Jesus' time anticipated a dramatic, immediate arrival of God's kingdom. In what ways do we sometimes expect God to work dramatically in our lives? How does this influence our faith when we don’t see immediate change? 2) Understanding God’s Kingdom: The mustard seed and leaven grow slowly and almost imperceptibly at first. How does this picture of slow growth challenge our understanding of God’s work in the world and in our lives? 3) Personal Growth: Jesus’ parable suggests that growth in God’s kingdom—and within ourselves—may not be instant. Where have you seen small, gradual changes in your life or faith that later resulted in big growth? 4) Living in the “Already, Not Yet”: Jesus says the kingdom is already here but not yet fully realized. How does this affect our hope and patience as we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” both in the world and in our hearts? 5) Patience in Ordinary Faithfulness: In a fast-paced world, we often look for quick solutions to spiritual growth. How can we learn to embrace the "ordinary means of grace" (e.g., Scripture, prayer, worship) as essential to our growth in Christ?