Becoming a Disciplemaking Church
Unashamed Witness (with baptisms)
March 31, 2024 • Acts 1:1–8
"Unashamed Witness" Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/unashamed-witness Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion 1.) Why do you think it requires the “dunamis” of God for His children to be bold, unashamed witnesses of Jesus Christ? 2.) How does it make you feel when you struggle to be bold in your witness? 3.) Based on the example of the early church, how might we pray when we are struggling to be bold in our witness? 4.) Pastor Jim suggested there are two ministries of the Holy Spirit which are required for us to be bold and unashamed in our witness. What are they? 5.) Which of these two ministries do you need the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart today?
"Cheerful Generosity"
March 24, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • 2 Corinthians 8:1–9
"Cheerful Generosity" Digital Bulletin: https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/cheerful-generosity Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion 1. What was the evidence of God’s “grace of giving” upon the Macedonian church? 2. How does their example challenge you in your giving? 3. When you examine your spending habits, how fully persuaded are you that Jesus is worthy of your sacrificial giving? 4. Take some time and ask God for the “grace of giving” to be granted to you that you might give generously and joyfully to the work of the Kingdom.
"Bold Prayer"
March 17, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • 2 Chronicles 20
"Bold Prayer" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/bold-prayer-nggo4wlky9 Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion 1. What words would you use to describe your prayer life right now? 2. Reflect on the proposed “template” for bold prayer as seen in the prayer of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20: PRAISE-PRAY-TRUST-WAIT. What aspects do you struggle with the most? 3. What is one prayer need that you wish to pray boldly before the Lord? Consider using the PRAISE-PRAY-TRUST-WAIT model! And as you do think about: a. Who God Is b. Who You are in Christ c. What God Has Done d. What God Has Promised
Faith-filled Risks
March 10, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • Matthew 14:22–36
"Faith-filled Risks" Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/faith-filled-risks Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion 1. What are examples in the Scriptures that exemplify someone taking a faith-filled risk? 2. What is an example in your own life of this? What were the results? 3. What is something that you sense God may be calling you toward that we can pray for you about—that God would grant you the faith and the boldness to “step out of the boat”?
"Compassionate Service"
March 3, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • Matthew 20:20–34
"Compassionate Service" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/compassionate-service Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. How does the understanding that compassion means being willing “to suffer with” encourage you when you think about our relationship to God through Christ? 2. Why do you think we struggle so much with expressing genuine compassion? 3. How does the example of the early church impact you? 4. When you think of specific people groups to whom we may show compassion, who might you express the compassion of Christ toward and how?
"Loving Community"
February 25, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • 1 John 3:1
"Loving Community" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/loving-community-1 Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. What stirs in your heart when you “stop and stare” at the Gospel truth that you were once an enemy of God, but now you are His child? 2. What is the theological foundation that supports the command that we should love one another deeply? 3. According to Peter (1 Peter 4:7-11), what does that look like? 4. Why is the value of having fun together in this thing called life so important?
"Spirit-filled Obedience"
February 18, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • Philippians 2:12–13, John 15:1–4
"Spirit - Filled Obedience" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/9036f9c3943d/spirit-filled-obedience Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. Read John 14:21. In the Greek, this is actually NOT written as a command (imperative), but as a fact (indicative). That is, “…you will keep My commands.” How did the Gospel accomplish this? 2. What are the two sides of the “sanctification coin”? 3. What area(s) of your life are you currently not surrendered in? 4. What do you need Jesus to share with you?
"Kingdom Focus"
February 11, 2024 • Jim Moynihan • Colossians 1:1–14
"Kingdom Focus" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/kingdom-focus Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. How does the Gospel Ladder impact you? Which “arrow” tends to be your default? 2. Why is it so important that we embrace the commands/challenges God has given to us only after we understand who He is, what He has done for us in Christ, and who we are in Christ? 3. What areas of your life don’t make sense in light of eternity? 4. Spend time praying that God would fill you with deeper wisdom and understanding of who you are in Christ so that you might joyfully pursue what He has called you to do.
"Biblical Authority"
February 4, 2024 • Jim Moynihan
"Biblical Authority" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/biblical-authority Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. What is the difference between revelation and inspiration? 2. Consider the Biblical Authority value statement. Why is important that we obey and teach God’s Word humbly, faithfully, and without apology? (talk through the various ideas in that statement) 3. What does the word “canon” mean? How did the Jews and then the early church fathers decide whether a book should be included in the canon of Scripture? 4. What does it mean that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth in this world (1 Timothy 3:14-15)?
"The Roadmap"
January 14, 2024 • Jim Moynihan
"The Roadmap" Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-roadmap Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion: 1. What do you think of the simple progression seen in Matthew 4:19? How have you seen Jesus do this in your life? 2. What is your current level of desire to know Christ by experience? What may be hindering this pursuit? 3. Are you engaged in a Christian community that is truly spurring you on to GROW in your walk with Christ and GO serve Him in ministry and mission? If not, what steps might you take? 4. Who may you seek out in order to pursue becoming a disciple who may SHOW someone else how to be a disciple?
The Destination
January 7, 2024
"The Destination" Digital Bulletin-- Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion 1. When you consider the mission to love God, love others (one another and our neighbors), and make disciples, which one would you like to grow in the most this year? 2. Have you been discipled or “churched”? What steps might you take to become a disciple who knows how to disciple others? 3. Reflect on the Profile of a Healthy Disciple. Which characteristics stand out as ones that you see as strengths? As weaknesses? What steps might you take to address the areas of needed growth? 4. How does it impact you to see the potential exponential power of multiplication in discipleship?