CrossWay Community Church | Bristol, WI

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>The resurrection of Jesus proves God has kept all his ancient promises and so will come through on all his promises that lie ahead.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>1. What assumptions have you seen people have that keep them from “getting” Jesus? What barriers did you have to overcome to receive Jesus?</p><p> </p><p>2. Jesus helps his disciples understand God’s plan by going to all the Scriptures (i.e., the Old Testament) and showing how it was about himself (24:27). How does Jesus’ approach affect the way we approach reading and understanding the Bible?</p><p><br></p><p>3. What was that moment like when you understood who Jesus was for the first time? If you haven’t yet experienced that, what do you think holds you back?</p><p><br></p><p>4. In the sermon, it was said that we can sometimes think Jesus is far away, even when he’s right alongside us. How might this be (or has it been) true in your life?</p><p> </p><p>5. Why doesn’t God always conform to your expectations? Why might this actually be a good thing?</p><p><br></p><p>6. How can you grow in letting God’s Word define your expectations for life?</p><p><br></p><p>7. What situation or circumstance in your life right now tends to overshadow the power of the resurrection? </p><p><br></p><p>8. Consider a circumstance you’re in right now. How can the fact that Jesus is truly alive help you endure it well? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Because Jesus was raised as he predicted, you can trust all his promises.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>1. When you think about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, what questions arise in your mind? </p><p> </p><p>2. Why is it important to see (and believe) that Jesus’ resurrection is both true and meaningful? What is lost if we abandon either of these? </p><p><br></p><p>3. Please read: Luke 24:6–7 “He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” It was noted in the sermon that, in verse 6, the angels don’t tell the women to remember that Jesus said the Son of Man would be delivered, killed, and raised—but that he must be delivered, killed, and raised. It had to happen. Why? Why did it have to happen? </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>4. How does Luke 19:10 (“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”) help us arrive at a solid answer to #3 above? </p><p> </p><p>5. What are some of the historical details Luke provides for us, his readers, so that “we may have certainty” regarding the historical truthfulness of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? </p><p><br></p><p>6. Jesus predicted (promised) that he would rise from the dead, and then he did what he said he would do: he rose from the dead. Does this fact strengthen your confidence that he will do the other things he has promised to do as well? How so? </p><p> </p><p>7. Jesus claimed that he could forgive sins (sins ultimately done against God). How does Jesus’ resurrection from the dead help us trust that through him we truly can find forgiveness for our sin, guilt, and rebellion against God? </p><p><br></p><p>8. Jesus promises eternal life to those who trust him. How does his resurrection help us believe this promise? </p><p> </p><p>9. Jesus has promised to come again to take his own to himself. How does his resurrection help us believe he will do what he has said in this regard? </p><p><br></p><p>10. Was there anything in particular from this sermon that helped you once again to marvel at the majesty of Jesus in his triumphant resurrection victory over sin, Satan, and the grave? Please share. </p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Recognize and depend on the King who saves through dying.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Jesus speaks four times in this passage, and each time he does so, he reveals something about himself and his accomplishment on the cross. Jesus’ first words in this passage reveal his authority: the condemned is in control (vv. 26-31). </p><p><br></p><p>1. Jesus is the one with all authority, even when he is weak. He is in complete control, even when he has been condemned to die. How does knowing these things are true help us rely on him? </p><p><br></p><p>The second time Jesus speaks in this passage, he reveals his mercy: the crucified prays for his killers (vv. 32-34). </p><p> </p><p>2. For some of us, it can be hard to move beyond a particular sin(s) we have done in the past. We struggle to believe that God could actually forgive us for that, and actually love us and accept us. How does Jesus's act of forgiving those who were crucifying him shape your understanding of His willingness to forgive you for what you have done? Please share.</p><p><br></p><p>3. At times, we can find it difficult to forgive others. In this passage, Jesus provides help for us by giving us an example to follow (of forgiving one’s enemies). But he gives us far more forgiveness-enabling help than that. What else in this passage do we need to be mindful of when we are struggling to forgive another person? </p><p><br></p><p>The third time Jesus speaks in this passage, he reveals his generosity: paradise is freely given to criminals (vv. 35-43)</p><p><br></p><p>4. It was pointed out in the sermon that even though the criminal put his faith in Christ, his circumstances did not change. He was still crucified for his crime. But his suffering was no doubt transformed by the knowledge that he had been forgiven of his sin and now had the hope of paradise with Jesus. How have you seen these realities (the forgiveness of sin and the hope of eternal life) transform your perspective on and experience of suffering/?</p><p> </p><p>5. How might the story of the criminal on the cross trusting in Christ give us hope and courage to continue to pray for the salvation of those in our lives who have thus far been resistant to God’s work in their lives? </p><p><br></p><p>The fourth time Jesus speaks in this passage, he reveals his victory: he reconciles through bearing wrath (vv. 44-49)</p><p><br></p><p>6. Jesus has fully and completely satisfied the wrath of God that we deserved. This was his glorious victory - on our behalf! Because of this, we can now be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. How can we help each other never forget these precious realities, but instead continue to grow in amazement, wonder, gratefulness, and delight in what Christ has done on our behalf? </p><p><br></p><p>Our Response:</p><p> </p><p>7. One of the ways we can rightly respond to this passage is by recognizing Jesus - seeing him for who he truly is. Is there a particular moment(s) in your life when God enabled you to see Christ more clearly for who he really is? What effect did that have on your life? Please share.</p><p><br></p><p>8. Another way we can rightly respond to this passage is by relying on Jesus. We can all be tempted to rely on our own “good” deeds, and our own (perceived) goodness / righteousness apart from Christ. Why is forsaking any and all sense of our own goodness / righteousness a key and necessary part of what it means to rely on (trust in) Christ alone for our acceptance before God?</p><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Jesus, the guiltless, was condemned so that the guilty could go free.</p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 23:1-25</p><p><br></p><p>Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, and yet chose his job over justice. How might we respond when faced with situations like Pilate’s?</p><p><br></p><p>How does it affect you to hear that you are “guilty”? Why is it hard to apply this idea to ourselves?</p><p><br></p><p>"Under all our sins is the fundamental sin of not keeping God always first.” How can you grow in this as a believer?</p><p><br></p><p>Barabbas going free is a picture of what God has accomplished for us in the guiltless Christ being condemned, while we are set free. Listen to the song “I Am Barabbas” by Josiah Queen, and discuss how it impacts you: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/3GPaQ3dloevmilym0a1V3O?si=2ed9d78d19d945c1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://open.</a><a href="http://spotify.com/track/3GPaQ3dloevmilym0a1V3O?si=2ed9d78d19d945c1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">spotify.com/track/3GPaQ3dloevmilym0a1V3O?si=2ed9d78d19d945c1</a>. </p><p><br></p><p>Have different people read the following passages: 1 Peter 3:18, Colossians 2:21-22, Revelation 1:5b. How are we like Barabbas?</p><p><br></p><p>Christianity isn’t fundamentally about doing better for yourself, but receiving what Christ has done for you. How and why can we receive what Christ has done without making that a “work” which we have to do?</p><p>Sermon applications: Trust, Praise, and Follow him</p><p><br></p><p>How can we communicate the goodness of receiving what Christ has done to people who tend to view Christianity as works-based (non-Christians, legalists, etc.) without going too far in the other direction?</p><p><br></p><p>How could we grow in viewing ourselves not by what we’ve accomplished, but by what Christ has accomplished?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>By remaining true in mistreatment, Jesus now reigns–and enables us to be true.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Jesus’ words prove true in Peter’s failure (vv. 54-62)</p><p>II. Jesus’ words prove true in his mistreatment (vv. 63-65)</p><p>III. Jesus himself proves true—and now he reigns over all (vv. 66-71)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 22:54-71</p><p><br></p><p>1. How have you been tempted to act like Peter and downplay your faith when it is tested by others? How might you respond differently?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Peter’s story didn’t end that night. One day in the future, he would die, remaining true to his faith - crucified upside down, according to tradition. How does this reassure you to move forward when you fail?</p><p><br></p><p>3. In vv. 63-65, Jesus doesn’t fight back even when being brutally - and unjustly - beaten. What does this show about his character? What does this show about how we are to handle injustice?</p><p><br></p><p>4. The chief priests and scribes think they are “putting Jesus on trial,” but it’s the other way around. How should they have responded when Jesus says, “But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (v. 69)? </p><p><br></p><p>5. Jesus submitted even to death on a cross. What would it look like for you to die to yourself and thereby deny yourself, instead of denying Him?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Jesus now sits in full authority over the entire universe at the right hand of the Father. God has sent his “Holy Spirit to help us live openly, consistently, joyfully for Jesus, regardless of the cost.” How do these truths help you live true to God this week?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Rejoice and rest in Jesus' devotion to his Father's will and our salvation.</p><p><br></p><p>I. He was strengthened by submitting (vv. 39-46)</p><p>II. He conquered by surrendering (vv. 47-53)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 22:39-53</p><p><br></p><p>1. In the first section of our passage, we see that Jesus was strengthened by submitting (vv. 39-46). How do the two identical commands to “pray that you will not fall into temptation” (v. 40b & v. 46b) help us understand what this section is about? </p><p><br></p><p>2. Read Isaiah 51:17 and Jeremiah 25:15-16. What is “the cup” in Luke 22:42 that Jesus asks his Father to remove?</p><p><br></p><p>3. In vv. 39-46 Jesus shows us how to face temptation. But “before it’s something he did for our example, it’s something he did for our salvation.” What’s at stake for us in understanding this? </p><p><br></p><p>4. Is there currently an area of your life where you sense God may be testing you? What truth(s) from this passage might help you endure and remain faithful? </p><p><br></p><p>5. In the second section, we see that Jesus was victorious by surrendering (vv. 47-53). What do we see in the text that shows us Jesus is in complete control as he interacts with Judas, his disciples, and his enemies? </p><p><br></p><p>6. “Jesus surrendered to the power of darkness so that we could be delivered from it and be brought forever into his kingdom.” (see Heb. 2:14 & Col. 1:13). What implications does this have for how we live our lives, with darkness yet remaining in the world and darkness yet remaining in our hearts? </p><p><br></p><p>7. What would it look like for you to rejoice in Jesus’ devotion to his Father’s will and our salvation? </p><p><br></p><p>8. What would it look like for you to rest in Jesus’ devotion to his Father’s will and our salvation? Is there an area of your life in which you are not resting in what Christ has done for you? </p><p><br></p><p>9. What from this passage could you share with an unbeliever that might help him or her better understand the person of Jesus and what he came to do for sinners? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>This audio is rough quality. We apologize, but felt the content merited posting it anyways.</p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Persevere in trusting and imitating Jesus in the hope of reigning with Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Jesus redefines greatness as serving like him (vv. 24-27)</p><p>II. Jesus redirects our hope to reigning with him (vv. 28-30)</p><p>III. Jesus reframes success as repentance toward him (vv. 31-34)</p><p>IV. Jesus resets our expectations to rejection like him (vv. 35-38)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 22:24-38</p><p><br></p><p>Jesus redefines greatness as serving like him (vv. 24-27)</p><p>1. What might be some indicators that our concept of the nature of greatness has been shaped by the world more than we might want to admit?</p><p><br></p><p>2. What is one way you can find yourself tempted to use authority to serve yourself, rather than those around you?</p><p><br></p><p>3. How can we guard against that?</p><p><br></p><p>Jesus redirects our hope to reigning with him (vv. 28-30)</p><p>4. What in this life do you find yourself tempted to put your hope in?</p><p><br></p><p>5. Why is that a bad idea?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Practically speaking, what might it look like for the hope of our hearts to be directed toward reigning with Christ? </p><p><br></p><p>Jesus reframes success as repentance toward him (vv. 31-34)</p><p>7. What does it mean to say that success in the Christian life is repentance? </p><p><br></p><p>8. Where do we see this in the text (vv. 31-34)?</p><p><br></p><p>9. What is at stake here? In other words, what are the consequences of failing to understand this truth? </p><p><br></p><p>Jesus resets our expectations to rejection like him (vv. 35-38)</p><p>10. Is it our expectation that, like the One we follow, in this life, we will need to endure suffering for the Gospel? If not, why not? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.in" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. In</a> v. 37, Jesus says that he fulfills Isaiah 53:12: “And he was numbered with the transgressors.” (v. 37). How does Jesus’ death in the place of sinners (like you and me) make possible what he is calling us to in this passage? In other words, how does Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice for us enable us to live out what he is calling for in the four reorientations highlighted in this passage?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Jesus’ physical suffering and death are God’s appointed sacrifice that saves all who receive him.</p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 22:1-23</p><p><br></p><p>1. Read the story of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread in Exodus 12:1-20. What similarities are there in the Passover account to this passage? How does Jesus fit as the Passover lamb?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Judas betrayed Jesus for money. Why do you think this detail was included in Luke, and what does it say about human nature?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Verses 7-13 show that Jesus knew the details of the Passover meal in advance and directed his disciples to carry them out. Where else have we seen this sort of interaction? What does it tell us about Jesus and his plan?</p><p><br></p><p>4. A great irony of this passage is that the first Lord’s Supper was held in the presence of Judas Iscariot. What do you think this teaches us? How does this influence our engagement with those who oppose and wound us?</p><p><br></p><p>5. How does this passage move us to more wonder and gratitude for Jesus? </p><p><br></p><p>6. What is your experience like when we take communion? What goes through your mind and heart?</p><p><br></p><p>7. The next time we will take communion together as a church is Sunday, March 8. What from this passage can we use to prepare our hearts next time we celebrate communion together?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Guest speaker Charisse Compton will teach on how we reflect and mimic God as we care for the daily (and often mundane) details in our homes and families, followed by a Q&A time with Charisse, Bev Bullmore, and Jan Nye.</p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>While you wait for Jesus’ return, remain watchful.</p><p> </p><p>I. Expect deception, and watch with discernment (vv. 8-9)</p><p><a href="http://ii.expect" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">II. Expect</a> opposition, and watch for provision (vv. 10-19)</p><p><a href="http://iii.expect" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">III. Expect</a> distress, and watch with anticipation (vv. 20-28)</p><p><a href="http://iv.expect" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">IV. Expect</a> distraction, and watch through prayer (vv. 29-36)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 21:5-38</p><p><br></p><p>1. The first thing Jesus says about the temple - the Jews’ most sacred and holy space - is “Don’t get too attached to this.” How do you think that would have landed with his hearers? About what in your life would you dislike hearing Jesus say, “Don’t get too attached to this”? </p><p><br></p><p>2. For some of us, it can be easy to get concerned that world events will usher in the apocalypse. How do we guard against catastrophic thinking about the end times and trust God’s timing? </p><p><br></p><p>3. What sort of opposition have you personally faced for your faith, and how can you use this as an opportunity to bear witness to Christ? Jesus says he will “give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” (21:15).</p><p><br></p><p>4. Jesus says that when signs of the end take place, believers don’t have to tremble because their redemption is drawing near. How does this truth particularly encourage you today? </p><p><br></p><p>5. What does it mean that redemption has been fully accomplished, but not yet fully applied? What aspects of future redemption might we be able to look forward to? </p><p><br></p><p>6. Take something that is distressing you now (or has distressed you in the past). How can you use this distress to deepen your anticipation for the life to come? Help each other work this out.</p><p><br></p><p>7. What distractions do you need to watch for in yourself? What can we watch for in one another? </p><p><br></p><p>8. We’ve all experienced things that pull us away from prayer. What steps can you take today to fight what keeps you from prayer?</p><p><br></p><p>9. In a world of distractions, what practices (including prayer) can help us stay focused on what matters?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Aim to please God through giving yourself, not serving yourself.</p><p><br></p><p>I. What God condemns: self-serving fakery (20:45-47)</p><p>II. What God commends: self-giving faith (21:1-4)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 20:45-21:4</p><p><br></p><p>1. This passage teaches that God condemns self-serving fakery (20:45-47). We can all be tempted to pretend (“to act in the presence of certain people in ways we would never act in their absence.”). Are there particular circumstances or people around whom you can find yourself tempted toward pretending to be someone you are not? Why do you think that is? </p><p><br></p><p>2. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day made an outward appearance of loving God and living for him, but in reality, they were only loving and serving themselves. Why do you think we can tend to clearly see this in others (and be troubled by it), and yet often fail to see aspects of this in our own hearts? </p><p><br></p><p>3. Are there aspects of your life (e.g., your job, your education, your life experience, etc.) that can, if you are honest, incline you to think you are in some way superior to others? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p>4. How can we guard our own hearts and help one another in fighting this temptation (of #3 above)? </p><p><br></p><p> 5. It was said in the sermon, “Hypocrisy isn’t unique to Christianity. But Christianity is unique in its resources to fight hypocrisy.” What does this mean? What are some of the hypocrisy-fighting resources available to us as believers? How might we use these resources to their fullest potential? </p><p><br></p><p>6. This passage teaches that God commends self-giving faith. (21:1-4) In what sense was the widow’s offering an act of loving, self-giving faith? What might acts of loving, self-giving faith look like for you? </p><p><br></p><p>7. We who are members of CrossWay have, on our membership applications, committed ourselves to using our “God-given gifts, time, energy, and wealth to support this local church.” How would you assess yourself? Are you doing what you said you would do? If there is room for growth, what might be a good next step in pursuing that? </p><p><br></p><p>8. What might be some ways for us to assess if our giving is sacrificial in nature, or merely “out of (our) abundance”? </p><p><br></p><p>9. Read 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” How does (should) the self-giving of Jesus for our sakes motivate our own self-giving for God’s purposes in the world? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions: </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Receive the Christ and receive the resurrection.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 20:27-44</p><p><br></p><p>1. There are aspects of life in this broken world that can cause us to long for “the resurrection.” What would be some of those things for you? </p><p><br></p><p>2. In this passage, Jesus is confronted by some “who deny that there is a resurrection.” (v. 27) There are some who do the same thing today. How important is belief in the resurrection from the dead for true, biblical Christianity? Support your answer. (Please read 1 Cor. 15:12-20, to see the apostle Paul’s answer to this question.)</p><p><br></p><p>3. This passage teaches us that human marriage will not be a part of the age to come in the new heavens and the new earth. How does that land on you? </p><p><br></p><p>4. Human marriage points beyond itself to the marriage of Christ and his bride, the church. Why is the marriage we will enjoy for all eternity something worth looking forward to? In what ways will it be better than even the best of human marriages? </p><p><br></p><p>5. It is good to live with all our might while we do live, and it is good to eagerly long for the day when we enter our eternal home. What might it look like to live well now, and yet long with eager anticipation for the resurrection? </p><p><br></p><p>6. There are many today who (as did the Sadducees) think Jesus is little more than a “good teacher” (v. 28). Why is it not a viable option for us (or anyone else) to see Jesus as simply a good teacher (and nothing more)? How might we respond to those who see Jesus this way? </p><p><br></p><p>7. What is Jesus’ line of reasoning in support of the resurrection from “the passage about the bush” (v. 37)? </p><p><br></p><p>8. What is the significance for us that Jesus (“the Christ,” v. 41) is both David’s son and David’s Lord? </p><p><br></p><p>9. How might the truths from this passage help you grow in your love for Christ and in your pursuit of a life that is pleasing to him? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Jesus' wisdom compels us to give honor to governments and ourselves to God.</p><p><br></p><p>A. Live by the surpassing wisdom of Jesus.</p><p>B. Give to human governments within limits.</p><p>C. Give yourself to God without limits.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 20:20-26</p><p><br></p><p>1. How does believing that all resources are ultimately God’s help us in submitting to the government? (e.g., paying taxes with faith God will provide, or not allowing our hope to be controlled by government over/underspending). </p><p><br></p><p>2. Name (in less than 30 seconds!) an area of politics which often frustrates you. What do you think Jesus would have to say about it? Try to consider any Scripture passages referencing this area. </p><p><br></p><p>3. How can we use the surpassing wisdom of Jesus to interact with governing authorities well?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Where do you think you need to consciously limit - or elevate - the honor or trust you place in government? Why?</p><p><br></p><p>5. How might we approach political involvement/rhetoric as a Christian witness to others? What about criticism of political leaders?</p><p><br></p><p>6. What areas of your life (if any) do you think might be affected too much by politics? (areas named in the sermon were time, affections, and community)</p><p><br></p><p>7. Read CrossWay’s fourth defining value below: </p><p>“As a result of our personal experience of God’s love through the Gospel, we eagerly seek to obey the first and greatest commandment—to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. This love is the natural and joyful response to experiencing God’s gracious forgiveness, for the one who is “forgiven much, loves much.” This love for God will be expressed in all we do, but it will find a particularly heightened expression in worship, both personal and corporate.”</p><p>What tends to limit you from loving God wholeheartedly? </p><p><br></p><p>8. Suppose a friend or coworker comes to you to vent about the most recent thing happening in the news. What would be a gospel-shaped response? </p><p><br></p><p>9. How do you need to trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty this week? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Welcome the independent, inescapable authority of Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Jesus' authority is independent of whether we recognize it (vv. 1-8)</p><p>II. Jesus' authority is inescapable by those who reject it (vv. 9-19)</p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 20:1-19</p><p><br></p><p>1. The religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus with their questioning, but he questions them instead. Why isn't Jesus concerned with answering their question about authority? </p><p><br></p><p>2. "Humans love our autonomy. We want to be authorities unto ourselves." Where do you see this true in your own life? </p><p><br></p><p>3. Why is it better to have Jesus in authority over our lives rather than trying to take authority ourselves?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Key to understanding verses 9-18 in this passage is Isaiah 5:7: "For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel." How do we see churches today refusing to acknowledge the Lord's authority over them, just as Israel refused to acknowledge the Lord's authority over them? </p><p><br></p><p>5. What does it mean that "the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Ps. 118:22)?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Where do you "stumble over" or struggle with Jesus's authority? Some categories named in the sermon were his claims about who he is, his miracles, which may seem impossible, his ethics, which may seem too strict, and his exclusivism, which may seem unfair.</p><p><br></p><p>7. How can we, as a Gospel Community, help each other in daily surrendering to the authority of our King? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Receive Jesus as the king who restores peace with God for all creation.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 19:28-48</p><p><br></p><p>1. What role does waiting have in your life currently as a follower of Jesus? What role should it have? What does it look like to wait well? </p><p><br></p><p>2. It was Jesus’ intention to communicate clearly that he is the long-awaited King. What are some of the things Jesus does in this passage to communicate that? </p><p><br></p><p>3. In vv. 28-40, we see the first truth from this passage: “Jesus is the King who will restore peace to all creation.” What does that mean? </p><p><br></p><p>4. In what way is all creation in need of being restored to peace? </p><p><br></p><p>5. In vv. 41-44 we see the second truth of this text: “Our reception of peace depends on our reception of the King.” Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not? </p><p><br></p><p>6. What are some things you can be tempted to think will “make for peace” in your life (e.g., a raise at work, less conflict at home, etc.)? </p><p><br></p><p>7. Why don’t (can’t) these things ultimately bring the peace we long for? </p><p><br></p><p>8. There is one way for us to be reconciled to God, namely by receiving the King (Jesus) who came to bring peace. Who is someone in your life who has not yet received Jesus as King? What would be a good next step for you as you seek to be used by God in his or her life? </p><p><br></p><p>9. How can we, as a Gospel Community, help each other grow in boldness and faithful witness for our King? </p><p><br></p><p>10. The third truth we saw from this passage (in vv. 45-49) was that “The primary peace he restores is peace with God.” Jesus has brought this about through his death. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die in order to restore peace between God and man? What did his death accomplish that made peace with God possible? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.peace" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. Peace</a> comes to those who receive Jesus as King by submitting to him and surrendering their lives to him. Why is this necessary? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">12. How</a> might the peace we have with God through faith in Christ effect other parts of your life?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>As you wait for Jesus, live as a faithful steward and you will reign with him forever</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 19:11-27</p><p><br></p><p>1. How does verse 11 help us understand what Jesus wants to teach through the parable in v. 12ff? </p><p><br></p><p>2. Luke 19:12 says, He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.” Who should we understand the nobleman to be? What is the far country? What is the return? </p><p><br></p><p>3. What can we learn from this parable about the person of Christ? </p><p><br></p><p>4. What does it look like for you to “engage in business until (Christ) comes (again)” (v. 13)? </p><p><br></p><p>5. How would you rate your stewardship of the following things God has entrusted you with: relationships, spiritual gifts, and money?</p><p><br></p><p>6. What are you stewarding well? How?</p><p><br></p><p>7. What could you grow in stewarding? How?</p><p><br></p><p>8. How can we help each other be more focussed on and more eager for the return of Christ? </p><p><br></p><p>9. God promises eternal rewards for faithful stewardship. How can eternal rewards help us live a life of loyalty and obedience to God?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.in" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. In</a> the parable, the third servant did nothing with what was entrusted to him, because he was afraid of the nobleman (v.20-21). Our perception of God, his character, and his posture toward us will inevitably affect the choices we make. Have you seen this to be true in your own life (either in a positive or negative way)? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions: On break until January</p>

<p>Discussion Questions: On break until January 2026</p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Hope in the King whose righteous rule will produce perfect peace.</p><p><br></p><p>I. His qualification is unquestionable (vv. 1-3a)</p><p>II. His rule will be righteous (vv. 3b-5)</p><p>III. His peace will be perfect (vv. 6-9)</p><p>IV. His majesty will be magnetic (v. 10)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Isaiah 11:1-10</p><p><br></p><p>1. What injustices in our world make you wish for peace? What does the coming of Jesus have to say about this?</p><p><br></p><p>2. When you want peace, who or what do you look to?</p><p><br></p><p>3. In the sermon, a distinction was made between what delights human rulers and what delights our King, Jesus. What is different about what Jesus desires from us, versus what earthly leaders and rulers often desire? (see Isa. 1:23)</p><p><br></p><p>4. What would it look like to grow in delighting in God, fearing him in a way that longs to honor him?</p><p><br></p><p>5. This sermon focused on the kind of righteous rule that Jesus, this promised King, will have. What do you most look forward to about his promised rule?</p><p><br></p><p>6. In Jesus’s righteous rule, he will enact justice always. As was said in the sermon, if this is our king, we had better live like him. How can we obey this call in our daily lives?</p><p><br></p><p>7. Reread Isaiah 11:6-9, which gives us a picture of what eternity with the Prince of Peace will be like. Which of these particular pictures of peace do you long for? Why does your heart long for this?</p><p><br></p><p>8. To get another picture of the peace which comes in eternity, read Revelation 22:1-5. What do these verses mean to you, and how can we start to live out this peace now between one another?</p><p><br></p><p>9. “When the King came the first time, it wasn’t to judge, but to save.” How did Jesus fulfill this purpose in his life on earth? What will be different about his second coming?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.it" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. It</a> can feel counterintuitive to consider this majestic, righteous, peacemaking king when Christmas is supposed to be about baby Jesus lying in the manger. Why do you think there is goodness in thinking this way about Jesus at Christmastime?</p><p><br></p><p> Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Our hope for endless peace rests on a child who will reign forever.</p><p><br></p><p>I. The future for God's people is a dawn that drives out darkness (vv. 1-3)</p><p>II. This dawn will mean the end of enslaving enemies (vv. 4-5)</p><p>III. God will make this endless peace through a child who will reign forever (vv. 6-7)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Isaiah 9:1-7</p><p><br></p><p>1. “To be in darkness is to seem to be abandoned by God.” By a show of hands, have you ever or do you now feel this way? Share more if you’re comfortable. </p><p><br></p><p>2. “The first coming of Jesus was the beginning of the end of the darkness of the world.” How have you experienced this line from the sermon? How has darkness begun to end? How is it still present? Think in terms of the world and your own life.</p><p><br></p><p>3. Anticipating that Christ has come and is coming again should lead to hope and joy. How might we help one another be more intentional about giving thought to Christ’s first and second coming? </p><p><br></p><p>4. Do you see spiritual enemies (like sin, demons, the fear of death) as your greatest enemies? Why or why not?</p><p><br></p><p>5. How did Jesus’ death on the cross defeat our spiritual enemies?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Reread Isaiah 9:6, especially the end. Which of the four descriptors of Jesus catches your attention? Why?</p><p><br></p><p>7. What is a takeaway (s) for us from the fact that roughly 700 years prior to the birth of Jesus, Isaiah so clearly and so specifically foretold his coming?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Where do you long for peace in your life? With God? With yourself? With others?</p><p> </p><p>9. There are many aspects to the peace Jesus came to bring for his people (e.g. - peace with God, peace among ourselves, peace within ourselves, etc.). Are there any aspects of the peace he brings that you have perhaps not appreciated as much as you should? Why might that be? How might we grow in gratefulness for all that Christ came to do for us? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.read" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. Read</a> Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” How has Jesus brought us peace through his death? How might we use this verse to share the gospel with someone this Advent season? </p><p><br></p><p> Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Those who enter the kingdom depend on Jesus completely and treasure him supremely.</p><p><br></p><p>I. Who enters: those who depend on Jesus completely (vv. 15-17)</p><p>II. Who enters: those who treasure Jesus supremely (vv. 18-30)</p><p>III. How Jesus makes entry possible: suffering in our place (vv. 31-34)</p><p>IV. How entry looks: dependent faith produces joyful following (vv. 35-43)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 18:15-43</p><p><br></p><p>1. Jesus exhorts us to receive the kingdom of God like a child, in complete dependence. How does this help us in entering his kingdom? </p><p><br></p><p>2. What’s the opposite of being like a child in approaching God? How could/does this show up in your life?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Wealth isn’t evil, but it is a danger. How is wealth a powerful rival to God?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Where do you struggle when thinking about money? Greed? Discontentment? Jealousy? Overreliance on it for security? What might you do or change to grow in this area?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>5. Those who follow Jesus give up much now, but also receive much now. If you follow Jesus, what good things have you already experienced because you are a part of God’s kingdom now?</p><p><br></p><p>6. It was asked in the sermon, “Do you see Jesus’s love?” What does it mean to see His love, and how does it help us enter his kingdom? </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>7. The blind man at the end of the passage is a picture of the one who enters the kingdom. How do we live our lives marked by the kind of joyful following that the blind man exhibits upon being healed?</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p>8. What is one specific thing that keeps you from entering the kingdom? Self-righteousness? Pride? Wealth that consumes your life? How do you flee from it? </p><p><br></p><p>9. How can we live in such a way that witnesses to unbelievers about the goodness of entering the kingdom of God?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Come to God, trusting not in yourself, but in Jesus. God's saving mercy and grace are only for those who know they don't deserve it.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Luke 18:9-14</p><p><br></p><p>1. In our passage, the Pharisee comes to God trusting in himself (and how good he is). Where do we see this in the text?</p><p><br></p><p>2. What are subtle or obvious ways we can trust ourselves instead of Jesus?</p><p><br></p><p>3. “Whenever we feel God does not love us because we have failed, we have adopted the Pharisee's approach.” Do you experience this? If so, how can you respond to these feelings? How can we help each other?</p><p><br></p><p>4. One of the ways Pharisee-like self-righteousness reveals itself is in a propensity to treat others with contempt (cf. v.9b). Reflect on some of the words (and tone) you have used with others around you in the past. Do you see any supporting evidence that you may have, at times, been guilty of treating others with contempt? What heart-level attitudes might such words reveal? </p><p><br></p><p>5. How tempted are you to compare yourself with others to determine how good or bad you are? A lot? A little? Something else?</p><p><br></p><p>6. What’s the problem with assessing yourself based on comparison to others?</p><p><br></p><p>7. How easy is it to view yourself like the tax collector, claiming no righteousness of your own?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>8. It was said in the sermon, “... we are all far more sinful than we think. And it is only when we grasp this that we can receive the good news.” What was meant by this? Do you agree? </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>9. How might we use this parable (and the truths it teaches) to engage with unbelievers about the good news of the Gospel? </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://10.what" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. What</a> one specific application from this passage might God want you to consider and take with you into the week ahead? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>