CrossWay Community Church | Bristol, WI

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>1. The gospel is the most important story ever told that has the power to transform every single part of our lives.</p><p><br></p><p>2. What is the gospel? (vv. 3-8)</p><p>- The gospel is the true story of God's plan to rescue his people from death back to himself through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.</p><p><br></p><p>3. What does the gospel do? (vv. 1-2)</p><p>- It has saved, is saving, and will save God's people.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11</p><p><br></p><p>1. Christianity is rooted in the true, historical facts of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What difference does it make that what we believe is rooted in history and that these things are true? </p><p><br></p><p>2. Why do you think the author (the apostle Paul), wants us to know that Christ’s death for our sins was “in accordance with the Scriptures” (v. 3), and that his being raised on the third day was “in accordance with the Scriptures” (v. 4)? What is a takeaway for us here? </p><p><br></p><p>3. What is significant about the fact that Christ “appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive”? (v. 6) </p><p><br></p><p> 4. How does verse 10 help us think rightly about the interplay between our working and God’s working by his grace in and through us? </p><p><br></p><p>5. In 15:1 Paul reminds his readers of the gospel. Of the gospel he says 1) he preached it to them, 2) they received it, 3) they stand in it, and 4) they are being saved by it. How are these things true of us (who are in Christ) as well? Why is it good for us to be reminded of these realities? </p><p><br></p><p>6. The qualification Paul makes in the last half of 15:2 (“if you hold fast to the word I preached to you - unless you believed in vain.”) should serve as a warning to us. How so? </p><p><br></p><p>7. Verse 2 instructs us to hold on to the gospel. What makes it challenging to continue believing the gospel day in and day out?</p><p><br></p><p>8. It can be easy to drift into a lifestyle where the functional centrality is not the gospel but ourselves. How has this shown up in your life? What kinds of things do you drift towards?</p><p><br></p><p>9. How can keeping the gospel functionally central make you both humble and confident at the same time? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.what" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. What</a> happens if you strive to obey God without a functioning central gospel? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>The Glory of God as Our Highest Aim. Because God is good, living, and promise-keeping, live for his glory.</p><p><br></p><p>1. The central motivation of every Christian: God's glory (v. 1a)</p><p><br></p><p>2. Three reasons to glorify him:</p><p>-He's a good God (v. 1b)</p><p>-He's a living God (vv. 3-8)</p><p>-He's a promise-keeping God (vv. 12-15)</p><p><br></p><p>3. Two ways to glorify him:</p><p>-Trust him (vv. 9-11)</p><p>-Praise him (vv. 16-18)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Psalm 115 </p><p><br></p><p>1. In one word, what comes to mind when you think of glorifying God? </p><p><br></p><p>2. What are some of the most common things people live for? What is alluring about those things? </p><p><br></p><p>3. How is living for God’s glory different from any other pursuit? Why is living for God and his glory better? </p><p><br></p><p>4. As Christians, we can often talk about “glorifying God,” sometimes without a clear picture in our minds of what exactly that means or looks like. How did this sermon on Psalm 115 help you better understand what it looks like to live for God’s glory? </p><p><br></p><p>5. It is clear in verse 1 that the author wants all glory, all honor, and all praise to be directed not “to us,” but rather to God. That’s not normal. What would cause a person to pray such a prayer? </p><p><br></p><p>6. Psalm 115 provides us with reasons to glorify God. The first reason is that God is a good God (v. 1b). How easy or hard is it for you to believe that God is good? How come?</p><p> </p><p>7. How does the goodness of God motivate us to live for God’s glory? </p><p><br></p><p>8. The second reason Psalm 115 provides us for living to glorify God is that he's a living God (vv. 3-8). Why should the fact that our God is a living God motivate us to live for his glory? </p><p><br></p><p>9. A third reason we see for living for God’s glory in Psalm 115 is that our God is a promise-keeping God (vv. 12-15). How should this truth (that God keeps his promises to us) motivate us to live in such a way that he is made much of (glorified)? </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://10.are" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. Are</a> there specific promises God has made in his Word that have become precious to you? Please share. </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://11.one" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. One</a> of the ways we can glorify God is by trusting him (vv. 9-11). How does trusting God glorify him? How does a failure to trust God dishonor him? </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://12.we" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">12. We</a> can also bring glory to God through our praise (vv. 16-18). What are ways we can praise God throughout the week?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>Find your soul's eternal satisfaction in Jesus and his death.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read John 6:22-59</p><p><br></p><p>1. What does it mean that Jesus is the bread of life? (vv. 22-34)</p><p><br></p><p>2. It is possible to seek Jesus (or God), not because we want him, but because we see him as a way to get something we want (cf. 6:26). Has there been a time or situation when you have seen this dynamic at work in your own heart? If so, please share. </p><p><br></p><p>3. In the Old Testament, God’s people needed food and God provided physical bread (called manna) that came from heaven (see Exodus 16 for the remarkable story; John 6:32). How did manna point forward to Jesus “the living bread that came down from heaven” (v. 51)? </p><p><br></p><p>4. Practically speaking, what does it look like for Jesus to provide us (his people) with spiritual nourishment? What does that look like in your life? </p><p><br></p><p>5. Where, apart from Jesus, do you seek your soul's satisfaction, your hunger for love, security, identity, purpose, beauty, etc.?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Part of what it means to come to Jesus to receive eternal life is acknowledging that we are weak, needy creatures who are “hungry” and “thirsty.” In what ways can we find ourselves bristling against the notion that we are in desperate need for someone outside of ourselves to provide for us what we need? Why do you think we resist acknowledging this? </p><p><br></p><p>7. Look again at v. 35. How does the metaphor of Jesus as “the bread of life” help us better understand and appreciate all that Jesus is for his people? How does reflection on what (literal) bread is and does for us help us here? </p><p><br></p><p>8. In v. 35 Jesus tells us that believing in him (i.e. coming to him) means the end to hungering and thirsting. What did Jesus mean? Have you experienced something like this in your own life? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p>9. Why will those who believe never hunger again? </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://10.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. How</a> does Jesus provide this eternally satisfying life? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>1. Continue trusting and speaking the gospel by which God transforms lives.</p><p><br></p><p>2. Christians are recognizable by their transformed lives. (vv. 3-5a)</p><p>- Paul recognizes the Colossians as genuine Christians by their faith and love, nurtured by their hope. (vv. 4-5a)</p><p>- He directs his thanks to God, who has done this transforming work. (v. 3)</p><p><br></p><p>3. God transforms through the gospel. (vv. 5b-8)</p><p>- The gospel is true. (v. 5b)</p><p>- The gospel is about grace. (v. 6)</p><p>- Transformation begins when the gospel is understood. (v. 6)</p><p>- Transformation continues as the gospel is trusted. (v. 6)</p><p>- Transformation spreads as the gospel is spoken to others. (vv. 6-7)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Colossians 1:3-8</p><p><br></p><p>1. God changes people through the power of the gospel. How familiar are you with this concept?</p><p><br></p><p>2. What are some other ways we think we can change?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Why is it good news that God transforms lives by the power of the gospel? </p><p><br></p><p>4. How would you respond to the statement, “The gospel is for unbelievers; discipleship is for believers.”? To what extent is this true? To what extent is this misguided? </p><p><br></p><p>5. How does this passage help us understand what the Gospel is? </p><p><br></p><p>6. How do you see the marks of faith, love, and hope evident in the lives of those around you? </p><p><br></p><p>7. How does the hope of partaking in the everlasting kingdom of God in the future fuel our ability to labor in love for others in the present?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Transformation begins when the gospel is understood. What practical steps can we take to grow in our understanding of the gospel, which will (Lord willing) bring increased transformation to our lives?</p><p><br></p><p>9. Transformation continues as the gospel is trusted. Practically speaking, what would it look like for you to "trust the gospel” in a specific situation in your life right now? How might you grow in this? </p><p><br></p><p>10. Transformation spreads as the gospel is spoken to others. Who in your life might God want you to speak the gospel to in the coming days? How could you plan and pray toward having a conversation with a particular person, that you pivot toward the gospel? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>Respond to God's greatness with joy and submission from a trusting heart.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Psalm 95</p><p><br></p><p>1. Psalm 95:1-5 calls God's people to rejoice in him as our sovereign Savior. What does that look like? What are some of the concrete pieces of evidence we might point to in our lives that would reveal a joy in God (or lack thereof)? </p><p><br></p><p>2. How do you find the world around you calling for your attention and affection?</p><p><br></p><p>3. What are some of the ways we can be aware of and fight against the allurements of the world, the flesh, and the devil? What strategies have you found effective in your own fight for joy in God? </p><p><br></p><p>4. What is the (grammatical) relationship between verses 1-2 and verses 3-5? (Note well the first word of v. 3.) What is our take-away?</p><p><br></p><p>5. Pastor Brett helped us see from vv. 6-7a that God calls us to submit ourselves to our attentive Shepherd. How does a keen awareness of God’s tender care for us help us humbly submit our lives to him? </p><p><br></p><p>6. Are there areas of your life that you are perhaps not fully submitting to God? What would it look like for you to (more fully) submit every aspect of your life to God?</p><p><br></p><p>7. In Psalm 95:7b-11 God calls us to trust him, the Faithful One, who always keeps his promises to his people. Why is it hard to trust God and his promises?</p><p><br></p><p>8. This final Section of Psalm 95 is a warning to us. It is a call for us to guard against hardening our hearts. Why should we see this warning as God's kindness to us? Are there ways you have seen God use his warnings as a means of grace in your life or in the lives of those around you? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p>9. In 1 Corinthians 10:11, we read "Now these things happened to (the people of Israel) as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. (See also 1 Cor. 10:6). It is clear that God wants us to learn (receive instruction) from the example of the people of Israel as recorded for us in the Old Testament. How does this passage help us apply the message of Psalm 95:7b-11?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p> </p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>When we’ve been wronged, God avenges and acts for our good.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Psalm 94</p><p><br></p><p>1. If God is the “God of vengeance” and “the judge of the earth,” what does that say about the injustice we face and our need for justice?</p><p><br></p><p>2. In what ways does this text help us wait for God's intervention?</p><p><br></p><p>3. How have you been struggling with injustice and wrongdoers in the past weeks? Where do you need help?</p><p><br></p><p>4. How should you pray when I've been wronged? </p><p><br></p><p>5. How can I tell the difference between rightly seeking justice and sinfully seeking revenge? </p><p><br></p><p>6. Have you ever experienced God's discipline and instruction when you've been wronged? How? </p><p><br></p><p>7. How has Christ's bearing of humanity’s injustice on the cross shown me God’s mercy? How does it help me with my own injustice?</p><p><br></p><p>8. How can you help other believers when they've been wronged? </p><p><br></p><p>9. What Biblical passages does God use to cheer your soul?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>When the world is out of control, trust in God, our supreme king.</p><p><br></p><p>1. What authority does God have? God permanently governs over his world. </p><p>2. How strong is God's authority? God is stronger than all he has made—he is greater than the things that are greater than us. </p><p>3. How has God used his authority for our good? God has come near and spoken for us to enjoy the never-ending goodness of his rule.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Psalm 93</p><p><br></p><p>1. From the passage, what did you pick up about God’s ruling authority over the world?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Kyle explained that God permanently governs over his world. What is going really bad, out of control, crazy in this world and how can you personally apply this truth? </p><p><br></p><p>3. What difference does it make that God is greater than the things that are greater than us in this world?</p><p><br></p><p>4. What in our lives makes us “forget God” and the truth that He is stronger than all He has made?</p><p><br></p><p>5. What uncertainties, fears, and anxieties do you experience when you forget God’s ruling authority?</p><p><br></p><p>6. How has God used his authority for our good? </p><p>Clue: Think of a nation without any ruling authority. </p><p><br></p><p>7. How does the depiction of God’s authority in this Psalm connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus’ kingship?</p><p><br></p><p>8. What are the hard things you are experiencing now in your life? If it’s about someone else’s situation, how does this situation affect you? What is hard for you?</p><p><br></p><p>9. Who around you is struggling with fear and anxiety? How can we help you articulate encouragement from this passage for that person?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>God shows us his greatness, that the hearts of his people might overflow with joy-filled praise.</p><p><br></p><p>1. God shows us his greatness by his works. </p><p>2. God shows us his greatness in his righteous judgment of the wicked.</p><p>3. God shows us his greatness in his care for the righteous.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>Read Psalm 92</p><p><br></p><p>1. Look at vv. 1-5. What of God’s work does the writer notice that leads him to worship?</p><p> </p><p>2. How is your worship of God similar or different from the Psalm writer?</p><p><br></p><p>3. What does it mean to "declare Your steadfast love in the morning and Your faithfulness by night" (verse 2)? How can you apply this in your life?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Given that the writer wrote this before the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, how much more should these events lead us to worship and adoration? </p><p><br></p><p>5. Why do we need a righteous judge and God in our wicked world? </p><p><br></p><p>6. Share an injustice you are facing in your life and how you are dealing with it. How does knowing that God is a just judge inform the way you deal with that injustice?</p><p><br></p><p>7. How does the contrast between the wicked and the righteous apply to our lives today?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Share and pray for one or two persons you know who are under God's judgment because they don’t believe in Christ. </p><p><br></p><p>9. Read vv12-14. How does the description of the righteous flourishing, like palm trees and cedars, reflect their relationship with God?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.chad" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. Chad</a> explained that God cares for the righteous. How are you experiencing/struggling with this?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.why" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. Why</a> do we desire to have strength to the end of our days? How do our desires line up with God’s way?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>God protects those who trust in him. </p><p><br></p><p>1. Who protects? God</p><p>2. Who is protected? Those who trust in him</p><p>3. What are those who trust protected from? All sorts of earthly trouble and anything that could eternally harm.</p><p>4. How does God protect? He tenderly and strongly gives himself and his angels.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Psalm 91</p><p><br></p><p>1. What troubles you? What keeps you up at night?</p><p><br></p><p>2. What else do we look to for protection? Our ability (e.g., I'm smart, so I can navigate my way through danger), money (e.g., I'm wealthy, so nothing can touch me), network (e.g., I know good people, so I'll always be taken care of), health (e.g., I'm fit, so I won't have the struggles others do). What is good about these avenues of protection? What is harmful?</p><p><br></p><p>3. How are all other avenues of protection deficient compared to God's protection?</p><p><br></p><p>4. How have you experienced God's protection?</p><p><br></p><p>5. What would you say to someone who reads this passage and concludes that anyone who trusts in God won't have trouble? </p><p><br></p><p>6. How does embracing God's protection reorient our perspective when we go through hard times?</p><p><br></p><p>7. God's protection is both meek (vs. 4: like a bird using her wings to protect her chicks) and mighty (vs. 4: like a sturdy shield). How does knowing God is both caring and powerful in his protection help you?</p><p><br></p><p>8. How can we help one another trust in God's protection as we go through life's ups and downs?</p><p><br></p><p>9. If you are a parent, how does understanding God's protection influence your sense of responsibility in protecting your children? In what specific areas do you find it challenging to trust God more with their safety and well-being? How can you grow in your trust in God in these areas?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. How</a> can you articulate your need for God's security to others in a way that encourages them to join you in prayer?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. How</a> can you help your neighbors to find their protection in God?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>1. Because God is the Everlasting God, we should turn to Him for refuge in our human weakness, sin, and troubles.</p><p><br></p><p>2. God is Eternal: We turn to him because he's eternal, and we are not. </p><p>God gives Widsom Because as we see our sin and the troubles of a fallen world, we need wisdom from him. </p><p><br></p><p>3. God is abundant in Mercy: And because in him is found an abundance of mercy to fill our days.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Psalm 90</p><p><br></p><p>1. What kinds of things quickly change our moods and emotions? What does this tell us about ourselves?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Why is it good news that God is perfect and the same from everlasting to everlasting?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Reflect on the past weeks. Why is it important to constantly remind ourselves of God's greatness, perfection, and vastness regardless of our circumstances? How can we apply this?</p><p><br></p><p>4. In what ways do we sometimes act or think as if we have unlimited time in this life?</p><p><br></p><p>​​5. What does vv 1-4 teach us about the relationship between God's eternity and human time-bound existence?</p><p><br></p><p>6. In verse 12, Moses says, “teach us to number our days.” Why is this important? How can we count our days and be much more thoughtful of our time? </p><p>a. Family: Why do you think God wants us to appreciate the time we have together as a family? </p><p><br></p><p>b. Gospel Community: Why do you think God wants us to appreciate the time we have with our church family? </p><p><br></p><p>7. Read v. 8 “You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.” How are we tempted to hide ourselves before God? How does this verse inform the way we should relate to our sins before God?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Last Sunday, we sang 'I Will Wait For You'. Can you share a current challenge in your life where you're finding it hard to wait and trust God?</p><p><br></p><p>9. How can you cultivate an attitude of thankfulness, even in difficult times?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.share" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. Share</a> something for which you want to thank God.</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>God desires for us an increasing experience of what we have in Christ. </p><p><br></p><p>1. Peace</p><p>2. Love with Faith</p><p>3. Grace</p><p>4. Love for the Lord Jesus</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper:</p><p>Read Ephesians 6:21-24</p><p><br></p><p>1. In verse 23, Paul prays for "peace". How have you experienced this peace in the context of the people of CrossWay?</p><p><br></p><p>2. How does the Gospel bring this peace? </p><p><br></p><p>3. Though imprisoned, the Apostle Paul can still pray for peace. How can we experience a similar peace in our own lives, regardless of our circumstances?</p><p><br></p><p>4. How did Brett explain the love for one another out of faith in Christ? </p><p><br></p><p>5. How does the Apostle express his love for the Ephesians in 21-22?</p><p><br></p><p>6. In what areas of my life do you struggle to show genuine love to others? </p><p><br></p><p>7. How can I allow my faith in Christ to transform those areas to reflect His love more fully?</p><p><br></p><p>8. We often talk about the saving grace of God. Brett taught that grace assures and empowers us. How does understanding grace in this way affect your daily life and interactions with others?</p><p><br></p><p>9. Let's take a bird's-eye view of the book of Ephesians. Which verses from Ephesians have been life-changing for you? Which ones would you be willing to memorize and share with the group?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>Stand against our spiritual enemies in the protection God has provided in the gospel.</p><p><br></p><p>1. Why we need God's armor: we have spiritual enemies we must stand against. (vv. 10-13)</p><p><br></p><p>2. How to put on God's armor: we must live out what he has given us in the gospel (vv. 14-17)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper:</p><p>Read Ephesians 6:10-17</p><p><br></p><p>1. Why do we need God’s armor according to vv 10-13? </p><p><br></p><p>2. Why is it important to understand who our true enemy is according to verse 12? </p><p><br></p><p>3. It’s easy to make too little of the devil (as Western society tends to do), or to make too much of him. Which do you find it tempting to do? What about our church? What are the dangers of making this mistake?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Brett explained, “We have enemies who are spiritual, strong, evil, and scheming.” What does this mean? How aware are we of this, and to what extent are we ignoring it? </p><p><br></p><p>5. How did Brett relate God's strength to his armor? </p><p><br></p><p>6. How can we put on God's armor (vv 14-17) ?</p><p> </p><p>7. Think about a time when you faced a temptation. How could each piece of armor have helped you in that situation?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Which piece of the armor do you find most challenging to apply right now ? Why? </p><p><br></p><p>9. How can you practically put on each piece of the armor of God in our daily lives?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. How</a> does this passage relate to Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11)? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. How</a> can we as a Gospel Community support each other in "putting on the whole armor of God"? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>1. In your work, exercise and respond to authority as a servant of Christ. </p><p><br></p><p>2. Obey those in authority over you as one serving Christ. (vv. 5-8)</p><p><br></p><p>3. Do good to those under your authority as one accountable to Christ. (v. 9)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper:</p><p>Read Ephesians 6:5-9</p><p><br></p><p>1. What is challenging about obeying those in authority over us? Where do you need help?</p><p><br></p><p>2. How does working for Christ challenge the tendency to overwork to please others?</p><p><br></p><p>3. How does working for Christ challenge the tendency to view work as undervalued?</p><p><br></p><p>4. The text encourages us to do good to those under our authority as one who is accountable to Christ. How does this look in verses 8-9?</p><p><br></p><p>5. In your work, whose authority are you under? And who is under your authority?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Do you see work as merely a necessary evil or as something that defines your meaning, worth, and identity? Why?</p><p><br></p><p>7. How does viewing work as a way to serve the Lord change your perspective?</p><p><br></p><p>8. How would you work for a boss who could see your work and the motives behind it at any time from anywhere, a boss who knows everything about you?</p><p><br></p><p>9. How does your specific job do good to others, both inside and outside your organization? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. How</a> can you do your job to accomplish the most good?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. How</a> can we encourage the members of our Gospel Community and our church from this text? Think kids, students, unemployed people, and spouses whose primary work is in the home?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>Families, live wisely by fulfilling your God-given roles. </p><p><br></p><p>1. Children, honor your parents (6:1-3)</p><p>2. Fathers (and mothers, too), bring up your kids (6:4)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper:</p><p>Read Ephesians 6:1-4</p><p><br></p><p>1. What does it mean for children to obey their parents “in the Lord” (v. 1)?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Kids, what makes it hard for you to obey your parents?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Kids, how does it affect you to know that obeying your parents pleases God?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Kids, how is it motivating to know that there's a goodness God intends for your life as a result of your obedience?</p><p><br></p><p>5. How might these verses apply to adults who have difficult relationships with their parents?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Parents, especially dads, in what ways are you tempted to neglect your family? </p><p><br></p><p>7. By just looking at how time is used in your family, what would it communicate about what your family values and thinks is important?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Spouses and friends in Gospel Community, how have you noticed the dads in your group leading their families well? Speak encouragement to one another.</p><p><br></p><p>9. Parents, what are steps you can take to prioritize the spiritual nourishment of your kids? What have you done well? Where can you grow?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.what" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. What</a> does it mean to “provoke”(v4) children, and what might that look like?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. How</a> can children and parents seek forgiveness and healing when these instructions have not been followed in the past?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://12.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">12. How</a> can our church community support families in living out these instructions?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>Married Christians, in your use of and response to authority, imitate Christ and the church.</p><p><br></p><p>1. Wives must respect their husbands' authority. (5:22-24)</p><p><br></p><p>2. Husbands must love their wives sacrificially and for their spiritual good (5:25-33)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Ephesians 5:22-33</p><p><br></p><p>1. Verses 22-24 and 33 refer to the respect for the Husband’s authority. How did the sermon help us understand this?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Brett said, “Jesus modeled the headship, and headship conveys authority.” What did he mean by this?</p><p><br></p><p>3. How is the Biblical view of submission different from the secular view?</p><p>Consider Jesus’s submission to the Father (his own identity and purpose didn’t change as He submitted to the Father) versus one-sided dominance, individual autonomy, downplayed leadership, and loss of the wife’s dignity.</p><p> </p><p>4. Discuss what is implied and not implied in a wife’s’ submission to her husband</p><p><br></p><p>5. According to verse 25, for what purpose did God give authority to Husbands? </p><p><br></p><p>6. What are the limits of a husband's authority? How can a husband sin or fail in exercising his authority?</p><p><br></p><p>7. How does the way Christ loves the church (v. 25) inform how husbands should love their wives? </p><p><br></p><p>8. What can a husband do for the spiritual good of his wife? </p><p><br></p><p>9. What are some practical ways a husband can show sacrificial love to his wife and a wife can show respect and support to her husband?</p><p><br></p><p>10. Reflect on a relationship in your life where you can apply the principles of sacrificial love and respect. How might this change the dynamic of that relationship?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. How</a> can marriage build in us a servant’s heart today? </p><p><br></p><p>12. Marriage can be challenging. Will you be willing to seek help, and if so, where can the spouses go for help/counseling?</p><p>Hints: Elders, godly women and men </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://13.how/What" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">13. How/What</a> do singles and those aspiring to marry prepare themselves to be good spouses within the church now? </p><p>For example, by visiting or inviting a married family's home, learning from their struggles, and understanding the lessons from their marriage.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://14.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">14. How</a> can we encourage/pray for husbands and wives of Crossway?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Be careful to live in a way marked by wisdom and the work of the Spirit.</p><p><br></p><p>1. Wisely use time according to Christ's will. (5:15-17)</p><p><br></p><p>2. Welcome the work of the Spirit. (5:18-21)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper:</p><p>Read Ephesians 5:15-21</p><p><br></p><p>1. Verse 16 says, "Because the days are evil". How did the sermon help us understand this? How does it inform our use of time? </p><p><br></p><p>2. Verse 17 calls us to understand the will of Christ. In this context, how can we identify Christ's priorities for our lives? And how do those priorities influence how we spend our time?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Discuss wise and unwise ways of making the best use of your time for Christ.</p><p><br></p><p>4. Consider your own use of time. How well does it line up with honoring and glorifying God? How are you using your time well? Where would you like to grow?</p><p><br></p><p>5. When it comes to your time, where could you use encouragement, advice, or accountability?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Verse 18 says, "be filled with the Spirit." How is being filled with the Holy Spirit different from being under the influence of alcohol?</p><p><br></p><p>7. How has Brett helped us understand the fullness of the Spirit in our lives?</p><p><br></p><p>8. The verses 19-21 describe a life filled with the Spirit. What should we pursue together? </p><p><br></p><p>9. How is singing together beneficial for one another and glorifies God?</p><p><br></p><p>10. Think about a member of our Gospel Community. Share a way they’ve been encouraging to you in your spiritual life. </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.what" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. What</a> is challenging/encouraging in your submission to one another (marriage, parenting, servitude, Gospel Community, accountability)? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">12. How</a> does Christ’s Submission to God fuel our submission to one another?</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>Pursue God-pleasing purity together</p><p><br></p><p>Because you are light in the Lord…</p><p>Flee impurity of body, heart, and mouth (vv 3-7, 11a)</p><p>Give thanks (v 4c)</p><p>Bear fruit (vv 8-10)</p><p>Expose evil in the world and one another (vv 11b-14)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p><br></p><p>Read Ephesians 5:3-14</p><p><br></p><p>The passage describes two lifestyles, one that God’s people should pursue and another that God’s people should avoid. What are some of the descriptors used for each group? </p><p><br></p><p>There are at least three ways to approach a lifestyle of following God: (1) try really hard to obey, (2) ignore the commands or (3) allow the gospel to motivate you to obedience. What difference does it make which approach you take? What are the consequences? (for example, if one tries to follow these commands by trying really hard, it could lead to pride if they are achieved or self-hatred if they are not. If one ignores these commands, there’s a grave warning at the end of verse 5.)</p><p><br></p><p>We are light (vs. 8). Therefore we are called to flee impurity of body, heart & mouth (vv. 3-7, 11a). From the aspects of impurity mentioned in this passage, by which can you find yourself most tempted? </p><p><br></p><p>Discuss what sexual purity and sexual immorality look like now. What are things the culture advocates as good and permissible that God would say is immoral? What are things that God would say is good that the culture would say is not good?</p><p><br></p><p>As children of light, we are called to give thanks (v. 4c). How is a thankful heart an antidote to covetousness / greed / idolatry? Have you seen this reality play itself out in your own heart? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p>As children of light we are called to bear fruit (vv. 8-10). In sharp contrast to the world, we are to live lives marked by what is "good and right and true.” (v. 9). What’s the difference between living a life that merely seeks to avoid certain (bad) things, versus pursuing a life that proactively seeks to do certain (good) things (“bear fruit”)? </p><p><br></p><p>Bible-believing Christians often have a reputation for what we deny and reject, but not a matching reputation for gracious generosity towards others. Could that ever be true of you? How can you live in such a way that people realize that you love them as well as realizing that you live distinctively (even when that is unpopular)?</p><p><br></p><p>Because we are light in the Lord, we are called to expose evil in the world and in one another (vv. 11b-14). How did Pastor Brett help us think through what that might look like practically? Given where he has you, how might God be calling you to live this out? What might it look like to do this poorly? What might it look like to do this well? How can we encourage one another to do this well (in a way that is pleasing to God)? </p><p><br></p><p>Pursuing God-pleasing lives of purity and holiness is not something we can do well on our own. We need each other. What might it look like for your GC to be more intentional about pursuing holiness / purity together? What might be a good next step toward that? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>Relate to one another in the church according to God's sacrificial love for you.</p><p><br></p><p>1. General principle: Imitate God's sacrificial love in your every day relating to one another (5:1-2)</p><p>2. Specific application: When sinned against, imitate God's kindness and forgiveness (4:31-32)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p><br></p><p>1. The main point of this passage was that we should relate to one another according to God’s sacrificial love for you. What other things tend to guide us as we relate to one another? Examples include treating people based on how they treat you, what their status is, what you can get from them, etc.</p><p><br></p><p>2. What problems emerge when we deal with people based on the answers in the first question? For example, what are the downsides of treating people based on how they treat you?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Why is treating people based on God’s sacrificial love a much better way to live?</p><p><br></p><p>4. f you were sinned against, what would imitating God’s kindness and forgiveness look like?</p><p><br></p><p>5. What are the greatest challenges you face to consistently love other people at CrossWay?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Look again at the list of items in verse 31 that should be put away. Do any of them resonate as something to be addressed in your life?</p><p><br></p><p>Bitterness</p><p>Wrath: an outburst of rage</p><p>Anger: steady festering of anger; lingering animosity</p><p>Clamor: quarreling, shouting back and forth</p><p>Slander: defaming or speaking poorly of others</p><p>Malice: a general ill-will towards others</p><p><br></p><p>7 If you are a follower of Jesus, how have you experienced being a loved son or daughter of God (5:1)? </p><p><br></p><p>For some inspiration, consider: God pursued us when we were still sinners, he graciously sent Jesus for rebels, he was kind to us when we were unkind to him, he first forgave us, he adopted us when we orphaned ourselves because of our sin, he promises us a future with him, not based on our performance but based on Jesus’.</p><p><br></p><p>8. How should the answers from question #7 help us pursue what God calls us in 4:32? In other words, how should the gospel help us be kind, tenderhearted, and forgive one another?</p><p><br></p><p>9. What problems are created if the gospel doesn’t motivate being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Live out your new nature by doing purposeful good to one another.</p><p><br></p><p>1. Be truthful with one another (v. 25)</p><p>2. Do not sin in anger against one another (vv. 26-27)</p><p>3. Work hard to share with one another (v. 28)</p><p>4. Speak to build up one another (vv. 29-30)</p><p>Ice Breaker</p><p><br></p><p>What are some ways your life has changed from before you were a Christian to after you became one? If you’re not a Chrisitan, what are some changes you hope would happen in your life?</p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p>This week’s questions are divided up based on the four commands Paul gives in the passage. Each command has a handful of questions. You likely won’t have time to get through all the questions, so it may be helpful at the beginning to see if there are one or two commands that the group would like to discuss. The commands and corresponding question numbers are as follows:</p><p><br></p><p>Command #1: Be Truthful = Questions 1-4</p><p>Command #2: Be angry and do not sin = Questions 5-8</p><p>Command #3: Work and be generous = Questions 9-11</p><p>Command #4: Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit = Questions 12-13 </p><p><br></p><p>It’s critical to remember the larger context of the letter as we work through Ephesians chapters 4-6 which are filled with specific commands and instructions. We are to receive these commands in light of all that God in Christ has already done for us and for our salvation. What might be the consequences of not remembering Christ’s work for us as we consider the commands of 4:25-30? How can we best guard against these consequences?</p><p><br></p><p>The gospel changes us; it transforms our lives. It does so in very concrete ways, like our speech (v. 25). What are some of the ways gospel-transformed speech among us honors God? </p><p><br></p><p>In what contexts are you most tempted to speak something other than the truth? What are some of the subtle ways we can manipulate words such that we haven’t told a bald-faced lie, and yet (if we are honest!) we haven’t been truthful either?</p><p><br></p><p>Why should being members with one another (Eph. 4:25b) be a motivation to speak the truth with one another?</p><p><br></p><p>Verses 26-27 describe a way to be angry without sinning. What is the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger?</p><p><br></p><p>Have you ever experienced anger without sin (either in yourself or someone else)? If so, what was it like? </p><p><br></p><p>What sort of “opportunity” are we giving the devil, by clinging to our anger and thus failing to resolve it in a timely manner?</p><p><br></p><p>In what context(s) do you find yourself most tempted toward sinful anger? How can this community help with this?</p><p><br></p><p>Work is God’s idea. He calls us to “labor” so that, instead of stealing what belongs to others, we might be in a position to show generosity (v. 28). What are ways we can (perhaps subtly) be tempted to take that which does not belong to us? </p><p><br></p><p>What does it look like (in the year 2024), to do “honest work with (our) own hands”? </p><p><br></p><p> What are some practical ways we can show generosity to those around us and those in need? </p><p><br></p><p>What might it look like practically to speak life-giving words to one another on a regular basis? How can we help one another grow in this? </p><p><br></p><p>Does your heart ache at the thought of grieving the Holy Spirit (v. 30)? Why or why not? How might being on guard against grieving the Holy Spirit, help us resist sin and temptation in times of testing? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>Those who are new creations can and should live as new creations.</p><p><br></p><p>1. No longer be who you were (vv. 17-19)</p><p>A. The lifestyle of non-Christians is the product of a futile mind (v. 17)</p><p>B. Their hard hearts have led to dark minds, separation from God, and a surrender to impurity. (vv. 18-19)</p><p><br></p><p>2. How to become who you are (vv. 20-24)</p><p>A. Remember how you learned (and learned from) Christ (vv. 20-21)</p><p>B. Keep putting off your corrupt old self, being renewed in mind by truth, and putting on the godly new self (vv. 22-24)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>1. Chameleons are an Amazon species of lizard that can adapt their appearance to match their surroundings in order to stay camouflaged and safe. How might Christians live like spiritual chameleons?</p><p><br></p><p>2. Why might Christians live like spiritual chameleons?</p><p><br></p><p>3. How can we tell if we are living like spiritual chameleons?</p><p><br></p><p>4. Pastor Brett helped us see that this passage is a call no longer to “be who we were” but instead “be who we are." What is meant by this? </p><p><br></p><p>5. Pastor Brett said that we who are new creations can and should live like new creations. Where in this text do we see that we can live as new creations? Where in this text do we see that we should live like new creations?</p><p><br></p><p>6. How might God want to use the description of the condition of unbelievers in vv. 17-19 to grow deeper compassion for unbelievers in our hearts? What might be the fruit of that in our interactions with unbelievers? </p><p><br></p><p>7. In vv. 18-19, hardness of heart lies at the bottom of the other realities mentioned. Why is this significant to see?</p><p><br></p><p>8. How does remembering how we learned Christ (and from Christ) (vv. 20-21), enable us to “be who we are”? What might that look like, practically speaking? </p><p><br></p><p>9. Our lives (how we “walk”) are profoundly shaped by our thinking. What are you bringing into your mind and heart that are helping you think rightly about God and who he has recreated you to be in Christ? </p><p><br></p><p>10. Are there inputs into your mind and heart that tempt you to think in ways that do not align with God’s truth? If so, what are those things? How are they not helpful?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.if" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. If</a> you’re a follower of Jesus, how is your life different now compared to before you knew Jesus?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.in" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">12. In</a> what ways is your life now countercultural to the rest of society because you are a Christian? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://12.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">13. How</a> does the gospel motivate you to live distinctly?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://13.how" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">14.How</a> is the old life without Christ different from a new life with Christ according to verses 22-24?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>Jesus gives what we need to build his body to maturity.</p><p><br></p><p>1. Jesus has given gifts to every Christian (vv. 7-10)</p><p>2. He has given leaders to equip us to build one another up (vv. 11-12)</p><p>3. The goal of building is unity and maturity (vv. 13-14)</p><p>4. The way we build is speaking truth in love (vv. 15-16)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>1. According to Eph. 4:7, who is the giver of the gifts? Who (all) is on the receiving end of what is given? </p><p><br></p><p>2. Encourage one another by sharing gifts from Christ you see present in other members of your Gospel Community.</p><p><br></p><p>3. How does this passage address a possible false humility (“I have nothing to offer.”), which can exist among us? </p><p><br></p><p>4. How should knowing that each of us has received a gift(s) for the building up of the body motivate us when we gather together in Gospel Community, Sundays, and informally? </p><p><br></p><p>5. As we saw last week, Ephesians 4 starts out with an emphasis on the unity we have in Christ. Within that unity, there is a diversity of gifts. According to this text, what is the goal of using our varying gifts?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Among God’s people, there can at times be a misconception about who is called to “do ministry” and who isn’t. How does this passage address that? </p><p><br></p><p>7. According to this passage, leaders are “gifts” to the church. What is their role (4:11-12)? Do you see this happening at CrossWay? How so? </p><p><br></p><p>8. How does this undermine the idea that the full-time, paid pastors are there to do “ministry” for the rest of the church to “receive”?</p><p><br></p><p>9. According to vs. 12, who does the work of ministry?</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://10.if" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">10. If</a> you’re a follower of Jesus, do you see yourself as a minister? Why or why not? </p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://11.as" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">11. As</a> Christ uses us and the gifts he’s given us to build up his body, the result will be that we will no longer be “children” who are “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.” Are you now or have you ever experienced being tossed around by ideas or beliefs that were contrary to God’s way?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://12.we" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">12. We</a> are called to “speak the truth in love”. What might that look like among us? Have you been on the receiving end of a brother or sister in Christ “speaking the truth in love” to you? Did God use it in your life? How so? Please share.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://13.we" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">13. We</a> are not meant to be consumers of our church, but contributors to our church. Why is it so easy to have a “consumer” mindset? In what ways do you see this in your attitude towards CrossWay?</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p>Week of: April 28, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:1-6 </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>Guard the unity God has given through love.</p><p>1. We have unity in and from God (vv. 4-6)</p><p>2. We are responsible to guard our unity through love (vv. 1-3)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>1. What is the “therefore” in Ephesians 4:1 there for? How is Paul now transitioning to a new section in this letter? </p><p><br></p><p>2. As you look at your own attitudes and actions towards your church, how are you encouraged to see humility, gentleness and patience (vs. 2)? How could you grow in these areas?</p><p><br></p><p>3. If someone experienced our Gospel Community, what kinds of observations do you think they’d make positively? Would they sense humility, gentleness, and patience? </p><p><br></p><p>4. If we’re being honest, what observations could someone make critically? Would they pick up on traits like being:</p><p>a. Exclusive: it’s hard to meet and make friends here</p><p>b. Religious Show: people seem to have their lives figured out.</p><p>c. Snobbery: people here thinks they’re better than me.</p><p>d. Other: ___________________</p><p><br></p><p>5. What is the difference between seeking to “create” unity, and seeking to maintain the unity (4:3) that already exists among us? </p><p><br></p><p>6. What are some reasons division could occur among individual believers within a church? What are some reasons whole groups within a church could divide from other groups within a church? What do such divisions communicate to a watching world? </p><p><br></p><p>7. How can you, individually, contribute to “maintaining the unity” in our church? How can we do that as a Gospel Community?</p><p><br></p><p>8. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. How should these realities breed unity among God’s people? </p><p><br></p><p>9. Have you experienced the goodness of dwelling in unity with God’s people (see Psalm 133)? How so? Please share. What observations can you make from what God was up to in the midst of that situation? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was: We need God’s power to understand God’s love so that we might glorify God by being fully mature </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>1. As part of Paul’s ministry to the church in Ephesus, he prays for them. Prayer for others is ministry. Do you agree or disagree? Please explain / support your answer. Why do you think we can sometimes feel as though the “real work” of ministry is something other than praying for people? </p><p><br></p><p>2. We know that we can boldly go to God with confidence (cf. 3:12). Paul models this boldness and confidence in his prayer. For us, what might approaching the throne of grace with “boldness” look like? What sort of “bold” prayers might your Father in heaven delight to hear from you (that you are not bringing to him at this time)? </p><p> </p><p>3. One of Paul’s requests to God for these believers is that they would be "strengthened with power through his Spirit in (their) inner being” (See Rom 7:22 and 2 Cor. 4:16 for just a couple of reasons why we need to be strengthened daily with God’s power in our inner being.). What might this look like? Is this something you pray for yourself and for those around you? Why or why not? What might be the effect of making this prayer a regular habit? </p><p><br></p><p>4. Paul’s desire is for Christ’s (continual, ongoing) presence in the hearts of these believers, through faith (3:17a). How should we understand the relationship between trusting Christ and his presence in our lives? </p><p><br></p><p>5. Paul’s prayer to God is that he would enable the Ephesian believers to grasp the love of Christ for them. Look back over Ephesians 1:1-3:13. Where / how is God’s love for us revealed? </p><p><br></p><p>6. How is the love of God for us most clearly revealed in and through the Gospel (cf. Rom. 5:8, Jn 3:16)? </p><p><br></p><p>7. One of the effects, according to 3:19b, of grasping the love of Christ is that we will be “filled with all the fullness of God.” How did the sermon help us understand what is meant here? Have you seen this connection in your own life (or in the lives of those around you), between grasping / internalizing God’s love and growing in maturity? Please share. </p><p><br></p><p>8. In v. 20, we are reminded that our God (the one to whom we pray), is "able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” How might keeping this in mind (and believing it with all our hearts), affect the way we pray? </p><p><br></p><p>9. Is there something in your life currently that feels (if you are honest), too big for God? What might it look like for you to pray more earnestly and more regularly about this issue (and invite others to do the same)? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer:</p><p><br></p>

<p>Sermon Text: Ephesians 3:1-13 </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was: The cause of spreading the gospel and strengthening the church is worth suffering for.</p><p><br></p><p>1. A mystery: God brings the nations into his people through the gospel (vv. 1-6)</p><p>2. A means: God gives his people the gift of spreading the gospel (vv. 7-9)</p><p>3. A goal: God displays his wisdom through the church (vv. 10-12)</p><p>4. A glory: Suffering in this cause is worthwhile (v. 13)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>1. Name things people pursue and the sacrifices they’re willing to endure to go after them. (e.g., pursue more money so sacrifice time; excel in fitness/academics, so willingly give up hanging out with friends, etc.)</p><p><br></p><p>2. As followers of Christ, the things we are called to live for (and if necessary suffer for) are very different than those things for which the world lives. What, according to this passage, does God want us to see as worthy of living for, and if necessary suffering for? </p><p><br></p><p>3. What are some of the costs Christians bear in spreading the gospel and strengthening the church? Why do these costs sometimes feel as though they’re not worth it? </p><p><br></p><p>4. How does this passage change how we view the prospect of suffering in order to share the gospel message?</p><p><br></p><p>5. There are many parts of the world today where living for Christ is costly. What might it look like for us to be more aware of the sufferings of our brothers and sisters around the world? What might it look like for us to support them (cf. Gal. 6:10)? </p><p><br></p><p>6. 2 Timothy 3:12 says "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” To what extent do you see the reality of this verse in our midst? If this reality is not happening to the degree that perhaps it should be, why do you think that is? What might need to change? </p><p><br></p><p>7. Historically, here in America, living for Christ has not been all that costly. That may be changing. In light of the changing landscape here, what might be some of the costs that come to those who live for the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the church in the years to come? </p><p><br></p><p>8. What would it look like for us to prepare ourselves to suffer well (i.e. in a way that honors and pleases God)? </p><p><br></p><p>9. It is a wonder of wonders that God would be so gracious to us, his people, that he would allow us to participate in his global purpose to gather worshipers from all the peoples of the earth through the proclamation of the Gospel (see 3:7-9). How are we at CrossWay Community Church living out our calling to spread the Gospel? How can we grow in this? What is your part in this? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p>Week of: April 7, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:11-22 </p><p><br></p><p>SERMON OVERVIEW </p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was: we who trust in Christ have been reconciled to God and to one another through his death. The three main points were:</p><p><br></p><p>1. Without Christ, we are separated from God and his people (vv. 11-12)</p><p>2. Through his death, Christ has reconciled those who believe to one another and to God (vv. 13-18)</p><p>3. We who believe now fully belong to God and his kingdom, family, and temple (vv. 19-22)</p><p><br></p><p>DIGGING DEEPER </p><p>1. Our culture is becoming increasingly divided between “us” and “them.” What are some ways this sort of thinking can (and has) crept into the church? </p><p><br></p><p>2. As you interact with others, especially other Christians at CrossWay, what kinds of things could you be tempted to make more important than the unity you have in Christ? (e.g., political affiliation, ethnicity, opinion on a social issue, an approach to parenting or schooling, etc).</p><p><br></p><p>3. How can this passage help us guard against this sort of “us” and “them” mentality? </p><p><br></p><p>4. Sadly we can be prone to forget things, even really important things. Eph. 2:11-12 encourages us to “remember.” What does God (through Paul) want us to remember? Why is it good to remember these things? What effect might regular obedience to this instruction (to "remember") have on our hearts?</p><p><br></p><p>5. In verse 12, Paul highlights five different aspects of what was true of us before we were “brought near by the blood of Christ.” What are they? How do these realities strike you?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Christ is our peace (v. 14). How is this true in both an objective and subjective sense? How is objective peace (between us and God), a prerequisite to a deep, abiding subjective peace? </p><p><br></p><p>7. Eph. 2:14-15 tells us that Christ "has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.” How did Pastor Brett help us understand what Paul is speaking of here? Why is it important to grasp this idea? What is the practical takeaway (s) of this truth for us?</p><p><br></p><p>8. The Jews used to be able to meet God in the Jerusalem Temple. The Gentiles were excluded. Where does God now dwell (vv. 21-22)? What is this new temple constructed on (v. 20)?</p><p><br></p><p>9. According to Eph. 2:19-22, what is now true of us who are in Christ by faith? What might it look like for us to treasure these realities as we ought? What are some ways that we can remind ourselves and one another of these things? What might be the effect of doing so more regularly? </p><p><br></p><p>10. Is there anyone who Christ died to reconcile you to, who you are not living in unity with? How will the gospel challenge and enable you to seek peace and friendship with them?</p><p><br></p><p>11. In what ways is a church service a foretaste of the life we will enjoy when Jesus returns? If you went to church thinking of it that way, how might it change your attitude or actions there?</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p>Week of: March 31, 2024 // Sermon Text: John 20:1-18</p><p><br></p><p>SERMON OVERVIEW</p><p>The main idea of this week's sermon was that Jesus is persuasively, victoriously & reassuringly alive.</p><p><br></p><p>1. Jesus' resurrection is persuasive, finally helping the disciples know that he is truly alive.</p><p>2. Jesus' resurrection is victorious, one big step to his ultimate ascension, showing that he was well on his way to completing the work he was sent to do.</p><p>3. Jesus' resurrection is reassuring, that the disciples are secured in their adoption through his death.</p><p><br></p><p>DIGGING DEEPER</p><p>Read John 20:1-18</p><p><br></p><p>1. How is Jesus' resurrection from the dead different from when Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:38-44)? Why is this significant?</p><p><br></p><p>Lazarus was brought back to his old life. He died again. Jesus was raised to new life and then ascended into heaven, never dying again. This distinction is significant because it means that there really is life after death, a new creation, a new body, a new everything.</p><p><br></p><p>2. It might be tempting for us to look down on the disciples who had a hard time believing that Jesus had been raised from the dead. Why was their unbelief understandable? How do we see Jesus gently work to persuade them that he is in fact alive?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Our society makes a big deal of Christmas but not so much Easter. As Christians, why should Easter be a far bigger deal?</p><p><br></p><p>Without Easter (Jesus rising from the dead), Christmas (his birth) would be of little to no significance. Easter is the moment when a new creation breaks through.</p><p><br></p><p>4. What are ways to heighten Easter in your own life? As a small group? In our church?</p><p>5. If God is powerful enough to raise Jesus from the dead, what does that mean for the biggest struggle or worry in your life?</p><p>6. The sermon helped us see from John 20 that Jesus' resurrection is reassuring. How is Jesus' resurrection reassuring for you personally? How should his resurrection give us hope and peace?</p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions</p><p>Week of: March 24 , 2024 // Sermon Text: John 12:12-36a</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was: Jesus is the King who gives eternal life through his</p><p>death.</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper:</p><p>Read John 12:12-36a</p><p><br></p><p>1. So much of the crowd's excitement in John 12:12-13 is based on a prophecy many of</p><p>them would have been aware of in Zechariah 9:9-17. Read the prophecy and</p><p>describe why the crowds would be so excited. What did they think Jesus was going</p><p>to do?</p><p><br></p><p>2. How did Jesus’ intentional choice to enter the city not on a war-horse, but on a</p><p>donkey, not only fulfill Zechariah 9:9 but also reveal what sort of King he is, and</p><p>what sort of King he isn’t?</p><p><br></p><p>3. Compare and contrast the mood of the crowds, just a few days later, in John</p><p>19:14-16. Why the sudden and drastic change?</p><p><br></p><p>4. How does John 12:24 description about a grain of wheat illustrate what Jesus</p><p>came to accomplish with his life? And how does it illustrate what must happen</p><p>in the lives of all who follow Jesus?1</p><p><br></p><p>5. According to John 12:25, what does it mean for someone to lose their life if they</p><p>love it? Another way to think of loving your life, according to John 12:25, is being god of</p><p>your own life. In what ways are you pulled to being the god of your own life?</p><p><br></p><p>6. Another way to think of hating your life, according to John 12:25, is letting go of</p><p>being god yourself and allowing God to be in charge. Why is it better to let God</p><p>be in charge? Why is this hard to do?</p><p><br></p><p>7. Have you ever made a commitment to surrender your life to Jesus (i.e., “hate</p><p>your life”) and receive eternal life? If not, why not? If so, why so?</p><p><br></p><p>8. Who in your life are you desperate to hear this good news in hopes of them</p><p>being transformed? Pray for them this week.</p>

<p>Discussion Questions </p><p>Week of: March 17, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:8-10 </p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Memory </p><p>Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon reminded us that God saves by grace, through faith, for good works. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p> </p><p>Read Ephesians 2:8-10 </p><p> </p><p>How are people saved? How are people not saved? (vv. 8-9)1 </p><p> </p><p>Grace is God’s powerful favor for the undeserved. Why is it good to recognize that we are undeserving before God? </p><p> </p><p>Eph. 2:10 teaches us that we have been saved "for good works.” Why is it crucial to understand the difference between doing good works because we have been saved, and doing good works so that we might be saved? </p><p> </p><p>How has God’s grace changed your life on a practical level (e.g., think of your marriage, parenting, work, relationships, school, etc)? </p><p> </p><p>How do you hope it will change your life more? </p><p> </p><p>Think about your good works. Why do you do them? Are you tempted to do them out of guilt, shame, pride, or fear? What difference does it make if and when you do them out of love?2 </p><p> </p><p>Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As we “walk” in the good works God has prepared for us, and others see it, they may be tempted to praise us. If / when that happens, what are some ways we can help them instead "give glory to (our) Father who is in heaven" for these evidences of his grace in our lives? </p><p> </p><p>Is there anyone you hope will be changed by God’s grace through faith? If so, pray for them and ask God to open a door to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ. </p><p> </p><p>Prayer Requests: </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Memory </p><p>Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview </p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon reminded us that God makes the spiritually dead alive. The passage describes God’s method (vv. 5-6), God’s motivation (vv. 4, 7), and God’s masterpiece (v. 7) in making the spiritually dead alive. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p> </p><p>Read Ephesians 2:4-7 </p><p> </p><p>The first two words of verse 4 (“But God….”), are perhaps among the most precious words in all the Bible. We were dead. We were utterly incapable of making ourselves alive. But God! But God made us alive! </p><p> </p><p>How might it change our perspective on the challenges of life if we were to wake up each morning utterly shocked that God has made us alive in Christ? </p><p> </p><p>What habits might we want to put in place to remind us often of this precious truth? </p><p> </p><p>According to verses 4 and 7, what aspects of God’s character were the driving force in his making us spiritually alive? Why do you think God wants us to know this? How should this affect us? </p><p> </p><p>In your own words, what does it mean to be “united with Christ”? </p><p> </p><p>We all define our lives by something. We all create an identity. What are common ways you observe people defining their lives by? </p><p> </p><p>In this passage, Paul unpacks an identity people can have when united to Jesus of being made alive, raised, and seated. </p><p> </p><p> Why is this way of defining our lives far better than any other way? What makes it distinct from any other way of finding our identity? </p><p> [there’s a wide range of answers here, but could include that: it’s given to us, not </p><p> earned; it’s dependent on what Jesus did, not what we can do, etc.] </p><p> </p><p>Anyone who is a follower of Jesus has been raised up and seated with Jesus in the heavenly places now. How does that change your life now? </p><p> </p><p>Part of being united with Jesus means being raised and seated with him. The implication is that we have power, through Jesus, over our own desires, over the influences of the world, and even over the devil. </p><p> </p><p> How does Christ’s power in you help you live for him this week? What is an area of your life you want to increasingly tap into that power? </p><p> </p><p>Verse 7 tells us that God has made us alive so that he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace toward us in Christ. Is it selfish or loving for God to want to display to us and the world the riches of his grace? How so? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests </p><p><br></p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was that because of our spiritual powerlessness, we needed to be saved by grace. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Read Ephesians 2:1-3 </p><p> </p><p>It can be humbling to think of ourselves as having been spiritually dead before God made us alive in Christ. How did the sermon help you see the significance of the truth that you were spiritually dead? </p><p> </p><p>Eph. 2:3 says “among whom we all once lived.” For some of us, it is very clear that at one time we were “following the course of this world.” Regardless of our testimony, and of when we trusted in Christ for salvation, why is it important for all of us who are in Christ to believe that what is written in these verses (Eph. 2:1-3) is true for each and every one of us? What difference should this make in our lives? </p><p> </p><p>In our spiritual deadness, we were held captive as we followed in the ways of the world (2:2a), the flesh (2:3a), and the devil (2:2b). Although we are now alive in Christ, we still find ourselves needing to fight the good fight of faith against the world, the flesh and the devil. How are things different now? How should this encourage us in the battle? </p><p> </p><p>Because of the unmerited grace of God, we are no longer “children of wrath.” Our destination is no longer one of eternal judgment, but of “pleasures forevermore” at God’s right hand. What effect ought reflection on the contrast between our former destination and our current destination have on our hearts? </p><p> </p><p>When we see unbelievers following “the course of this world,” how might calling to mind our own previous condition lead to greater compassion and urgency in our interactions with them? </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests </p><p> </p><p> </p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Memory</p><p>Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter.</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview</p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was: knowing God is a work of God, so growing in knowing God requires praying to God.</p><p><br></p><p>Ice Breaker</p><p>· When you pray for Christian friends or family members, what kind of things do you tend to pray about?[1]</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p> </p><p>Read Ephesians 1:15-23.</p><p> </p><p>· This passage teaches us that those who know God are marked by faith and love. What are some of the specific evidences of faith and love you see in your brothers and sisters in your Gospel Community? Take this opportunity to “encourage one another,” by pointing out specific evidences of faith and love you see in their lives. Take this opportunity to thank God for these evidences of his grace.</p><p> </p><p>· To know God better, who will need to be at work in us? (see vs. 17)[2]</p><p> </p><p>· Most of this section is Paul praying. What does Paul pray for? How are his prayer requests similar or different from the prayers you normally hear?[3]</p><p> </p><p>· Paul already knows that his readers know Jesus and love him. Why would he keep praying for them to know even more about all that they have in Jesus? Think of several possible reasons.[4] </p><p> </p><p>· At the end of verse 18, we might expect Paul to say: “the riches of our glorious inheritance in heaven.” What does Paul say, and why is this surprising?[5] </p><p> </p><p>· In verse 18, Paul (who is in prison, see 3:1) is teaching us to pray not for our circumstances to be altered but for our hearts’ view of our circumstances to be altered. Why do we find this hard? What would be great to see life this way?[6]</p><p> </p><p>· How should verse 20 excite us about the kind of power that is at work in and for us?[7]</p><p> </p><p>The following truths are found in this passage. Spend a minute reviewing them quietly. Then, use them as inspiration to pray for one another.[8]</p><p> </p><p>· Jesus is my resurrected savior, proof of God’s immeasurable power toward us who believe (vv. 19-20)</p><p>· Jesus is my ascended Advocate, representing me from his seat at God’s right hand in heaven (v. 20)</p><p>· Jesus is ruler of all things, controlling all other authorities, powers, and people of great name (v. 21)</p><p>· Jesus is King of the ages, controlling everything about my future both in this life and the age to come (v. 21)</p><p>· Jesus is the victor over evil, able to trample beneath his feet any evil that threatens me (v. 22)</p><p>· Jesus is the head of the church, which he cares for as his body (vv. 22-23)</p><p>· Jesus is the filler of all things, so that when I am filled by him I can be a blessing throughout the world (v. 23)</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests</p><p>➔ </p><p> </p><p>➔ </p><p> </p><p> [1] Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan, Richard Coekin, 13.</p><p>[2] Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan, Richard Coekin, 14.</p><p>[3] Ephesians: The Love We Long For by Scotty Smith, 15.</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Memory</p><p>Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter.</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview</p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon is to praise the God who sovereignly works and seals. God has worked in a way that secures our future perfect union with him by working out things according to his will and by giving us a down payment in the Holy Spirit. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p> </p><p>· God wants us, his children, to know and rejoice in the truth that in Christ we have a glorious inheritance. What effect do you think this truth should have on us in our day-to-day lives?</p><p> </p><p>· We can be confident that this future inheritance is going to come through because (1) God has predestined us for it and (2) God sovereignly works all things according to his will. How do these reasons for confidence strike you? Do they strengthen your faith in what God will do for you in the future? How so?</p><p> </p><p>· How is the Holy Spirit described in verses 13-14? What do these terms mean?[1]</p><p> </p><p>· Are there things that make you wonder if God is going to come through on his promise of inheritance? If so, what are they?</p><p> </p><p>· Even if you believe that there is a great inheritance from God in the future, it can be easy to forget about it week in and week out. How can we as a Gospel Community remind each other of this monumental truth?</p><p> </p><p>· God tells us about our inheritance so that we trust, love, and praise him with all we have. Why do you think enjoying and praising God is so important to God? What’s in it for God? What’s in it for you?</p><p> </p><p>Take It Home</p><p> </p><p>· What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests</p><p>➔ </p><p> </p><p>➔ </p><p> </p><p>➔ </p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Memory</p><p>Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. </p><p>Sermon Overview</p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was to praise God for the finished redemption of His people and the future reunion of all things. </p><p>Digging Deeper </p><p> </p><p>1. According to vs 7, what do we have in Christ?<a href="https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/GospelCommunity713/Shared%20Documents/Discussion%20Questions/DQ%202024.2.11%20(Member).docx#_ftn1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">[1]</a></p><p> </p><p>2. How did we get it?<a href="https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/GospelCommunity713/Shared%20Documents/Discussion%20Questions/DQ%202024.2.11%20(Member).docx#_ftn2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">[2]</a></p><p> </p><p>3. The Bible describes a way to look at what you’ve done wrong and deal with it by being forgiven through Jesus’ blood. Without Christ, how does the world address wrongs that have been done?</p><p> </p><p>4. Why is Jesus’ forgiveness through his blood better than any solution the world provides?</p><p> </p><p>5. How can you grow in enjoying the forgiveness you have in Christ?</p><p> </p><p>6. According to vs 10, God will restore all things to their intended perfection. Why is this exciting for someone who has been forgiven? Why is it terrifying for anyone who isn’t forgiven?<a href="https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/GospelCommunity713/Shared%20Documents/Discussion%20Questions/DQ%202024.2.11%20(Member).docx#_ftn3" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">[3]</a></p><p> </p><p>7. Read Colossians 1:15-20 aloud. How does this parallel passage clarify or add to Ephesians 1:10?</p><p> </p><p>Take It Home</p><p> </p><p>1. Are there circumstances in your life that can tempt you to lose hope / be discouraged. How might a greater awareness of (and reflection on) the future that awaits us (because of what Christ has done), help you fight the good fight of faith in this area of your life?</p><p> </p><p>2. What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?</p><p>Prayer Requests</p><p><br></p><p> <a href="https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/GospelCommunity713/Shared%20Documents/Discussion%20Questions/DQ%202024.2.11%20(Member).docx#_ftnref1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">[1]</a> Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan by Richard Coekin, pg. 10.</p><p><a href="https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/GospelCommunity713/Shared%20Documents/Discussion%20Questions/DQ%202024.2.11%20(Member).docx#_ftnref2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">[2]</a> Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan by Richard Coekin, pg. 10.</p><p><a href="https://icrossway.sharepoint.com/sites/GospelCommunity713/Shared%20Documents/Discussion%20Questions/DQ%202024.2.11%20(Member).docx#_ftnref3" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">[3]</a> Ephesians: Your Place in God’s Plan by Richard Coekin, pg. 11.</p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Memory:</p><p>Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul’s letter. </p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>The main idea of this week’s sermon was to praise God because of His complete blessing and unconditional choice of His people. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Brett highlighted three themes in Ephesians 1:1-2 that show up throughout the letter. What are they? How would you describe them?</p><p> </p><p>Verse 3 says that those who are in Christ have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. What does this mean? </p><p> </p><p>Verses 4-6 unpack how God has chosen unconditionally and purposefully. According to these verses:</p><p> </p><p>When did God choose his people? </p><p>Why did God choose his people?</p><p>What purpose did God choose his people?</p><p> </p><p>Verse 5 describes being “adopted as sons.” If you’re a follower of Jesus, how does it land on you that you’re a child of God? If you’re not a follower of Jesus, what do you think of this concept?</p><p> </p><p>Take It Home: </p><p>What might it look like practically for us to grow in praising God in our day-to-day lives for his blessings to us and for the fact that he has chosen us in Christ? </p><p> </p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests:</p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>With a word of encouragement also spoken to CrossWay by D.A. Carson - Professor Emeritus, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School</p>

<p>Updates from around the world with Mission and Ministry Partners.</p>

<p>Brief history by Mike Bullmore, message by Mark Rogers, testimony by Vince and Brittany Lang, CrossWay Kids participation in Psalm 23 worship song</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>A light bulb: What shines out in the passage and draws attention? </p><p>A question mark: Is there anything that is hard to understand, or you would like to ask the author?</p><p>An arrow: What about this passage can you apply to your own life? </p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>A light bulb: What shines out in the passage and draws attention? </p><p>A question mark: Is there anything that is hard to understand, or you would like to ask the author?</p><p>An arrow: What about this passage can you apply to your own life? </p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>This past week’s sermon was highlighted three reasons why we can be filled with wonder: </p><p>(1) God’s miraculous power </p><p>(2) God’s Coming Justice and </p><p>(3) God’s Committed love for his people </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>God miraculously used Mary, an ordinary person, to be a part of his grand plan to send his son into the world. How does God’s work, often through ordinary people, help you consider the meaning of your own life? </p><p> </p><p>Read Luke 1:46-55. </p><p> </p><p>What sticks out for you about Mary’s response to God’s plan for her? </p><p> </p><p>God’s mercy is not dependent on what you can bring to the table. What is it dependent on (see Luke 1:50 for guidance)? How does this reality effect how you think about God? </p><p> </p><p>Jesus coming into the world is another example of God following through on promises he’s made (see Isaiah 7:14 or Micah 5:2). Are there promises God has made that you are waiting for him to fulfill? </p><p> </p><p>Is there someone in your life that hasn’t heard the good news of Jesus that you’d want to share it with this Christmas season? If so, share about it. </p><p> </p><p>How can we, as a community, be thrilled by Jesus this Christmas season? </p><p> </p><p>What about the Christmas season can distract you/us from being thrilled by Jesus? </p><p> </p><p>Take It Home: </p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests: </p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>This past week’s sermon was highlighted three reasons why we can be filled with wonder </p><p>God’s miraculous power </p><p>God’s Coming Justice and </p><p>God’s Committed love for his people </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>God miraculously used Mary, an ordinary person, to be a part of his grand plan to send his son into the world. How does God’s work, often through ordinary people, help you consider the meaning of your own life? </p><p> </p><p>Read Luke 1:46-55. </p><p> </p><p>What sticks out for you about Mary’s response to God’s plan for her? </p><p> </p><p>God’s mercy is not dependent on what you can bring to the table. What is it dependent on (see Luke 1:50 for guidance)? How does this reality effect how you think about God? </p><p> </p><p>Jesus coming into the world is another example of God following through on promises he’s made (see Isaiah 7:14 or Micah 5:2). Are there promises God has made that you are waiting for him to fulfill? </p><p> </p><p>Is there someone in your life that hasn’t heard the good news of Jesus that you’d want to share it with this Christmas season? If so, share about it. </p><p> </p><p>How can we, as a community, be thrilled by Jesus this Christmas season? </p><p> </p><p>What about the Christmas season can distract you/us from being thrilled by Jesus? </p><p> </p><p>Take It Home: </p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests:</p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>This past week’s sermon was focused on three encouragements to pursue a life pleasing to God in dependence on God:</p><p> </p><p>(1) God makes perfect peace (v. 20a)</p><p>(2) We have a living, almighty shepherd (v. 20b)</p><p>(3) God works in us to do his will. (b. 21)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>· In your own words, what does a life of pleasing God look like?</p><p> </p><p>· What aspects of your life are pleasing to God?</p><p> </p><p>· What have you noticed in one another’s lives that is pleasing to God?</p><p> </p><p>· What aspects of your life are displeasing to God?</p><p> </p><p>· 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?</p><p> </p><p>· 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?</p><p> </p><p>· 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?</p><p> </p><p>· How could you even more cooperate with the Holy Spirit as helps us live a life pleasing to God?</p><p> </p><p>Take It Home:</p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests:</p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>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:</p><p><br></p><p>With our love for one another (vv. 1-6)</p><p>With our loyalty to what we’ve received (vv. 7-17)</p><p>When we look to him to keep us faithful (vv. 18-21)</p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>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? </p><p><br></p><p>Being sexually pure is a way of showing love to one another (vs. 4). Why does sexual purity impact the wider community?</p><p><br></p><p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>How does contentment with what we have impact the wider community?</p><p><br></p><p>Who is a past faithful leader you respect? What would it look like for you to imitate their faith (v. 7)?</p><p><br></p><p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>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?</p><p><br></p><p>Take It Home:</p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?</p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests:</p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>This past week’s sermon was focused on enduring in faith through laying aside sin and looking to Jesus. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>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.) </p><p> </p><p>2. In what ways are you tempted to stop “running the race set before you”? </p><p> </p><p>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? </p><p> </p><p>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? </p><p> </p><p>5. Hebrews 12:12-17 speaks of pursuing peace and holiness together. Do you strive for peace? What does that look like for you? </p><p> </p><p>6. Do you strive for holiness? What does that look like for you? </p><p> </p><p>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”? </p><p> </p><p>8. How does looking to Jesus motivate you to run with endurance? </p><p>Take It Home </p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests:</p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Discussion Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview: </p><p>This past week’s sermon was focused on the idea that followers of Jesus should endure because of their confidence by faith in a promise-keeping God. </p><p>• What faith is: certainty of unseen realities (vv. 1-3) </p><p>• What faith receives: God's commendation (vv. 4-7) </p><p>• What faith sees: the fulfillment of God's promises (vv. 8-22) </p><p>• What faith enables: costly obedience (vv. 23-28) </p><p>• What faith delivers from: death (vv. 29-31) </p><p>• What faith endures: opposition (vv. 32-38) </p><p>• What we have that they didn't: perfection through Christ (vv. 39-40) </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>• How did Pastor Brett define faith from Hebrews 11:1-3? </p><p>• Why is it impossible to please God without faith, as verse 6 says? </p><p>• Why would having faith in God please him and receive his commendation? </p><p>• What are some promises of God that you have seen fulfilled? What are some promises that you still are waiting to be fulfilled? </p><p>• Share a story of a time when it’s been costly to obey Jesus. How did your faith help you obey? </p><p>• What kind of opposition are you currently facing because of your faith? </p><p>• What kind of opposition do you anticipate facing because of your faith? </p><p>• How does it impact you that other Christians have suffered for their faith? </p><p>• There's a long list of heroes in chapter 11. Did one of them stick out to you? If so, how come? </p><p><br></p><p>Take It Home: </p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Request:</p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Sermon Application Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>This past week’s sermon was focused on the idea that followers of Jesus endure in the confidence Christ has provided, knowing your reward is sure. </p><p> </p><p>The author has established that because of Christ’s priesthood (ch. 5-7) and sacrifice (ch. 8-10), we have confidence to enter God’s presence, both now in prayer and ultimately in eternal life. Chapter 10 verses 19-21 recap this idea. </p><p> </p><p>From here, there are two paths we could choose to either reject it (vv. 26-31) or endure (vv. 19-25). </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>The passage begins with the statement in verse 19 that a follower of Jesus should be “confident to enter the holy places.” What are the two reasons why a follower of Jesus should be confident to be close with Jesus? (see verses 19-21) </p><p> </p><p>In light of this confidence, the writer repeats the phrase “let us” three times in verses 22-24. What are the three things he calls the readers to? </p><p> </p><p>Verse 22 calls followers of Jesus to draw near to Jesus. Do you regularly do this? If so, what does it look like practically? </p><p> </p><p>Verse 23 calls followers of Jesus to hold fast to their hope in Jesus. What about your life makes it challenging to keep trusting Jesus? How does what is stated in the second half of verse 23 help us hold fast? </p><p> </p><p>Verse 24 calls followers of Jesus to “stir up one another to love and good works.” What are ways described in verse 25 to do what’s called in verse 24? </p><p> </p><p>Have you experienced someone stirring you up in this way? If so, what did it look like? </p><p> </p><p>How could you stir up someone in the way of verses 24-25 this coming week or month? Does anyone in particular come to mind?1 </p><p> </p><p>The writer, again, describes a stark warning for not following Jesus. Read 10:26-31. What is a takeaway for you from these verses? </p><p> </p><p>Read 10:32-24. Imagine what the readers went through. How does it strike you that the original readers “joyfully accepted the plundering of their property?” </p><p> </p><p>What truth enabled the readers to do this? See verse 34b. </p><p> </p><p>What is the better and abiding possession in verse 34b? </p><p> </p><p>How might this truth help us toward radical, practical, and costly love? </p><p><br></p><p>Take It Home: </p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests: </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>_____________________________</p><p>Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532</p>

<p>Sermon Application Questions:</p><p><br></p><p>Sermon Overview:</p><p>The main point of this week’s sermon was: Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice to take our sins away, so stay loyal to him. The passage progresses through four reasons why Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice: </p><p><br></p><p>Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because every other way fails </p><p><br></p><p>Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because he’s the long-awaited, once-for-all all replacement </p><p><br></p><p>Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because he sat down. </p><p><br></p><p>Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because he begins a new era. </p><p><br></p><p>Digging Deeper: </p><p>Hebrews 10:3 tells us, “But in these sacrifices, there is a reminder of sin every year.” The old covenant sacrificial system provided people stark visual reminders of the reality and gravity of sin and the resulting need for atoning sacrifice. The author of Hebrews has repeatedly told us that the covenant we are under (i.e. the new covenant) is “better.” Does the new covenant do a “better” job of showing us the reality of sin, the gravity of sin, and the need for atoning sacrifice? If so, how? </p><p><br></p><p>Hebrews 10:4 tells us, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” If the blood of bulls and goats did not “take away” the sins of the people under the old covenant, then were any of them saved? If so, how? [see Genesis 15:6 for help]. </p><p><br></p><p>You're likely not tempted to look to animal sacrifices to take away your sins like the original readers. However, when you do sin, what are you tempted to look to for cleansing and fulfillment? </p><p><br></p><p>Hebrews 10:14 tells us, "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Is the idea that, in one sense, we have already been perfected (or have already “been sanctified” cf. v.10), yet in another sense we are not yet perfect a new concept for you? How might these categories help seek to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of your ongoing sanctification? </p><p><br></p><p>How can we as a Gospel Community help one another heighten our awareness of Jesus’ greatness? </p><p><br></p><p> If you’re loyal to Jesus and trust that his death took away your sins, then this passage says that you are forgiven (vs. 18). How does being fully forgiven change your life? What does it do for you personally? How does it change the way you interact with others? </p><p><br></p><p>Take It Home:</p><p>What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? </p><p><br></p><p>Prayer Requests:</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p> </p>