Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Majesty – Jesus is Freedom

Text: Galatians 5:13-26

Introduction

Freedom is a concept we hear often in our culture. Our society holds to the belief that everyone should have freedom. Yet, what we choose to do with our freedom may really enslave us. In the message, Pastor Charlton reminds us that we have two choices: to be self-seeking or to choose Christ. If we choose to be self-seeking, it will lead us down the path to enslavement and lose of freedom. But if we choose Christ, we are able to experience true freedom in all aspects of our lives.

Discussion Questions

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “freedom”? What kinds of images does it bring up in your mind?
2. What are some things people do to get “freedom” in their lives but end up enslaving them?
3. Read Galatians 5:22-23. Which of the fruit of the Spirit have you seen developing in your life? Which of the fruit are still missing in your life?
4. How do you daily “crucify the sinful nature with its passions and desires”? What are the challenges to this?

Moving Forward

As humans, we have the tendency to use our freedom to choose the path of temporary pleasures but lasting destruction. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit working in our heart that bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These things don’t come through hard-work or self-discipline but comes from a conscious choice of living for Christ.

Meditate

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  – Galatians 5:22-23

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Lasting Faith

Text: 1 Timothy 3:10-15

Introduction

Does God want us to tell us how much we love Him or show how much we love Him? The answer is both. God wants us to express how much we love him through praise but also He wants to see our daily lives showing our love for Him. This requires discipline. It takes work. But its love. This requires us to know who we love, God, through His Word.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term spiritual disciplines? Why?
2. What has been your experience with spiritual disciplines in the past? What has been positive? What has been negative or apathetic?
3. What are some spiritual disciplines that you have a difficult time doing? What are some of the things in your life that is preventing you to do these disciplines?
4. What can we, as a group, practically do to help keep each other in spiritual discipline? What must the individual be willing to accept in order for this to be effective?

Moving Forward

Any athlete knows that passion for the game can only take you so far in competition. Passion drives you to discipline yourself to train and prepare yourself. In the same way, our spiritual growth cannot be sustained only through feelings. Feelings should drive us to discipline ourselves in living. There are no short-cuts. Shallow faith comes not because we don't have passion for our faith. Instead it is because we lack the discipline in our faith walk. But its difficult to do it alone. That is why God brings us into community. Community helps us to keep us on track in our discipline. Our brothers and sisters will help encourage and keep us accountable in doing the basic disciplines of a Christian life.

Meditate

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  – 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Remember God’s Love For Us

Text: Malachi 1:1-5

Introduction

One of the most difficult things that theologians and philosophers have wrestled with is the problem of pain and suffering, especially when pain and suffering happens to innocent people.  As Christians we are not immune to the problems of pain and suffering. It is easy to reject the concept of a loving God in the midst of pain and suffering. But until we stop and take a moment to reassess the totality of God’s presence in our lives, our eyes will be open to this undeniable truth: That God has always loved us and will continue to love us.

 

Discussion Questions

1. Is it difficult or easy for you to accept the fact that God loves you? When is it difficult for you to accept this fact? When is it easiest to accept this fact?
2. Are there conditions to God’s love for us? Are there conditions to experiencing God’s love for us?
3. List 3 things in your life (from the past and /or present) that you see clear evidence of God’s love for you. Share with the group these things. How does it make you feel being reminded of these things? What does it spur you to do?

Moving Forward

Its human nature to forget the good that is done to us and remember all the bad things that happen to us. The problems in our lives changes as we move from one stage of life to the next. But we are reassured that God’s nature of love remains constant. How firm our faith and hope in God rest upon how much we realize His love for us.

Meditate

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! – 1 John 3:1a

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: New Year 2011

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-7

Introduction

It seems that each new year brings so much hope for change and renewal. But disappointment quickly settles in as we see no significant changes in our lives. Things seem to go back to the way they were. However, Christ calls us to be in a process of change, a change from a sinful life to a holy one. Yet at times the task seems so daunting. We seem to stumble and fall every step we take. So Pastor Charlton reminds us of the objective we must take our spiritual walk, to increase in our love of Jesus. Having this objective, we are called to pursue diligently while leaning upon God for strength.

Discussion Questions

1. Did you learn to play a musical instrument/sport when you were younger? Do you still play it now? Why or why not?
2. How do you determine what is right and what is wrong in your life? What are the standards that you have in making decisions?
3. How do you determine what kinds of decisions you should surrender to God and what kinds of actions you are responsible for? Where do we draw the line?
4. What is one thing you can do this week that may alter your life routine but allows you to genuinely pursue Christ? Ask a brother or sister to keep you accountable in this.

Moving Forward

Many decisions in life is not between bad or good, evil or moral, but between good and good. At times, the answers may not be clear because our objective in life is not clear or is not about pursuing God. Therefore, we must be resolute in our objective, which is to pursue Christ, and base our decisions upon this objective. With this, our lives will have meaning and purpose.

Meditate

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Why Jesus Came

Text: Luke 2:1-7

Introduction

Each year as Christmas comes around, we are bombarded with new marketing campaigns designed to sell us on the meaning of Christmas according to corporate America. We are told that Christmas is the time to consume and be consumed by materialism. Yet, this is far from the true meaning of Christmas according to the Scriptures. In this message, Pastor Charlton revisits the important ideas of the reason for the season.

Discussion Questions

1.  Share some of your Christmas experiences in the past. How did these experiences help you to understand the Biblical meaning of Christmas?
2. PC listed six reasons for Christ’s birth:

•   He came as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)
•   He came to call us to repentance (Luke 5:31-32)
•  He came to give us a new way to see (John 9:39)
• He came to bring a sword (Matthew 10:34-36)
•  He came to remove condemnation (John 3:17-18)
• He came to give us eternal life. (John 3:16)
  Of these reasons, which ones you find most easy to accept? Why? Which ones you find most difficult to accept? Why?

1. Reflect and share one thing you can do to help you refocus on the true meaning of Christmas during the rest of this month.

Moving Forward

During the Christmas season, we can easily get swept up in the busyness of life and forget the real meaning of Christ’s birth. Or we get excited over the festivities of the season and forget the excitement of Christ’s birth. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying family, friends, the presents, and the parties during this time of year. But Christmas is much simpler but deeper in meaning than that. It is about God coming into the human world as a helpless baby to save us all.

Meditate

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.  – Luke 2:10-12

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Ecclesiastes – The Desert

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Introduction

For many Christians, there is nothing worse than experiencing “the desert” in your spiritual life. It is a time when you feel God is most distant and that nothing you do or not do really matters. The sins of the past seem to haunt the doorsteps of your life. In this message, Pastor Charlton offers some practical approaches in guarding yourself in these times. These including guarding your steps, listen to God, authentic prayer, and do what God has called you to do in your life.

Discussion Questions

1. Describe an experience when you got lost as a child. What happened? How were you found?
2. Read Eccl. 5:1. What does it mean to “guard your steps”? How do you do it practically?
3. What are the difficulties or excuses that we use not to listen to God?
4. What is authentic prayer? Why is it important to have authenticity in our prayers?
5. Consider your spiritual life. What is one thing that you wish you could change or improve about it? What are some ways the group can help you make this a reality?

Moving Forward

In Eccl. 5:7 says that “much dreaming and many words are meaningless.” Many times in church in small groups we come together and talk about our good intentions. However, as a community, let us find practical ways to spur each other on in living these truths. It will take a lot of commitment from not only the individual but also the community to encourage each person to apply these truths. Honestly, many of these principles are extremely difficult to follow during tough times. However, with an authentic and loving community that rallies around each other, we are able to live out fully God’s intentions for our lives.

Meditate

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.  – Eccl. 5:7

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Ecclesiastes – Evaluate

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26

Introduction

People sometimes call life a big rat race. It conjures up the image of the futile efforts of a lab rat trying to escape while running around a maze or in a wheel. This can be our lives too if we don’t stop and take the time to evaluate the choices and decisions we make. In this message, Pastor Charlton explains that death is the great equalizer for all people, regardless of their status and intelligence. Knowing this, we are forced to evaluate the pursuits of our lives. The truth is that any pursuit of pleasure can only bring us temporary satisfaction. The only lasting enjoyment can be found in God. And so Solomon concludes that “To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.” (vs. 26)

Discussion Questions

1. Evaluate this Italian proverb: “After the game, the king and pawn go into the same box.” Do you agree or disagree? Do you think that is the extent of life?
2. What is your perspective on the death of people (2:14-16)? How has this mindset affected your pursuit of pleasure and management of time?
3. What does it mean “to find pleasure or satisfaction in Christ alone”? What does that look like?
4. Read Hebrews 11:6. What are the two aspects or components of faith? (God exist and He wants to rewards those who seek Him.) How does this lead to us finding true and lasting enjoyment for our lives?

Moving Forward

Many times, we mistakenly think that the values of the world are the same as the things that God desires for our lives. We try to apply these worldly principles but become disappointed when they don’t meet our expectations. That is why it is so important to look at what the Scriptures say about God. As we start to embrace the value-system from the Scriptures, we will start to see and experience true and lasting enjoyment and purpose for our lives.

Meditate

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? – Ecclesiastes 2:24-25