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September 11 - The Path To Victory
Scripture Daniel 6:10-16
Have you ever considered that God - who created the universe, who made a covenant with His people, who has called people through the generations to faithfulness, who provided His plan of salvation for you and the world, who formed the church, and continues to call
His people into faithfulness – has a perfect plan for you and me in this season. In this time in history, God has chosen us to come together at Asbury, has chosen our church to make a difference in our community and world through our worship, ministries, and outreach opportunities.
As we navigate this season ahead, know that it is God who is going to continue to lead us forward as His people. He has called us and set us aside for His purpose that will be fulfilled for Asbury and each of us. He has brought us to this time and place “for such a time
as this.” In this series, we will explore what God is calling us to as the church and we will see where God ultimately leads Asbury church in the future. Obedience is one of the things that God asks of those who believe in Him. Jesus said follow me. Come and reflect this week on Daniel’s story and Jesus’ call, as we consider this time in history that God has set before us.
1. What sticks out to you from Pastor Jonathan’s message about Daniel’s story?
2. Read Daniel 6:1-5. Talk about how Daniel was faithful in his duties, faultless in his character and fervent in his prayer life. Describe a time when you, or someone you know, experienced difficulty from others for loving Jesus.
3. Read Daniel 6:10. Daniel lived a life of prayer. If he started this practice at 15 (when he was taken into captivity) and was over 80, he would have prayed for 65 years three times a day. That equals 71,175 prayers offered to God. What can we learn from Daniel’s faithfulness in prayer?
4. Daniel’s enemies knew that he would break the newly instated law because he was so faithful. In following Jesus, what are you so faithful to on a daily basis that others know about your faith? Reflect on an area you could strengthen your faithfulness that others might know.
5. Where did Daniel achieve victory?
6. Encouraged by the story of Daniel and reflecting on Pastor Jonathan’s message, how can we have success and victory?
7. Daniel’s story and Jesus’ call is to stand firm in our faith regardless of the situations and circumstances around us. How can we develop our faith so it doesn’t waver or fade?
September 18 - Our Main Responsibility
Scripture Phillipians 3:7-11
One of the most important things we can do in our walk of life and faith is to point others to Jesus. Why does this seem so difficult? Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can get to God except through Him. Hence, helping
people see Jesus should be the main thing we do. Today, we will examine what our priorities are and what our main priority should be.
1. What does it mean that Paul has counted the things listed in verses 4-6 as loss?
2. What are some earthly or religious achievements that you may need to count as “loss”?
3. What have you given up for the sake of following Christ? Was it worth it?
4. In what specific ways should we strive to know God more?
5. If there was one thing God was asking you to change in your own relationship with him right now in your own life, what would that be and how can we as a group pray for you to see that happen?
6. What can we do to help Jesus increase this week?
September 25 - Kingdom Expansion
Scripture Matthew 28:16-20
One of the great roles that God desires for the church is for us to help Him expand His Kingdom. Jesus beckons us in several ways to do all we can to help make disciples. How did God define making disciples? How can we continue to make disciples as Jesus calls us to do?
Come worship with us as we reflect on God’s call for all of us.
1. From this weeks Scripture, what encouraged you, challenged you or
spoke to you most and why?
2. What are the four "ALL's" we see in this passage, and what are the implications? What is the main command?
3. Do you view the Great Commission as a joy or as a burden? What is the motivation and attitude that we should have as Christians when living out this passage? How can you personally grow in seeing it as a joy?
4. What does it look like to be a disciple of Jesus? What does it look like to make disciples, according to the passage?
5. What are the observable ways you are/can be making disciples in
your life-- both with nonbelievers and with other believers? What can
you do to go to the neighborhood and the nations? (praying for a
missionary, helping out a neighbor in need)
September 4 - Rumble Strips
Scripture Judges 1:6-19
One of the most annoying and helpful things on the highway are rumble strips. The sound is terrible when you hit them, but if you aren't paying attention to where you are going, that sound just became a lifesaving alert. Thank you rumble strips!
Like a rumble strip along a highway, God has placed things along our path for our protection. They are not there to keep us from 'good things," but to alert us of danger ahead. So, what are these dangers? How do we know if our life is on the right path? Join us on Sunday as we talk through the "Rumble Strips" of God. See ya Sunday!
June 12 - The Waiting Room
Scripture Genesis 12:1-4; 15:1-6; 16:1-6
This summer, I would personally like to invite you, your friends, and your family to join me in a new sermon series entitled, “Journey to the Promised Land.” Over the next few Sundays during our morning worship services, we will journey together with several Biblical characters that were key in God’s plan to bring His people into the Promised Land. We will examine their lives and see what God wants to say to us as it relates to our life-long journey to reach the Promised Land. I encourage you to also bring your bibles.
I hope you will make a commitment to join us for this series and to invite others to come and see God’s plan of covenant relationship, provision, and salvation for all people. May we always come to worship praying that God would speak into our lives and transform us, and may we pray that He would bless us richly as we participate on this journey together! Come and experience the power and goodness of our God as we journey to the promised land!
Reflection Questions
1. What do we know about the world and humanity prior to Genesis 12?
2. Read Genesis 12:1-9 and answer the following:
a. What did God call Abraham (Abram) to do? How much detail did God provide?
b. In what ways might have God’s calling been difficult for Abraham? How might have God’s call caused Abraham to rely completely on Him?
c. What did God promise Abraham? How would these promises begin the process of redemption? How were these promises fulfilled in Christ?
3. Read Genesis 15:1-21 and answer the following:
a. What did Abraham do when he had doubts about God’s promises? (Genesis 15:1-3, 8)
b. How did God reassure Abraham? (Genesis 15:4-5, 7, 9-12, 17-21)
c. What is the significance of God’s affirming the covenant with passing through with the torch?
4. What do the following passages teach us about Abraham’s faith?
a. Genesis 12:1,4
b. Hebrews 11:1-4,10, 17-19
c. Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:20-21
5. What do God’s promises (people, place, purpose) given to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ mean for your life? Where are you in the Abrahamic Covenant?
6. Which lessons in faith from Abraham (question 4) do you need to apply more often in your life? What keeps you from demonstrating faith like Abraham?
June 19 - Tested and True Faith
Scripture Genesis 22:1-19
The journey of life and faith has many ups and downs. Moments in our lives will give us opportunities to choose a pathway or an action. Sometimes, this means a decision between our own, familiar ways and stepping out in faith and trusting God. Sometimes, the journey can lead us to a place where sacrifices need to be made. Join in worship as we revisit the story of Abraham and Issac and see how the story can shape our day to day choices and our journey of life and faith.
Reflection Questions
1. Think of a sacrifice you have had to make in your life–time, effort, money–in the end was the sacrifice worth it? What did you gain?
2. Take a few moments and try to enter into the mind of Abraham after receiving the command from God to sacrifice Isaac. What is he thinking about? How might he have wrestled with God in prayer after receiving this command?
3. God is certainly testing Abraham, who shows active love and obedience. Have you ever considered that your faithfulness to God and obedience to God gives God pleasure? How might that be a motivating factor in your walk with God?
4. With the sacrifice of Isaac, God is asking Abraham to give up everything–not just his son, but the promises of the covenant as well. All Abraham will have left is God Himself. Is that enough?
5. How much do the blessings of God motivate you in your walk with God?
6. The near sacrifice of Isaac points to the true and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. How does the love of God expressed at the Cross encourage you when things are tough?
7. God provided for the covenant. He provided Abraham with a son. He provided the sacrificial ram. He provided His plan of salvation for the world through Jesus. How does God provide for your needs today? What is the promise of God’s covenant for you in the days ahead?
June 26 - Not The Way We Would Do It
Scripture Genesis 26:23-24
Do you ever feel that life has given you unexpected things – blessings, challenges, worries and fears. Today, we continue on our journey to the promise land. Today we look at Isaac and how God had a plan for him even in the unexpected. As we continue our journey to the promised land, may we be encouraged by Isaac’s
story and see what God has in store for us.
Reflection Questions
Read Genesis 25; 27:1-4, 18-30
1. Why didn’t Esau and Jacob get along?
2. What is a “blessing”? What is a “birthright”? How do you think Esau felt when he didn't get the blessing? (Gen 27:38,41) What did Esau promise to do to Jacob? (Gen 27:41)
3. Has someone close to you ever tricked you or deceived you? Has anyone ever taken away something very important to you? How did it make you feel? Were you able to forgive them?
4. Read Gen. 26:8-14, 23-24. What was God’s promise to Isaac?
5. How did God provide for Isaac?
6. Who close to you has hurt you that you may need to forgive?
7. How has God blessed and provided for you?
8. How do we share in Isaac’s promise?
July 3 - God's Timing
Scripture Genesis 28:11-22
This week, we continue our Journey to the Promised Land with more of Jacob’s story. Jacob is on the run towards the next thing, yet God steps in to help to guide his pathway and reaffirm the covenant promises. Join in worship and communion as we seek to find ways to help us hear God’s voice in our lives today.
Reflection Questions
1. One of the pillars of “Journey to the Promised Land” is covenants. What does covenant mean? How is it different from a contract? What covenants do you have in your life?
2. How have you experienced God’s timing in your life? How is God’s timing different from the timing you desired?
3. Jacob’s Ladder shows the connection between heaven and earth - When have you felt the closest connection to God?
4. Genesis 28:16 says “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” - When are times where you were unaware of God’s presence until a later time?
5. Jacob had angels in his dream to help him hear God’s voice. What spiritual practices do you have to listen in to God’s voice in your life?
July 10 - Wrestling with God
Scripture Genesis 32:24-28
Life can be full of challenges and trials. Have you ever struggled to make a huge decision for your life? Have you ever experienced challenges with work or family? Have you ever found ourself wrestling with some theological concept or Christian belief? Then maybe you can relate to our main character, Jacob, in our series Journey to the Promised Land. This Sunday we will examine some of the challenges he faced and learn how he overcame them. Maybe we will find some help and strength in our challenges that lie ahead. Come join us as continue our journey of life and faith to the promised land.
Reflection Questions
1. Do you know the meaning of your name? Or why you got the name you did?
2. Describe a meeting that you dreaded – how did it turn out?
3. What are the elements in Jacob’s prayer of help? What principles can we draw from it for our own prayers?
4. What was the purpose of sending on the various herds of animals to Esau?
5. Why was it important for Jacob to be alone?
6. God begins to answer his prayer by sending a man to wrestle with him – what does this tell us about how God answers our prayers?
7. In what ways did God bless Jacob? Why did He change Jacob’s name?
8. What are some of the ways you wrestle with God? How has God blessed you even in times of trial?
July 17 - Emmanuel
Scripture Genesis 37:3-11; 39:1-6
Do you ever feel that you are alone or that the world is against you? Maybe you live by yourself. Maybe you feel alone in your circumstances. Today we explore the life of Joseph and see what he experienced and how he dealt with some of the trials and challenges in His journey of life and faith. Come join and see what we can learn from Joseph’s journey that can impact our own.
Reflection Questions
1. How has God helped you during challenges and trials?
2. How did Joseph face his trials and challenges?
3. How do we experience God’s presence?
4 How does God’s presence help us in our journey of life and faith?
5. How did God help Joseph throughout the stories Pastor Jonathan discussed?
6. What can you do to share God’s presence with others?
July 24 - The Promotion
Scripture Genesis 41:14-16
Have you ever wondered if God was working in your life? Have you ever wondered where God was during difficult seasons of your life? Have you ever reflected on your life and realized God was directing your steps even when you did not realize at the time? This Sunday we will look at Joseph’s time in prison and examine how God worked through his trials, through his challenges, and through his circumstances to make a difference in the world. Come join us as we reflect how God is in charge of our yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Reflection Questions
1. As you listened to the sermon, read the chapter, or heard the lesson, what verse or thought stuck out for you?
2. Dreams play a significant role in chapters 37, 40, and 41. Have you ever had a dream that you felt was from God?
3. Verses 16, 25, and 28 reveal a different Joseph than that found in Genesis 37. What might explain this change in attitude and behavior?
4. In verse 39, Pharaoh recognizes that Joseph’s discernment and wisdom comes from God. “Discern” means to see or understand. To develop wise discernment like Joseph, what changes do most Christians need to make in their lives?
5. God gives Joseph a plan for protecting Egypt from the time of famine. What do these verses teach us about planning ahead?
6. Where were you 13 years ago? What has God done during that time to mold your character?
7. Looking back on your life where can you see God directing your journey of life and faith?
July 31 - Forgiveness
Scripture Genesis 42-50
Life and relationships are hard. In our journey of life and faith there will be many times we are hurt by others. How do we deal with the hurt? Do we seek to hurt back? Do we tend to hold those hurts inside? Are we able to extend grace, mercy and possibly forgiveness to
those who hurt us. Today we will look at Joseph’s response to his brothers. What did he do to those who were so ugly and mean to him? What does Jesus about forgiveness? Come as we examine forgiveness and how it can impact our journey of life and faith.
Reflection Questions
1. Why do you think it is difficult to forgive those who hurt you?
2. Read Luke 5:17-26, the healing of the paralytic. What does this passage imply about the relationship between forgiveness and healing?
3. How could extending forgiveness heal a relationship? How might it heal the other person? How might it heal you?
4. When we cannot forgive someone, we hold resentment towards them. St. Augustine wrote that resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
5. Share an example from your own experience when refusing to forgive hurt you.
6. Jesus says forgive 70 times 7. What does this mean? How can we continue to forgive others?
7. Pray that God would give you the conviction for someone you may need to forgive. If they are no longer alive write a letter to them and express what God lays on your heart. If you they are alive ask God for the strength to let His grace and love flow through you to that individual.
August 7 - Waiting On The Lord
Scripture Exodus 1 & 2
Have you experienced a circumstance(s) in your life where you have cried out to God? How are hard is it for you to be patient? Today we will look at the Israelites and how their situation changed from being on top of the world when Joseph was leading Egypt to feeling like they were being trampled by the world. How did they handle it? What was their response? Come join us on this Holy Communion Sunday as we examine what we can do in difficult times.
Reflection Questions
1. What were the reasons the Israelites relocated to Egypt?
2. Why did the new king of Egypt not remember what Joseph had done? How long had it been since Joseph saved Egypt? How would you describe the new King’s thoughts about the Israelites?
3. What national policy was adopted towards the Israelites?
4. When the tough got going for the Israelites, what was their response? What makes you cry out to God?
5. How can we know whether to keep praying when God hasn’t answered? Should we pray indefinitely for it?
6. How often do we get comfortable with the way our life is going, or at least get used to it?
7. Why is it hard to be patient? How can we be patient while we wait upon the Lord?
August 14 - When God Moves
Scripture Exodus 5:22-14:31
Have you ever wondered who God is? What's God all about? Is God in control? If you have, you are not alone. Many people have asked these questions and in Exodus Pharaoh asked that very question, Who is God, to Moses when he demanded the Hebrews to be released. So what happened? Did God show up? In short, Yes He did. What we find is that God is the God who shows up and saves. Come on out this Sunday as we explore the 10 plagues and more. It's going to be amazing to see how God shows up and what it looks like when God is for us.
Reflection Questions
August 21 - Obedience & Consequences
Scripture
Our journey of life and faith is difficult. In every turn, there seems to be trials and challenges. One of the challenges is that we are called to follow Jesus and be transformed, shaped, and directed by God’s word. As we examine the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, we see God’s call for them to be obedient and we see the consequences that come from disobedience. Come join us as we examine their challenges and what we can learn for our own Journey to the Promised Land.
Reflection Questions
Read Exodus 16:11-21
What rules were given for collecting the manna? What was the point of these rules?
What could they learn from these rules?
Why did some of them not listen to Moses and save some until morning?
This manna was freely provided by God. Did the Israelites have to do anything in order to eat it? What biblical principle is there in this? Why do you think God didn’t just send a bucket to each one of their tents every morning?
Read Exodus 32:25-35
How were the people disobedient to God? What was the punishment(s) for their disobedience? What was the blessing?
Read Numbers 20:1-13
What was God’s provision for His people?
How was Moses disobedient and what was the result of his disobedience? Reflect on Moses’ life and his time as God’s servant and leader of God’s people. What are you thoughts of Moses’ punishment in light of all that?
Through Jesus our sins are forgiven. What must take place to receive His forgiveness? Even though we are forgiven, what types of consequences do we experience as individuals, families, the church, the Kingdom of God?
August 28 -Success that Matters
Scripture
What does success mean to you? How can you achieve it? How can your children and grandchildren achieve it? Today we wrap up our Journey to the Promised Land Series by looking at God’s encouragement to the Israelites as they enter the promised land. Come and hear what how they achieved success and learn how we
can be successful in all that we do.
Reflection Questions
1. What is success? How do we specifically define success for our own lives? What is it for you to be successful? How will this definition of success influence our lives?
2. Go through verses 6-9 carefully and find all the commands that God gave to Joshua. Which one did he repeat? How many times?
3. Why do you think the Lord so strongly emphasized the command, “Be strong and courageous!” What did the Lord ask Joshua to do? Think of the context. What does it mean to be strong?
4. Name one or two things that you are timid or afraid of? How does that fear affect your decision making?
5. Read Joshua 1:6 carefully. Why doesn’t God just tell him to conquer the land rather than to give them the land as a possession?
6. How does God tell Joshua to treat the law in 1:7? What is the law? What is the result of obedience to the law? What further things does God tell Joshua to do with regards to God’s Word in verse 1:8?
7. Read Psalm 1:2 alongside Joshua 1:8 What does meditate mean? What should it lead us to do?
8. Many Christians feel that God is not very involved in their daily affairs. What do you think?
9. How can we be successful in all our endeavors? What does that practically mean? How will meditation and obedience help you be successful?
June 5 - Origin Story
Scripture Acts 2:1-4
Everything and everyone has an Origin Story. A story that tells about its beginning and how it came to be. On Sunday we get to celebrate the Church's birthday and how it all started: its Origin Story. This is Pentecost! We get to dive into a story that is unique to the original disciples, who got to experience the power of the Holy Spirit. It gives us a glimpse of what can happen in our lives when we connect with God. He is looking not for the perfect, but those who are willing to connect. God is on the move and it’s time for us to join Him. It’s time for you to have your own Origin Story. It’s time to remember your Origin Story. This is Pentecost!
Reflection Questions
1.What is your origin story of faith?
2.How has your faith impacted your life?
With your Bible read John 14:16-17 and John 16:7.
These verses describe why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be among us and to interact in our lives. The Holy Spirit is not a thing or an “it,” He is a part of the person of God.
3.Why is having the Holy Spirit being active in our lives such an important part of our walk with Christ?
4.How is the Holy Spirit being in us better than having Jesus on earth with us?
Read Acts 2:1-13
These verses show that when the Holy Spirit shows up some of us will ask "How can this be?" and want to know more and some will dismiss it and explain it away.
5.So, who are you in these verses? Are you asking "How can this be?" or are you dismissing it away?
6.Read John 16:12-13, Isaiah 30:31, and John 16:8-9.
These verses show how the Holy Spirit is the voice of God we need to guide us.
When you think back, can you see a time when the Holy Spirit was leading you? Did He comfort, counsel, or convict you?
6.Describe how you need His presence in your life. What steps are you willing to take to live a Spirit-filled life?
April 24 - I Am a Way, A Truth and a Life
Scripture John 14:1-6
Jesus never said that - Fake news is used in our society to claim that a particular person, group, or media source is sharing misinformation. The claim of fake news seems to imply an outright lie or leaving out enough information to support a certain claim or view. Christians are not exempt from fake news. In some cases, people claim Christian truths without accurate knowledge of scripture. In other cases, they assume Jesus said something because it seems to go with their view of accepting individuals or ideas. In this series we will look to set the record straight on 6 statements or concepts that get attributed to Jesus. Come join us as we look at those six statements, examine what the Bible says, and reflect on the impact they have on our lives.
Reflection Questions
1. Jesus tells his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled (v. 1). Why were his disciples so troubled and anxious at this moment in time? What did things look like from their perspective?
2. How are you troubled in this season? What fears do you have in this season?
3. Take note of the very personal focus Jesus has in verses 2-3. He is preparing “a place for YOU”, "...come back and take YOU.” What is God promising here? How do you feel when you hear Jesus is making a special, unique spot in heaven for YOU—with your name on it?
4. Jesus makes a definitive (controversial in the view of many today) statement in verse 6. What is it? If you are talking with a friend who says something like, “all ways lead to god,” how would
you respond? How can we humbly, graciously, but truthfully share that Jesus is the “THE way” and no one comes to God except by Him?
5. Read John 14:15-18. What help does Jesus provide to reduce fear and to help take away our troubles? How important is this in in your life and walk of faith?
6. What does Jesus being the way, the truth, and the life mean for you? What does it mean for the world?.
May 1 - I Will Give You What You Pray For
Scripture Luke 11:1-13
Prayer is such an important part of our journey as Christians. Jesus modeled a life of prayer and gave us a model for prayer. Jesus even prayed for us. This Sunday we will look at one of the statements that Christians sometimes feel about prayer and reflect on what Jesus actually said about it. Come join us as we examine how prayer impacts our walk of faith.
Reflection Questions
1. How has Jesus taught us to pray? Does this reflect your prayer life?
2. What is the significance of the Lord’s Prayer being addressed to God as ‘Father’? What are the implications of our prayer life that we come before God as his children?
3. How does prayer help us ‘get on board’ with God’s kingdom priorities? Have you ever changed what you were praying for through the process of praying?
4. Why is praying for something persistently not the same as demanding something from God?
5. Why is it sometimes good for us not to have our prayers answered as we desire?
6. How amazing is it that God provides more power for our lives when we pray?
7. How important do you see prayer to your life? How about for the life of our church?
8. How does prayer help us grow in our relationship with God? Has anyone ever inspired you with their prayerfulness? What can you learn from them?
May 8 - You Don’t Have to Forgive Them
Scripture Luke 11:1-13
Prayer is such an important part of our journey as Christians. Jesus modeled a life of prayer and gave us a model for prayer. Jesus even prayed for us. This Sunday we will look at one of the statements that Christians sometimes feel about prayer and reflect on what Jesus actually said about it. Come join us as we examine how prayer impacts our walk of faith.
Reflection Questions
1. What kind of offense do you find it most difficult to forgive?
2. Why do you think it is difficult to forgive those who hurt you?
3. Share an example from your own experience when it has been difficult to forgive.
4. Does forgiving someone mean that the offense is forgotten and has no further consequences? Explain.
5. How could extending forgiveness heal a relationship? How might it heal the other person? How might it heal you?
6. What did Jesus say about forgiveness?
7. Who do you need to forgive in your life? Pray for them. Pray that you would have strength to release your pain, anger, and frustration so you can forgive them.
May 15 - You Get What You Deserve
Scripture Luke 23:32-43
As we continue our series one of the phrases that is sometimes uttered or shared is they got what they deserved. This Sunday we talk about how Jesus never said you get what you deserve. We will examine what Jesus actually said, what He did, and what it means for our lives. Come join us as we continue to learn to stand firm in the face of the fake news of our Christian walk.
Reflection Questions
1. What do you like about the idea of getting what you deserve? Or about others getting what they deserve? What feels right about that? What feels wrong about that?
2. How is God’s love different from human love? What are the strengths of God’s love and the weaknesses of human love?
3. Why do people believe since God loves and forgives them they can do whatever they want? What is wrong with this kind of thinking? Why is this dangerous thinking?
4. Why is it we can’t be good enough to get to heaven?
5 Read Romans 6:23. What is the penalty for sin?
6. What was the good news for the thief on the cross? What does that mean for us?
7. Why would God send His Son to die for His enemies and why would Jesus be willing to do it? What does this say to you about God’s love for you and others?
May 22 - You Will Experience More Than You Can Handle
Scripture Matthew 5:10-12
Have you ever felt that life is not fair? Challenges, trials, illnesses, death, broken relationships and the list goes on. I have heard many times people say God will not give you more than you can handle. I have even heard some attribute that saying to Jesus. But, it is fake news, Jesus never said that. Today we will look at what Jesus actually said about suffering and persecution and talk about ways that we can find strength, even when we feel we have more than we can handle.
Reflection Questions
1. What does it mean to be persecuted for being righteous?
2. The scripture says you could be persecuted because of Jesus. What might this persecution look like in high school? In business? As parents or grandparents with kids in sports? Spending time with family or friends? What would it look like to be persecuted because of Jesus in church?
3. What is your first reaction to hearing that persecution is a part of life for a Christian?
4. How can we handle persecution in this world? What did Jesus say? What did Jesus do? What help did Jesus promise us to deal with persecution?
May 29 - Everyone Is Going To Heaven
Scripture Matthew 7:13-14
I have it said many times that all religions are on the same path and that all paths lead to heaven. Jesus didn’t say everyone will get to heaven. Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God and in doing so taught us things about heaven and hell. Today we will reflect on what Jesus said and the call that places on our lives and the life of the church.
Reflection Questions
1. What is your view of heaven? What is your view of hell? Who will get to heaven? Who will not get to heaven?
2. Read Read John 14:1-7. What was Jesus talking about in this passage? Who was he talking to? How can anyone get to heaven to be with God for all eternity?
3. What happens when we die? When do people go to heaven? Reflect on these questions and then read Luke 23:42-43. What does Jesus’ words suggest?
4. What happens if we do not go to heaven? What are some descriptions of hell Jesus used? Read Matthew 25:41-46 and Mark 9:42-48.
5. What is the impact of Jesus’ teaching on heaven and hell for you? What is the impact of Jesus’ teaching on heaven and hell for others? What is our role in sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom? What is the church’s role?
Lent 2022
March 6 - A Good Practice
Scripture John 1:35-46
"Level up" is a computer and video gaming term which means a player or character advances to the next level or gains more powers or strength. To be successful in video games, you need to level up. What would it look like to gain a higher level in our walk of life and faith? In this series we will talk about striving for a higher level or standard in our walk of life and faith and we will explore various habits and activities that we can do to help us in our walk of faith.
Reflection Questions
1. Describe a few invitations you’ve received that were especially meaningful to you or just plain fun.
2. Who do you most enjoy inviting to join you? What do you invite them to do with you?
3. Read the following passages, then discuss: How does God feel about giving invitations? Who does he invite? What does he invite people to? How passionate is he about people responding to his invitations? Isaiah 1:18 / Isaiah 55:1 / Matthew 11:28 / Mark 1:17 / Luke 13:34 / John 4:16
4. How have you responded to the Lord’s invitations in your life? Describe a few realities he has invited you to, how you responded, and what happened as a result of your response.
5. Jesus said, “Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people.” For you, what are the best parts of following Jesus? What are the hardest parts? Why do you think Jesus invites us to invite others to experience Jesus?
6. Who will you invite toward Jesus? Who are three people you can invite toward Jesus? Where, in your life, do you need invite them into? (to coffee, to dinner, to sit next to you on the sidelines, to ride together, to serve together, to work together, to attend worship together, etc?)
7. Who is ready for an invitation to join you for Easter worship? Pray for these people and for each other.
March 13 - A Life of Worship
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2
Worship is one of the foundations of the Christian faith, but it is more than participation with the community of faith once a week. Worship is praising the Lord our God with everything we have and all that we are. In all we do at school, work, with family and for fun, may we live a life of worship. Join us as we reflect on how to live a life of worship.
Reflection Questions
1. What does worship mean to you? What may be new to you about this topic, and what you have learned in your life about worship?
2. The scripture says that we ought to offer our bodies “as living sacrifices.” What do you understand that to mean?
3. What does verse 2 of the passage add to your understanding of true worship?
4. In your own words, what is the difference between attending worship and living a life of worship?
5. When is it the hardest for you to concentrate on worshiping God?When I’m sick or hurting
When bad things happen to me or someone I love
When something really good is happening to me
When I’m really busy
6. Have you found ways that help you remain focused on God?
7. How can worshiping Jesus transform lives of people around us? Have you seen any of that kind of change in the people with whom you have had contact?
8. In John 4:23 we read, “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” How does God seek you, drawing you to worship him?
March 20 - The Great Physician
Scripture: James 5:13-16
Are any of you sick? Are any of you suffering mentally or emotionally? Are any of you weary or weak? Are any of wrestling or suffering from sin? God is the great physician for our mind, bodies, and souls. Today we will explore how God heals today. In this service you will have the opportunity to be prayed for if you choose. Come and experience what God has in store for you.
Reflection Questions
1. Have you experienced healing in your life? Have you prayed for healing for another person? Have you experienced an example of healing?
2. What are some common negative responses to suffering? How should a believer respond to suffering in this passage? If we are suffering, what should we pray for?
3. Will God always take away the trial from us? What is the use of praying if God isn’t going to take away the trial?
4. What does a prayerful attitude show about our faith? What does singing praises show about your faith?
5. Whom does James refer when he says elders? What is the purpose of laying on of hands? What is the purpose of anointing?
6. What are some reasons God may choose not to heal someone?
7. What is one thing you may want to ask the great physician to do for you?
March 27 - Read The Instructions First
Scripture - Psalm 119:97-105
As we strive to level up in our faith and walk with Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture is important to our journey. As Christians, the authority of scripture convicts us, guides us, leads us and serves to help frame our lives in this world. Come as we discuss the importance of the Bible as we strive to Level up in our walk with the Lord.
Reflection Questions
1. What keeps you from reading and listening to the Scriptures as the very words of God?
2. While there are rules in Scripture, what makes the Bible more than a rule book?
3. What are the benefits of knowing and reading the Bible?
4. What has been the greatest challenge for you in understanding the Scripture? Have you recently read a passage of Scripture that was a struggle to believe that it was inspired by God?
5. As both are referred to as the Word of God what similarities do you see between Scripture and Christ?
6. Read John 20:31. Why should we read and study the Bible?
April 3 - Faith That Changes the World
Scripture - Psalm 119:97-105
As we strive to level up in our faith and walk with Jesus Christ, the authority of Scripture is important to our journey. As Christians, the authority of scripture convicts us, guides us, leads us and serves to help frame our lives in this world. Come as we discuss the importance of the Bible as we strive to Level up in our walk with the Lord.
Reflection Questions
1. Jesus says let your light shine so others may see your good deeds and glorify God (Matt. 5:16). How do you live out your faith before others?
2. Read Matthew 25:31-46. As disciples, how important are our actions in communicating our allegiance to Jesus? How do our actions effectively build the Kingdom and create more disciples for Jesus?
3. Read Ephesians 2;10 and James 2:14- 18. What role do “good works” play in the life of a disciples of Jesus? Are “good works” optional for a disciple?
4. What are some of the things others see you doing that would lead them to know that you are a disciple of Jesus?
5. How can you serve this week? Make a commitment to serve or bless one person this week in one of the following areas: in my family, at my work, in my neighborhood, at my church.
April 10 - Palm Sunday / Holy Week
Scripture - John 12:12-24
Join in in worship this Holy Week as we prepare for Easter! Celebrate with Palms this Sunday and come together to remember the Last Supper and the Cross as we worship Thursday and Friday nights as well.
Now is a great season to "Level Up" your Invitation - Who could you invite to worship with you this week?
Reflection Questions
1. This week we walk with Jesus from "Hosanna in the Highest" to the cross. What weeks in your life have gone from the mountain top to the valley low?
2. In what ways and places do you celebrate your faith? In what places may you be denying Christ's calling?
3. What is your favorite Easter memory or tradition? What made those most special? How can you relive or embrace aspects of those this year?
4. In today's scripture Jesus says "unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." What things in your life have had to die or fall away to make space for new, more fruitful things? What areas in your life now may be competing priorities to consider allowing to fall away?
April 17 - Easter - Believe
Scripture - John 24:1-12
The crucifixion of Jesus was truly the darkest day in history. Those who knew and loved Jesus were shocked and faced with such deep grief. They didn’t see the resurrection coming, they only saw death and the end. Imagine the overwhelming joy the women must have felt and experienced when they went and saw that empty tomb and heard the Angel declare that “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead...”. Today, we will examine the responses to that first resurrection event and reflect on our own response today. Come join us as we celebrate Easter.
Reflection Questions
1. What is your earliest memory of Easter?
2. What is your earliest memory of understanding Jesus’ resurrection?
3. What would it of been like to be those women in the resurrection story?
4. What would it of been like to be one of the 11 disciples when Jesus appeared in the room?
5. What does the resurrection mean for us? What should our response to it be?
February 2022
Feb 6 - The Foundation
Scripture Matthew 22:34-38
Society says love is all hearts and chocolates and flowers this month... but God calls us to a radical love of God, Others, Church, and our Spouse... and it might look a bit different than we (or Hallmark!) can imagine. A day of love in February has long been celebrated. There are mentions of three Saint Valentines in history and all three were martyred, which has led to the special celebration of love that Americans celebrate on February 14. This February we want to celebrate this seasonal reflection on love with a series on "Radical Love" that will center on important relationships in our journey of life and faith. God’s love was radical and He desires our love to be radical as well. Join in worship this month as we look at ways to embody radical love.
Reflection Questions
1. What is one thing you obsess about? Is there something that holds your thoughts and imagination?
2. How does God show love for you?
3. How do you show love to others?
4. What is the most important command? Why is this the most important? What other commandments are tied to this one?
5. How would you define “loving God?”
6. What does with “all your heart, all your soul, all your strength” mean?
7. What are ways you can love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength in the next week?
Feb 13 - The Blessing of Intimacy
Scripture Ephesians 5:21-33
God’s ultimate design for human intimate relationships is a lifelong relationship between one man and one woman. Intimate relationships are hard and require work from both parties. Today we will discuss radical love as it refers to intimate relationships. What are some things to consider to help make these relationships the blessing God wants them to be? Come join us as we reflect on these things.
Reflection Questions
1. What is your view of long term relationships? Did you see positive life-long commitment modeled in your home of origin? What do you feel are keys to happiness and contentedness in a long-term relationship?
2. How can you make a point of spending more time with your spouse or significant other to build and strengthen your friendship? How can you, together, set aside time to talk about what’s going on in your lives — to really connect?
3. Would you say you are significantly involved in your church and that you are “connected” to other church members? Do you agree that such fellowship is an important part of every Christian’s life, or do you have differing views on that aspect of your faith? Do you have other couples you both enjoy spending time with?
4. Do you regularly talk about the physical aspect of your relationship?
5. Are you happy with your roles (chores, finances and bills, groceries, parenting, etc) and responsibilities in your relationship? Do you talk about these regularly?
6. How do you resolve conflict in your relationship? How do you communicate your differences? Do you feel your conflict resolution is healthy? How do you forgive and move forward together?
7. What does it mean to have a Christ-centered relationship? What do you do differently as a couple because you are Christians? What can you do to grow together in faith?
Feb 20 - God's Design for All Believers
Scripture: Corinthians 13
As we continue with our Love Talks series, we turn to the church. The church is not a perfect entity and will never be. I have been hurt by some people and situations in church, but I have experienced God’s love, acceptance, power, transformation through many more people of the church. The blessings have far outweighed the challenges. Come Join us as we reflect on the importance of the church and it means for our journey of life and faith.
Reflection Questions
1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of church? What were your first/early experiences of attending church? Were those positive or negative experiences in your faith journey and why?
2. You may wake up on Sunday mornings and decide to go to church. But is church simply a place you go? Is church a destination or is it something more? Take a moment and define “the church.” Someone once said, “Church is something we are.”
What does that mean to you?
3. Read I Corinthians 12. The scripture says we are a part of the body of Christ and we need each other.
- What do you need from church?
- What impact can you have on the church?
- How can you strengthen the church?
- How has the church been like a family to you?
- How have you spent time with God recently in the corporate gathering of the church
4. How have you felt true community recently? What would be some positive attributes of “community” in the context of the church?
5. How important is the church? The answer to this question can be found in the value that God places on the church. According to Acts 20:28, what did God do for the church? According to Ephesians 5:25 what two things did Jesus do for the church? According to Hebrews 10:25 what should we not forsake or neglect?
6. What can we do to build up the church this week or in the near future? What can we do to share God’s love with others in our church family?
Feb 27 - The Eyes of Jesus
Scripture Luke 10:25-37
As we conclude our love talks, we reflect on loving others. Jesus says that the greatest thing we can do is to love God and the second greatest thing is to love others. He talked about it in all 4 gospels and gave us an example to live by throughout His life. Join us as we examine the life Jesus asks us to live, and as we reflect on what it means to love others.
Reflection Questions
1. When have you found it much more difficult to love someone than you expected it to be?
2. What’s the difference between seeing love as a verb and love as a noun?
3. Read aloud Luke 10:36-37. What does this verse teach us about love?
4. Who is someone you want to work on loving or need to work on loving over the next week? Who in your life is tough to love? What would it look like for you to put love in action?
5. When was a time someone showed you love even though it didn’t feel very loving?
6. The passage from Luke connects loving God and our neighbor with inheriting eternal life. What is the connection between finding life and loving others?