Service

October 15, 2023

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the story of the Samaritan leper (Luke 15)and the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25) illustrate the concept that service is a form of worship, and what does it teach us about the relationship between gratitude and service?

2. Jesse mentions that acts of service were an integral part of early Christian worship, as seen in Justin Martyr's account of Roman house churches. How can the modern church maintain a strong connection between worship and acts of service in today's context?

3. Service is a way of responding to what God has done in our lives. Can you think of a personal experience where you felt called to serve others as a response to God's grace, and what impact did that service have on your faith?

4. Jesse said that genuine worship cannot be divorced from service to others. In your opinion, how can our church effectively balance the spiritual aspects of worship with the practical demands of social justice and service in the community?

Consider following this prayer guide for praying with Matthew 25: https://www.worldvision.org/christian-faith-news-stories/exploring-the-meaning-of-matthew-25-through-prayer-and-reflection

Persuasion

October 8, 2023.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentioned the decline in religious affiliation and Christian identification in Canada. How do you think these trends relate to the mission of forwarding the Kingdom of God? What challenges and opportunities do they present?

2. The sermon suggests that Christian persuasion is primarily about living distinctly Christian lives and maintaining loving relationships. How do you personally experience and practice Christian persuasion in your daily life? Can you share any examples?

3. The fear of the Lord is mentioned as a motivator for Christian persuasion. How would you define "fearing the Lord," and how does it influence your desire to persuade others to follow Jesus?

4. The sermon emphasizes that persuasion is not just about words but also about the character of the messenger. How can we ensure that our lives align with the message we're trying to convey? What are some practical steps we can take to live more authentically as Christian witnesses?

Prayer

October 1, 2023.

Discussion Questions:

1.  Reflecting on the debate mentioned in the introduction, what are some common perceptions or misconceptions about religion, especially Christianity, in our society today? How might these perceptions impact the way we engage with others as Christians?

  2.  The sermon emphasizes the importance of corporate prayer. How has your experience with group prayer, either in a church setting or elsewhere, influenced your faith and sense of community? Share any personal experiences or insights you have regarding the power of collective prayer.

  3.  In the story of Jehoshaphat, the king and his people turned to God in prayer when they faced overwhelming circumstances. Can you think of a situation in your life or the life of our church when you felt helpless and turned to God in prayer? How did prayer impact the outcome?

  4.  The sermon suggests that our prayers should be rooted in a desire for God's kingdom to be established and a deep love for people and place. How can you cultivate a deeper love for your community and those around you through prayer? Share specific ways you can express this love through your actions.

  5.  The sermon encourages a posture of "broken-hearted joy" and "faithful presence." How can we maintain this posture as Christians in challenging times, especially when our convictions and values are viewed negatively? Share practical steps and strategies for embodying this posture in your daily life and interactions with others.

The Kingdom of God

September 24, 2023

Discussion Questions:

How would you define the kingdom of God?

* What does "God's kingdom" mean in a secular or hostile culture, and how can Christians effectively communicate this concept to others?

* How can Christians address misconceptions and stereotypes about Christianity in a hostile culture, and how important is it to correct these perceptions?

What is your initial reaction to the four practices of forwarding the kingdom mentioned in the sermon? (Prayer, persuasion, service suffering)

* Did you think of other practices?

What are the ethical and moral dilemmas that Christians may face when trying to establish God's kingdom in a hostile culture? How should they navigate these challenges?

* How can Christians balance the call to be "in the world but not of the world" when trying to influence a hostile culture?

What does it mean for Moses to ask God to show him his glory?

* In what ways might the concept of God's glory and goodness influence our worship, prayer, and daily walk with Him?

* How can we seek to experience God's glory and goodness in our own lives, as Moses desired to do? What practices or attitudes might help us in this pursuit?

Jeremiah 29

September 17, 2023

Discussion Questions:

1. In Jeremiah 29:1-14, the Israelites are instructed to settle in Babylon for an extended period. How can we apply the idea of faithfully living in a foreign land to our own lives? What does it mean to be "in the world, but not of the world," and how can we maintain our faith and witness in secular or challenging environments?

2. Jeremiah 29:7 advises the exiles to seek the welfare of the city where they are in exile and to pray for it. How can we actively engage with and contribute positively to the communities we find ourselves in, even if they are not aligned with our faith values? What are some practical ways we can be a source of blessing and reconciliation in our neighborhoods?

3. Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse that speaks of God's plans to prosper and not harm the exiles. How might this ancient promise apply to our lives today? How can we trust God's plans even when we are faced with difficulties and uncertainties? What are some ways we can seek God's guidance and trust in His timing?

4. In, Jeremiah 29:13 Jeremiah encourages the exiles to seeking God with all their hearts, promising that when they seek him, they will find him. What does it mean to seek God wholeheartedly, and how can we cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him? What spiritual practices or habits can help us draw closer to God and experience His presence in our lives?

Ephesians 4:1-7

September 10, 2023

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1)? How can we apply this concept to our daily lives?

2. In verse 2, Paul talks about the qualities of humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love. How can we cultivate these qualities in our relationships with others, both inside and outside the church?

3. Why is unity emphasized in Ephesians 4:3? How does unity contribute to the effectiveness of the Church's mission?

4. Reflect on the idea that grace has been given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift (Ephesians 4:7). How does this perspective change the way we view our own abilities and contributions to the Church?

John 11

September 3, 2023

James 5:13-20

August 27, 2023

Guest Speaker George Schuurman

August 20, 2023

James 5:1-12

August 13, 2023