Elect and Exiled, Chosen and Homeless (1 Peter 1:1-2)
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Sermon Outline:
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ… (1 Peter 1:1a)
To those who are elect exiles… (1 Peter 1:1b)
Know that… (1 Peter 1:2)
Discussion Questions:
What are some examples of how the American church has struggled to remember we are exiles? How does living as if this is our home negatively impact our ability to live for Jesus?
What does it feel like to not belong in a culture you are immersed in? How does knowing God chose you change those feelings?
Are there any areas of your life that you might be living as if you belong in this world, rather than you are an exile?
This is the 2nd sermon of the series 1 Peter: Thriving In Exile.
Evil is real, God is good, and that’s not a contradiction.
It turns out, we aren’t the first ones to suffer…
Could something bigger be going on behind our suffering?
Discussion Questions:
When in your life did you grow the most as a follower of Christ? How did God grow you?
Have you ever felt that the existence of evil is a barrier to trusting Jesus? How do the verses we read today about Jesus suffering help deal with that barrier?
What is hard in your life right now? What would it look/feel like to experience Jesus’ presence in that?
This is the 1st sermon of the series 1 Peter: Thriving In Exile.
Paul’s Journey Ends, the Story Continues (Acts 28:11-31)
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This is the 40th and final sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
Paul (finally) arrives in Rome (Acts 28:11-14).
God continually provides means of encouragement (28:15-16).
Paul faithfully continues his mission (Acts 28:17-31).
Helpful Quote:
“Acts provides the foundations of the newborn church through which we hope that the church in ruins will be reborn.” —Erasmus
Discussion Questions:
If you have been with us throughout our study of Acts, what have you learned? What themes stand out? How has this book encouraged you?
Do you ever feel hindered in sharing the Gospel? Read Acts 28:31. How does Paul’s bold proclamation and teaching “without hindrance” (while in prison!) encourage/challenge you?
This is the 39th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
The storms of life: Our best plans and most strenuous efforts (27:1-20).
The sovereignty of God: His provision and salvation (27:21-44).
The mission of God: Using the storms to bring salvation (28:1-10).
Helpful Quote:
“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” —C.S. Lewis
Discussion Questions:
Can you think of a “storm” in your life where you could see after the fact how God used it for your good? How does that change your perception of other storms?
Are you more likely to doubt that God has determined your destination, or that He is trustworthy with how you get there? How does this passage speak to you?
Do you have an example in your life of how God has used your experience with pain (like Paul’s snakebite) to minister to others?
This is the 38th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Discussion Questions:
Does it feel to you like God is ruling and reigning over the circumstances of your life?
When have you been tempted towards discouragement with the circumstances of your life? How did God make himself known to you? How has God used those things in your life?
Have you ever made a decision (like Paul appealing to Caesar) that you only realized later was part of God’s plan in your life?
This is the 36th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
Take courage from the presence of Jesus (22:30-23:11).
Take courage from the sovereignty of Jesus (23:12-24).
Take courage from our citizenship with Jesus (23:25-35).
Discussion Questions:
Are you most tempted to doubt that Jesus is with you, that He is for you, or that you belong to Him? When do those doubts typically come? How does this passage help?
What would a person who is confident Jesus is with, for, and over them look like? If you were to fully believe this, what would tangibly change about your upcoming week?
What about this passage most helps you believe that, “It’s all going to be ok”?
Paul’s Arrest, the Gospel’s Opportunity (Acts 21:27-22:29)
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This is the 35th sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
Our identity in three words: People, Law, Place (21:27-40a).
Your testimony is the Gospel’s opportunity (21:40b-22:21).
Not every opportunity will be handled well (22:22-29).
Discussion Questions:
Who are the American church’s “gentiles” (Outsiders that we often fail to love)? How does this passage challenge us to love better?
Think about some times you have heard Christians share their testimony. What was the experience like? How did it impact your own faith? Why are stories like those so powerful?
In your DC: Tell us your story. What is your testimony? Think in terms of the 4 steps discussed today (1. Brokenness, 2. Personal conversion, 3. New family identity in the Church/baptism, 4. A redeemed vocation/calling/ministry).
This is the 33rd sermon in our series Acts: Jesus Builds His Church.
Sermon Outline:
God’s plan for leadership: A plurality of godly elders (20:17).
Paul’s example of godly leadership (20:18-27).
Paul’s encouragement to be godly leaders (20:28-35).
Godly leaders and Gospel-goodbyes (20:36-38).
Discussion Questions:
As you think about the leaders you have respected most, what attributes have they had that were impactful? How do those attributes reflect the character of Jesus?
Where have you seen the American church pursue worldly leadership instead of godly leadership? What have been the consequences?
Where has God given you leadership influence? Which of the traits discussed today do you most need to grow in?
