Monday, July 28, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
What I Did On Summer Vacation
INTRODUCTION
I just got back from summer vacation. I visited family, played a little golf, and had the privilege to speak at my former church in Kentucky. It was a great time! It was also good to see many family members and friends.
I preached this message in Kentucky and after some lengthy seat time in the van I decided this message needed to be heard by you as well. Here are some discussion questions based off of this weeks's message.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read Revelation 1:9-18
1. How would you survive if Jesus' love was not part of this world?
2. Why does God choose to reveal this vision while John and the church are suffering?
3. Read Exodus 25:31-40. How is this revelation of Jesus like the High Priest? What stature does the High priest have in Jewish government?
4. How can the Jesus functioning as the glorified High Priest bring comfort and/or courage to Christians in suffering?
5. A High Priest's role was to be a represenative of the people to God. How does Jesus fulfill this role in this passage?
6. The High Priest was also a visible reminder to the people of Israel of God's righteous requirements. What righteous requirements was Jesus calling John and the 7 churches to adhere?
THINK ABOUT IT
When John saw the vision he fell down down before Jesus in reverential fear. When was the last time that you said after worship, "I left church in a reverential fear today?" Why not?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever!" Revelation 1:17b-18a (NIV)
I just got back from summer vacation. I visited family, played a little golf, and had the privilege to speak at my former church in Kentucky. It was a great time! It was also good to see many family members and friends.
I preached this message in Kentucky and after some lengthy seat time in the van I decided this message needed to be heard by you as well. Here are some discussion questions based off of this weeks's message.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read Revelation 1:9-18
1. How would you survive if Jesus' love was not part of this world?
2. Why does God choose to reveal this vision while John and the church are suffering?
3. Read Exodus 25:31-40. How is this revelation of Jesus like the High Priest? What stature does the High priest have in Jewish government?
4. How can the Jesus functioning as the glorified High Priest bring comfort and/or courage to Christians in suffering?
5. A High Priest's role was to be a represenative of the people to God. How does Jesus fulfill this role in this passage?
6. The High Priest was also a visible reminder to the people of Israel of God's righteous requirements. What righteous requirements was Jesus calling John and the 7 churches to adhere?
THINK ABOUT IT
When John saw the vision he fell down down before Jesus in reverential fear. When was the last time that you said after worship, "I left church in a reverential fear today?" Why not?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever!" Revelation 1:17b-18a (NIV)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Goals! Goals! Goals!
INTRODUCTION
This week we laid out the 5 year goals of Celebration Church. The goals were based on the example of Nehemiah and his leadership in rebuilding the wall. Nehemiah cast his vision in four parts. One, he gave the problem. Two, he gave them a solution to the problem. Third, he gave them a reason why they needed to address the problem. And then fourthly, he told them why they need to do this act now.
Read Nehemiah 2:17-18.
Sunday we took this paradigm and applied it to the church. In this blog let's address it to you and the pesonal goals you have for your life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What goal are you working towards?
2. What does your goal propose to solve?
3. Specifically, how is your goal a solution to the problem?
4. Why must you see the goal through to the end? What difference will it make? What is there to gain? What is there to lose? What's at stake? Why should you attempt this?
5. Why must it be done now? What do you lose by waiting? What evidence have you seen that God is involved?
6. When am are you to start going after the goal? When do you plan to acheive the goal?
THINK ABOUT IT
What are you willing to change so you can see the goal become reality?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So theybegan this good work." Nehemiah 2:18b (NIV)
This week we laid out the 5 year goals of Celebration Church. The goals were based on the example of Nehemiah and his leadership in rebuilding the wall. Nehemiah cast his vision in four parts. One, he gave the problem. Two, he gave them a solution to the problem. Third, he gave them a reason why they needed to address the problem. And then fourthly, he told them why they need to do this act now.
Read Nehemiah 2:17-18.
Sunday we took this paradigm and applied it to the church. In this blog let's address it to you and the pesonal goals you have for your life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What goal are you working towards?
2. What does your goal propose to solve?
3. Specifically, how is your goal a solution to the problem?
4. Why must you see the goal through to the end? What difference will it make? What is there to gain? What is there to lose? What's at stake? Why should you attempt this?
5. Why must it be done now? What do you lose by waiting? What evidence have you seen that God is involved?
6. When am are you to start going after the goal? When do you plan to acheive the goal?
THINK ABOUT IT
What are you willing to change so you can see the goal become reality?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So theybegan this good work." Nehemiah 2:18b (NIV)
Friday, June 27, 2008
"Standing Tall" Discussion Guide
INTRODUCTION
In this three part series on freedom we have gone with the big idea that you cannot have freedom without courage. In the first message we duly noted this fact. In the second message we talked about a sure source for courage, God's promises. In this last message we ask the question, "How do you gain freedom when courage isn't enough?"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What are some circumstances that no amount of courage will change? (i.e. death of loved one)
2. Read Exodus 14:1-5. How did the Israelite's absence motivate Pharoah to go back on his word to let the Hebrews go?"
3. Read Hebrews 14:6-7. Why did the author make note of the size of the Egyptian army? How does this relate to the fear of the Jews trapped by the Red Sea? How does this relate to our fear when courage doesn't seem to be enough?
4. Read Hebrews 14:10-12. Why were the Israelites so willing to go back to what they, at one time, cried relief from? How does this relate to us?
5. Read Hebrews 14:13-14. Does Moses response make sense if you are an Israelite? Why or why not?
6. Why do the Israelites assume God is out of control if they are out of control? Are we the same? Different?
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
How can you stand firm in your faith when everything in you wants to stand down from your faith?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Ex 14:13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Ex 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)
In this three part series on freedom we have gone with the big idea that you cannot have freedom without courage. In the first message we duly noted this fact. In the second message we talked about a sure source for courage, God's promises. In this last message we ask the question, "How do you gain freedom when courage isn't enough?"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What are some circumstances that no amount of courage will change? (i.e. death of loved one)
2. Read Exodus 14:1-5. How did the Israelite's absence motivate Pharoah to go back on his word to let the Hebrews go?"
3. Read Hebrews 14:6-7. Why did the author make note of the size of the Egyptian army? How does this relate to the fear of the Jews trapped by the Red Sea? How does this relate to our fear when courage doesn't seem to be enough?
4. Read Hebrews 14:10-12. Why were the Israelites so willing to go back to what they, at one time, cried relief from? How does this relate to us?
5. Read Hebrews 14:13-14. Does Moses response make sense if you are an Israelite? Why or why not?
6. Why do the Israelites assume God is out of control if they are out of control? Are we the same? Different?
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
How can you stand firm in your faith when everything in you wants to stand down from your faith?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Ex 14:13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. Ex 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV)
Friday, June 20, 2008
"A Promise to Stand" - Discussion Guide
INTRODUCTION
We celebrate courage in our culture. We have The Incredible Hulk fighting monstrosities in the middle of the streets, Iron Man flying against the bad guys, and soon Batman bravely fights off the joker. Kids this summer even have the great Kung Fu Panda, who saves the local village from the rampages of the enemy.
We celebrated the firefighters of 9/11 for thier courage. We honor the troops who fight in freedom's name. We respect those who find the courage to place others before themselves, like the mother who died covering her baby in a house fire, saving her baby's life.
We celebrate such courage, and rightly so. The truth is we all will need some courage one day, to do the right thing, to speak out, to protect someone else from harm, to make that hard decision no one else can make for you. We will all need courage.
Question: Where do you get it?
Read Joshua 6:1-8:2
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Who is a hero in your life? What makes them so courageous?
2. Look at Joshua 6:1. We discoverd in the message on Sunday the phrase "Lord said" is the same phrase used when describing how the universe was created. The city of Jericho was going to fall just as sure as the ground Joshua was standing on. Joshua was able to act because God gave him a promise. How can you be sure God's promises are true for you?
3. After the defeat of Jericho Joshua sent the Israelite army to defeat the city of Ai. They failed because Achan kept some of the bounty from Jericho for himself instead of bringing it to the temple as God instructed. How does our behavior affect the promises of God in our life?
4. How can God's promises give you courage?
5. What do yo uthink of this statement, "You gain courage to find freedom from God's promises when you operate under the authority of God."
6. Do you know God's promises? How can you apply these promises to your life? Psalm 27:14; Job 22:29-30; Psalm 113:1, 3; 2 Chronicles 30:9
SOMEHING TO THINK ABOUT
7. What great thing might you attempt now in your life is you were assured by God of your success?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and fighting men." Joshua 6:2
We celebrate courage in our culture. We have The Incredible Hulk fighting monstrosities in the middle of the streets, Iron Man flying against the bad guys, and soon Batman bravely fights off the joker. Kids this summer even have the great Kung Fu Panda, who saves the local village from the rampages of the enemy.
We celebrated the firefighters of 9/11 for thier courage. We honor the troops who fight in freedom's name. We respect those who find the courage to place others before themselves, like the mother who died covering her baby in a house fire, saving her baby's life.
We celebrate such courage, and rightly so. The truth is we all will need some courage one day, to do the right thing, to speak out, to protect someone else from harm, to make that hard decision no one else can make for you. We will all need courage.
Question: Where do you get it?
Read Joshua 6:1-8:2
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Who is a hero in your life? What makes them so courageous?
2. Look at Joshua 6:1. We discoverd in the message on Sunday the phrase "Lord said" is the same phrase used when describing how the universe was created. The city of Jericho was going to fall just as sure as the ground Joshua was standing on. Joshua was able to act because God gave him a promise. How can you be sure God's promises are true for you?
3. After the defeat of Jericho Joshua sent the Israelite army to defeat the city of Ai. They failed because Achan kept some of the bounty from Jericho for himself instead of bringing it to the temple as God instructed. How does our behavior affect the promises of God in our life?
4. How can God's promises give you courage?
5. What do yo uthink of this statement, "You gain courage to find freedom from God's promises when you operate under the authority of God."
6. Do you know God's promises? How can you apply these promises to your life? Psalm 27:14; Job 22:29-30; Psalm 113:1, 3; 2 Chronicles 30:9
SOMEHING TO THINK ABOUT
7. What great thing might you attempt now in your life is you were assured by God of your success?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"Then the Lord said to Joshua, 'See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and fighting men." Joshua 6:2
Friday, June 13, 2008
Chasing Freedom- Part 1
"Gaining Freedom" Discussion Guide
INTRODUCTION
In order to gain freedom you must have courage. We see this illustrated all throughout history. Navy Seals, sailors, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, all gained freedom for countless others and themselves because they displayed courage. Paul wrote, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." This freedom comes when we have the courage to face what oppresses in this life with Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read 1 Corinthians 16:13.
1. Of the five oppressors mentioned in the message, which one do you relate to the most?
A. Substance Abuse (Money, Food, Alcohol, etc..)
B. Your Past
C. Circumstances
D. Confusion
E. Your own Stupidity
2. Why is it important to keep alert as a Christian?
3. To "stand firm" means to keep your allegiance with Jesus. How can you do this?
4. Of the three parts of courage; 1. Facing reality; 2. Taking responsibility; and then 3. Taking action; which one is hardest for you to do? Why?
5. How can you grow strong in courage?
6. When you are seeking to overcome what is oppressing you why is it important to keep loving those around you? How can you do this?
THINK ABOUT IT
Recall the story of David and Goliath. What is your Goliath? How can David's statement to Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) help you defeat your "Goliath?"
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied!" 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
In order to gain freedom you must have courage. We see this illustrated all throughout history. Navy Seals, sailors, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, all gained freedom for countless others and themselves because they displayed courage. Paul wrote, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." This freedom comes when we have the courage to face what oppresses in this life with Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Read 1 Corinthians 16:13.
1. Of the five oppressors mentioned in the message, which one do you relate to the most?
A. Substance Abuse (Money, Food, Alcohol, etc..)
B. Your Past
C. Circumstances
D. Confusion
E. Your own Stupidity
2. Why is it important to keep alert as a Christian?
3. To "stand firm" means to keep your allegiance with Jesus. How can you do this?
4. Of the three parts of courage; 1. Facing reality; 2. Taking responsibility; and then 3. Taking action; which one is hardest for you to do? Why?
5. How can you grow strong in courage?
6. When you are seeking to overcome what is oppressing you why is it important to keep loving those around you? How can you do this?
THINK ABOUT IT
Recall the story of David and Goliath. What is your Goliath? How can David's statement to Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) help you defeat your "Goliath?"
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied!" 1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)
Friday, May 30, 2008
The #1 One Act You Can Do to Bring Unconditional Love Into Your Marriage Discussion Guide
INTRODUCTION
In this final message in this series on marriage we concentrate on an element of marriage that is essential to experiencing unconditional love. It is forgiveness. You cannot have unconditional love without expressing unconditional love. You don't gain unconditional love by holding conditions on your spouse. This kills unconditional love. In this message we discussed how we can express forgiveness even when we have been hurt. THese questions are designed for you to take the message a little deeper.
DISCUSS
1. Do you agree with this quote, "Marriage is not as much as finding the right person as it is being the right person?" Why or why not?
2. How do you handle anger in your marriage realtionship? Inwardly? Outwardly? Do you see it as an ally? Why or why not?
3. How would your attitude change if you got rid of the anger in your marriage relationship?
4. What story could you give to justify your anger instead forgiving your spouse? How does your story keep you from forgiving your mate?
5. How can Christ's forgiveness towards you be expressed towards your spouse?
6. How did God bring uncoditional love into your life? How could you bring that example of love into your marriage?
THINK ABOUT IT
What does Christ's forgiveness mean to you and your marraige?
CHANGE YOUR MIND
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, JUST AS IN Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
In this final message in this series on marriage we concentrate on an element of marriage that is essential to experiencing unconditional love. It is forgiveness. You cannot have unconditional love without expressing unconditional love. You don't gain unconditional love by holding conditions on your spouse. This kills unconditional love. In this message we discussed how we can express forgiveness even when we have been hurt. THese questions are designed for you to take the message a little deeper.
DISCUSS
1. Do you agree with this quote, "Marriage is not as much as finding the right person as it is being the right person?" Why or why not?
2. How do you handle anger in your marriage realtionship? Inwardly? Outwardly? Do you see it as an ally? Why or why not?
3. How would your attitude change if you got rid of the anger in your marriage relationship?
4. What story could you give to justify your anger instead forgiving your spouse? How does your story keep you from forgiving your mate?
5. How can Christ's forgiveness towards you be expressed towards your spouse?
6. How did God bring uncoditional love into your life? How could you bring that example of love into your marriage?
THINK ABOUT IT
What does Christ's forgiveness mean to you and your marraige?
CHANGE YOUR MIND
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, JUST AS IN Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
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