Parents, Train Your Children to Please the Lord

By Richard Smith

1-19-25

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of ways you were able to apply any of the six lessons from last week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Colossians 3:20 and discuss what surprised you or stood out about the text and/or sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does the concept of ‘obeying in everything’ challenge our modern parenting approaches, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this biblical instruction?

 

  1. How can we reconcile the seemingly harsh consequences for disobedience in the Old Testament (like the Numbers 15 account of the sticks on Sunday) with the message of grace and forgiveness in the New Testament?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

  1. In what ways can parents effectively transfer the concept of pleasing God to their children, especially in a world that often promotes self-fulfillment over obedience?

 

  1. What strategies can parents employ to maintain consistency in discipline and instruction, even when faced with weariness or self-doubt?

 

 

  1. In what ways can parents model and teach the ‘peace that comes through surrender to God’s training and discipline’ as mentioned in Hebrews 12:5-11?

 

 

 

What Did We Learn from the Funeral of President Jimmy Carter?

By Richard Smith

1-12-25

NOTICE: The questions are a little different this week to match the message Pastor Richard delivered after the funeral of 100-year-old President Jimmy Carter.

 

Recap: Look back over the past week for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. How did your personal pursuit of godliness go this past week?

Reflect: Discuss each of the six lessons of Sunday’s message and read the corresponding Scriptures in light of your own life.  

Lesson 1. Your life is much more than just one moment or season – Isaiah 43:18

Lesson 2. Let the power of Christ’s love heal broken relationships – 1 Peter 4:10

Lesson 3. Give priority to the worship and service of the church – Hebrews 10:24

Lesson 4. Leverage your influence to help the weak – Luke 14:13

Lesson 5. Value simplicity and pursue integrity – 1 Timothy 6:8, 10

Lesson 6. Without Jesus Christ, death is an enemy we cannot defeat – John 11:25

Respond: Look at your own life and ahead to the upcoming week for ways to apply the message.

 

  1. What could someone honestly say about your life at your funeral?  What would you want them to be able to say?  If there is a gap between the two, what needs to change in your life?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pursuing Promised Godliness

By Phud Chambers

1-05-25

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of ways you were able to live as one who has been sent, just as Christ was, this past week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read 2 Peter 1:1-11 and discuss what surprised you or stood out about the text and/or sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. The sermon discussed the paradox between God granting us everything for godliness and our need to pursue it. How do you understand and reconcile this tension?

 

  1. Review the list of qualities in 2 Peter 1:5-7 (virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, love). Which of these do you find most challenging to cultivate in your life? Why?

 

  1. How does the metaphor of walking upstream in a river relate to our pursuit of holiness? Can you share an example from your own life where you’ve experienced this “upstream” struggle?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

  1. The sermon emphasized that true Christians never stop pursuing godliness. What are some practical ways we can maintain this pursuit daily?

 

  1. Choose one of the qualities from 2 Peter 1:5-7 to focus on this week. Share with the group how you plan to intentionally grow in that area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PEACE

By Richard Smith

12-22 -24

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap:

  1. Does anyone have a testimony of how last week’s WORD (displaying sacrificial, selfless love to others) was put into practice?

Engage: 

 

  1. Read Luke 2:8-18 as a group. How does the concept of Jesus as the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Sar Shalom) challenge or change your understanding of peace in your own life?

 

Reflect:

 

  1. In what ways might you be seeking peace in the wrong places, and how can you redirect your focus to Christ as the source of true peace?

 

  1. How does the image of God wrapping Himself in ‘cloths in a manger’ rather than ‘light’ impact your view of His character and approachability?

 

  1. Discuss the statement: “The peace of God is found in surrender, not in control.” How does this challenge your approach to difficult circumstances?

 

  1. How does the promise that God will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) impact your approach to facing trials or difficulties?

 

Respond:

 

  1. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a love for God’s Word that leads to the ‘great peace’ described in Psalm 119:165?

 

  1. In what ways can you respond with ‘full obedience’ to what God is showing you through His Word and prayer, even if it’s challenging?

 

 

Good News for those Who Could Never Make the News

By Richard Smith

12-15-24

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony to share of ways you were able to “fix your eyes on Jesus” in your daily life this past week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Luke 2:4-11 and discuss what surprised you or stood out about the text and/or sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does the idea of God choosing shepherds – social, religious, and moral outcasts – to receive the news of Christ’s birth challenge our assumptions about who God values and includes in His plan?

 

  1. In what ways does the imagery of God as a shepherd inform our understanding of His character and His desire to care for us personally?

 

  1. In what ways does the concept of ‘the shepherd becoming the sheep’ deepen our understanding of Christ’s sacrificial role and purpose?

 

  1. How can we reconcile the joyous announcement of Christ’s birth with Simeon’s prophecy about a sword piercing Mary’s soul?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

  1. How can we cultivate a sense of ‘great joy’ in our faith, as proclaimed by the angels, especially during times of difficulty or spiritual dryness?

 

  1. Identify someone in your life who might feel like an outcast. Make a plan to reach out to them this week to share the message of God’s inclusive love during the Christmas season.

Enduring for the Sake of Joy

By Richard Smith

12-08-24

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony of how last week’s WORD (recognizing the value and vulnerability of women) showed up throughout the week?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and discuss what surprised you or stood out about the text and/or sermon.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does understanding Jesus as both the ‘pioneer’ and ‘perfecter’ of our faith impact your view of His role in your spiritual journey?

 

  1. How does the image of Jesus thinking of us during His suffering on the cross impact your personal relationship with Him?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. What ‘race’ has God marked out for you, and what competitors (flesh, world, Satan) do you find most challenging in running that race?

 

  1. In what ways can we practically ‘fix our eyes on Jesus’ in our daily lives, especially when facing trials or temptations?

 

  1. In what ways can we, like Christ, find joy in bringing others to God and helping them on their spiritual journey?

 

 

 

 

 

Husbands, Your Wife is Amazing

By Richard Smith

12-01-24

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony of how last week’s WORD (seeking to win others over to Christ by our obedience/actions) was put into practice?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Review 1 Peter 3:7 and discuss what surprised you or stood out about the text and/or sermon?

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. What does Peter’s phrase “live with your wife in an understanding way” say about the effort it takes to know your wife? How does this intentionality extend to other relationships as well?

 

  1. Richard used a precious Christmas ornament as an illustration of what Peter meant when he called women the “weaker vessel.” How does this phrase communicate the value and vulnerability of women?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

  1. Peter reminded us that saved women are “heirs of grace” or as Richard put it, “God’s daughter.” How do you stay mindful of this perspective? If you’re not mindful, what needs to change?

 

  1. What steps do you need to take to heed Peter’s warning (both in today’s verse and 1 Peter 4:7) that your prayers will be hindered if there’s hostility in a marriage, and really in any relationship?

 

 

 

Won to Him Through Her

By Richard Smith

 

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony of how last week’s WORD (thirsting and refreshing in your relationship with God) was put into practice?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Review 1 Peter 3:1-6 and discuss the highlights.  What surprised you or stood out?

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. What are some of the attitudes and actions (external adornment vs. internal qualities) that believing wives are called to in order to win over their unbelieving husbands?

  2. What are some of the listed effects of a woman who lives in a gentle and quiet manner, both in herself and in her marriage?

  3. According to Richard’s message, what is submission and what is it not?

 

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

 

  1. (Personal)How do these truths affect you personally and/or your marriage? How does Christ’s example encourage you to live this out(Matthew 11:20-24, 28-29)?

  2. (Missional)How can these principles be applied to other relationships where we want to see someone won to Christ(1 Peter 3:15)?

 

 

 

4 Thoughts on Worshiping and Savoring God

By Phud Chambers

11-17-24

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Share some ways that you were able to implement God’s definition of love in your marriage this past week.

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Psalm 63:1-4 and discuss times in your life where you were going through a season of thirsting (dry season).

 

  1. Read Psalm 63:5-8 and discuss times in your life where you were in a season of feasting (sweet season).

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does verse 2 provide a model for believers to use their past experiences in the sanctuary for present circumstances in the desert?

  2. How can understanding worship as a response to God’s glory and the Gospel’s beauty affect our spiritual vitality?

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

  1. Psalm 34:8 calls us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” As we look ahead to this week, how can we “feast” on God’s fullness? What are some ways our outward expressions of worship can reflect our inward belief about God?

 

  1. Read Romans 8:31-39 and discuss what gives us the ability to seek, hold to, and feast on Christ. How will you rejoice in this knowledge this week?

 

 

 

The Power of a Husband’s Love

By Richard Smith

NOTICE: The emphasis of our discussion is to see how the Written Word (Bible) and the Spoken Word (Preaching) work together to build up the believer, so when you see WORD in the questions, know it refers to the Scripture and the Sermon.

 

Recap: Look back for evidence of God’s word reshaping your heart and life.

  1. Does anyone have a testimony of how last week’s WORD (a wife’s joyful desire to submit to her husband) was put into practice?

Engage:  Look into the Word of God in light of Sunday’s preached sermon.

  1. Read Colossians 3:19 and Ephesians 5:25-32.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Read Colossians 3:12-13 and 1 John 4:10, 19. Reflect on the foundation that enables the husband to fulfill God’s command to love his wife.

  2. Read James 3:2a. Reflect on the quote Richard shared: “Deep, satisfying marital love comes as a couple commits themselves to the unending cycle of repenting and forgiving.”

 

  1. What is the correlation between a husband’s sacrifice and responsibility in loving his wife to her glorifying God? (Eph. 5: 25-30).

Respond: Look ahead and around to see how you can be obedient and missional.

  1. What are practical ways to implement God’s definition of love in your marriage? Refer to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

 

  1. Richard said the weight of marriage reconciliation is the husband’s responsibility. What are some ways husbands can initiate reconciliation?