New Practices of a Converted Saul

By Dillon Medlin

April 12, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read Acts 9:20-31 as a group and discuss your initial observations about the chapter.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does Saul’s radical transformation from persecutor to proclaimer challenge our assumptions about who God can save and use for His purposes?

 

  1. Why do you think Saul begins preaching so boldly so quickly after his conversion?

 

  1. How can we be a ‘Barnabas’ to new believers or those with difficult pasts, offering encouragement and affirmation rather than skepticism?

 

  1. What does it look like practically to walk in both ‘the fear of the Lord’ and ‘the comfort of the Holy Spirit’ simultaneously?

 

  1. Verse 31 describes a healthy church—what specific practices from this passage could help our church grow in similar ways?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Proclaim Boldly: Share your testimony or the gospel with at least one person who doesn’t know Jesus.
  2. Grow Deeper: Spend 15 minutes daily reading Scripture and asking God to deepen your understanding and conviction.
  3. Endure Faithfully: When you face opposition or difficulty this week, respond with prayer and dependence on God rather than retreat.
  4. Encourage Someone: Reach out to a newer believer or someone struggling in faith and speak encouragement into their life.
  5. Strengthen Your Church: Actively participate in a church ministry or reach out to someone who’s been absent from the church community.

 

The Resurrection and the Spirit of Life

By Dan Yacoviello

April 5, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read Romans 8 as a group and discuss your initial observations about the chapter.

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Using Romans 8, contrast the law of sin and death from the law of the spirit of life. How does this understanding change your perspective on your relationship with God?

  2. In verses 14–17, what does it mean to be adopted as a child of God, and how does that change your relationship with God as Father?

  3. How does Good Friday demonstrate both the cost of your adoption and the certainty of God’s generosity toward you as His child?

  4. The sermon emphasized that it’s Christ’s love for us—not our love for Him—that bonds us together. Why is this distinction so important?

  5. When Paul asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31), what fears or doubts in your life does this truth directly challenge?

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

Daily Reminder – Each morning this week, remind yourself: “I am a child of God. Nothing can separate me from His love.” Journal about how this truth impacts your day.

Prayer Practice – Practice calling God “Father” in your prayers this week. Bring Him specific struggles, fears, or needs, addressing Him as your loving Father rather than a distant judge.

Scripture Memory – Memorize Romans 8:1-2 or Romans 8:38-39. Recite it when you face doubt, fear, or condemnation.

Share Your Story – Share with someone this week (a friend, family member, or co-worker) about what it means to be “in Christ” and how they can experience this freedom.

Gratitude List – Make a list of the privileges you have as an adopted child of God. Thank Him specifically for each one.

Triumphal Entry of the King

By Phud Chambers

March 29, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read the passage from Matthew 21:1-18 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Jesus knew that entering Jerusalem meant certain death, yet He went willingly. How does understanding His volitional choice to suffer for our sins deepen your appreciation of His love?

 

  1. In what ways have you received Christ’s righteousness by faith, and how does understanding the great exchange—your sin for His righteousness—impact how you live daily?

 

  1. For those who do not yet know Christ, what does the vivid imagery of Revelation 14 and the winepress of God’s wrath reveal about the urgency of responding to the gospel?

 

  1. How does the contrast between Jesus’ first coming on a humble donkey and His second coming on a white horse leading armies shape your understanding of His character and mission?

 

  1. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus supplies the holiness He demands from us. How does this truth free you from both legalism and license in your Christian walk?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  • Daily Meditation:Spend 10 minutes each day reflecting on one attribute of King Jesus and journaling how it applies to your life.
  • Worship Practice:Set aside daily time to worship Jesus for who He is—without asking for anything—by declaring His attributes.
  • Freedom from Shame:Confess one area of lingering shame over forgiven sin to a trusted believer and pray together in light of your freedom in Christ.
  • Evangelism with Urgency:Pray daily for one unsaved person and intentionally seek an opportunity this week to share the gospel or your testimony.
  • Holy Living:Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area of sin, then pursue repentance and accountability as you seek His power to change.

The Sovereign Conversion of Saul

By Dillon Medlin

March 22, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read the passage from Acts 9:1-18 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. What does it mean that to persecute the church is to persecute Christ himself, and how should this understanding shape how we treat fellow believers?

 

  1. Saul wasn’t searching for Jesus—he was persecuting Him. What does this teach us about who initiates salvation? How does this challenge common ideas about “finding God”?

 

  1. How does Ananias’s hesitation to minister to Saul reflect our own reluctance to reach out to difficult people, and what can we learn from his ultimate obedience?

 

  1. What does it reveal about God’s character that He chose Saul, the chief persecutor of Christians, to become Paul, one of the greatest missionaries?

 

  1. Ananias called Saul “Brother.” Why is this significant? How does the gospel change our identity and our relationships with other believers?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Pray daily for the person whose name you wrote down for the Who’s Your One campaign.
  2. Ask yourself: “Am I willing to be like Ananias and go to difficult or uncomfortable places to share the gospel?”
  3. Take one practical step this week to engage with your “one” (text, call, invite to coffee, etc.)
  4. Write out your conversion story, including details of your life before salvation, how God saved you, and how he is currently making you new.

The Sovereignty of God and the Obedience of Man

By Dan Yacoviello

March 15, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read the passage from Acts 8:26-40 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does Philip’s willingness to leave a successful ministry in Samaria for a desert road challenge our modern understanding of what constitutes successful ministry?

 

  1. What does this story teach us about how God prepares people to hear the gospel?

 

  1. How does the contrast between the law excluding the eunuch and the gospel including him as a son illustrate the transformative power of the gospel message?

 

  1. Recap the “Blueprint for Personal Evangelism” that the text presented and discuss its usefulness in your own life.

 

  1. How does understanding that Jesus ‘opened not his mouth’ so that we could open ours about him motivate you to share the gospel more boldly?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Practice listening– This week, intentionally go near someone and truly listen to what they’re struggling with, looking for opportunities to point them to Jesus.
  2. Memorize the key verse– Commit Acts 8:35 to memory: “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus.”
  3. Study Isaiah 53– Read and meditate on Isaiah 53 this week. Journal about what it reveals about Jesus and His love for you.
  4. Pray togetherfor boldness to “open our mouths” about Jesus, just as He “opened not His mouth” for us.
  5. Engage your one – Be diligent this week to have a one-on-one conversation with your one and get to the Gospel message.

Scattered Seeds

By Caleb Crittendon

March 1, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read the passage from Acts 8:1-8 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does the early church’s response to persecution challenge our modern tendency to retreat when facing opposition for our faith?

 

  1. In what ways might God be using difficult circumstances in your life right now to scatter you into new opportunities for gospel witness?

 

  1. The sermon emphasizes that everyday believers, not just church leaders, were the primary witnesses who spread the gospel. How does this shift your understanding of your personal responsibility in the Great Commission?

 

  1. Philip brought both gospel proclamation and compassionate action through healing to Samaria. How can you integrate word and deed in your witness to produce joy in your community?

 

  1. Who is the one person God is bringing to mind as you consider the Who’s Your One challenge, and what specific step of faith is required to be the answer to your own prayers for them (Hint: Look to the Respond section below for next steps)?

 

Respond: Take action in response to Sunday’s message and the recognition of your ONE this week.

  1. Pray Daily: Use the “Who’s Your One” card to pray specifically for one person for the next 30 days. Text “witness” to 864-762-4040 for daily reminders.
  2. Evaluate Your Witness: Honestly assess whether you’re being a faithful witness where God has currently placed you. Journal about one specific way you can be bolder this week.
  3. Take One Risk: Initiate one gospel conversation this week with someone in your sphere of influence. It doesn’t have to be a “full presentation”—just take one step toward sharing your story.
  4. Study Your Story: Write out your testimony in 2-3 minutes. Practice sharing it so you’re ready when opportunities arise.

Ruth 4: The Redemption

By Phud Chambers

February 22, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read Ruth 4 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus purchased us because He wanted us, not because it was a good transaction. How does this truth change the way you view your worth and identity in Christ?

 

  1. Naomi went from emptiness and bitterness to fullness with a baby in her lap. What areas of emptiness or bitterness in your life need God’s redemptive touch to transform them into fullness?

 

  1. How does Boaz’s statement “I have bought her to be my wife” reflect Christ’s love for the church?

 

  1. The sermon emphasized that Jesus is both “willing and able” to redeem us. Why are both qualities essential? What if He were only one or the other?

 

  1. The sermon states that the life of a believer is not a straight line to glory but filled with twists, turns, and famines. How can remembering God’s faithfulness in Ruth’s story help you trust Him in your current uncertainties?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Trust Christ as your true Redeemer. Name one area where you’ve been seeking security and consciously surrender it to Him in prayer.
  1. Receive His love personally. Meditate on a passage about Christ’s redeeming love and replace one self-condemning thought with gospel truth.
  1. Practice specific gratitude. Write down several ways God has provided for you and thank Him intentionally this week.
  1. Choose faithful obedience in your current role. Take one concrete step to serve or obey where God has clearly placed you—without seeking recognition.
  1. Live under the reign of your King. Start each day acknowledging Jesus as Lord and pause before a key decision to choose what honors Him.

The Marriage Proposal

By Phud Chambers

February 15, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read the passage from Ruth 3 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does the concept of ‘rest’ in Ruth chapter 3 challenge or reshape your understanding of the rest that Jesus offers us in Matthew 11:28-30?

 

  1. Both Ruth and Boaz honored God in a scandalous situation at the threshing floor. What areas of your life feel like ‘threshing floors’ where you’re tempted to compromise, and how can you choose to honor God there?

 

  1. Ruth received abundant blessing without working for it in chapter 3, contrasting with her hard work in chapter 2. How does this illustrate the difference between law and grace, and how does it affect how you view your relationship with God?

 

  1. The story of Ruth redeems the sinful origin of the Moabites from Lot’s story in Genesis 19. What does this tell us about God’s ability to redeem broken histories and family legacies, including our own?

 

  1. Jesus loves us and redeems us not because the law allows it, but because He loves us. How does understanding that God’s motivation is love rather than obligation transform your worship and obedience?

Respond: Choose one or two of the applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

Seek your rest in Christ, not your circumstances. Bring your anxiety, striving, and weariness to Jesus this week. Set aside intentional time to entrust your burdens to Him rather than carrying them yourself.

Honor God in morally difficult environments. Choose integrity at work, online, and in private. Refuse what dishonors Christ, even when it feels normal or culturally acceptable.

Value godly character over outward appeal. Prioritize spiritual maturity over image, charm, or status—in relationships, friendships, and leadership decisions.

Obey God even when obedience feels risky. Identify one area of delayed obedience and take one concrete step of faith this week, trusting God with the outcome.

Live from Christ’s finished work, not for His approval. Remind yourself daily that you are redeemed by grace, not performance. Let gratitude—not guilt—shape how you live.

A New Hope

By Phud Chambers

February 8, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read the passage from Ruth 2 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. How does Ruth’s combination of faith and initiative challenge our tendency to either passively wait for God or work without trusting Him?

 

  1. What specific actions did Boaz take that demonstrated his character? List as many as you can find and then discuss how he reflects the “Micah 6:8” man mentioned in the sermon.

 

  1. How does Naomi’s response in chapter 2 differ from her attitude in chapter 1?

 

  1. How can you be more like Boaz in showing dignity, protection, and provision to the vulnerable or marginalized people around you?

 

  1. The sermon listed several ways Boaz points us to Jesus. Which parallel resonates most with you personally right now?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  • Daily Initiative: Identify one area where you need to take faith-filled initiative this week. Pray about it daily and take one concrete action.
  • Generosity Challenge: Look for one specific opportunity to be generous this week (financially, with your time, with words of encouragement, with hospitality). Do it in a way that points to God.
  • Grace Extension: Think of someone in your life who is “bitter” or broken like Naomi. Bring them an “ephah of blessing” this week—something tangible that shows God’s care through you.
  • Providence Journal: Keep a daily journal this week noting ways you see God’s sovereign hand at work in the details of your life—the “chance chancing” moments.
  • Receive Help: If you tend to refuse help from others, practice receiving it this week. Recognize that God often provides through His people, and refusing help can rob others of blessing.

 

Ruth – Redemption and Providence

By Phud Chambers

February 1, 2026

*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 with the group of how you applied last week’s “Respond” section?

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

  1. Read Ruth 1:1-22 as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. In what ways do we sometimes leave our ‘Bethlehem’ (the place of God’s blessing) to pursue security in our own ‘Moab,’ and what might God be calling us to return from today?

 

  1. What does Ruth’s conversion statement—’your people shall be my people and your God my God’—teach us about the relationship between personal faith and commitment to Christian community?

  2. How does the contrast between Orpah’s practical decision and Ruth’s faith-filled commitment challenge our own approach to following God when the cost seems high?

  3. In what ways does the theme of ‘return’ repeated eleven times in Ruth chapter one speak to God’s persistent grace calling us back from our wanderings?

  4. What ‘barley harvest’ moments of hope has God provided in your life when you felt most empty, and how can remembering those times strengthen your faith today?

Respond: Choose one or two applications from Sunday’s message and commit to it/them this next week.

  1. Practice Gospel Remembrance: When you face difficulty or disappointment this week, intentionally stop and remember what Jesus has done for you. Write down 3-5 specific gospel truths to rehearse when you’re struggling.
  2. Be Honest Like Naomi: If you’re struggling, don’t say “I’m fine” when you’re not. Share your real struggles with at least one trusted Christian friend this week, but also practice remembering God’s faithfulness together.
  3. Evaluate Your “Moab”: Reflect on whether there are areas where you’ve left the “house of bread” (God’s provision, His people, His presence) to seek satisfaction elsewhere. What would “returning” look like for you?
  4. Make Ruth’s Confession Your Own: Rewrite Ruth 1:16-17 as your own personal declaration of faith. Share it with someone or journal about what it means to you.
  5. Invest in Community: Like Ruth committed to Naomi’s people, intentionally invest in your church community this week. Reach out to someone, serve in some way, or deepen a relationship.