Living Epistles – Christ’s Letter to the World

By Ronny Marmol

July 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 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. Why do you think Paul says the Corinthians themselves are his “letter of recommendation” instead of pointing to his accomplishments or credentials?

 

  1. Ronnie shared that the pen of grace always moves first in salvation. How does understanding God’s initiative in your salvation affect your daily walk with Him and your assurance of faith?

 

  1. The Holy Spirit writes on hearts of flesh, not tablets of stone. In what areas of your life are you still relying on external rules rather than internal transformation by the Spirit?

 

  1. How does this passage help us understand the difference between simply following religious rules and experiencing genuine heart transformation?

 

  1. How does knowing that Christ is the Author of your story—and the Spirit is the One changing your heart—encourage you when you feel discouraged by your own shortcomings?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

 

  • Option 1: Live Readable
    • Identify one area where your life might be “smudging the message” of Christ (your speech, your social media presence, your treatment of family, your work ethic, etc.)
    • Confess this to God and ask the Holy Spirit to transform this area
    • Share your commitment with one person in the group for accountability
  • Option 2: Live Sendable
    • Spend time in prayer asking God, “What would You have me do? Where would You have me serve?”
    • Consider one specific way you can make yourself available to God this week (serving at church, having a gospel conversation with a neighbor, giving sacrificially, etc.)
    • Take one concrete step toward that availability
  • Option 3: Live Sacrificially
    • Identify one comfort or security you’re clinging to that might be keeping you from fuller surrender to Christ
    • Write a prayer surrendering this to God
    • Share with the group how they can pray for you in this area

 

The Heart of the Problem

By Dillon Medlin

July 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 Acts 15:1-21 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does the issue of adding human requirements to God’s free grace manifest in modern Christianity, and what are some contemporary equivalents to the circumcision debate?

 

  1. Peter says, “We believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will” (v. 11). Why is that statement so remarkable?

 

  1. James appeals to Scripture after hearing testimonies from Peter, Paul, and Barnabas. Why is it important that Scripture—not experience alone—settles doctrinal questions?

 

  1. The sermon states that the gospel reconciles us both vertically to God and horizontally to one another. Where do you see evidence of this dual reconciliation in your own church community or personal life?

 

  1. Why does James still ask Gentile believers to avoid certain practices if those practices do not contribute to salvation?

 

  1. How does understanding that Christ’s yoke is easy and His burden is light change the way we approach obedience and spiritual disciplines?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

 

  • Thank God every day this week that your salvation rests entirely on Christ, not your performance.
  • Identify one area where you’ve been tempted to believe “Jesus plus…” and intentionally replace that lie with the truth of the gospel.
  • Look for one opportunity this week to limit a personal preference for the sake of encouraging another believer or promoting unity.
  • Share the gospel with one person this week, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith in Christ alone.

A Tale of Three Cities

By Phud Chambers

June 21, 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 19-28 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. In what ways has God ‘broken you and put you back together’ for a purpose vastly different than you had imagined, and how are you embracing that new calling?

 

  1. Discuss the change in the crowd’s attitude towards Paul and Barnabas between verse 18 and 19. Why did things change so quickly?

 

  1. How does Paul’s willingness to return to the cities where he was persecuted challenge our modern understanding of commitment to Christ and the Great Commission?

 

  1. Verse 22 stated that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” How does this biblical reality contrast with popular teachings about comfortable Christianity?

 

  1. What does the appointment of elders reveal about God’s plan for church leadership? Is this a benefit you recognize and take advantage of in your own life?

 

  1. Phud used the famous lines of Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech as a closing analogy. Do you currently see yourself as more of a “fan” or a participant in the arena of fulfilling the Great Commission? How can you get more involved?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

 

-Take one intentional step into the arena of the Great Commission by sharing your faith, inviting someone to church, or engaging a spiritual conversation this week.

-Pursue the spiritual care God has provided by seeking prayer and counsel from a pastor or elder about a burden you are carrying.

-Strengthen someone in the body facing hardship by personally encouraging them to persevere in Christ through a call, visit, text, or note this week.

The Four Witnesses Paul Encountered

By Caleb Crittendon

June 14, 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 14:1-18 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does the presence of opposition and false witnesses actually strengthen rather than hinder the spread of the gospel, and have you experienced this in your own witness?

 

  1. Paul had an incredible conversion story (struck blind on the road to Damascus), yet he didn’t mention it in his sermon. He only talked about Jesus. Why do you think he made that choice?

 

  1. Why did Paul begin his evangelistic appeal differently here than he did in the synagogue sermons?

 

  1. Why is it significant that Paul and Barnabas immediately tore their garments when they were mistaken for gods, and what does this reveal about their hearts versus modern celebrity pastor culture?

 

  1. How does the myth of Zeus and Hermes visiting Lystra serve as a distorted echo of the true gospel, and what does this reveal about humanity’s innate longing for God?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

 

  1. Identify Your Opposition:Write down the top 2-3 counter-messages to the gospel you encounter most often. Prepare a simple, gospel-centered response to each one.
  2. Memorize Scripture:Commit Romans 1:16 to memory as a reminder of the power within you through the gospel.
  3. Find Your Barnabas:Reach out to someone in the church to be an accountability partner in witnessing. Set up a time to pray together for specific people in your lives who need Christ.
  4. Practice Looking Intently:Intentionally slow down three times this week to really see someone – a coworker, neighbor, barista, family member. Ask God to show you what He’s doing in their life and how you might serve them or share with them.
  5. Use Creation:In a conversation this week, reference something in creation (beauty, design, order, etc.) as a bridge to talk about the Creator.

 

Doing Life as an Everyday Christian

By Phud Chambers

June 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 Acts 13:13-52 together as a group and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. Paul was described as a man who loved preaching, yet many Christians feel uncomfortable proclaiming Christ. What fears or obstacles prevent you from eagerly sharing the gospel like Paul did?

 

  1. Why do you think Paul begins with Israel’s history rather than immediately presenting Jesus?

 

  1. Paul had an incredible conversion story (struck blind on the road to Damascus), yet he didn’t mention it in his sermon. He only talked about Jesus. Why do you think he made that choice?

 

 

  1. What does the resurrection prove about Jesus’ identity and why is it such a central part of Paul’s sermon?

 

  1. Paul experienced both amazing receptivity (people begging him to come back) and intense opposition (being driven out of town). How does knowing we’ll face mixed responses prepare us for evangelism?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of these applications from Sunday’s message to put into practice this week.

 

  1. The 30-Second Challenge: Write out the gospel in 30 seconds or less. Practice it until you can share it naturally. Share it with one person this week.
  2. Proactive Planning: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Plan a specific time and place to have a conversation with them (coffee, lunch, etc.). Invite them this week.
  3. Bible Reading for Evangelism: Read through one of the Gospel accounts (Mark is shortest) this week with fresh eyes, looking for how Jesus is presented as the Messiah. Note verses you could use in sharing your faith.
  4. Prayer List: Create a list of 5 people who don’t know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily for the next month. Share this list with one accountability partner.
  5. Examine Your “And Thens”: Journal about what you’re waiting for before you’ll fully engage in mission. Confess these delays to God and ask Him to help you start now.

 

The Holy Spirit’s Work in Our Ministry

By Phud Chambers

May 31, 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 13:1-12 and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. The Holy Spirit spoke while the church was worshiping and fasting. What does this tell us about hearing from God?

 

  1. The Holy Spirit called the church at Antioch to send out their two best leaders. How does this challenge your perspective on the church’s resources, leaders and gifts? To dig deeper, what do you think happened to the church at Antioch after they lost their most gifted leaders?

 

  1. What’s the difference between the church sending (v. 3) and the Holy Spirit sending (v. 4) and why is that difference significant?

 

  1. Discuss the significance of the judgment that fell upon Elymas. How does it differ from the reaction of the proconsul to Paul’s message?

 

  1. What does this passage teach about the relationship between the local church and missionary work?

 

Respond: Take some time as a group to discuss the eight marks of Christ people and then commit to one or two specific actions:

 

  1. Identify Your Mission Field: Ask God to show you where He has strategically placed you for gospel ministry and intentionally engage one person this week with Christ-centered love and conversation.
  2. Practice Gospel Conversations:Prepare to explain the gospel clearly in 2–3 minutes and seek feedback from fellow believers to grow in confidence and effectiveness.
  3. Participate in Corporate Prayer:Commit to joining your church’s prayer gatherings and seek God’s guidance for your unique role in His mission through the encouragement of Christian community.
  4. Examine Your Heart:Honestly evaluate your passion for missions, identify fears that hinder your witness, and surrender yourself afresh to God’s call wherever He may lead you.

Christ-People

By Dan Yacoviello

May 17, 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 11:19-30 and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

  1. Why do you think teaching was such a central part of the Antioch church’s growth?

 

  1. How does the Antioch church model unity between Jewish and Gentile believers?

 

  1. What dangers arise when churches emphasize evangelism without teaching, or teaching without evangelism?

 

  1. Generosity in Acts 11 was measured not by the amount given but by giving according to one’s ability. How does this biblical definition of generosity challenge or encourage your current approach to giving?

 

  1. If people observed your life closely, what would make them identify you as a Christian?

Respond: Take some time as a group to discuss the eight marks of Christ people and then commit to one or two specific actions:

 

  1. Obedience to God’s Purpose: Identify one place you’re “scattered” and pray about how to sow gospel seeds there
  2. Preaching Christ: Initiate one conversation about Jesus with someone this week
  3. Holy Spirit Power: Before sharing your faith, pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts
  4. Turning from Sin: Identify one area where you’re living like the world and take steps to turn to the Lord
  5. Remaining Faithful: If you’re struggling, share with someone in your group and ask for accountability
  6. Discipleship Community: Commit to attending church/small group consistently for the next month
  7. Generosity: Give sacrificially to a need in your church or community this week
  8. Heart for Nations: Research a missionary your church supports and pray for them daily

 

I Could Stand in God’s Way?

By Caleb Crittendon

May 10, 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 11:1-18 and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. How does Peter’s response to criticism demonstrate the principle of entrusting ourselves to God as our just judge (1 Peter 2:21-23), and what would this look like in a specific conflict you are currently facing?

 

  1. In what ways might we be unconsciously standing in God’s way by holding onto traditions, preferences, or comfort zones that limit the reach of the gospel?

 

  1. What made Peter’s testimony (vv. 5-16) so compelling to the critics who changed their tune and glorified God after hearing his story?

 

  1. How does the image of Christ standing in the way of God’s wrath change your understanding of what happened on the cross and your response to His sacrifice?

 

  1. How does this passage strengthen your confidence that salvation is ultimately God’s work and not man’s achievement?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

 

  1. Response Under Criticism: When criticism comes this week, pause before reacting and ask God to help you respond with humility, gentleness, and trust instead of defensiveness.
  2. Surrender Your Resistance: Identify one area where you have been resisting God’s leadership, and intentionally surrender it to Him each day through prayer and obedience.
  3. Gospel Prayer Partnership: Reach out to one or two believers and commit to regularly praying together about a ministry opportunity, gospel burden, or mission God has placed on your heart.
  4. Intentional Gospel Witness: Identify one person in your life who needs Christ, pray for them daily this week, and look for an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel with them.

The Power of God in the Believer

By Dr. Charles Kenya

May 3, 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 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 and Romans 7:15-25 and discuss your initial observations.

 

Reflect: Look deeper at the preached and written Word.

 

  1. The sermon uses the metaphor of a matchstick containing dynamite to illustrate the power within believers. How does understanding that you carry this kind of power change the way you approach daily challenges and relationships?

 

  1. Examine the believer’s struggle in Romans 7 of wanting to do good but doing evil instead. How do you relate to this internal conflict, and what does it reveal about our need for God’s power rather than self-effort?

 

  1. Why would God choose to place His power in fragile “jars of clay” and how does this understanding redefine what strength and success look like in ministry or the Christian life?

 

  1. What is the significance of Paul’s cry: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

 

  1. How do these two passages and Sunday’s sermon guard believers against both pride and despair?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

 

  1. Morning Power Prayer: Begin each day by acknowledging your weakness and asking God to empower you to love, serve, and honor Him in everything.
  2. Identify Your “Romans 7” Struggle: Name one area of repeated failure, confess your inability to change it on your own, and depend daily on God’s power while tracking His work in you.
  3. Eliminate the Sacred/Secular Divide:
    Intentionally practice awareness of God’s presence during an ordinary daily activity, treating it as an opportunity to walk with Him.
  4. Power Inventory: Identify your key roles and consistently pray for God’s specific power to faithfully live them out each day.

Stages of God’s Sovereign Hand in Converting the Saint and Sinner

By Phud Chambers

April 26, 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?

Read and Reflect on Acts 10:1-8 in light of Sunday’s preached sermon, and then answer the following:

  1. Cornelius was devout, generous, prayerful, and well-respected, yet still needed to hear the gospel. Who in your life might fit this description, and how does this change your approach to evangelism?

 

Read and Reflect on Acts 10:9-33 in light of Sunday’s preached sermon, and then answer the following:

  1. How does the text point to a “conversion” taking place in the heart of the apostle Peter?

 

  1. How does the truth that reaching all ethnic groups with the gospel will usher in the end times and our eternal union with Christ motivate or challenge your current involvement in missions?

 

  1. Peter’s preparation involved both prayer and being in God’s word. How intentionally are you preparing your heart to be a messenger of the gospel to those God is placing in your path?

 

Read and Reflect on Acts 10:34-48 in light of Sunday’s preached sermon, and then answer the following:

  1. The sermon states that God chooses to use human instruments rather than angels to proclaim the gospel. How does understanding this divine design affect your sense of responsibility in evangelism?

 

  1. What does it mean practically to expect the Holy Spirit to fall every time we share the gospel, and how would this expectation change our evangelistic efforts?

 

Respond: Choose one or two of the following applications of Sunday’s message to put in practice this week.

  1. Prayer Walking: Schedule a time this week to prayer walk your neighborhood or a specific area of your city, asking God to prepare hearts and give you opportunities to share the gospel.
  2. Gospel Clarity: Practice sharing the gospel with each other using Peter’s outline (Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, call to believe). Time yourselves—can you share it clearly in 3-5 minutes?
  3. Identify Your “Gentiles”: Each person write down one person or people group you’ve been avoiding or never considered reaching. Commit to praying for them daily this week and ask God to prepare both their hearts and yours.
  4. Hospitality for Mission:  Plan a meal or gathering where you intentionally invite someone who doesn’t know Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to share the gospel.
  5. Holy Spirit Expectation: Before your next evangelistic conversation, pray specifically: “Holy Spirit, fall. Move in power. Open eyes and hearts.” Then share the gospel expecting God to work.