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MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Alive In Us (Ephesians 2:4-5) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Your Love Never Fails (Romans 8:28) – Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

Nothing But The Blood (Ephesians 1:7-8) – Facedown by Matt Redman

Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17) – The I Heart Revolution by Hillsong

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 4

At the end of the first chapter of Philippians, Paul introduces a glorious tension that all Christ-followers should feel to some degree.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
2. Read and discuss Philippians 1:22-30. What themes do you see in these verses? What “glorious tension” is Paul wrestling with here?
3. Why does Paul rejoice, even though he is “in chains”? What application can we glean from this for our own lives?
4. Paul seems assured that when he departs this life, he will be with Christ. How can he be so sure? Are you sure? Why or why not?
5. Can you think of anyone who has departed to be with Christ, but who had planted gospel “seeds” in your life?
6. What gospel “seeds” do you think you will leave behind when you depart this world?
7. What does it mean to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (v. 27)?
8. “All real forgiveness costs you.” What does forgiveness cost those who extend it?
9. Is there someone you need to reach out in humility, love and forgiveness? How can you carry those supernatural qualities into that relationship or situation and let Jesus be your advocate? Spend some time in prayer for this with your small group.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

10,000 Reasons (Psalm 103:1) – 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman

O Worship the King (Psalm 145:9-10) – Hymns Ancient & Modern by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

With Us (Psalm 46:10-11a) – God Is Able by Hillsong

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let The Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Shelton (North Point)

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 3

Though Paul is “in chains” as he writes to the Philippian church, the gospel continues to advance.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What is one thing from this teaching that you found particularly helpful, insightful, or difficult to grasp?
2. Read and discuss Philippians 1:12-21. What themes do you see in these verses? What can you glean about the nature of man? What do you observe about the nature of the Gospel? What do you observe about Paul’s character?
3. Why does Paul rejoice, even though he is “in chains”? What application can we glean from this for our own lives?
4. Paul indicates that because of his imprisonment, others are becoming bolder for Christ (v. 14). Why does the church seem to expand with the presence of persecution?
5. If you had to pick a signature verse for your life, what would it be? Why?
6. How would you fill in blanks? “For me, to live is ________, and to die is ________.”
7. In what ways are you “in prison” or “in chains”? How does the gospel address this? How might the gospel still be advanced despite those chains? Spend some time in prayer for this with your small group.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

Let Your Kingdom Come (Psalm 59:16-17) – Valley of Vision by Sovereign Grace

Open Up Our Eyes (Ephesians 1:18-19a) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship

The Wonderful Cross (Galatians 6:14) – Original Arrangement

Give Me Faith (Psalm 73:25-26) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship

TEACHING: Philippians: A Journey Toward Humble Joy, Part 2

Paul’s opening prayer in his letter to Philippians leads us to great depth regarding the qualities of true Christ-followers.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. From last week’s questions – were you able to reach out to a specific person in fellowship? Give a report of what happened.
2. What is one thing from this teaching that you hope to discuss as a group?
3. Pastor Mike said, “Love is a distinguishing mark of a true Christ-follower. ” What do you think of when you think of “love”? How would you define “love”?
4. Read and discuss Philippians 1:1-11. What themes do you see in these verses? What do you note about Paul’s prayer at the end of this section? What is he praying for? Why does he pray for these specific things?
5. What do you tend to pray most about?
6. What is “the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” that Paul includes in his prayer (v. 11)?
7. Why do you trust the Bible? How have you experienced knowledge and depth of insight from the Scriptures?
8. Are there some areas of your life where you need to move toward “pure and blameless” (v. 10)? How might the gospel empower you to growth in these areas?
9. In light of Paul’s prayer, share prayer requests and spend some time in prayer for the areas in question 8, using the themes you’ve identified from Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Endless Light (Psalm 113:3-4) – Cornerstone by Hillsong

The Lord Our God (James 1:17) – Let The Future Begin by Kristian Stanfill (Passion)

Come Thou Fount (Psalm 16:11) – Original Arrangement

I Stand Amazed (2 Corinthians 8:9) – North Point Live by Candi Pearson (North Point)

God Is Able (Ephesians 3:20-21) – Forever Reign by Hillsong Chapel

Agnus Dei (Revelation 5:20-21) – Original Arrangement

TEACHING: Getting to Know Scripture, Part 2

Meditating on Scriptures helps us move the precepts of the Bible from head to heart. Meditation is seeking the richness of God’s Word by being still as we reflect on the greater possibilities of meaning and application without violating the intended meaning of the text.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing from this sermon you found particularly insightful, helpful or difficult to grasp?
2. What tends to come to mind when you think of “meditation”? How is that similar or different to meditation from a biblical perspective?
3. Read and discuss Psalm 1. What does this chapter tell or infer about the nature of man? What do you observe about who God is? What does Psalm 1 tell us about mediation and the Word of God?
4. What are some benefits of meditating on Scripture? How have you personally experienced some of those benefits?
   What is the difference between studying Scripture and meditating on Scripture? Are both necessary? Why or why not?
5. Pastor Mike defines mediation as “seeking the richness of God’s Word by being still as you reflect on the greater possibilities of meaning and application without violating the intended meaning of the text.”  What does it mean to violate the intended meaning of a text? How can we avoid that?
6. Look over the account of David & Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. As Pastor Mike shared from his own meditations, what insights were fresh for you from this well-known account? How is this account pointing us to Jesus?
7. What practical steps can you take to incorporate meditation as a regular discipline in your walk?
8. Pick a portion of Scripture to meditate on as a group. Spend the next week meditating on those verses. Take some time to share any below-the-surface insights with each other the next time your group meets.

MUSIC & SCRIPTURE

Be Lifted High (John 3:30) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Rock of Ages (Deuteronomy 32:3-4) – Death of Death by Charlie Hall

In Your Presence (Deuteronomy 31:6) – Nothing is Wasted by Elevation Worship

Glorious (Psalm 111:2-3) – Glorious by Paul Baloche

Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) (Psalm 27:1) – Let the Future Begin by Chris Tomlin (Passion)

 
TEACHING: Ruth: A Story of God’s Redemptive Love, Part 6

As we continue our series in the book of Ruth, Pastor Mike delves into the concept of the kinsman-redeemer. When the redemptive power of the gospel is lived out in our lives, it will draw others to us.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SERMON AUDIO/VIDEO

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. If you were give a one-sentence synopsis of this message, what would it be?
2. Read and discuss Ruth 4:1-12. What is the significance of this exchange between Boaz, the town elders, and the other kinsman-redeemer? What are the implications for Ruth?
3. What is the significance of a kinsman-redeemer? How is Jesus a kinsman-redeemer?
4. Pastor Mike shared this quote: “When we act, think, talk, and love like Jesus, we’ll have more walk-in business than we can handle.” What does that mean? What are the implications for us?
5. Can you think of someone to whom you have felt drawn because of Jesus in their life?
6. Do you feel you are living in such a way that people are drawn to you? Why or why not?
7. How is the gospel attractive? In what ways is it repulsive?
8. The great commission (Matthew 28:19) can be translated as “as you are going, make disciples.” What does this mean? How can you put this to practice as you go about your life? Spend some time in prayer with your group for this.