10/12 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap

Suzanne reminded us that people are first and foremost God’s treasures. However, we are often tempted to see people as Problems to be solvedCommodities to be usedEnemies to be defeatedShe encouraged us to consider which of those lenses we are most tempted to view people through and invite God to show us again how to view people as his treasures. She handed out “gold” coins to help us remember God’s joy at each one of his treasured people.

Reflection Questions:

Wh...

10/5 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

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9/28 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

Sermon Recap:

In this week's sermon, Pastor Suzanne cautioned against becoming a "pusher" for Jesus because God isn't a product, Jesus didn't model that kind of interaction with people and ultimately, it can end up pushing people away from God.She suggested instead that we can trust that God is always at work and our job is to slow down, look for where God is at work and people are open, then respond.  (Jesus modeled this in John 5:16-20)Being confident that God is at work ...

9/21 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

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9/14 Sermon Recap & Action Steps

Sermon Recap:

Pastor Sara invited us to consider what “bridge” God might be inviting us to build in this next season (to God, to yourself, or to others). She talked about the invitation in scripture to be planted next to a stream of living water so that as we live our lives, we are deeply connected to the source of Life. She then talked about some opportunities at the church to work on specific “bridges.” You can learn more about those in the booklet below. 

Action Steps:

Spe...

9/7 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

  Listen to the Panel

Reflect on Romans:

Spend some time this week journaling or talking about the questions that the panel participants were asked. 

What has stood out to you the most through this sermon series?

We have talked a lot about working towards peace and unity even with Christians we disagree with. What is hardest about that for you personally?

What is one practical way you are working to cultivate peace in a community that you're in (family, work, church, friend g...

8/31 Sermon Recap

8/31 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Sara talked about the call to humility in Romans 12 and invited us to practice statements that help us remain humble.

Practice These Humility Statements:

  You Tube Song

I will never not share this song when we are talking about humility.

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8/24 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

8/24 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked about how God’s love is:His rugged commitment to be with usTo be for usTo transform us into the likeness of JesusShe talked about how Paul knew that more than information about God’s love, we need assurance. That God is with us and for us.She reminded us that that love is meant to be so complete, so absent of condemnation, that is causes us to love others in a similar way. 

Reflection Questions:

What is a time when you have felt deepl...

8/17 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

8/17 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked how knowing what to look for and hope for helps us remain steady throughout our journey. In particular, she talks about how “glory” is our destination. Glory is when we are at peace with God, at peace with ourselves, at peace with others, and at peace with creation. In the meantime, however, we will experience “groaning” like the groans of labor pains. Looking for signposts of glory helps us through the journey as we groan and partne...

8/11 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

8/10 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked about how we are unable to serve two “bosses.” Now that we have received freedom from God, what we do with that freedom matters. “Offering ourselves” wholly to God’s ways leads to life and flourishing, while offering any part of ourselves to sin leads to destruction and chaos and death. We are invited, every moment, to keep choosing to live in obedience so that we and all those around us will experience life. 

Reflection Questions:

Wha...

7/27 Sermon Recap and Reflection Questions

7/27 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Sara talked about the word “faith” (pistis) in Romans and how Paul connects that word to Abraham’s faith in the Old Testament. Both with Abraham and for us, faith is more than mentally assenting to a list of specific beliefs or theological claims. Faith invites us to “start walking” out of our jail cells towards the inheritance and promises that Jesus is inviting us to.

Reflection Questions:

What is one step you could take to actively live out your ...

7/20 Sermon Discussion and Reflection Questions

7/20 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked about the word “redemption” (apolytrōsis), which means “the act of freeing someone from bondage, slavery, or captivity.” She reminded us that God gave us a picture of this redemption in the story of the Exodus. She then talked us through a metaphor to help us understand what Jesus did for us: irrevocably opening the doors of a prison. Though this freedom is a wonderful gift, we sometimes get comfortable in our prisons, which make it ...

7/13 Sermon Recap and Prayer of Confession

7/13 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Suzanne talked about Romans 1 and the ways that Paul sets up a rhetorical trap for his listeners. He starts by talking about how terrible they are, but then quickly flips the switch to say, “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else.”Pastor Suzanne reminded us that we all have sin and mess and things that make us need God’s help. 

Prayer of Confession

Creator God,

I am quick to run from my conscience and to run from you.

Fo

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7/6 Sermon Recap and Discussion Questions

7/6 Sermon Recap:

Pastor Tony talked about Romans 9-11 and how these passages talk about the different kinds of privilege given to Jews and Gentiles. In particular, he talked about the privileges given to the Jews, and how they we called to use their privilege to bless all the peoples of the earth. Tony talked about the privilege he has as a straight, white, American male, and talked about how God gave us privilege to steward it for the sake of others. 

Sermon Discussion Que

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6/29 Sermon recap and Discussion Questions

6/29 Sermon:

Pastor Sara talked about how Paul demonstrates using our words to bless and honor those around us. How might you bless and honor the people around you with your words this week? ...