Watch Out for Erosion

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: 1 Kings 1-11
Series: The Life and Lessons of King Solomon

1. Ignoring God's Will for Marriage
2. A Focus on Money and Success
3. Careless Sexual Habits
4. Careless Spiritual Habits

You'll Do Anything for the One You Love Most

Speaker: Chuck Beckler
Scripture: Luke 14:25-33
Series: —

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

INTO THE BIBLE

1. How does the truth statement that salvation is by faith alone connect with the message of Luke 14:25-33?
2. Please explain the three demands of Jesus in your own words (everyone should try). Luke 14:25-33 makes them very clear. Read the passage together again.
3. What is the significance of the word “cannot” in the text? Why does Jesus emphasize that word?
4. Is the word “disciple” synonymous with the term “Christian” in Luke 14-25-33? Explain.
5. Take some time to find other texts in the Gospels that communicate a similar message from Jesus. Discuss how they compare to Luke 14:25-33. (I didn’t give the texts because I want you to dig.)
6. How have the three demands of Jesus personally impacted your life? Which one is the most difficult for you?
7. Can you be a disciple without being a Christian? Explain.
8. Can you be a Christian without being a disciple? Explain. 

Investing for the Future

Speaker: Cal Hiebert
Scripture: Luke 12-13-34
Series: —

Sermon Notes

1. A person's life does not consist in abundant possessions.
2. God is in control of man's destiny. 
3. God will provide for His own.
4. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Tell us about a treasure (other than family) that would be difficult to give up.

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Ecclesiastes 8:15. How does this differ from the “eat, drink, and be merry” in Luke 12:19?
2. Read Colossians 3:1-2. How do you set your mind on heavenly things?
3. Read Ecclesiastes 5:10. How does this complement Jesus’ teaching about possessions?
4. Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10. Why do you think that desiring riches and loving money causes so many problems?
5. Read Philippians 4:11-12. What was the secret Paul learned, and how can we learn it?
6. Is there a difference between earthly and heavenly treasure? If so, what?
7. Read Luke 12:33. How do we apply this verse to our lives today?
8. Is it possible to have both earthly and heavenly treasure? Explain.
9. We are told we must plan for retirement. Discuss how we can do that and at the same time please God.

APPLICATION

How are you investing in a heavenly future? 

The Man Who Had It All and Was Still Miserable

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: 1 Kings 1-11
Series: The Life and Lessons of King Solomon

Sermon Notes

1. Solomon’s Wisdom (ch. 1-4)
2. Solomon’s Wealth (ch. 5-10)
3. Solomon’s Women (ch. 11)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Describe someone you know who was wealthy but miserable. What did you learn from him/her?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read 1 Kings 3:1-15. Discuss how Solomon started out so well as King of Israel.
2. Read 1 Kings 9:1-9. What was the choice put before Solomon? Why do our choices matter so much?
3. Read 1 Kings 11:1-13. Discuss what went wrong in Solomon’s life. How does this happen to us?
4. Read Matthew 6:19-24. Summarize what Jesus says here about money. Why such strong language?
5. Why are so many churches hesitant to talk about tithing?
6. What does Jesus mean when He says, “You cannot serve both God and money”? Be specific.
7. Read Matthew 19:24. Why would Jesus say this? What does He mean? Does this offend people?
8. Read Proverbs 11:24-25. Why does God call us to be generous with our money? Be specific.
9. How do our giving habits reveal what we really think about God?

APPLICATION

Did you take the tithing challenge (or are you already tithing)? Share how it’s going.

Resurrection or Reincarnation?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 16
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. The Reality of Death
2. The Reality of Resurrection

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What most scares you about death? What most excites you about dying?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 15:21-32. Describe the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion. Note specific details.
2. Do you believe in reincarnation? Why? Why not?
3. Read Mark 15:33-41. Why did Jesus cry out, quoting Psalm 22? Why did the temple curtain rip?
4. Read Mark 16:1-8. What were the main points of the sermon?
5. Does the existence of several endings to Mark shake our confidence in scripture? (cf. a commentary on Mark; see blog post from January 2 for suggestions: http://goo.gl/MxCQ9o)
6. Read John 20:1-18. Note some additional information John adds about the resurrection.
7. Read John 20:24-31. Why is this section so important? What is John’s point here?
8. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. What is of “first importance”? Why is this so?
9. Read Revelation 21:1-14. Describe the New Earth. How can we be sure to inherit eternal life?

APPLICATION

Who can summarize the gospel in 30 words or fewer? Offer loving critique of one another’s definitions.

What Is Your Response to Jesus?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 14-15
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Worship (vv. 14:1-9)
2. Betrayal (vv. 14:10-26)
3. Desertion (vv. 14:27-52)
4. Rejection (vv. 14:53-15:47)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Describe some of the responses you’ve seen people have to Jesus.

INTO THE BIBLE

1. What were the main points of the sermon? Discuss the different responses.
2. Read Mark 14:1-11. Discuss why this story is so simple, yet so powerful. What can we learn?
3. Read Mark 14:12-26. Notice verse 19.
   • Discuss the disciples’ surprise at Jesus’ statement.
   • If no one immediately suspected Judas of being the betrayer, how good of an impostor was he?
   • Why can counterfeit Christians look so authentic? What is the real test of saving faith?
4. Read Mark 14:27-52, 66-72. Contrast Peter and Judas. Why was one saved and the other lost?
   • Have you known someone who professed faith in Jesus but was later proved to be a “false disciple”?
   • What are ways we abandon Jesus? Would anyone be willing to share of a time they did so?
   • How can we come back to Jesus if we’ve wandered? Does anyone need prayer right now?
5. Read Mark 14:53-62 and Daniel 7:13-14. Discuss Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” as a title for Himself.
6. Read John 1:1, 14. Who is Jesus according to John?
7. Read Mark 15:1-20. Discuss Pilate’s complex response to Jesus—and his conflicting attitudes.
8. Research ahead of time: Pilate’s relationship with the emperor, Tiberius. How was Pilate walking a tight rope between the Jews and Tiberius?
9. Research ahead of time: What were the basic components of a Roman crucifixion?
10. Read Mark 15:33-34. What was going on here? Why did Jesus say this? What was really happening?

APPLICATION

Have you asked your own children the question, “What is your response to Jesus?”
When is the last time you presented the gospel to someone? Discuss what happened.

Back to the Future

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 13
Series: The Gospel of Mark

1. A Prediction (vv. 1-2)
2. An Explanation (vv. 3:31)
3. A Warning (vv. 32-37)

Pictures of Celebration

Speaker: Pastor Tim Bruns
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9
Series: —

Sermon Notes

1. Celebrating with the Lord's Supper
2. Celebrating with Baptism

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Share your baptism experience or a memorable communion celebration.

INTO THE BIBLE

The following two articles are from our church’s Statement of Faith; read them as a group.

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

1. Spiritual baptism: At conversion, we believe that the Holy Spirit baptizes/immerses/places a person into union with Christ or into the body of Christ. Read the following verses: Romans 8:9-11, 14-15; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 1:9-12, 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 5:5. Describe the work of the Spirit in these passages and discuss the help and encouragement these truths can bring to a Christian’s life.
2. Water baptism: Our church believes that people—specifically those who have trusted in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross as their only hope of salvation—should be obedient to what the Bible says and be baptized. Read the following verses: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 10:34-48; Romans 6:3-5. Discuss how these passages answer the why and when of water baptism and what this ordinance symbolizes. 

3. Communion: When Jesus inaugurated communion, He and the disciples were celebrating the Passover (see Luke 22:14-16; compare to Exodus 12:1-14). That feast began hundreds of years earlier when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. Jesus infused new meaning by taking the bread and the cup and tying it to His body and blood. How does the picture of Passover find fulfillment in Christ? See 1 Corinthians 5:7 and Hebrews 9:11-15, 10:10-14. Lastly, read 1 Corinthians 11:26. According to the Apostle Paul, what are we doing as we partake of communion? 

APPLICATION

We have focused on two ordinances (practices) that followers of Christ hold dear out of reverence and obedience to the Lord. They are powerful symbols of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. But as we read earlier, they are not a means of salvation. The Bible makes clear that there is bad news for every person: all are sinners deserving of condemnation. No ordinance, religious practice, or good work can change our hopeless situation. But it also says there is good news for every person: Jesus is the way, truth, and life (John 3:16-18, 14:6). The Philippian jailer asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” and the Apostle Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). Are you asking the same question today? If so, talk to your Community Group leader, contact one of the church pastors, or visit the church website and read the “How Do We Get to Heaven?” article: www.efccl.org/heaven.

Maybe you are a follower of Christ but have not gone through water baptism, the public declaration that you have turned to God in repentance and have trusted in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). Visit the church website for more information on the purpose of baptism and the process we have at EFCCL: www.efccl.org/baptism. 

Jesus Faces His Critics

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 11:27-12:44
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Disbelief (vv. 11:27-12:12)
2. Hypocrisy (vv. 12:13-17)
3. Ignorance (vv. 12:18-34)
4. Pride (vv. 12:38-44)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What kind of criticism of Jesus bothers you the most? Why?    

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 1:14-15.
   • How do these verses capture the theme of Mark’s Gospel?
   • What is the gospel? What are common false gospels?
   • What does it mean to repent?
   • Read Matthew 3:8. What does it mean to “produce fruit”?
2. How would you explain how to be saved to someone in fewer than 30 words?
3. Read Mark 11:27-33.
   • What are the four ways people reject Jesus according to the message?
   • Who were 1) the chief priests, 2) the teachers of the Law, 3) the elders?
   • Discuss how and where Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the authority of Jesus over all things.
4. Read the four responses we see to Jesus in this extended section. Which is closest to you?
5. Read Mark 12:13, 18. Who were the 1) Pharisees, 2) Herodians, 3) Sadducees?
6. Read Mark 12:24.
   • Why is ignorance of the Bible so dangerous?
   • Read Psalm 119:9-16. How do we develop this kind of attitude toward God’s Word?
   • Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Discuss how God’s Word is profitable; be specific with examples.
   • What are your Bible reading/study habits?
   • What kind of Bible reference tools have you found helpful?
7. Jesus quotes Psalm 110 in Mark 12:6. (Note: Psalm 110 is the most-quoted chapter of the Old Testament in the New Testament.) Read this Psalm and discuss how it applies to Jesus.
8. Read Mark 12:38-44.
   • Discuss the contrast Jesus draws here between the teachers and the poor widow.
   • What does this mean: “Such men will be punished most severely”? Where? How?
   • What were the “two small copper coins”? How much were they worth? Why is pride one of the worst sins?

Application

What is a practical way to boost your biblical/theological knowledge?

A Messiah No One Expected

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 11:1-26
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Jesus as King (vv. 1-11)
2. Jesus as Judge (vv. 12-26)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What is one of your earliest misconceptions about Jesus?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Matthew’s version of Jesus’ triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-11).
   • Read the background to this in Zechariah 9:9-13.
   • Where is the Mount of Olives in relation to Jerusalem and the Temple?
   • What was the purpose of this event in the life of Jesus?
   • Why is Jesus suddenly a rock star?
   • What did the people want from Jesus? What did they get?
   • What’s the lesson for us today?
2. In what ways is Jesus “popular” today? In what ways is He not?
3. Read Mark 11:12-19.
   • Why would Jesus curse a tree? What was going on here?
   • Selling sacrificial animals and exchanging currency were normal events at the Temple. Why did Jesus get so angry then?
   • Read Isaiah 11:17. What does the Bible mean when it says “all nations”/”all peoples”?
   • Read Psalm 67. How is the Bible’s concept of “nation” frequently different than ours?
4. Read Isaiah 19:19-25.
   • How does this passage reveal God’s missionary heart for all nations?
   • Why would this passage be so utterly shocking to Jews?
   • What does this tell us about God’s plans for the nations? What should our response be?
5. Read Mark 11:20-25.
   • How do you explain 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 in light of Mark 11:24? Why was Paul’s request refused?
   • How could Mark 11:24 be misused? How would you explain this to someone who was confused?
   • What is the warning here about holding grudges? What does Jesus mean in verse 25?

APPLICATION

Have each person (or couple) pray out loud for someone in their lives who is not saved.