2 Cities Church Podcast

Big Idea: Worship is supreme- don’t get it wrong.

#2- Exodus 20:4-6

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery…

Do not make an idol for yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth. Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a  jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commands.

I. Worship is rooted in love

II. Your spirit must mirror God’s Spirit for proper worship

III. What you serve IS what you worship

Next Steps: 

• Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to Jesus for the first time.
• Become: I will worship Jesus all day this week.
• Be Sent: I will worship Jesus by serving someone this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. How would you describe worship to someone who has never heard the term?  
2. What is your strongest modern idol?
3. What is the most important part of your worship?  (You wouldn’t call it worship without it.)
4. Can you worship something you don’t love?  Explain your answer. 
5. How much time did you spend with Jesus yesterday?  
6. Why is it tempting to worship something you can see and feel rather than something you can’t?
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you worship all day this week.

#1- Exodus 20:1-3

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me.

Big Idea: Loving God and loving others starts with _______.

I. It’s #1 for a reason.

Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

II. #1 touches everything.

1 Kings 18:21

Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.

III. Everything follows #1.

Exodus 34:14

Because the Lord is jealous for his reputation, you are never to bow down to another god. He is a jealous God.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: Today, I renounce my lesser gods and trust Jesus.
• Become: I will trust the Holy Spirit to direct me this week.
• Be Sent: I will show my trust in God to others this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Has your loyalty to God been challenged this week? If so, explain.
2. If loving God with “all your heart, soul, and mind” is the greatest commandment, what needs to change in your life to live it out fully this week?
3. Ezekiel 14:3–6 describes “setting up idols in their hearts.” Does this differ from ancient carved images? 
4. What internal “idols” compete for your devotion?
5. Do you know anyone who worships created things rather than the Creator? If so, explain.
6. Is it possible to serve two gods at the same time?  Explain your answer using Scripture. 
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you follow God fully this week. 

Big Idea: God’s RULEs don’t bind you — they guide you.

Exodus 20:1-2

Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

I. Born out of Relationship

II. Unchangeable and Universal

III. Come from Love

IV. Exist for your Good

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
• Become: I will follow God’s RULEs this week.
• Be Sent: I will show others how God’s rules guide me this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. How did the Ten Commandments impact your day yesterday?  
2. How does obeying the law out of love differ from mere obligation?
3. Do these rules apply to people who don’t worship him?  Explain your answer.
4. How do these commandments relate to living for Jesus?
5. Can you see your need for God’s grace without the law? 
6. Who needs to see through your life that God is worth following?
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to showcase your love for Jesus this week. 

Big Idea: We’re working on where God is working.

I. God is bringing people to himself through Christ.

John 5:19

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.

II. Christ is bringing people together.

1 Corinthians 12:13

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

III. God is bringing people to his plan.

Ezekiel 2:1-2

He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak with you.” As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I listened to the one who was speaking to me.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I need Jesus to change my soul today.
• Become: I will follow God’s plan this week.
• Be Sent: I will work where God is at work this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What indicators show where God is at work?
2. Where have you seen Him at work recently?
3. If God created all people, why is His church so divided?
4. Does God need His church to accomplish His work? Explain your answer.
5. How do you know when you’re hearing from the Holy Spirit?
6. Who is the last person God brought to salvation through you?
7. Pray for God to show you where the Holy Spirit is at work this week. 

Big Idea: Have you multiplied yourself?

I. Go and do likewise. 

Luke 10:37

“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.”

Matthew 28:19

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

2 Timothy 2:2

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Matthew 22:37–39

He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

II. Love for one another.

John 13:34-35

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will follow Jesus fully this week.
• Be Sent: I will serve someone far from Jesus this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Where does evangelism end and discipleship begin?
2. What kinds of people refused to become Jesus’ disciples, and why?
3. Who has intentionally discipled you, and how did that relationship shape your faith?
4. What steps does it take to call yourself a disciple-maker?
5. What role does the local church play in making disciples?
6. Can a church truly love you—and can pastors truly shepherd you—if they never challenge you to make disciples? Explain your answer.
7. Ask the Holy Spirit to identify one person He wants you to begin discipling this week. Who comes to mind, and what is your next step?

Big Idea: The way we do Sunday morning doesn’t make disciples.

I. Sending is God’s mission; not seating!

John 20:19

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

II. Discipleship is far messier than Sunday Morning.

Acts 15:36-41

After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers and sisters in every town where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John who was called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. But Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended by the brothers and sisters to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

III. Maintaining moral clarity in a self-focused culture. 

2 Timothy 2:1-7

You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer. Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will join the Discipleship Summit.
• Be Sent: I will help a friend share their faith this week. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What is a disciple?  Explain using your own words. 
2. How exactly does a church make a disciple?
3. How do you know when your role in the discipleship process is complete?
4. Is there a difference between following Jesus only and becoming a leader for Jesus?  If so, explain your answer. 
5. If the church’s mission is to reach the world, what is the best way to measure if the church is being successful? 
6. Who do you know who has been hurt by the church and needs to hear this sermon series?
7. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the opportunity for you to invite them to listen with you.

Big Idea: We are other-focused in everything.

I. Are we hiding our salt in the salt shaker?

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

II. Are we practicing Christian idolatry?

Isaiah 1: 13-17

Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies— I cannot stand iniquity with a festival. I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to me; I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. “Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.

III. Are we practicing Christian love? 

Titus 3:4-8

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will become part of the 100% this week.
• Be Sent: I will work toward 50% this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What does it look like to “lose our salty taste” today?
2. What truths about myself am I most motivated to avoid seeing?
3. Where does God need to grow love in your heart this week?
4. Do you criticize the church's failures yet secretly excuse them in your own life?
5. Is there a need in your neighborhood our church can meet?
6. Who in your life needs to be connected to or reconnected to Jesus?
7. Pray for them by name this week.

Big Idea: We’re different by design—God has one mission for every one of His children. 

I. Jesus sent ALL- not some.

Luke 10:1-3

After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others, and he sent them ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest. Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.

II. We all have a gift and/or gifts.

Ephesians 4:12

…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ…

III. God equipped each of us for the work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I surrender my life to God’s mission again today.
• Be Sent: I will serve like Jesus this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. Is surrendering your life to Jesus a “one and done” moment in time? Explain your answer using Scripture. 
2. What does it mean practically to surrender your life to the mission of God?
3. In your own life, what areas feel easiest to surrender, and which feel difficult?
4. In what ways can someone appear “successful” by society’s standards while being totally ineffective at building the kingdom of God?
5. Can someone pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” and not be willing to lift a finger to see that prayer fulfilled?
6. Has there been a time when you became aware of someone who needed to hear about the love of God lately?
7. Pray for God to put his heart for other people in your heart this week.

Big Idea: 3 deep roots hold stronger than 300 branches.

I. Go deeper than virtual.

Acts 2:44-46

Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts…

II. Go deep with only a few.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

III.  Go deeper with Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I surrender my soul to Jesus today.
• Become: I will join a small group this week.
• Be Sent: I will invite someone into my group this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What makes people hesitant to open their hearts to others?
2. What makes meeting in a small group different from being in a social media relationship?
3. What does it look like to “provoke love” in someone else?
4. How has God grown you through your relationships with others?
5. What are some obstacles that prevent real depth in small groups?
6. Is it possible to grow into the follower Jesus wants you to be while living as a hermit?  Explain your answer from Scripture.
7. Pray for someone who is isolated from Jesus’s people this week.

Big Idea: Some trauma can only be healed by nail-scarred hands.    
 

I. Jesus is close.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit.

II. Jesus comforts.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.

III. Jesus gives courage.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Next Steps:

Believe: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
Become: I need Jesus to help me heal this week.
Be Sent: I will help someone hurting this week.

Discussion Questions:

1. What support would you recommend for someone who is stuck in trauma? (List all the options you’d recommend.)
2. Can you move past trauma without ever sharing it with anyone? Explain your answer.
3. Why is it sometimes hard to trust Jesus with your trauma?
4. Has trauma changed you? If so, has it changed you for better or worse?
5. Who do you know who is stuck in past trauma?
6. Can you share a testimony about how Jesus helped you through trauma?
7. Pray for the opportunity to share that testimony this week.