ARCC Sermons

In a world where both secular culture and church culture tend towards the facade of “all is well” scripture does NOT. There is a raw-ness to this Psalm that leads the reader to look for a quick resolution, but instead is left to deal with the darkness. The good news is that we have a Savior who isn’t afraid to step into that space and sing along with us our song in the night.

DNA Questions - Psalm 88

Discover

What does the Psalmist mean by "regions dark and deep"?

What is the Psalmist trying to accomplish with questions like: "Do the departed rise up to praise you?"

What does the Psalmist mean when he says that "Your wrath has swept over me"?

Nurture

What is comforting to you about a text like this? What is unsettling? Why?

What about your belief about God makes this a difficult text for you?

In what ways does this text point you towards the heart of God especially displayed in Christ?

Act

What would your raw, honest written down prayer read like right now?

How long could you be still and just wait upon the Lord?

Christianity is not just a religion. Christianity is just a name for the plan that God has made to establish His Kingdom on Earth. If you are a follower of Christ you have been brought out of a kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom He died and rose again to establish. God is raising up a people for His possession to be a part of His Kingdom and we get to play a part in this mission. Making disciples of Jesus is the greatest calling and pursuit in all of life!

DNA Questions - Psalm 87

Discover

Is the Lord ultimately talking about a place or a people in the Psalm?

What comes to your mind when you consider Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, and Philistia in the story of scripture?

What does it mean that "the Lord records as He registers the peoples"?

Nurture

Considering the ways in which we thought about Egypt, Babylon, and Philistia in what season of life do you perceive God has you?

Do you reproduce disciples of Jesus? Why or why not?

What does it mean and what does it look like that all your springs are in the Lord?

Act

What are some practical steps you could take towards the intentionality of making disciples of Jesus?

What would it look like for your DNA group to move in a more discipleship oriented direction?

No Christian really needs to be convinced that Godliness is the goal. God’s plan is that we would be conformed into the image of Jesus. Jesus told us that it is enough to be like the master. The Psalmist helps us to know what godliness looks like not only in our our own life, but also in the life of the ones who will influence us.

DNA Questions - Psalm 86

Discover:

How can the Psalmist say that he is "poor and needy"?

What are the implications of the fact that the Psalmist calls upon the Lord in the day of his trouble?

Do you honestly believe that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness? Why or why not?

Nurture:

Do you tend to see yourself in light of who God is or in light of those around you? Why does that matter?

Are you quick to notice when the Lord gladdens your soul? Why or why not?

Is it easy or difficult for you to ask God for a sign of His favor upon you? Why or why not?

Act:

Every time you pray this week, ask the Lord to gladden your soul and see what happens. Commit to write down such instances no matter how little or big.

Every time you pray this week, thank the Lord for all the ways you know He has delivered you AND for all the ways in which you are unaware. Take note of instances that you notice no matter how little or big.

This is a Psalm about repentance and that it is beautifully wrapped up in a robust understanding of who God is and what He has done in saving us and bringing us to Himself in the first place! Repentance must be a part of the life of the believer!

DNA Questions:

Discover

How does Jacob help us better understand all of this?

How does God ultimately put away His anger?

What does it mean that God's salvation is near to those who fear Him? (v. 9)

Nurture

Is it difficult for you to ask God to restore you "again"? Why or why not?

What about the gospel helps you believe that God will speak peace to you rather than wrath?

What usually keeps you from hoping that the Lord will give what is good? How does the gospel speak to this?

Act

What would be the biggest change in your life if you actually believed that you were favored by God?

What would the rest of this year look like for you if you decided His footsteps would be your way?

What practical ways could your DNA serve and edify the body at ARCC?

One of the greatest things God could do for us is to give us a heart that matches the Psalmist in desire for the Lord. Psalm 84 helps us know what it means to be in the courts of the Lord. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord above all!

DNA Questions:

Discover

Why does the Psalmist include the stanza about sparrows finding a home?

What does it mean to go from strength to strength?

How are we to think about God not withholding anything good?

Nurture

What does your soul long for?

How does trusting in the Lord allow us to be springs and early rain in the Valley?

How does the last line of the Psalm impact the way we view life and God's providence in it?

Act

What is one thing that would look different for you this week if you actually trusted that God isn't going to withhold anything good from you?

What is one way that your DNA group could serve and edify the body here at ARCC?

There is a truth given to us by Jesus that we need to believe. It’s actually to our advantage that Christ would go to the Father SO that the Spirit could be sent to us. The hope in this series would be that we would come to believe this as ardently as Jesus, Himself AND that we would long to know and enjoy all that we have in the Person and work of the Holy Spirit of God.

DNA Questions:

Discover

What is Paul getting at when he says that when they come together it is not for the better but for the worse?

How are they humiliating those who have nothing? (v. 22)

How would one eat the bread and drink the cup in a "worthy manner"?

Nurture

Do you regularly examine your mind and heart for the things for things that would be displeasing to the Lord? If so, what does that look like for you?

How does the gospel of the Lord Jesus help us to examine ourselves?

How does the gospel of the Lord Jesus help us to help others examine themselves?

Act

What would it look like for you to intentionally prepare to come to worship on Sunday mornings?

What would it look like for your DNA group to edify the body of Christ here at ARCC?

There is a truth given to us by Jesus that we need to believe. It’s actually to our advantage that Christ would go to the Father SO that the Spirit could be sent to us. The hope in this series would be that we would come to believe this as ardently as Jesus, Himself AND that we would long to know and enjoy all that we have in the Person and work of the Holy Spirit of God.

DNA Questions - 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Discover

What is Paul getting at when he says that all things are lawful but not all things helpful?

What connection is there between our liberty and our conscience?

How do you know if you are doing anything for the glory of God?

Nurture

How does the gospel point our eyes towards the glory of God?

How do we pursue a life that seeks the advantage of others over our own?

How do we pursue a life of gratitude?

Act

What would look different for you this week if you were trying to do everything for the glory of God?

Is there a way your DNA group could do with work of ministry in order to build up the entire body at ARCC?

There is a truth given to us by Jesus that we need to believe. It’s actually to our advantage that Christ would go to the Father SO that the Spirit could be sent to us. The hope in this series would be that we would come to believe this as ardently as Jesus, Himself AND that we would long to know and enjoy all that we have in the Person and work of the Holy Spirit of God.

DNA Questions - 1 Corinthians 10:1-22

Discover:

What is the significance of Christ being the "Spiritual Rock that followed them"?

What does God's faithfulness have to do with dealing with temptation?

What is Paul getting at when he states that you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons?

Nurture:

In reference to the Israelites' idolatry, we can gather a few warning signs:

Impatience

Love of the culture

Ingratitude

Pride

Which of these are the most dangerous for you and how can the gospel help us flee these things?

Some of the fruit of idolatry is:

Jealousy of others

Anger towards others

Discontentment

Can you see these in your life and how can the gospel help you to locate the idols and put them to death?

Act:

What it look like practically for you to flee the idols you know exist in your life?

What would it look like practically for your DNA group to serve and edify the body of Christ here at ARCC?