Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rochester MN

Discussion Questions:

John Lightfoot wrote that "reconciliation" describes "restoring something to the state from which it has fallen, or to the state that it potentially could have been, or to the state for which it was destined." What was the original state of the created world? What could it potentially have been like (if mankind hadn't fallen into sin)? What has God destined it to be?

What was the original state of our physical bodies? What could they potentially have been like (if mankind hadn't fallen into sin)? What has God destined the physical bodies of Christians to ultimately become?

What was the original state of our souls? What could they potentially have been like (if mankind hadn't fallen into sin)? What has God destined the souls of Christians to ultimately become?

Verse 21 teaches that we need to be reconciled to God because of our "alienation" and "hostility" toward God. Those are harsh words describing our fallen state apart from Christ. What do you think they mean? (How is our alienation from God and our hostility toward God demonstrated in our lives before Christ?)

How would you explain to somebody who has no Christian background how Jesus Christ "reconciles" us to God? How would you explain how Christ "mak[es] peace by the blood of His cross"?

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Christ is supreme over this pandemic. How do we know this?

v. 15 — Christ’s relation to Deity

v. 16-17 — Christ’s relation to creation

v. 18 — Christ’s relation to the Church

Discussion Questions:

If you struggle to see God in this pandemic, look to Christ! What are some things you see in Christ that assure us of what God is currently doing?

"In Christ we see who God is, what God is like, and what God does" (Doug Moo). What are some practical ways you could begin to know God better by taking a deeper look at Christ?

How does the truth that "by Him all things were created" (v.16) and "in Him all things hold together" (v.17) encourage and strengthen us in the face of this pandemic?

The cult of Jehovah's Witnesses is probably the most well-known version of the Colossian false teachers that exist today. Do you know anyone who belongs to this cult? Have you ever had any Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door to attempt to 'evangelize' you? How did that encounter go? How might you use the truth of Colossians 1:15-16 to respond biblically to a Jehovah's Witness’ false teaching about Christ?

Discuss the image of Christ being the "head" and the Church being the "body." How does that help you understand the relationship of Christ to us, especially as we come together as a local church congregation?

Special Projects (If you want to explore further):

Explore the Nicene Creed and its history. (https://carm.org/nicene-creed)

Explore Article 4 and Article 7 of the Statement of Faith of the Evangelical Free Church of America (https://www.efca.org/about/what-we-believe)

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Sermon Discussion Questions:

Do you see evidence in your life of growth in your knowledge of God and what is spiritually important in life? Who and what has God used to bring about such growth in your life?

How are you growing in your ability to discern spiritual truth (wisdom) and to make good decisions based on that truth (understanding)?

Somebody said that this passage makes the point that "knowledge that doesn't 'walk' is lame." What do you think that they mean? Why is this important in understanding this passage?

Review and discuss the four aspects of a life that is pleasing to the Lord in verses 10-12. Which of these were you most challenged by? Explain why?

Discussion Questions:

Dan spoke of ways in which we attempt to "hang on to control" in the midst of the threats and challenges of life. What are ways that you try to hang on to control?

The Apostle Paul commends the church in Colossae for their "faith in Christ Jesus" and their "love for all the saints." How do you think Paul would evaluate Calvary in those two categories? How would you evaluate yourself in those two categories?

What is the worldly (secular) understanding of what "hope" is? How does that differ from the biblical meaning of "hope" (as Paul uses it in Colossians 1:5)?

Dan mentioned a number of the truths of the Gospel that a believer's "hope" is "anchored" in. Which of these truths are particularly meaningful to you?

Dan closed with the statement, "As we anchor our hope in the truth of the Gospel, the storms in our lives strengthen our faith and our love for each other." How have you seen the truth of that statement in your own life or in the lives of other Christians you know?

You can also view our worship service directly on our  Calvary YouTube channel

Discussion Questions:

Summarize what you heard in ten words or fewer.

How do you think you would honestly feel if Jesus were the one washing your feet...or doing your dirty laundry? Would either of those things make you uncomfortable? Why or why not?

In what ways do you see irony in the actions of the crucifixion of Jesus?

Reread the entirety of this section of John 13.

In light of verse 17, one will be blessed if they do what, exactly?

How do you feel about the fact that Jesus almost certainly washed the feet of Judas before Judas was dismissed to go betray him? Why would Jesus do that?

What do you think caused Simon Peter’s change of heart?

What are some things that you have seen other people do that you believe falls in line with the spirit of footwashing like Jesus? In other words, what sort of serving behaviors have seemed most pure-hearted, and Jesus-honoring to you?

How does this long look at Simon Peter through our series inform your own walk with Jesus?

Discussion Questions:

Summarize the message in ten words or fewer.

Can you remember a time in your adult life when you learned that something was completely different from you thought it was? For example, a song lyric you believed was one thing, but was actually something completely different?

What false pictures of Jesus have you had to work through in the past? Who or what helped you to see things as they actually were?

Simon Peter made a lot of mistakes and was corrected - sometimes harshly - by Jesus on multiple occasions. How do you feel about that?

W. Tozer said, “What comes into our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Read John 21:1-19

What strikes you about this passage?

Why do you think Jesus chose to eat with His disciples after the resurrection? What was He trying to demonstrate or do?

Discussion Questions:

Dan encouraged us to view this transitional time at Calvary as a "season of renewal and transformation" and an "opportunity to strengthen church health and ministry effectiveness." What part of that view resonates with you? Why?

Dan stated that the "goal" of this transitional time at Calvary is "becoming a healthy, spiritually-renewed church community ready to welcome the next Lead Pastor." What part of that goal resonates with you? Why?

Have someone in the group read out loud the four key Scriptures that Dan referred to: Mark 12:31 ("Love God"); Romans 1:16 ("Love the Gospel"); Mark 12:32 ("Love Each Other"); and Luke 19:10 ("Love the Lost"). Discuss how you would like to see these become even more of a focus at Calvary and in your individual life.

The closing Scripture that Dan referred to was Ephesians 4:12-13. Read it out loud and discuss as a group how you think God wants to see Calvary "built up," what it would look like to have a greater "unity in the faith," and what the goal of becoming "mature" could look like at Calvary.

What are your concerns about this transitional season at Calvary? What are your hopes?

CONSIDER THIS: Jesus the teacher loved telling forgiveness stories.

A few examples: Luke 18:9-14, Luke 15: 11-32, Luke 7:41-43

Story Similarities: Two people desperately needing forgiveness; one embracing it

The Lesson: Forgiveness embraced --------------> love expressed

THE DAY SIMON PETER LEARNED THAT LESSON

Simon Peter’s likely thought during the day

Luke 22:7-13

Simon Peter’s likely thinking that evening: (the upper room)

John 13:23-26

Luke 22:24-30

John 13:1-10

Luke 22:31-32, 36-38

Luke 22:31-38

Simon Peter’s likely thinking very late that night: (Gethsemane)

Mark 14:32-37

John 18:10-11

Mark 14:50

Simon Peter likely thinking in the wee hours of the next day: (Caiaphas’ place)

John 18:15-16

Mark 14:66-72

The look that changed Simon Peter Luke 22:61-62

What was Simon Peter thinking was in the look Jesus gave him?

Two likely possibilities:

1) “He’s deeply disappointed in me” (‘You, Simon…REALLY?’)

2) “He’s forgiving me!” (“It’s okay, Peter, I got this.”)

Clues: The word, Simon Peter’s reaction, Simon Peter’s next 30 years

MY SO WHAT? Jesus looks at me, and it matters!

Discussion Questions:

What assets did Simon Peter use to further the gospel during his lifetime? What do you think this demonstrates about the life and belief system of Simon Peter? Can someone do these kinds of things without fully understanding or fully believing the gospel message? Why or why not?

What are the assets American Christians are mostly likely to use selfishly rather than with kingdom-mindedness? Why do you think (the thing you named) is such a common culprit for this kind of thinking?

What message do you think the storytelling in America (movies, books, tv, etc.) signals about our culture and sacrifice? In other words, what does general culture say is worth sacrificing for (rather than the gospel)?

If you have ever traveled internationally and interacted with Christian communities elsewhere, how has that affected your understanding of, or behavior toward, using your assets for kingdom purposes? For example, did it make your more or less generous?

Taking the next step of obedience in using your assets for kingdom purposes does not have to happen all at once, and it does not need to be some grand gesture. What is one asset you hope to use more purposefully for the kingdom in the immediate future, and how do you plan to do that?

If someone looked at your home, your family (even your family of origin), your marriage (or other relationships/friendships), and your life as a whole, would they see evidence of your belief in Jesus in each of those areas? Why or why not?

Read I Peter 3:1-7. Here, Peter writes about marriage and the responsibilities of husbands and wives.

a.  Does anything bother you about this passage? If so, what?

b.  [Let’s use this prompt as personal reflection. Only share if you really care to…this may be of a more personal nature than group discussion can allow.]

i.   Husbands, plan (to yourself) one way you can show honor to your wife this week (v7).

ii.  Wives, think (to yourself) of one way you can show your respect for your husband this week in an active way (v2)?

iii. Singles, what is one thing you can learn from this exhortation to married couples that helps reveal the way we should love, respect, and honor one another always as brother and sisters in Christ?

I.   Simon Peter is heroic in the storm. (The Acts 3:1-4:23)

II.  Simon LEARNED to become a guy like that —

A. By finding and following Jesus. (Mark 1:1-4:34)

Things Simon witnessed…

 B. By weathering the first storm. (Mark 4:35-41)

Your observations:

Trust is a BIG, BIG deal to Jesus.

“Belief” and “Faith” are ______________ sisters.

“Trust” is their _____________ sister.

“Trust” is: _______________________________.

 C.  By following Jesus some more.

Things Simon witnessed…

 D. By stepping out in the second storm. (Matthew 14:22-33)

Your observations:

E. By following Jesus some more.

Things Simon witnessed before the Acts 3-4 storm…

III. Like Simon Peter, Jesus wants you and me to learn to trust.  (I Peter 2:4-6)

How?

IV. MY “SO WHAT?”:

Discussion Questions:

We are four weeks into this series, Origin Story: How Simon became Peter. Share an insight you have had about who Peter was and what he became that intrigues or inspires you.  Explain why.

Tim said trust is a really big deal to God – maybe the biggest deal of all for what He is seeking to develop in us, His living stones. Do you agree?  Why or why not?  If you agree, WHY do you think this is so important?

How would YOU define trust, and how do you think it is best developed in our journey toward Jesus or with Jesus as His apprentice?

Tim shared the story of learning to do the Elk Lake Crawl, and suggested that from his point of view, this was how the majority of Christ-followers today lived out trust in God – going through the motions but always with “one foot on the bottom.” Do you think this is accurate?  If so, why do you think it is so hard for followers of Jesus to “go all in”?

Simon Peter heard Jesus teach and saw Jesus do some AMAZING things while following him around. Yet Simon Peter struggled with trusting.  Why do you think that is?  Do you think it is harder today to learn to trust Jesus when we are not eyewitnesses of Jesus’ teaching and powerful miracles?  Why or why not?

If you know the Gospels, it is not a “spoiler alert” to remind you that almost at the end of Simon Peter’s time with Jesus, he is anything but heroic – denying Jesus at the trial – and most Bible students believe he was overwhelmingly disillusioned, thinking that perhaps Jesus was not a trustworthy person in whom to place his trust. Is this a flaw in Simon Peter, or is this a pitfall that we can all fall into, or even the normal pattern of a follower of Jesus who longs to be a person of trust?

Is trust in Jesus mostly forged in the storms of life? If that is true, how should we as seekers and followers of Jesus support each other in these difficult storm experiences?

Tim said that if he could have Jesus answer just one question, he would ask, “Are you for me (have my ultimate best interest at heart)?” He said if the answer was YES, he thought he could trust Jesus through any storm.  Do you agree?  Share your own ‘one question for Jesus’ with the group.

Tim suggested that the most important element of learning to trust is focusing on getting to know Jesus, and in doing so, seeing He is COMPLETELY TRUSTWORTHY. Do you agree?

Who can get to know Jesus better, Simon Peter, or you and me? Why?