Duplain Church of Christ Sermons

How does the metaphor of whitewater rafting relate to navigating culture?

Why is it important to focus on the “internal culture war” rather than an external one?

What does it mean that "love is not a power play"? How does this contrast with worldly methods of influence?

In what ways does the church offer hope and light in a "turbulent world"?

How does the emphasis on love relate to handling polarizing topics like abortion, LGBTQ issues, or immigration?

What is your personal takeaway from the speaker's call to "choose the way of love"?

How does peer pressure influence our desire to fit in with the world, and how can it challenge our walk with Christ?

How can the experience of exile, such as the Jewish Exile in Babylon, be compared to modern-day Christian experiences of feeling marginalized?

What is the significance of building godly families and homes that stand as beacons of faith in contrast to the surrounding culture?

How can Christians actively seek the peace and prosperity of their community, even in situations where they feel alienated by the surrounding culture?

Jeremiah encourages the exiles to be patient and faithful during their time in Babylon, promising that God has a plan for their future. How can we trust God’s plans during times of spiritual exile or societal pressure?

How do the "acts of the flesh" (hatred, discord, selfish ambition, etc.) show up in our political culture?

In what ways can political tribalism threaten the unity of the church?

How can we avoid "biting and devouring" one another in political conversations?

How can the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) transform our political interactions?

What does it mean to put our identity in Jesus first, above any political affiliation?

What does it mean to "follow the Lamb" in the context of political engagement, and how can Christians balance their faith with their political actions?

How was Israel's political structure designed to be different from other nations, and what lessons can we draw from this for how Christians should approach political leadership today?

What does Deuteronomy 17:16-20 reveal about the qualities God desires in a leader? How do these qualities differ from those typically valued in modern political leaders?

What practical steps can Christians take to "put their hope in Jesus, not an earthly leader," and what does this look like in everyday life and political engagement?

1.     What are the primary factors contributing to the polarization of our society today?

2.     How has the influence of Christianity in American culture changed over the past few decades? What are the implications of this shift for both believers and non-believers?

3.     How do feelings of worry, frustration, and anger manifest in people who feel their values are under threat? How can these emotions be constructively addressed?

4.     How does political power corrupt, according to the message? What safeguards can be put in place to prevent such corruption, especially within religious communities?

5.     What does it mean to "follow Jesus, not the ideologies of this world" in a practical sense? How can Christians maintain their faith while participating in a highly politicized society?

Does SMD (selective Memory Disorder) ever affect you?  In what context?  How does it impact your faith?

 In what ways do you see fear acting as a deterrent to faith in your own life or the lives of those around you?

How can we train ourselves to focus on faith and God’s promises rather than our fears and doubts when facing difficulties?

How can we avoid the "Grasshopper mentality" that focuses on our weaknesses and exaggerates difficulties?

What practical steps can we take to live with a faith mentality, believing that God is with us and that we are more than conquerors?

Sermon Conversation Starters:

1. How does the concept of humanity reflecting God's image contrast with the current state of the world?

2. How does the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus 32-34 illustrate the consequences of sin and rebellion against God?

3. Why is Moses’ intercession for the people significant in the narrative? What does this tell us about the nature of God’s relationship with humanity?

4. The message emphasizes the importance of seeking a personal relationship with God. How does this idea challenge or support your current understanding of faith?

5. How can we actively seek God’s presence in our daily lives, and what impact might this have on the world around us?

Here are the conversation starters for this week's sermon!

1. What are the main reasons given in the message for why the world is described as "messed up"?

2. In what ways does the message describe humanity's unique role in creation? How does sin mess this up?

3. What symbolism is associated with the Tabernacle, and how does it illustrate the separation between God and humanity?

4. Discuss the significance of the covenant offered to the Israelites in Exodus 19:3-8. What conditions are attached to this covenant?

5. In what ways did Israel's history demonstrate the challenges of obeying and keeping the Law?

6. How does the New Testament, particularly Hebrews 9:11-15, describe the fulfillment of the Law through Jesus, and what implications does this have for believers?

1. Why is it important to learn from history and past experiences? How does this emphasis relate to the quote, "Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it"?

2. Discuss the significance of the joyful journey and subsequent disillusionment in the faith journey described in the text.

3. Have you ever faced a situation where joy gave way to disillusionment in your faith?  How Did you respond?

4. What is the key to breaking the cycle of disappointment and complaining in the journey of faith?

5. God provided for the Israelites despite their complaining. What does this suggest about God's nature and relationship with humanity?

1. Reflect on a time when you found yourself in a difficult situation ("pickle"). Was it due to your own actions, external influences, or circumstances beyond your control? How did you navigate through it?

2. The Israelites were not ready to face adversity despite witnessing God's miracles. Why do you think people struggle with trust and fear when facing new challenges?

3. Have you ever experienced a disconnect between what you believe and how you feel? How did you reconcile these differences?

4. What does "standing firm" in the face of adversity mean to you? Can you share an instance where you stood firm in your faith or values despite challenges?

5. How can believers live confidently, knowing that God is in control, even when faced with severe difficulties or uncertainties? How does this confidence affect your daily life and decisions?