Going to The Chapel

Oh no! Kailey and Kevin are out this week! It's just Steve and Clint holding down the fort. Steve and Clint praise Kailey and all the hard work she's put in producing the podcast, Steve puts in a good word about the upcoming Chapel Leadership Conference, and then we go back in time and listen to the most listened to episode of the podcast.

(2:07) Question of the Day:

Tell me about your favorite coffee cup.

(11:20) Hot Topic:

A lot of churches use phrases like “we are a church family” and “we do life together” and I know here at the Chapel, we even call ourselves a Chapel Family. Now there are mixed studies on church whether church is a place of belonging or that it can still be lonely. What does it mean to be a church family? 

Discussion & Member Questions:

(17:00) Let’s recap what we covered on Sunday just to remind everyone what it was about

1. (19:40) What does it mean to live sent in our church compared to the campus, city, and world where we’re talking about pray, invest, invite, etc.?
2. (22:23) You said, “If you’re not using your gift, we are at a deficit.” What would it look like if every member of the church served. I mean do we even have room for that?
3. (28:36) What if someone is unsure what their gifts are? How can they find out?
4. (31:23) What are the biggest needs at The Chapel right now?
5. (35:13) Help me work through some common objections someone might have to getting involved in church.
1. (35:37) I don’t really feel like I need to help. I won’t get anything out of it. 
2. (39:27) I don’t think I have any useful gifts. Others would probably do a better job than me.
3. (44:24) I’m afraid of committing and then feeling stuck. Like I would be judged if I have to step back later. 
4. (47:25) I don’t feel like I’m there yet. I still struggle with sin and I don’t think I’m the best example.
5. (49:47) I don’t have time. I’m so busy just making it to church on Sundays is hard sometimes. 
6. (55:55) What should we do if we want to serve but don’t know where?

(57:47) Conclusion/Celebration

(3:13) Question of the Day:

What is your greatest fear?

(11:30) Hot Topic:

According to a recent study by the Bible Society, In the UK, over 2 million more people are going to church than six years ago, and Gen Z is leading that growth especially young men. In fact, UK church attendance has risen by 50% over the last 6 years

Why do you think this could be happening? Why Gen Z?

Discussion & Member Questions:

(20:50) Are there any books of the Bible that you’ve never preached through? If so, which of those would you like to teach through? Appreciate all you do. Love the podcast and y’all!

(25:19) Sunday Sermon Recap

1. (27:08) While preparing this sermon, were there any parts you wished you would have had more time to draw out?
2. (28:46) How do we teach our children to repent and not simply comply?
3. (31:50) How can I decipher if I am idolizing the security my job provides? (I.e. money to support a family)
4. (35:46) What some signs that something that is good is becoming an idol - like my desire to be married, respected or feel financially secure?
5. (42:19) I feel like I only come to God when I need something. Obviously He is the one I should turn to when I need something…do I just need to strike a healthy balance between gratitude and requests in our prayers? 
6. (50:21) If so many of our idols make promises but never deliver, why do we continue to want them more than God? And how do we break that habit?

(53:16) Conclusion/Celebration

(3:07) Question of the Day:

What is your most used app on your phone besides text/call or the Bible app. 

(7:20) Hot Topic:

Of course seeking God first, would you or have you considered going through a book of the Bible, every chapter and every verse? Although topical teachings/series are fine sometimes, some as believers are also looking to be taught the word in the context it was spoken then, understanding that the word is alive and still relevant today.

How do y’all decide the sermon series we go through? 

Discussion & Member Questions:

(19:44) How can we maintain trust in God’s plan when the world feels increasingly chaotic and unjust and how can we use these moments to make our faith stronger instead of letting doubt take over?

(26:40) Let’s recap what we covered on Sunday just to remind everyone what it was about

1. (29:08) How do you respond to someone who uses John 7:24 to say they can judge others who are acting sinfully? 
2. (34:35) How does it work to talk about sin with a brother or sister in Christ if one person feels like something is a sin while the other doesn’t?
3. (44:16) Do I need to apologize to God for everything bad that I do? That feels overwhelming. 

(48:35) Conclusion/Celebration

(5:07) Question of the Day:

What is your favorite season?

(8:05) Hot Topic:

Science: Regularly Attending Church Can Lower Stress. If science shows that going to church regularly lowers stress, why do some Christians still feel overwhelmed or burnt out when they think about church?

Discussion & Member Questions:

(12:18) We’ve received several questions about what is going on in the world. What message do you have to encourage our church body with so much uncertainty?

(18:32) Sunday Sermon Recap

1. (21:38) While preparing this sermon, were there any parts you wished you would have had more time to draw out?
2. (22:40) I’ve been reflecting on the idea of calling and purpose in your Christian walk. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can discern God’s specific calling for our lives and how we can align our daily actions with His divine purpose
3. (36:23) Without getting into legalism conversations, can we talk publicly about what is expected of someone who calls The Chapel home?  Membership and even Regular Attender status should come with some expectations beyond personal gr1qowth goals, just as we all have expectations within our homes and families.  Attendance (and being on time!) for Sunday services are just the beginning.  If we're all part of the family of Christ, what other expectations should we expect?
4. (43:27) What do we do when there is genuine disagreement about what God has commanded we do? For example, Christian A believes we must uphold the Christian Sabbath, Christian B thinks the Sabbath has been abrogated. In this situation, one views the other as legalistic and the other as licentious; however, the root of the disagreement originates in their understanding of what God has commanded. How do we resolve a situation like this?
5. (50:43) You talked about legalism and license which. Kevin, you mentioned the greatest commandments and that we should love God and keep his commandments but then you talked about no longer being under the law. How do we walk in that balance? 

(56:08) Conclusion/Celebration:

(1:55) Question of the Day:

Last week, we talked about talents no one knew about. This week, I want to know of a skill you would like to learn or get better at if you had the time or money to do so?

(7:59) Hot Topic:

“No Prayers Answered” Video

Sounds like transactional Christianity. Can we talk about that?

Discussion & Member Questions:

(13:35) Sunday Recap

1. (16:59) While preparing this sermon, were there any parts you wished you would have had more time to draw out?
2. (18:07) Steve, you said, “Your feelings are bad truth tellers.” How do you validate your emotions without letting them dictate your theology? Or should we validate your emotions?
3. (22:12) Is there ever a time when the desire to “do better” is healthy, or is that always a sign we’re performing?
4. (24:37) If you grew up in a high-performance household, how do you rewire your thinking to accept God’s grace instead of trying to earn his love?
5. (31:51) How can we distinguish between conviction from the Spirit vs. shame from the enemy?
6. SCENARIOS: What does it look like in my daily life to preach the gospel to myself so I don’t fall into performing or pretending?
1. (35:25) It’s been a rough Sunday morning, I yelled at my kids, my spouse snapped at me, everyone rushed to the car. Now I’m walking into church and smiling like nothing happened, but I know we are struggling to live peacefully at home. How do I preach the gospel to myself in that moment?
2. (41:57) I haven’t read my Bible in ages and have barely prayed. I feel really far from God, but now I’m in community group and we’re having conversations about our walk with God. Now I feel like I need to pretend that I’m spiritually strong. How do I preach the gospel to myself in that moment?
3. (44:45) I’m spending all of my spare time numbing out with entertainment, social media, or productivity. I feel guilty for not spending time with God so I avoid Him even more. “I’ll come back to God when I feel more put together.” How do I preach the gospel to myself in that moment?
4. (52:00) I am at church and one of my buddies shows me four wheeler they just bought. Immediately I have a desire to get one too. I know I can’t afford it but if I put it on a credit card I could pay it down over time and would be able to look cool now. How do I preach the gospel to myself in that moment?

(56:13) Celebration/Conclusion

(0:30) Intro - Anniversaries!

(3:30) Question of the Day:

What is a talent you have that most people don’t know about?

(11:48) Hot Topic:

Brandon Lake: “Keep Bubba in Mind”

Discussion & Member Questions:

Let’s recap what we covered on Sunday just to remind everyone what it was about

1. (21:25) Do you think modern Christians idolize marriage, even inside the church?
2. (25:03) In the face of children’s suffering and death, how can we reconcile the existence of a loving and just God with the reality of such profound pain?
3. (33:58) How should we biblically think about sin?
4. (38:37) What is the difference between feeling good about something good we are doing and finding righteousness in those good things?
5. (41:41) What are some self-reflection questions I can ask to determine whether I am performing or pretending?

(53:49) June Focus: Hospitality - Host someone in your home.

(55:10) Conclusion/Celebration

Colossians 1:21-23 | Kevin, Lead Pastor

Colossians 1:21-23 | Steve Elworth, Siegen Site Pastor

(0:29) Kevin is Back!

(5:01) Question of the Day:

Do you call it pop, soda, soda pop, or coke? What is your favorite one?

(10:27) Hot Topic:

Should pastors use AI in sermon preparation - and if so, where should the line be drawn?

Discussion & Member Questions:

(20:07) We discussed Eph 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother” which is the first commandment with a promise- so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy life on the earth.” Steve mentioned that he thought this promise is a societal promise - that the “you” is society in general. I had never heard this or thought of it in this way. Is the “you” the original language plural? Could it mean both since general society is made up of many “you”? Not looking for a formula. Just looking for hope that comes from the promise of serving God and our families well.

(24:12) Why did you decide to do this new series?

(25:45) Let’s recap what we covered on Sunday just to remind everyone what it was about

1. (30:05) As Christians, what should we specifically pray about for suffering, (particularly in the world)?
2. (33:03) What is the purpose of life?
3. (34:35) Why don’t we speak more of the importance that the Holy Spirit plays in the walk of believers? If the Holy Spirit is our guide on Earth and spiritual gifts are given to all believers, why aren’t we talking more about them and encouraging others to pursue spiritual gifts and discerning how the Spirit speaks in the life of believers? - How will the role of the Holy Spirit be discussed in this series. 
4. (39:13) “Jesus didn’t die to make you better. He died to make you new” - What would you say to the believer who feels like nothing about them has changed - like they’re still the same broken person, just trying harder.
5. (45:29) You showed an image of the cross growing over time as we grow in our awareness of God’s holiness and our sin. What does it look liken every day life to live out that picture. 

(47:42) June Focus: Hospitality - Host someone in your home.

(56:05) Conclusion/Celebration