Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read James 1:1-12.

1. How does James identify himself at the beginning of his letter? Why do you think he identifies himself this way rather than telling everyone he is Jesus’ ½ brother?

2. To whom does James say he is writing? (Hint:“scattered”) Who does he mean by this? How are we included in his audience as well? (Hint:New Covenant)

3. How might God be working through the diaspora (scattering) to bring forth his plan? (Hint:Acts 1:8)

4. Why would James tell us to consider our trials as “pure joy”? How might this affect the way we live our lives today? How might the notion of “good trouble,” as coined by the late John Lewis, help us consider our trials as “pure joy”?

5. James discusses some benefits to the testing of our faith. What are these benefits and how do they come about through testing?

6. Francis Chan, in his Right Now Media study, tells us that “testing” was a word used by silversmiths to describe purifying the silver. How can we relate that process to our faith lives? What is the end goal/result? (Hint:reflection)

7. James encourages us to pray for wisdom, but warns that we must not doubt that God will give us this wisdom. How will wisdom help us consider our trials as pure joy? Why is it important that we not doubt?

8. James talks about receiving the Crown of Life. What does he mean by this? How do we receive this crown? How does the Apostle Paul support this claim?

9. How might Communion remind us of the truths to which James speaks in this passage?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God, help us to see the trials we go through as pure joy, knowing that they help draw us closer to You. Use these trials to test our faith, purifying us, transforming us, sanctifying us, so that we bear your reflection more and more every day. And as we do, help others to see You through us, that they may come to know You and count their trials as pure joy as well, so that they too may be tested and sanctified. May all of our trouble be “good trouble” in that You use it to bring forth your kingdom on earth through the work of your good and faithful servants. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who makes it all possible. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read Luke 8:42b-48.

1. So far in this “8:46” sermon series, we’ve looked at passages that involve conflict. I Kings addressed the impending split of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms and John addressed the conflict between Jesus and the leaders of the Jewish tradition. How is today’s passage from Luke similar? (Hint:think about clean/unclean) How is it different? (Hint:think about healing)

2. In today’s passage, the woman with the hemorrhage had tried everything (many doctors and all her money) to find a cure for her bleeding, but none of it worked. Only when she turned to Jesus in faith was she healed. When have you acted like this woman, turning to Jesus only after all human endeavors proved unsuccessful?

3. The parallel story in Mark’s gospel not only says the woman’s bleeding stopped when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, but it says “she was freed from her suffering.” How might this healing have been more than just physical? (Hint:think clean/unclean again)

4. What did you think about 526 being another way of saying 8:46 (8 minutes and 46 seconds = 526 seconds)? Is this simply a weird coincidence, or is God using this to get our attention and point us toward his healing?

5. By Googling “526,” Pastor Mick learned about the political experiment “America In One Room.” This program helped many hard-core folks see things from a different perspective. How might the world benefit from more discussions like this?

6. Pastor Mick said, “I think the Church could learn a lot from the America In One Room experiment.” What do you think he meant by that? Do you agree? Why/why not?

7. Pastor Mick shared some song lyrics from “City on the Hill” by Casting Crowns. How did that song make you feel? What happens when we let our differences divide us?

8. How might a new perspective enable us to allow God to use us like leaven in the loaf so we can be that city on the hill?

Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and Loving God, forgive us for the times we allow ourselves to conform to the sinful patterns of this world. Help us to do better. Give us a new perspective so we can recognize and confess areas of our lives that are incongruent with your will. Help us to humbly approach your throne of grace in search of your healing presence. May our lives be holy and pleasing to you as we become the leaven in the loaf. We pray all of this in the strong name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read John 8:42-47.

1. As we continue with our brief series “8:46,” what did you think about Jesus being at The Feast of Tabernacles in this week’s passage, just like Solomon was in last week’s passage? Is that mere coincidence, or do you think God is using “8:46” to get our attention?

2. How might Jesus’ disagreement/debate with the Jewish leaders be similar to the split between the northern and southern kingdoms we discussed last week? How might they be similar to the divide in our country today?

3. In the larger passage comprising chapters 7 and 8, there is a comparison (contrast) among fathers…God, Abraham and the devil. How are these father figures different from each other and what do their differences mean for our lives?

4. How do some Christians today fall prey to similar erroneous logic as those who considered themselves children of Abraham in today’s passage?

5. Why does Jesus refer to the devil as the “father of lies”? What lies does the devil tell you?

6. What does Jesus give as the reason the people “do not hear/don’t believe”? (Hint:see verses 46-47)

7. To whom does Jesus tell the people they belong? (Hint:see verse 44) What does He mean by this? What does this mean for us today?

8. Pastor Mick highlighted five ways to test who you truly follow/to whom you truly belong (Tests of True Discipleship – see below). What do you think about these tests? Do they highlight areas where you still have work to do?

a. Do you love Jesus? (8:42)
b. Do you seek to understand God’s will? (8:43)
c. Is your desire to do as the Father desires? (8:44)
d. Do you believe the truth, as revealed by Jesus? (8:45-46)
e. Do you listen and respond to the words of God? (8:47)

Prayer (from Hymn #89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee):
Gracious and Loving God, Thou art giving and forgiving, ever-blessing, ever-blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live and love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:
Read 1 Kings 8:46-51.

1. What did you think about the way Pastor Mick selected this sermon series (8:46)? Do you believe God still uses signs to get our attention? What signs have you experienced in your life?

2. What do you think about the Bishop’s admonition to “Dare to believe that God might use us like leaven in the loaf”? What do you think he meant by that? How can you be leaven? In what loaf?

3. How did Solomon’s prayer of dedication make you feel when he focused on sin and its consequences? What does this tell us about the pervasiveness of sin in our lives and culture?

4. How much of the history of the divided kingdom (Israel-North, Judah- South) was new to you? How might that impact the way you understand this and other Scriptures?

5. How might Israel’s history of a divided kingdom and captivity be relevant to us today?

6. Captivity can be used both literally and metaphorically. Although we are a free nation, how might we still be in captivity in some ways due to sin, especially systemic sin?

7. What did you think about the letter Pastor Mick received from the pastor in Texas? What could we/all churches learn from that? In what ways might we have “sinned, done wrong, been most wicked” as Solomon describes in verse 47?

8. What does repentance look like for Solomon in this prayer (see verses 47-48)? How easy is it to repent like this? What holds us back? What is the benefit when we do repent?

Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God, forgive us for the times we allow ourselves to conform to the sinful patterns of this world. Help us to do better. Help us to recognize and confess areas we need to improve and then do our part to
improve. Remind us, though, that we can’t do it all on our own. We can’t do it without you. So we humbly approach your throne of grace asking you to help us. Renew our minds and transform our lives so that we will not only know your good, pleasing and perfect will, but we will truly live it out in our daily lives. May our lives be holy and pleasing to you as we become the leaven in the loaf. We pray all of this in the strong name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

This morning we conclude our sermon series “Transformed by Trouble.” Over the past 4 weeks we’ve been sharing that not only do we live in a broken and sinful world...but that each of us are sinful and broken as well. We have issues, sinful issues and these issues will always be around. The good news? We are transformed by the love of Jesus Christ and one day those issues will be gone forever! Hallelujah!

1. Read Romans 7. In this passage Paul speaks about law and sin and the inner conflict of the mind. What kind of destructive weapons, bad habits and emotional habits continue to enslave you? Have you been able to overcome these habits? How were you able to accomplish this?

2. Read Romans 8:1-4. What is Paul trying to tell you in this text? How does this text make you feel? How will or how has your life changed because of the promise of God?

3. Read Romans 8:5-6. Do you live your life according to the flesh or do you live your life according to the Spirit? If living according to the flesh, what changes might you need to make? If living according to the Spirit...is it evident to others? Share.

4. Read Galatians 5:16. What is Paul sharing in this text? How can this serve as a helpful reminder for you?

5. There are so many destructive weapons and destructive habits that attempt to steal our joy and make us fearful, angry, insecure and shameful. What does Paul reveal to us in Romans 8:26-39?

6. As you read this powerful Scripture text from Romans 8:26-39 what are some take away verses that you would like to memorize and read daily to feed your soul?
Prayer for the Week:

Dear Lord, it is with great thanksgiving that I praise you and give you all the glory for transforming my very troubled life into the likeness of Christ. Thank you for the Holy Spirit that speaks on my behalf, and offers me your love and grace on a daily basis. Thank you for the strength and the courage to live each day as a beloved child of God staring trouble in the eye and saying, “not today trouble!” It is in the very strong name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read Romans 12:1-2.

1. Rick Warren says, “My thoughts control my life.” Do you agree with this? What spiritual implications does this have for us?

2. Pastor Warren tells us that our minds are the battlegrounds for sin. What does he mean by this? Do you agree? How does this play itself out in your life?

3. Pastor Warren says, “My mind is the key to peace and happiness.” Why do you think he says that? Do you agree? If not, why?

4. Pastor Warren gives three things we absolutely must do if we are to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” The first thing is, “Feed your mind (with Truth).” What does he mean? How can you do that? Why is this so important?

5. The second thing we must do is, “Free our minds (of destructive thoughts).” How can we do this and why is it important?

6. As we work to free our minds of destructive thoughts, we are warned of three enemies (Triple Threat) to be constantly on guard against – (1) Our sinful nature, (2) Satan, and (3) worldly values. Why are these three so dangerous? How are they different? How are they similar? How can you protect yourself from them?

7. The third thing we absolutely must do if we are to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds” is, “Focus our minds (on the right things).” What are the “right things” and how can we be sure to focus on them? What’s the danger of losing this focus?

8. In your own words, what does it mean to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”? How are you doing at not conforming? Do you feel like you are being transformed? Are you allowing your mind to be renewed?
Prayer for the Week:

Gracious and Loving God, forgive us for the times we allow ourselves to conform to the sinful patterns of this world. Help us to do better. Help us to recognize areas we need to improve and then do our part to improve. Remind us, though, that we can’t do it all on our own. We can’t do it without you. So we humbly approach your throne of grace asking you to help us. Renew our minds and transform our lives so that we will not only know your good, pleasing and perfect will, but we will truly live it out in our daily lives. May our lives be holy and pleasing to you. We pray all of this in the strong name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Jesus’ power pulls us through all the times of our lives.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6.

THINK through these five things that we can do to help us take captive our thoughts and to make them obedient to Christ.

T – Test Every Thought
 Read Psalm 139:23-24.
 Ask God to search and test your thoughts. Don’t believe everything you think!
 What thoughts do you need to take captive so that you can experience the peace of God?

H – Helmet Your Head
 Read Ephesians 6:10-17.
 How are you protecting yourself against sin? How can you work to put on the full armor of God?

I – Imagine Great Thoughts
 Read Ephesians 1:17-18 & Philippians 4:8 & 13.
 What great thing is God calling you to do?
 Throughout scripture, God gives us many promises. What is the promise that God has given to you? What wisdom or revelation can you focus on?
 What is God giving you the strength to accomplish by God’s power and might?

N – Nourish a Godly Mind
 Read Psalm 119:15, Philippians 4:9, Proverbs 18:15.
 How are you spending time with God?
 How are you being a doer of the Word?
 How are you offering help and hope?

K – Keep on Learning
 Read 1 Timothy 4:15 & Psalm 25:4-5.
 What new skills are you learning?
 How are you growing in the image of God?
 What are you doing to offer real hope for real life to yourself and to others?

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

1. This morning we are continuing our sermon series titled “Transformed by Trouble” based on the sermon series “Hope” by Rick Warren. Have you ever truly thought about, talked about and prayed about the troubles in your life? How have you dealt with them? What were the results?

2. Read Psalm 139:14. What does this Scripture text mean to you? How does it relate to your own life? Do you think of yourself as being complex? How about wonderfully made? Discuss.

3. How can being wonderfully made, yet very complex, be troublesome in one’s life?

4. Read Matthew 25:14-30. What does this parable mean to you? What talents has God given you? How have you or how are you using the gifts God has given you? Why is it important to acknowledge and utilize the gifts God has given you?

5. When your time comes to meet Jesus...and He asks, “What have you done with the gifts I’ve given you?”, how will you respond?

6. What are some areas in your life that have actually shaped who you are? How have you learned from them?

7. Pastor Diane spoke about traits that affect your life (DNA, Relationships, Events, Mindfulness). Discuss how these traits have helped you identify your identity in Christ and how you utilized the “wild card” of “choice” to change the perspective of your life?

Prayer for the Week:

Heavenly Father, I thank you and praise you for this day and for the life you have given me. I thank you for making me wonderfully complex. In the power and name of Jesus Christ, I pray you will give me wisdom and knowledge to live my life learning and appreciating how you created me in your image and how you guide me to live my life in accordance with your plan. You are the great “I Am.” Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.

1. Pastor Mick (ala Rick Warren) described our current situation in the world like Whack-a-Mole; every time we think one problem is solved, another one pops up. Do you agree with this? How is your personal life sometimes like this as well?

2. In today’s passage, Paul describes all of the troubles he’s experienced, even to the point of feeling like he was given a death sentence. How does hearing about Paul’s situation bring comfort to you in difficult times?

3. Paul says, “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” He also said, “He has delivered us from such peril, and he will deliver us again.” Do Paul’s words about his experience bring you comfort? Why/why not? Have you experienced God “delivering you from peril” in the past?

4. Pastor Mick said we can lean on Jesus for help in times of trouble. He indicated three things we need to do to receive this help are Confession, Petition and Congregation. What did he mean by these three things and why are they important?

5. Why is humility so important? How can a lack of humility (pride) be a roadblock to all that God wants to do in your life?

6. How might God help us through other people in our times of trouble? Is it easy to accept help from others? Why/why not?

7. Pastor Mick made the comment, “In times like these (pandemic, racial injustice, etc.), Jesus is all we got, and Jesus is all we need.” What do you think he meant by that? Do you agree? Why/why not?

8. The Message translation of Matthew 5:3 (Blessed are the poor in spirit) reads, “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” How might this understanding help us in times like these?

Prayer for the Week:

Lord, we confess that some of the problems in the world (and in our lives) are unmanageable and we are powerless to fix them on our own. We humbly come to your throne of grace asking for your help. Work in and through us, and those all around us, to bring forth hope, health and healing in the world. We confess, Lord, that we need more of you and less of us to solve these problems. Deliver us once again, Lord, by your grace and through our faith, so that many will give thanks for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. We pray all of this in the strong name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-13.

1. What was the primary problem Paul was addressing in this part of his letter?

2. Does the modern-day church still have the same problem(s) as the Corinthian church? If so, in what ways?

3. Why do you think Paul was so emphatic in telling the Corinthians that the Spirit distributes gifts to each of them as the Spirit determines?

4. Why does Paul say the Spirit gives us gifts? What happens when we use/don’t use our gifts?

5. What did you think about the song City on the Hill? Did it help you to better understand today’s passage? How does it speak to the modern church?

6. How do you understand Paul’s body metaphor for the church? What does that mean to you? How does it give you hope?

7. What do you think Paul means by “common good”?

8. The sermon title for today is “Unity in Diversity.” What does that mean to you? What does that mean within a church congregation? What does that mean among different church congregations? How does understanding this meaning affect the way we shine the Light of Christ?

Prayer for the Week:

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things through your beloved Son Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords; send your Spirit to be with us today and rekindle the fire of our faith, as we strive to live lives of true disciples built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Help us to use our gifts for the common good, reaching out to all the peoples of the earth who are divided and enslaved by sin, so that they may be set free and brought together in Christian unity. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.