We kick off a new series about trials and stress and pressure. How do we respond when it feels like life is an inescapable furnace? We’ll look at Peter’s words to the early Christian’s facing persecution under the tyrant Nero, and I hope all of us will find the courage, the endurance and the faith to keep going, keep loving our neighbors and keep pushing back the darkness. This week's discussion questions are below:

1. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt like you were being tested in a "refiner’s fire"? How did that experience shape your faith?

2. Peter talks about trials revealing the genuineness of our faith. Have you ever discovered something about your own beliefs through suffering? What was it?

3. Stephen Colbert spoke about learning to love the thing he wished had not happened. Is there something in your life that, though painful, has led to unexpected growth or good?

4. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says trials refine our faith like gold. How does this analogy help us understand the purpose of suffering in a believer’s life?

5. How do you interpret 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, where Paul talks about fire testing our works? What are some ways our motivations and actions might be tested in life?

6. Romans 8:18-22 speaks about all of creation groaning for redemption. How does this shape our understanding of suffering in the world today?

7. When facing difficult trials, how can we remind ourselves of the "living hope" that Peter talks about?

8. How can we encourage others who feel like they are being tested in the fire? What are practical ways we can walk alongside those who are struggling?

9. Peter calls believers to rejoice even in suffering. What are some ways we can find joy in difficult times without ignoring or dismissing the pain?

10. Russell Moore encourages us not to grow cynical or demoralized. What spiritual practices or habits help you maintain hope during hard seasons?

In our final message in our series about doubt, we explore the prayer of a father who tells Jesus, "I believe, help my unbelief." The discussion questions this week are: 1. Have you ever prayed, “Help me God”? What was the situation, and what happened after that prayer?

2. Where do you see yourself on the Engel Scale of belief? What step might be next for you?

4. In Mark 9:23-24, Jesus tells the father, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” What do you think Jesus meant by this? How does this differ from the way prosperity gospel teachers use this verse?

5. Read Matthew 13:58. How does a lack of faith limit what God does in people’s lives? Does this mean God’s power is dependent on human belief?

6. Ephesians 3:20 says God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” What does this reveal about God’s nature and His plans for us?

7. Alex said, “Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.” How does this perspective change the way we approach doubts in our faith?

8. Tim Keller says, “A faith without some doubts is like a human body with no antibodies.” How might wrestling with doubts actually strengthen faith?

9. If someone told you they were struggling with doubt, how would you respond to them? How can we create a church culture where doubts are openly discussed?

10. What is one practical step you can take this week to move forward in faith, even if you have doubts?

We continue our series about Thomas the famous doubting disciple. This week's discussion questions are: 2/16/25 Discussion Questions

The sermon contrasts Thomas's nickname "Twin" with the later label "Doubter." How does understanding his original nickname change your perception of him?

What are the key differences between genuine doubt and cynicism, as explained in the sermon? How can you tell the difference in yourself?

Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of positioning ourselves around believers and actively seeking truth, like Thomas did?

How does Jesus's response to Thomas's doubt reveal his character and the nature of God's grace?

What is the significance of Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!"? What does it reveal about his understanding of Jesus?

The sermon suggests a "dangerous prayer" – asking Jesus to reveal himself as King and God. Would you be willing to pray this prayer? Why or why not?

How can you apply the principle of "faith seeking understanding" (fides quaerens intellectum) to your own spiritual journey?

Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to be cynical rather than genuinely doubtful? How can you shift your perspective?

What specific steps can you take to "position yourself" to encounter Jesus, as Thomas did?

We cancelled our February 9 Sunday gathering due to sickness. Here is a quick mini message from Alex and this week's discussion questions:

Have you ever experienced a season of doubt in your faith? If so, what was that experience like?

How do you typically respond when you have doubts about God? Do you lean in, push away, or something else?

Does knowing that historical Christian figures like St. John of the Cross, Charles Spurgeon, and Mother Teresa struggled with doubt make you feel encouraged or discouraged? Why?

Matthew 28:17 says that some of the disciples doubted even after seeing the resurrected Jesus. Why do you think doubt can persist even in the face of clear evidence?

What do you think Jesus’ response to their doubt would have been? What do you think his response to your doubt is?

We continue our series about doubt by talking about what it means to have child like faith.

2/2/25 Discussion Questions

How has your understanding of "childlike faith" been shaped by your own experiences in church or religious settings?

Have you ever felt that your questions or doubts were unwelcome in your faith community? If so, how did that experience affect you?

Do you resonate with the idea that American Christianity sometimes prioritizes feelings over intellectual engagement? Why or why not?

In what ways do you see the tension between faith and doubt playing out in your own life?

Do you think it is possible to have a vibrant, questioning faith? How does this sermon speak to that?

How can we create church environments where both faith and critical thinking are valued?

What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate a deeper intellectual life within their faith?

How can churches better support those who are struggling with doubts or difficult questions about their faith?

What are some ways to balance emotional experiences of faith with intellectual understanding?

How might understanding "childlike faith" as humility change the way we interact with others, both inside and outside the church?

We continue our series on doubt and look at what James says about people who doubt. This week's discussion questions are below:

Discussion Questions 1/26/25

1. Growing up, were you ever made to feel like doubt was a weakness or a sin? How has that impacted your faith or view of God?

2. How does the meaning of the Greek word diakrinoo (doubt) reshape the way you understand James 1:5-7?

3. James 2:4 uses the same word to discuss discrimination. How might this broader understanding of “doubt” as divided loyalty or internal conflict apply to your faith life?

4. How does Matthew 5:45, where God gives rain to the righteous and the unrighteous, challenge the idea that doubt or sin might limit God’s generosity?

5. James doubted his brother, Jesus, until after the resurrection. How does James’s story encourage you in seasons of doubt?

6. Why do you think James ends his letter by referencing Elijah, a prophet who experienced deep doubt? What does this say about God’s grace toward doubters?

7. The sermon highlights how some churches portray doubt negatively. How can churches create space for honest conversations about doubt without fear or shame?

8. Alex said that “if the gospel is true, it can hold up to honest questions.” What role does community play in creating an environment where questions and doubts are welcomed?

9. Reflecting on James’s teaching and personal story, how might you approach prayer differently when you’re feeling unsure or doubting?

Our Jan 19 Sunday gathering is canceled due to an impending winter storm. Here's a quick Look at the Psalms from Alex.

Exploring Doubt in the Psalms

Reflecting on Doubt: Many Psalms, such as Psalm 13 or Psalm 22, express raw feelings of doubt and despair. How do these Psalms resonate with your own experiences of questioning or uncertainty in faith?

The Honesty of the Psalms: Why do you think the Psalmists were so open about their struggles, doubts, and even anger toward God? What does this tell us about the nature of faith?

God's Response to Doubt: How does the Psalmist in passages like Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted") convey God's presence even in times of doubt?

The Role of Lament: How do the lament Psalms (e.g., Psalm 42-43) demonstrate that expressing doubt can be an act of faith rather than a sign of weakness?

We continue our series about doubt by exploring how doubt is possible both when God doesn't answer our prayers, and even when he does.

This week's discussion questions are:

1. How do you view the relationship between faith and doubt? Can doubt coexist with

faith, or does it feel like they are always in opposition?

2. Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? What triggered it, and how did you

respond?

3. Why do you think unanswered prayers often lead to doubt? Have you experienced

this personally?

4. Why do you think doubt can arise even after witnessing or experiencing a

miraculous event, like in Elijah’s story?

5. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah doubted and wanted to give up despite witnessing God’s power.

What does this reveal about human nature and faith?

6. How did God respond to Elijah’s doubts? What does this teach us about God’s

character?

7. Elijah’s perception of reality was distorted by his doubt (thinking he was alone, etc).

How can doubt skew our understanding of situations?

8. What does it look like to take “the next step” in faith when you are struggling with

doubt?

9. How can we support others who are experiencing doubt? What lessons from Elijah’s

story can guide our approach?

10. When you feel overwhelmed by doubt, what practical steps (e.g., rest, prayer,

seeking community) help you move forward?

11. Alex’s professor asked, “What would God have to do to make you believe?” How

would you answer this question today? Is it possible to believe fully without some

measure of doubt?

12. Have you seen doubt deepen someone’s faith rather than destroy it? What factors

might influence whether doubt leads to growth or decline in faith?

13. Despite his doubts, Elijah was honored by God and remained a central figure in

scripture. What encouragement can we draw from his example?

We kick off a new series about doubt. Here's the discussion questions mentioned at the end of the message:

Discussion Questions: 1/5/2025

1. Relating to Doubt

◦ Have you ever experienced a "bitter laugh" like Sarah's, where disappointment

or hopelessness made belief difficult?

◦ How does acknowledging the doubts of biblical figures like Abraham and Sarah

change your perspective on your own doubts?

2. Faith and Doubt Coexisting

◦ What does it mean to you that "faith isn’t the absence of doubt, but acting

despite doubt"?

◦ Can you recall a moment when you acted in faith despite uncertainty? What was

the result?

3. Being Honest with God

◦ Why do you think it’s challenging to be fully honest with God about doubts or

fears?

◦ How might your relationship with God change if you felt free to bring your

doubts to Him?

4. God’s Faithfulness Amid Doubt

◦ What stands out to you about God’s response to Sarah’s laughter and doubt?

◦ How does it encourage you to know that God’s promises are based on His

character rather than your belief or faithfulness?

5. Personalizing the Story

◦ In what ways can you relate to Abraham and Sarah’s journey of waiting and

doubt?

◦ How do you think God might be working through your doubts right now, even if

you don’t see the outcome yet?

6. Transforming Doubt into Joy

◦ Sarah’s doubt turned into joy when Isaac was born. What does this

transformation teach us about God’s ability to redeem moments of disbelief?

◦ Where in your life are you longing for God to turn bitterness into joy?

7. Doubt as an Invitation

◦ How might doubt be inviting you to deepen your understanding or relationship

with God?

◦ What steps could you take this week to explore your doubts instead of

suppressing them?

8. Faith as a Journey

◦ How does the concept that "doubt doesn’t exclude you from Christianity"

resonate with you?

◦ In what ways can doubt be a tool for spiritual growth rather than a barrier?

In our Dec 29 online service we look back at 2024 and look ahead to 2025 by asking what does God want from us?