Sermon Archives - EFCCL

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Romans 3, 5, & John 5
Series: Your Ever After

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

• Why do you think reincarnation is so popular with so many Americans – even Christians? 

1. What is the purpose of reincarnation according to those who believe in it?
        How does it address the sin problem? How do grace & karma differ?

2. Read Romans 5:1-11 / How does Paul describe the atonement here?
        How is it the final solution for sin? How does it refute reincarnation?
3. Read Hebrews 2:17; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:1-2, 4:10
        • What are the benefits of Jesus’ death described in these passages?
        • What is “propitiation”? (cf Grudem’s Systematic Theology – Zondervan - chapter 27)
        • How does the death of Christ bring us to God?
        • Does the death of Jesus automatically reconcile everyone with God? Why? Why not?
        • What must a person do (specifically) to be saved?
4. Read John 5:28-30 & 1 Corinthians 15:35-44
        Resurrection of the body or reincarnation? Discuss.
5. Is the next life physical? Why? Why not? What will the New Earth be like?
6. How does Jesus’ resurrection contradict reincarnation? Discuss.
7. Read John 19:30 – discuss what this verse means in context.
        How does this answer reincarnation?
8. What are some other theories of the atonement of Christ? 
        (cf Grudem’s Systematic Theology – Zondervan - Chapter 27)
9. Read Romans 3:25-26
        How does the death of Jesus satisfy the justice of God against sin?
10. Read Romans 8:1 & Hebrew 9:27-28 - How do these verses refute reincarnation? Discuss

How should the doctrine of the atonement affect our daily Christian lives?
 

Parents, we are pleased to include a “Family Focus” section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in community and “bring it home” to your family. 

1. Read 2 Peter 3:10-13 and Revelation 20:11-15. 
        What information do these verses contribute to the coming judgment?
    
2. Christians do not face the coming wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 1:10). 
        Are there rewards for followers of Christ?
        (Look at 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12)

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Matthew 24 & 25
Series: Your Ever After

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Did you grow up believing in the 2nd coming of Christ?

1. Read Matthew 24:1-3; where were Jesus and His disciples? Why would they ask Jesus this?
    
2. Read Matthew 24:4-25
   Discuss and describe the sequence of events Jesus describes here
   Is this describing ONLY the events of AD70 or also the distant future? Why?
   What is the order of events: Tribulation and 2nd Coming or Second Coming and Tribulation?
3. Read Matthew 24:36-44
   Are the ones who are ‘taken’ in vs 40-41 – taken in safety or taken in judgment? Why?
   Who is “left behind?” (vs 40-41)
   So…will true believers be taken or left behind in this analogy?
4. Read Matthew 25:31-46
   What is this event? Why is the idea of a final judgment so disliked?
   How are Matthew’s words rooted in Isaiah 58? Read and discuss
   When does this judgment occur?
   What is the criterion for those who are lost and for those who are saved?
   How does this line up with Justification by Faith Alone? Discuss
   Can someone be truly saved and have no fruit in their lives? Discuss
5. Read 2 Peter 3:10-18
   In light of Christ’s 2nd Coming – how are we to live? Be specific
   How can we focus more on His return to help us pursue holiness? Practically?
6. Read Revelation 21:1-5 in two different translations
   Discuss John’s vision of the New Jerusalem
   What excites you most about the New Earth? Get specific….

How can we help our children and grandchildren better grasp the 2nd Coming and what it calls for?

Parents, we are pleased to include a “Family Focus” section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in community and “bring it home” to your family.

1. Read 2 Peter 3:10-13 and Revelation 20:11-15.
   What information do these verses contribute to the coming judgment?|
    
2. Christians do not face the coming wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
   Are there rewards for followers of Christ?
   
   Look at: 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
   2 Timothy 4:8
   James 1:12

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Matthew 24 & 25
Series: Your Ever After

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Did you grow up believing in the 2nd coming of Christ?

1. Read Matthew 24:1-3; where were Jesus and His disciples? Why would they ask Jesus this?
    
2. Read Matthew 24:4-25
   Discuss and describe the sequence of events Jesus describes here
   Is this describing ONLY the events of AD70 or also the distant future? Why?
   What is the order of events: Tribulation and 2nd Coming or Second Coming and Tribulation?
3. Read Matthew 24:36-44
   Are the ones who are ‘taken’ in vs 40-41 – taken in safety or taken in judgment? Why?
   Who is “left behind?” (vs 40-41)
   So…will true believers be taken or left behind in this analogy?
4. Read Matthew 25:31-46
   What is this event? Why is the idea of a final judgment so disliked?
   How are Matthew’s words rooted in Isaiah 58? Read and discuss
   When does this judgment occur?
   What is the criterion for those who are lost and for those who are saved?
   How does this line up with Justification by Faith Alone? Discuss
   Can someone be truly saved and have no fruit in their lives? Discuss
5. Read 2 Peter 3:10-18
   In light of Christ’s 2nd Coming – how are we to live? Be specific
   How can we focus more on His return to help us pursue holiness? Practically?
6. Read Revelation 21:1-5 in two different translations
   Discuss John’s vision of the New Jerusalem
   What excites you most about the New Earth? Get specific….

How can we help our children and grandchildren better grasp the 2nd Coming and what it calls for?

Parents, we are pleased to include a “Family Focus” section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in community and “bring it home” to your family.

1. Read 2 Peter 3:10-13 and Revelation 20:11-15.
   What information do these verses contribute to the coming judgment?|
    
2. Christians do not face the coming wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
   Are there rewards for followers of Christ?
   
   Look at: 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
   2 Timothy 4:8
   James 1:12

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
Series: Your Ever After

1. Popular Views of the Afterlife 

2. What Jesus teaches about the Afterlife

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

1. What scares you the most about death? / What excites you the most about dying?

1. Read Hebrews 9:27 & Matthew 25:31-46; what do we learn about final judgment in these passages?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; what did Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplish? How?
3. What are several popular views of the afterlife in our culture? Discuss and critique them biblically.
4. Read Revelation 21:1-14; describe the New Earth – be specific. What happens to the unsaved?
5. Read Luke 16:19-31; recap the main things Jesus teaches In Luke 16 about the afterlife.
6. Read Matthew 7:13-14 and John 14:6; discuss: Is Jesus really the ONLY path to eternal life?  Does this make Jesus narrow minded? Why? Why not?  How would you answer a friend who felt this was not loving, but hostile to other religions?  How wrong can we be theologically and still be saved?
7. Read Revelation 14:9-11; how long will the torments of Hell last? Is God still loving? Discuss
8. Read John 14:1-4 and Revelation 21:1; will the New Earth be physical? Discuss what this means.
9. Discuss: In what ways is this study making you more excited about the afterlife? Has a desire for the afterlife been something you’ve thought about much before? Why? Why not?

Who can summarize the Gospel is 30 words or less? Summarize the plan of salvation in 30 words or less.

Parents, we are pleased to include a “Family Focus” section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in community and “bring it home” to your family.

1. Death is a mystery but there are some things we can know, based on what the Bible says.
   Read and discuss the following verses:
             Luke 23:42-43
             John 10:27-29, 14:1-6
             2 Corinthians 5:1, 5, 8
             Philippians 1:6, 21-23
   Remember that these and other promises are for those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Death is also filled with emotions, some very painful and confusing.
   Read the following promises from God:
             Psalm 23:1-6; 68:4-6a, 19-20; 121:1-8
             2 Corinthians 1:3-4
             Hebrews 4:14-16
   Consider memorizing a few of these promises.
3. Death is not an easy subject to discuss with children.
   Here are some recommended resources:
             • Heaven For Kids by Randy Alcorn
             • Comforting Children In Crisis by Group Publishing

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
Series: Your Ever After

1. Popular Views of the Afterlife 

2. What Jesus teaches about the Afterlife

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

1. What scares you the most about death? / What excites you the most about dying?

1. Read Hebrews 9:27 & Matthew 25:31-46; what do we learn about final judgment in these passages?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; what did Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplish? How?
3. What are several popular views of the afterlife in our culture? Discuss and critique them biblically.
4. Read Revelation 21:1-14; describe the New Earth – be specific. What happens to the unsaved?
5. Read Luke 16:19-31; recap the main things Jesus teaches In Luke 16 about the afterlife.
6. Read Matthew 7:13-14 and John 14:6; discuss: Is Jesus really the ONLY path to eternal life?  Does this make Jesus narrow minded? Why? Why not?  How would you answer a friend who felt this was not loving, but hostile to other religions?  How wrong can we be theologically and still be saved?
7. Read Revelation 14:9-11; how long will the torments of Hell last? Is God still loving? Discuss
8. Read John 14:1-4 and Revelation 21:1; will the New Earth be physical? Discuss what this means.
9. Discuss: In what ways is this study making you more excited about the afterlife? Has a desire for the afterlife been something you’ve thought about much before? Why? Why not?

Who can summarize the Gospel is 30 words or less? Summarize the plan of salvation in 30 words or less.

Parents, we are pleased to include a “Family Focus” section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in community and “bring it home” to your family.

1. Death is a mystery but there are some things we can know, based on what the Bible says.
   Read and discuss the following verses:
             Luke 23:42-43
             John 10:27-29, 14:1-6
             2 Corinthians 5:1, 5, 8
             Philippians 1:6, 21-23
   Remember that these and other promises are for those who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Death is also filled with emotions, some very painful and confusing.
   Read the following promises from God:
             Psalm 23:1-6; 68:4-6a, 19-20; 121:1-8
             2 Corinthians 1:3-4
             Hebrews 4:14-16
   Consider memorizing a few of these promises.
3. Death is not an easy subject to discuss with children.
   Here are some recommended resources:
             • Heaven For Kids by Randy Alcorn
             • Comforting Children In Crisis by Group Publishing

Speaker: Dr. Dennis Magary
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Series: —

1. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know how to respond when crises arise (vv. 1-4).
2. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know that it is God's ways alone that are sure and reliable (vv. 5-12).
   1. God is incomparably powerful (v. 6).
   2. God is characteristically gracious and merciful (v. 7).
   3. God’s name is at stake in all that He does (vv. 8-12).
3. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know that circumstances are always in the Lord's hands (vv. 13-19).
4. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will be able to offer unconditional obedience to His will (vv. 20-23).
5. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will experience the true joy of unanticipated blessing from God (vv. 24-30).

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

We often have some resemblances to relatives—either in appearance, demeanor, likes, skills, etc. Share with your group a few of these resemblances and whether you like them, are neutral to them, or would like to change some of them.

1. Read the following and discuss King Jehoshaphat’s character: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6; 19:4-7; 20:31-33.
2. While Jehoshaphat’s heart was devoted to the Lord, he made some unwise alliances. Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, 28-31; 19:1-3; 20:35-37. Discuss the alliances and the results.
3. As followers of Christ, we are forgiven yet still sin; we are not to love this world, yet we are to be salt and light on this earth. Read the following passages: Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 9:19-23; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16. What will this look like as we try to live out these truths? Be specific in regard to relationships with family members, neighbors, coworkers, and in the area of dating and marriage. 
4. What is the report that King Jehoshaphat receives in 2 Chronicles 20:2? How do he and the people respond (20:3-4)?
5. Read King Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12. How is God described in these verses? What do the people appeal to for their request? What is their attitude while making the request (see especially v. 12)?
6. What is the answer from the Lord, through Jahaziel, in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17? How do King Jehoshaphat and the people respond (20:18-21)?
7. Read 2 Chronicles 20:22-25 to see how the Lord kept His word. Read 20:26-30 for the battle’s aftermath. What is your response to this story?

We as Christians are to live by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Identify a situation you’re facing where you need to live more by faith. Ask someone (or your group) to pray about that with you.

Parents, we are pleased to include a family-oriented section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in your group and “bring it home” to your family.

1. Which of the following best describes you and your trust in God and His direction in your life? Share your answer and why you chose it. Why is it hard at times to trust the Lord?
   1. I don’t seek Him because I am afraid of what He may say.
   2. I seek Him because I am supposed to, but the decision is mine.
   3. Whatever the Lord wants for me is good, acceptable, and perfect. My answer is yes no matter what the question may be.
2. Because King Jehoshaphat was devoted to the Lord, he removed idols in the land and obeyed God’s commands (2 Chronicles 17:3-4, 19:3). Read Colossians 3:8-16a. As Christians, what are some hurtful things that we are to “take off”? What are some good things we are to “put on”? How can we do that?

Speaker: Dr. Dennis Magary
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Series: —

1. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know how to respond when crises arise (vv. 1-4).
2. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know that it is God's ways alone that are sure and reliable (vv. 5-12).
   1. God is incomparably powerful (v. 6).
   2. God is characteristically gracious and merciful (v. 7).
   3. God’s name is at stake in all that He does (vv. 8-12).
3. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know that circumstances are always in the Lord's hands (vv. 13-19).
4. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will be able to offer unconditional obedience to His will (vv. 20-23).
5. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will experience the true joy of unanticipated blessing from God (vv. 24-30).

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

We often have some resemblances to relatives—either in appearance, demeanor, likes, skills, etc. Share with your group a few of these resemblances and whether you like them, are neutral to them, or would like to change some of them.

1. Read the following and discuss King Jehoshaphat’s character: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6; 19:4-7; 20:31-33.
2. While Jehoshaphat’s heart was devoted to the Lord, he made some unwise alliances. Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, 28-31; 19:1-3; 20:35-37. Discuss the alliances and the results.
3. As followers of Christ, we are forgiven yet still sin; we are not to love this world, yet we are to be salt and light on this earth. Read the following passages: Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 9:19-23; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16. What will this look like as we try to live out these truths? Be specific in regard to relationships with family members, neighbors, coworkers, and in the area of dating and marriage. 
4. What is the report that King Jehoshaphat receives in 2 Chronicles 20:2? How do he and the people respond (20:3-4)?
5. Read King Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12. How is God described in these verses? What do the people appeal to for their request? What is their attitude while making the request (see especially v. 12)?
6. What is the answer from the Lord, through Jahaziel, in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17? How do King Jehoshaphat and the people respond (20:18-21)?
7. Read 2 Chronicles 20:22-25 to see how the Lord kept His word. Read 20:26-30 for the battle’s aftermath. What is your response to this story?

We as Christians are to live by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Identify a situation you’re facing where you need to live more by faith. Ask someone (or your group) to pray about that with you.

Parents, we are pleased to include a family-oriented section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in your group and “bring it home” to your family.

1. Which of the following best describes you and your trust in God and His direction in your life? Share your answer and why you chose it. Why is it hard at times to trust the Lord?
   1. I don’t seek Him because I am afraid of what He may say.
   2. I seek Him because I am supposed to, but the decision is mine.
   3. Whatever the Lord wants for me is good, acceptable, and perfect. My answer is yes no matter what the question may be.
2. Because King Jehoshaphat was devoted to the Lord, he removed idols in the land and obeyed God’s commands (2 Chronicles 17:3-4, 19:3). Read Colossians 3:8-16a. As Christians, what are some hurtful things that we are to “take off”? What are some good things we are to “put on”? How can we do that?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Revelation
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

1. What Is Revelation About?
2. What Does Revelation Call Christians to Do?

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

What excites you most about the future? What frightens you most about the future?

1. In the past, how have you felt about the book of Revelation? What is the book primarily about? What disturbs you the most? What interests you the most? How is Revelation misunderstood?

• Read Revelation 6:9. Why is martyrdom often the price-tag for advancing the gospel?

How will your private and public worship look different after this chapter?

Parents, we are pleased to include a family-oriented section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in your group and “bring it home” to your family.

1. What’s in a name? Discuss the meaning of the names of each member of your family. Why were those names chosen?
2. Jesus has many names and titles. There are some in this week’s sermon (Revelation 5:5, 8). Read the following verses: John 8:12, 10:11; 1 John 4:14. Discuss the meaning of these names of Jesus. Is it helpful or encouraging to know these things about Jesus? Why? How?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Revelation
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

1. What Is Revelation About?
2. What Does Revelation Call Christians to Do?

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

What excites you most about the future? What frightens you most about the future?

1. In the past, how have you felt about the book of Revelation? What is the book primarily about? What disturbs you the most? What interests you the most? How is Revelation misunderstood?

• Read Revelation 6:9. Why is martyrdom often the price-tag for advancing the gospel?

How will your private and public worship look different after this chapter?

Parents, we are pleased to include a family-oriented section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in your group and “bring it home” to your family.

1. What’s in a name? Discuss the meaning of the names of each member of your family. Why were those names chosen?
2. Jesus has many names and titles. There are some in this week’s sermon (Revelation 5:5, 8). Read the following verses: John 8:12, 10:11; 1 John 4:14. Discuss the meaning of these names of Jesus. Is it helpful or encouraging to know these things about Jesus? Why? How?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Romans 15:14-22
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

1. A Burden for the Gospel (vv. 14-16)
2. A Burden for the Nations (vv. 17-22)

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

Have you been to another country? If so, share an interesting fact that you discovered there. If not, where is somewhere you’d like to visit outside the USA?

1. Read Matthew 28:16-20. What is the Great Commission? Why was this review for the disciples?
2. Read Acts 9:15-16. What was Paul chosen for? What would it cost him personally? Why?
3. Read Isaiah 19:21-25. What does God promise here? How does this reveal God’s heart for the nations?
4. Read Mark 1:14-15 and Romans 1:16-17. What is the gospel? How do we distort it? Why is it good news? How is it different from “religion”?
5. How is the love of God good news? How is the wrath of God good news?
6. Read Revelation 20:11-15. Is Hell real? Why? Why not?
7. Read John 14:6. Does this really mean what it says? Why? Why not? What are the implications?
8. Read Romans 10:9-15. Why is conscious faith in Jesus necessary for salvation? Is sincerity enough?
9. Read Romans 1:18-25. What about those who have never heard the gospel? What is their fate? Why?
10. Read Matthew 8:11-12 and John 4:1-26. How do these sections reveal Jesus as Messiah for all ethnic groups?

Pray for your adopted missionary family (or for one of our missionary families).

Parents, we are pleased to include a family-oriented section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in your group and “bring it home” to your family.

1. The holy and righteous Lord is also loving, compassionate, merciful, and patient with humanity. Read these verses: Matthew 5:43-45a; Luke 10:30-37; Galatians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1-2; and 2 Peter 3:9. Discuss ways you and your family can be loving and compassionate to the people you meet at work, school, and in your neighborhood.
2. Take your children shopping to buy items for a church member or neighbor who may be homebound. After making the purchase, go as a family and deliver the items to the person, spending a little time visiting them.