Sermon Archives - EFCCL

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 2:10-16
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

1. The Problem of Marrying Unbelievers (vv. 10-12)
2. The Problem of Divorce (vv. 13-16)

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Speaker: Dr. Greg Livingstone
Scripture: Luke 16:9
Series: —

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Can you name two missionary families from EFCCL? Where do they serve?

1. Read Psalm 67. Describe God’s plan for the nations. How will this take place?
2. Why do Muslims need to be saved? What are their beliefs about Jesus?
3. Discuss some new facts you learned about Islam and Muslims.
4. Read John 15:18-25 and 2 Timothy 3:12. Why does the world hate Christians so much?
5. Read Luke 10:1-12. Discuss the phrase “the harvest is plentiful.” What does this mean exactly? What else does Jesus tell us to do in this passage? Discuss the relevance for us today.
6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. What is the gospel? (Be as concise as possible.) What is the plan of salvation? (Be as concise as possible.) Discuss the difference between the gospel and the plan of salvation.
7. Since Jesus is the center of the gospel, discuss His claims in John 5:16-30.
8. Read John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. Why is Jesus the only way to heaven? Is this “fair”?
9. Read Revelation 20:15. What happens to those who reject Jesus?
10. Read Romans 10:9-15. What does this say about the need to share clearly with others? Why?

• Will you commit, in your Community Group, to pray for one of our missionaries monthly?
• Who are you planning on sharing the gospel with next?

Speaker: Dr. Greg Livingstone
Scripture: Luke 16:9
Series: —

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Can you name two missionary families from EFCCL? Where do they serve?

1. Read Psalm 67. Describe God’s plan for the nations. How will this take place?
2. Why do Muslims need to be saved? What are their beliefs about Jesus?
3. Discuss some new facts you learned about Islam and Muslims.
4. Read John 15:18-25 and 2 Timothy 3:12. Why does the world hate Christians so much?
5. Read Luke 10:1-12. Discuss the phrase “the harvest is plentiful.” What does this mean exactly? What else does Jesus tell us to do in this passage? Discuss the relevance for us today.
6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. What is the gospel? (Be as concise as possible.) What is the plan of salvation? (Be as concise as possible.) Discuss the difference between the gospel and the plan of salvation.
7. Since Jesus is the center of the gospel, discuss His claims in John 5:16-30.
8. Read John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. Why is Jesus the only way to heaven? Is this “fair”?
9. Read Revelation 20:15. What happens to those who reject Jesus?
10. Read Romans 10:9-15. What does this say about the need to share clearly with others? Why?

• Will you commit, in your Community Group, to pray for one of our missionaries monthly?
• Who are you planning on sharing the gospel with next?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 1:6-2:9
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

1. Offering Worthless Sacrifices (vv. 1:6-14)
2. Not Fearing God (vv. 2:1-6)
3. Teaching and Tolerating False Doctrine (vv. 2:7-9)

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

• Have you ever read the Bible from cover to cover?
• When did you first hear the true gospel?

1. Read Matthew 7:13-23. What is Jesus warning us about here? Who are these people?
2. Read Malachi 1:11-14. What is going on here? What is “counterfeit faith”?
3. Read Matthew 13:18-23. What are the four kinds of soils? Which one is genuine?
4. Read James 1:19-24. What is the danger James is discussing here? How does it look today?
5. Is James saying that salvation is by works? Why? Why not?
6. Why does the Bible seem so intent on warning us about being a false disciple?
7. Read 2 Corinthians 13:5. What is Paul urging us to do here? Be specific.
8. Read John 10:25-30 and Romans 8:37-39. Can a genuine believer in Christ ever lose their salvation? Why? Why not? (See Grudem’s Systematic Theology, chapter 40, for a good discussion on this.)
9. Read 1 John 2:1-6. Who is the one who really knows Jesus? How can we tell?
10. What is the gospel? How can we know if we are really saved (cf. 1 John)?

• Do these kinds of warning passages shake your assurance of salvation? Why? Why not?
• When is the last time you shared the true gospel with someone?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 1:6-2:9
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

1. Offering Worthless Sacrifices (vv. 1:6-14)
2. Not Fearing God (vv. 2:1-6)
3. Teaching and Tolerating False Doctrine (vv. 2:7-9)

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

• Have you ever read the Bible from cover to cover?
• When did you first hear the true gospel?

1. Read Matthew 7:13-23. What is Jesus warning us about here? Who are these people?
2. Read Malachi 1:11-14. What is going on here? What is “counterfeit faith”?
3. Read Matthew 13:18-23. What are the four kinds of soils? Which one is genuine?
4. Read James 1:19-24. What is the danger James is discussing here? How does it look today?
5. Is James saying that salvation is by works? Why? Why not?
6. Why does the Bible seem so intent on warning us about being a false disciple?
7. Read 2 Corinthians 13:5. What is Paul urging us to do here? Be specific.
8. Read John 10:25-30 and Romans 8:37-39. Can a genuine believer in Christ ever lose their salvation? Why? Why not? (See Grudem’s Systematic Theology, chapter 40, for a good discussion on this.)
9. Read 1 John 2:1-6. Who is the one who really knows Jesus? How can we tell?
10. What is the gospel? How can we know if we are really saved (cf. 1 John)?

• Do these kinds of warning passages shake your assurance of salvation? Why? Why not?
• When is the last time you shared the true gospel with someone?

Speaker: Pastor Tim Bruns
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6
Series: —

1. God is there to encourage us when we are uncertain about life.
2. God is honored when we trust Him and graciously rewards our faith.
3. God will demonstrate that He is able to be trusted.

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Many times, after some big event in our lives, there can be a kind of letdown once it is over (graduation, wedding, birth of a child). The same can be true spiritually (ministry event, spiritual battle). Share an example with the group from your own life.

1. In Genesis 15:1-6, we see God encouraging Abraham to not be afraid. Fear is a part of all of our lives. Look at these passages to see how God wants to help us in the midst of our fears: Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 1:7.
2. The Lord told Abraham that He would be his shield. Read the following verses to glean more on this powerful image: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 3:1-4, 5:11-12; Proverbs 2:3, 30:5. Compare those verses with the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:10-18.
3. Genesis 15:6 says that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited to him as righteousness.” That verse is quoted in the following New Testament passages: Romans 3:28-4:8, Galatians 3:6-9, James 2:14-26. How and why do the human authors use the quote? Is there a contradiction between Paul (justified by faith) and James (righteous by what they do)? If not, how do you reconcile the passages? (Also look at Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-14.)
4. Abraham is an important figure in the biblical narrative—both as an example of faith (though not perfect!) and because it was through him that the Lord blessed the whole world by means of the salvation that was accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ. Read and discuss the New Testament “commentary” that sheds more light on the life of Abraham (Romans 4:18-25, Hebrews 11:8-19).
5. In our passage, God reaffirmed a promise He made to Abraham. The Bible contains many promises that the Lord has made. What do the following references say about the promise-making God: Joshua 21:45; Psalm 119:140, 148, 162; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:4? As a group, come up with a list of at least a dozen promises that are given to Christians.
6. In Hebrews 11, it says that faith pleases God and that the “saints of old” were commended for their faith. The following verses can be instructive for us to be people who live by faith: Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-20, 3:11; Hebrews 10:35-11:6, 11:32-38.

Abraham was fearful, worried, and uncertain about the future. You may find yourself having those same feelings—because of a stressful job, a broken relationship, financial pressures, health concerns, discouragement, or overwhelming grief. Find one or more promises of God that speak particularly to your situation. Read and meditate on these; pray them back to God. Ask your group to also pray for you. 

Speaker: Pastor Tim Bruns
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6
Series: —

1. God is there to encourage us when we are uncertain about life.
2. God is honored when we trust Him and graciously rewards our faith.
3. God will demonstrate that He is able to be trusted.

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Many times, after some big event in our lives, there can be a kind of letdown once it is over (graduation, wedding, birth of a child). The same can be true spiritually (ministry event, spiritual battle). Share an example with the group from your own life.

1. In Genesis 15:1-6, we see God encouraging Abraham to not be afraid. Fear is a part of all of our lives. Look at these passages to see how God wants to help us in the midst of our fears: Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 27:1, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 1:7.
2. The Lord told Abraham that He would be his shield. Read the following verses to glean more on this powerful image: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 3:1-4, 5:11-12; Proverbs 2:3, 30:5. Compare those verses with the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:10-18.
3. Genesis 15:6 says that “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited to him as righteousness.” That verse is quoted in the following New Testament passages: Romans 3:28-4:8, Galatians 3:6-9, James 2:14-26. How and why do the human authors use the quote? Is there a contradiction between Paul (justified by faith) and James (righteous by what they do)? If not, how do you reconcile the passages? (Also look at Ephesians 2:8-10, Titus 2:11-14.)
4. Abraham is an important figure in the biblical narrative—both as an example of faith (though not perfect!) and because it was through him that the Lord blessed the whole world by means of the salvation that was accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ. Read and discuss the New Testament “commentary” that sheds more light on the life of Abraham (Romans 4:18-25, Hebrews 11:8-19).
5. In our passage, God reaffirmed a promise He made to Abraham. The Bible contains many promises that the Lord has made. What do the following references say about the promise-making God: Joshua 21:45; Psalm 119:140, 148, 162; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Peter 1:4? As a group, come up with a list of at least a dozen promises that are given to Christians.
6. In Hebrews 11, it says that faith pleases God and that the “saints of old” were commended for their faith. The following verses can be instructive for us to be people who live by faith: Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 2:16-20, 3:11; Hebrews 10:35-11:6, 11:32-38.

Abraham was fearful, worried, and uncertain about the future. You may find yourself having those same feelings—because of a stressful job, a broken relationship, financial pressures, health concerns, discouragement, or overwhelming grief. Find one or more promises of God that speak particularly to your situation. Read and meditate on these; pray them back to God. Ask your group to also pray for you. 

Speaker: Pastor Ron Kirkeeng
Scripture: Psalm 78:1-8
Series: —

Christianity will only continue as we follow God’s calling to do disciplemaking to the next generation.

How?

Personal Application: How will you obey and be a part of God’s calling to do disciplemaking to the next generation?

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Share about a few people who have helped you learn to be a follower of Jesus.

1. Read Psalm 71:5-8. How does the Psalmist describe his life and his relationship with God?
2. How would you describe your walk with God these days?
3. What are ways you can praise God for His work in your life from birth until now?
4. Read Psalm 71:16-18 and 78:1-8. How important is it to pass our faith down to the next generation? What happens if we miss passing the Gospel and truth to the next generation?
5. How can we be faithful to pass our faith on to the next generation?
6. Share about how you have seen faith being passed down in your family. Where and how did it start, and how many generations have followed Jesus?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 4:16. Paul made his life an example for others to follow. How did he do that? How can we do it in our world today?
8. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-4. How did the instruction of future generations in Israel proceed? Formally or informally? What does this say about disciplemaking in our context as we pass the Gospel on to the next generation?
9. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9. What does it look like for you to share life with someone who needs to learn to follow Jesus? 

Speaker: Pastor Ron Kirkeeng
Scripture: Psalm 78:1-8
Series: —

Christianity will only continue as we follow God’s calling to do disciplemaking to the next generation.

How?

Personal Application: How will you obey and be a part of God’s calling to do disciplemaking to the next generation?

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

Share about a few people who have helped you learn to be a follower of Jesus.

1. Read Psalm 71:5-8. How does the Psalmist describe his life and his relationship with God?
2. How would you describe your walk with God these days?
3. What are ways you can praise God for His work in your life from birth until now?
4. Read Psalm 71:16-18 and 78:1-8. How important is it to pass our faith down to the next generation? What happens if we miss passing the Gospel and truth to the next generation?
5. How can we be faithful to pass our faith on to the next generation?
6. Share about how you have seen faith being passed down in your family. Where and how did it start, and how many generations have followed Jesus?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 4:16. Paul made his life an example for others to follow. How did he do that? How can we do it in our world today?
8. Read Deuteronomy 6:1-4. How did the instruction of future generations in Israel proceed? Formally or informally? What does this say about disciplemaking in our context as we pass the Gospel on to the next generation?
9. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9. What does it look like for you to share life with someone who needs to learn to follow Jesus? 

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 1:15
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

1. An Overview of Malachi's Book
2. Reminders of God's Love

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

When is the first time you remember hearing about the love/wrath of God?

1. Read Malachi 1 out loud as a group. Summarize the chapter in your own words. What is the main point?
2. Why were the people complaining about God not loving them? Have you ever done this? When?
3. If you have a study Bible, remind the group of some basic information about Malachi and his times.
4. Read Malachi 1:1-3. What does it mean, “I have loved Jacob, but Esau I hated”?
5. Read Romans 9:6-21. How does Paul use this quote from Malachi? What is Paul’s point?
6. Does the doctrine of election/predestination rule out God’s love? Why or why not?
7. Read Psalm 136 out loud. What is the writer reminding us of? Why is this so easy to forget?
8. Read Psalm 103:1-13 out loud. Talk about God’s love as revealed in the Old Testament.
9. How is the love of God distorted in American culture today? Be specific.
10. Read John 3:16. Name as many truths as you can find in this famous verse about God’s love.

What do you struggle more with: God’s love or wrath? Why?