Sermons

In the book of Ruth we find a story of disobedience to God, and the tragedy & suffering that so often follows such disobedience. But we also find people of godly character living lives of loyalty, devotion, empathy, and faith. Finally, if we know where to look, Ruth also shows us a foreshadowing glimpse of the advent of Jesus…our great Redeemer & Savior.

Discussion Questions

1. If obedience to God brings blessing, and grows us in holiness, then why do we have such are hard time staying the course? What is God asking you personally to do about your own struggles with disobedience to him? What do you need to repent about before him and others?

2. What do we do in those lonely and difficult times of suffering in our lives when we can be tempted to believe that God is far off, or worse that he’s abandoned us. Do you every feel that way? How might we fight feelings like that, that rob our joy in Christ? How do the Scriptures encourage us to respond to such feelings? Make a list of all the promises of God that might encourage you to really embody this truth in your daily life, and then share it with others.

3. What are the truths about Jesus that are foreshadowed in Boaz? List the ways you can think of, and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of each one of them. 

Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would increase our obedience to him, for his glory and for our good.

2. Pray that God would protect us from the schemes of the enemy, who would have us believe God has abandoned us. Pray that God would daily remind us through his Word, and through his people, that he is indeed with us, and that nothing can separate him from us. 

3. Pray with thanksgiving that Jesus is our kinsman redeemer, and pray that he would redeem a great many others in and through each one of us who is part of the Sound City Bible Church family.

Sermon Description

The story of Bathsheba is a story of incredible sin on the part of a powerful ruler, King David. His sin has devastating effects on the lives of everyone around him, not least of all Bathsheba. But when we see the grace of God revealed in Bathsheba’s descendent, Jesus, we see that the “second David” perfectly did what the first David failed to do: lay down his life for his bride.

Discussion Questions

This week, due to the sensitive nature of the content presented, consider having the men and women meet separately for a frank discussion of sexual sin, sexual abuse, and freedom in Christ.

1. If you have been the victim of sexual assault or misconduct, please pause to consider before simply bringing it up in your community group. Maybe reach out to the leaders first, or ask to meet with one of the pastors.

2. If you are trapped in sexual sin, go to members of your group (men with men, women with women) and confess immediately. 

3. Consider and discuss the idea that David’s sin in 2 Samuel 11-12 broke all ten commandments. If this is true, how so?

4. How does Christ take our shame upon himself and wash us clean? What other verses in the Bible about cleansing/washing/etc. have been  encouraging to you? Share with your group.

Prayer Points

1. Pray that we would individually and corporately put sexual sin to death by God’s grace.

2. Pray that our church community would be a safe place for people to heal from the wounds of sexual abuse.

Sermon Description

In Matthew 1, Rahab the prostitute is listed as one of the ancestors of Jesus. Her story, which is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua, is a story of remarkable faith and trust in the God of Israel. From her story, we see that God delights in showing his goodness through the faith of people who are deemed weak and outcast by society.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the connection between true faith and action? How can this connection be misunderstood or misconstrued?

2. How can success and prosperity be an inhibitor to genuine faith? How might your own faith be negatively affected at times due to success and prosperity?

3. What sorts of things are you prone to put your trust in over-and-above God? How do those things ultimately fail us? How can we help each other see those areas of misplaced trust?

4. Why does God prefer to show his grace and glory through the down-and-out, the weak, and the despised? Why is it such good news that Jesus came in weakness and humility?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would increase our faith, causing us to trust in him at a deeper and deeper level.

2. Pray for deeper humility and a willingness, like Jesus, to be associated with the outcast.

3. Pray for faith to believe that God would save people in your life who have yet to come to know Jesus.

Sermon Description

The genealogy of Matthew chapter 1 raises many important questions, questions like “why are these women included in the lineage of the Messiah?” As the story of Tamar demonstrates, God’s grace is bigger than our sin or the mess that we find ourselves in.

Discussion Questions

1. The Bible is an incredibly honest record of the people of God. Do you practice total honesty with trustworthy people in your life? Why or why not?

2. Why is Tamar commended in Scripture? Despite her clearly immoral choices, what can we learn from her example?

3. Where do you feel like you’re facing an impossible choice? How can you be assured of God’s grace in your situation?

4. If Jesus’ grace is greater than our sin, how does this inspire you to pursue the mission of Jesus and sharing the gospel with non-Christians?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would give you grace and wisdom in the messes of life.

2. Pray that God would open opportunities to share the gospel with friends and family who are far away from God and feel caught in the middle of the mess.

The final chapter of the book of Daniel continues to point its readers forward to a day when God acts decisively to put an end to evil and suffering. By trusting in God’s sovereign control, Daniel’s readers are able to persevere, even in difficult circumstances, because they know that their ultimate vindication awaits: the resurrection from the dead.

Discussion Questions

1. Looking back through this series in Daniel, what truths have most stood out to you? Where have you been challenged or experienced growth?

2. Where are you currently experiencing hardship or suffering? How does a trust in God’s sovereignty help you to know that your suffering is never in vain?

3. Which side of the tension do you naturally lean toward: mercy or justice? How does God want to grow you to hold both in tension? How do we see both in the cross?

4. How does a right belief in God’s sovereignty actually empower us toward action? How does it fuel us to share the gospel, to live holy lives, and to persevere?

Prayer Points

1. Pray that God would help us to trust his sovereignty in all of life’s ups and downs.

2. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel, even as you seek to live a pure and godly life before him.