1. What is your reaction when you hear warnings like this from Jesus about how hard your life might be as a disciple?

2. How often do you fear the things this world throws at you? Which of Jesus’s three “do not fear” promises helps quiet your fears the most?

3. React to the statement “Confession is the evidence of what is in the heart.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

4. It doesn’t make logical sense to bow down to men rather than God in this life. So why do we do it?

5. Describe how Jesus has been “enough” in your life, even when things have been tough.

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Jesus came to save sinners. You are a sinner. Your neighbor is a sinner. Your pastor is a sinner. Everyone in the world is a sinner. Even the people you dislike need to hear God’s word of forgiveness. In this sermon based on Matthew 9:9-13, we will look at how Jesus humbles us, showing us we are no better than anyone else, and how we also have been given the same forgiveness as everyone else. 

1. A tax collector was one of the worst kinds of people in society. 

2. A “sinner” was someone who was flagrantly in violation of God’s law.

3. There are only 2 kinds of people in the world: sinners and forgiven sinners.

4. At the foot of the cross, we are all equal.

5. Sin is a deadly disease that only Jesus can cure. 

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1. What is something (other than the Trinity) that you don’t fully understand, yet accept as true?

2. How do you deal with the fact that you can’t fully understand the Trinity, yet it is the true revelation of who God is?

3. What can you learn about unity and relationships from reflecting upon the way the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together?

4. How does sending work within the Trinity? How can the church today model itself after this type of sending?

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Sermon Notes: Acts 1:12-26, 1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11

Imagine that you are Matthias and JBJ, waiting to find out who will be chosen as the next apostle. How do you feel?

We are called to give of our time, talents, and treasures for the sake of those around us. But what “glitches” happen that prevent us from giving?

We feel inadequate.

We have mismanaged our time.

We are unaware.

What are our giving goals?

We want to do big things around here…but we need you!

Discussion Guide: Acts 1:12-26, 1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11

Describe a time when you started a new job/position/volunteer role. How did you feel at first? How did you feel as time went on?

How does it make you feel when you consider the similarities between yourself and people like Matthias, Jeremiah, Moses, and the disciples…and how God ultimately used them to give of themselves for the sake of the kingdom?

Which “giving glitch” affects you the most?

What is your “giving goal” for St. Paul? How do you think God might be inviting you to give?

Sermon Notes: “Jesus Juke”

A “Jesus juke” is when you try to force Jesus into a conversation, often unnaturally. 

We don’t need to hijack a conversation for Jesus.

Paul didn’t condemn their idol worship, he used it as a connection to the truth.

The “pre-Jesus” conversations matter as much as the conversations about Jesus.

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Sermon Notes: What Does the Kingdom of God Look Like?

Jesus is risen and active in this world right now.

What does the kingdom of God look like?

The kingdom of God will usually look like human need.

We don’t have to wonder where Jesus is. Wherever there is a human need, that’s where Jesus will be.

Acts 2:37– Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said… “Brothers, what shall we do?”

How can we join Jesus in bringing the kingdom to those in need?

Luke 24:33-34– And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon!”

Discussion Guide: What Does the Kingdom of God Look Like?

How have you seen Jesus active in this world lately?

When you think about joining Jesus on His mission, what is the scariest thing about it?

When you think about joining Jesus on His mission, what is the most exciting thing about it?

React to this statement: “The kingdom of God will usually look like human need.” How have you found this to be true?

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Sermon Notes: The River has moved 

Jesus wants ME to join him on his mission.

“The word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14 MSG)

We are all missionaries.

The river has moved in American Christianity. 

Even though the river has moved, Jesus is still Lord. 

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