The sermon emphasizes the importance of actively removing distractions and sins that hinder one’s faith journey while maintaining a steadfast focus on Jesus. Practical steps include daily reflections, prioritizing spiritual practices, and seeking support from a "cloud of witnesses" - individuals whose faith serves as a model for perseverance. The truth of being made holy through Jesus' sacrifice should instill confidence in approaching God in prayer and worship, impacting daily life. Reflecting on God's past faithfulness and revisiting moments of divine intervention can strengthen trust in His promises, offering hope for the future. Additionally, the perseverance of early Christians amidst suffering encourages believers to draw lessons from personal trials to overcome current challenges, reinforcing their faith and resilience.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

2. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Who are the "witnesses" in your life—whether from Scripture, history, or personal relationships—whose example of faith encourages you to persevere? How can you draw strength from their stories?

3. Hebrews 10:10 reminds us that we are made holy through Jesus' sacrifice. How does this truth impact the way you approach God in prayer or worship? How can this confidence shape your daily life?

4. Faith "looks backward" at God's past actions to stir hope for the future. What specific moments in your life or Scripture remind you of God’s faithfulness? How can revisiting those moments help strengthen your trust in God’s promises?

5. Hebrews 10:32-35 recounts the perseverance of the early Christians in the face of suffering. How have trials in your own life shaped your faith? What lessons from these experiences can you apply to current challenges?

Watch this sermon on YouTube!!!

Reflecting on Hebrews 10, the profound themes of redemption and sanctification emerge clearly. This chapter emphasizes that through the singular sacrifice of Jesus, believers are made perfect and holy, liberating them from the perpetual cycle of guilt and shame. It speaks directly to both personal and communal struggles, underscoring the assurance of a purified conscience and a renewed identity as God's special possession. The text invites introspection on our comfort with this divine declaration and challenges us to embrace our identity as a chosen people, while also heeding the serious exhortations to remain steadfast in faith. This holistic message reassures the original audience and us today of the enduring and transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.

Discussion Questions

1. Take some time (30 minutes minimum) to meditate on Hebrews 10:10, what truths found in this verse speak to both your own personal situation and the situation of the Philpott community? Are you carrying around guilt and shame?

2. How comfortable/uncomfortable are we with the declaration the author of Hebrews makes that, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are made both perfect and holy? What kinds of feelings/thoughts do these statements evoke?

3. Read through Hebrews 10:1-25 again and ask what it says to us in relation to our identity as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9)

4. Are you carrying guilt and shame in your heart and mind? How does Hebrews 10 speak to what Jesus has and is continuing to do in regard to our guilty conscience?

5. Read Hebrews 10:26-39 in light of the whole chapter, what is the author trying to communicate to the original hearers and to us?

Watch this Sermon on YouTube!!!!

As we near the end of 2024 and prepare to welcome a new year, Christians are encouraged to renew their commitments to the Lord, despite ongoing global chaos. Reflecting on King Hezekiah of Judah, who inherited a troubled kingdom from his father Ahaz, we find inspiration in his unwavering faith and significant reforms. Hezekiah's passion for God, influenced by his mother Abi's devotion, led him to destroy idols, cleanse the temple, and renew the covenant, sparking spiritual revival in Judah. His reliance on prayer and practical measures, such as fortifying the city and securing water sources, showcased his steadfast trust in God, even amidst political and personal trials.

Despite moments of pride, Hezekiah humbled himself and repented, avoiding God's wrath and demonstrating the power of godly leadership. His efforts were instrumental in protecting Judah from Assyrian invasion. As we reflect on global conflicts, we are reminded of the importance of steadfast faith in guiding us through unrest. Hezekiah's life, detailed in biblical passages, serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and godly leadership. In 2025, Christians are encouraged to be passionate for God, persistent in prayer, and humble in repentance, following Hezekiah's example.

 Discussion Questions:

1. What was the world setting Hezekiah grew up in (2 Kings 16, Isaiah 7:1–2)? How did he receive godly parenting (2 Kings 18:2 cf. 2 Chronicles 26:5)?

2. Discuss the significance of the spiritual reforms Hezekiah did (2 Kings 18:2; 2 Chronicles 29:3–5, 30: 1, 5–9, 25–27). What implications can we draw from it today?

3. How was Hezekiah’s prayer life (Isaiah 37:1; 2 Kings 19:14–15, 20:1–3)? What lessons can we learn from his prayer life?

4. Discuss in detail Hezekiah’s successes and failures as a king. How did he respond to his failures? How should we respond to our failure?   

Watch this Sermon on YouTube!!!!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Philpott Church!!!

May the lords blessings be upon you as you spend time with family. Maybe the gift be what is in your hearts and not in your hands.

Watch this sermon on YouTube!!!!

As we close our Advent Sermon series, A Weary World Rejoices" We hear from Pastor Jackson on the "Good News of Great Joy". The sermon reflects on the joy and significance of the Advent season, emphasizing the threefold arrival of Jesus: His historical birth in Bethlehem, His ongoing spiritual presence in believers' lives, and His anticipated second coming. Through personal anecdotes and the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20, the speaker encourages the congregation to find deep, communal, and enduring joy in Jesus' arrival, despite the weariness of the world. The sermon invites listeners to focus on Jesus rather than worldly rulers, and to join with angels and shepherds in praising God, even amidst difficulties. This joy, brought by the presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is a promise available to believers every day. The sermon concludes with a reading from Isaiah 9 and a prayer by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, emphasizing that Jesus is the source of true joy and peace for all.

There are no discussion questions this week.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Philpott Church.

Watch this sermon on YouTube!!!!!

As we enter our third week in our Advent Sermon series "A Weary World Rejoices" the sermon explores the profound longing for peace in both personal and global contexts, aligning this desire with the message of Advent. It highlights modern-day divisions such as social, economic, racial, and political barriers, and relates them to the biblical "dividing wall" between Jews and Gentiles. Ephesians 2:13-18 is invoked to show how Christ's sacrifice unites people, emphasizing the transformative journey from being "far away" to being "brought near" to God. The sermon challenges listeners to pursue reconciliation in their own relationships, inspired by the reconciliation Christ achieved through His death. It encourages a deeper sense of awe at the gospel and the peace Jesus brings, urging practical steps to be peacemakers in everyday life, living out the peace that is the fruit of the cross.

Discussion Questions

2. The sermon discusses the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles in the temple. What are some modern-day "dividing walls" that separate people (e.g., social, economic, racial, political)? How can the message of Ephesians 2:13-18 speak to these contemporary divisions?

3. The writer of Ephesians emphasizes that we are brought near to God through the blood of Christ. How does understanding the imagery of "far away" and "brought near" impact your understanding of salvation? How does the concept of being "without hope and without God" resonate with you?

4. The sermon connects reconciliation with God to reconciliation with one another. How does the idea that Christ died to reconcile people groups to each other challenge you to pursue peace and reconciliation in your own relationships and communities?

5. Russell emphasized the importance of living from a place of wonder at the gospel. How can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and wonder at the incarnation and the peace that Jesus brings?

6. The fruit of the cross is peace. What practical steps can you take this week to live out this call and be a peacemaker in your sphere of influence?

Watch this Sermon on YouTube!!!!!

This week we continue on in our Advent Series - A Weary World Rejoices. The sermon delves into the profound themes of healing, compassion, and restoration during Advent. It explores the personal longing for healing in various aspects of life and draws hope from the "sun of righteousness" rising with healing rays. Emphasizing Jesus' balanced ministry of word and deed, it encourages believers to embody this in their own lives through compassionate actions and proclamation. The sermon calls for cultivating a habit of seeing others with Jesus' compassion, recognizing the brokenness around us, and partnering with God in His restorative work. It highlights the need for guidance and care in communities, urging individuals to respond to God's call and participate in His mission of healing and proclamation, just as Jesus' disciples did. The message is a call to action, inspiring believers to reflect Jesus' compassion and healing in their everyday lives.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In what areas of your life—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—do you sense a longing for healing? How does the image of the "sun of righteousness" rising with healing in its rays give you hope during Advent?

2. Jesus modeled a ministry of both proclamation (word) and compassionate action (deed). How can you personally reflect this balance in your life or ministry?

3. Jesus looked at the crowds and saw their weariness and need. How can you cultivate a habit of seeing others with the same compassion and understanding? What practical steps can help you act on what you see?

4. Healing in the Bible often involves restoration—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Where do you see brokenness in the world around you, and how can you partner with God in bringing His restorative healing?

5. Jesus saw the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Where do you see similar needs for guidance and care in your community? How might God be calling you to respond?

6. Jesus sent out His disciples to continue His work of healing and proclamation. What is one step you can take to participate in His mission this week?

The sermon explores the profound truths from John 1, emphasizing Jesus' divine nature as the Word with God and being God (John 1:1-3), which deepens our worship and prayer. It highlights the persistent light of Jesus that shines in the darkness (John 1:5), offering hope despite overwhelming circumstances, and calls believers to reflect this light in places of spiritual darkness, especially during Advent (John 1:9). The sermon addresses resistance to this light, encouraging believers to lovingly help others confront their darkness while also dealing with their own. It celebrates the privilege of being God's children (John 1:12), shaping our identity and purpose to reflect God's light in the world. Finally, it invites believers to witness Jesus' glory, full of grace and truth (John 1:14), and let this reflection transform their relationships and daily interactions.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. John 1:1-3 declares that Jesus, as the Word, was with God and is God. How does this truth deepen your understanding of who Jesus is? How does it affect the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?

2. In John 1:5, we read that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. In what ways do you see the "light" of Jesus shining in your personal life or in the world around you today? How can you respond when it feels like the darkness is overwhelming?

3. John 1:9 says the true light was coming into the world. How can you, as a follower of Christ, shine His light into the places of spiritual darkness or weariness around you this Advent season?

4. The message notes that some are hostile to the light because it exposes darkness in their lives. How can we lovingly help others confront their darkness and embrace the light of Christ? How can we handle our own resistance to His light?

5. To those who believe in Jesus, He gives the right to become children of God. How does being a child of God shape your identity and purpose? How can you live out this identity in a way that reflects God’s light to a weary world longing for hope?

6. John 1:14 speaks of seeing Jesus’ glory, full of grace and truth. Where have you witnessed God’s glory in your life recently? How can reflecting on His grace and truth transform the way you relate to others?

⁠Watch this sermon on YouTube!!!

This sermon explores the profound story of Hosea and Gomer, using their relationship as a metaphor for God's unwavering love and mercy towards a wayward Israel. It delves into the depths of human sin and the transformative power of God's grace, highlighting how even in times of judgment and wilderness, God's tender mercy prevails. The sermon reflects on the significance of Gomer's children receiving redemptive names, symbolizing God's ability to renew our identities and circumstances. Through personal reflections and biblical insights, it emphasizes our active role in responding to God's call for renewal and living out our identity as His chosen people, inviting us to trust in His redemptive power and extend His grace to others.

Discussion Questions

1. Hosea's marriage to Gomer illustrates the depth of human sin and God's redeeming love. How does this story challenge your view of sin and God's grace?

2. Gomer’s children received names that reflected Israel’s broken relationship with God but were later redeemed with new meaning. How does God’s renaming reflect His power to transform our identity and circumstances?

3. In Hosea 2:14, God breaks the expected cycle of judgment with an act of tender mercy, saying, “I will allure her…and speak tenderly to her.” How have you experienced God’s unexpected grace in a season where judgment seemed deserved? Can you recall a season of wilderness in your life where God’s redeeming love became evident?

4. The sermon emphasizes our role in responding to God’s promises of renewal. What steps can you take this week to respond more fully to God’s call, trusting in His love and redemption?

5. Verse 23 describes God calling those who were “not my people” into a relationship where they respond, “You are my God.” How can you live more fully in the identity of being God’s chosen and loved person, and how might that change how you approach others who feel far from Him?

Watch this Sermon on YouTube!!!!

In Genesis 1-11, several key themes are explored, including creation, human sin, judgment, and redemption. These themes set the stage for the rest of the Biblical narrative, introducing the foundational concepts of God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the promise of salvation. The story of the Tower of Babel serves as a critique of human attempts to control or manipulate God, demonstrating the futility of such efforts. The linguistic confusion at Babel symbolizes both judgment and grace, as it disrupts human pride while also dispersing people across the earth to fulfill God's command to fill the world.

Jesus provides a solution to the problems of Babel by breaking down barriers and uniting people through His sacrificial love and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2 during Pentecost. Prioritizing people over projects in the context of faith and community means valuing relationships and spiritual growth over mere accomplishments. In modern times, we still struggle with the "Babel Syndrome," manifesting in our pursuit of power, control, and self-glorification, often at the expense of genuine community and dependence on God.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some of the key themes we’ve explored in Genesis 1-11?

2. How do these themes introduce us to the rest of the Biblical narrative?

⁠Watch the Sermon on YouTube!!!