Veritas Columbus Sermons

John the Baptist called for repentance. What does it mean to truly repent?

What must we repent from?

How is the call to repent offensive? How are you offended by being told to repent? Why are we so offended?

What comfort do those who repent have? What confidence are we given when we repent and confess our sins?

John gives a reason for repenting. He says “... for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Why does the nearness of the kingdom of heaven make repentance imperative?

Ref 2 Cor 7:9-10: What does it mean to have Godly grief over our sin? How is this different from worldly grief? What does it mean to have repentance without regret?

1. There are four core motivations behind most of our spending: Control (security), Comfort (freedom), Power (status), Approval (love). How are these motivations revealed in your spending/use of your resources? What does your spending reveal about your heart?

2. What is your picture of the 'good life'? How does it contrast with God's vision for His people?

3. How does viewing our possessions as stewards rather than owners change our outlook towards generosity?

4. We are always investing in something. How are you investing what God has given you? (Time, money, talents)

5. How does the question "How much do I have to give?" differ from "How can I give more?"

6. How have you seen God transforming your heart to find your comfort, approval, status etc in Him? How has that changed your view of generosity?

– What does it mean to be rich toward God?

– The riches of Christ are all a part of our identity now in Jesus. Does your generosity come from an understanding of these true riches we have access to and a desire to put those on display? What else motivates your generosity (or lack thereof)?

– Generosity is something that we should do from joy (2 Corinthians 9:7), but it also requires significant intentionality. What disciplines and devices do you have in your life that help to set you up for generosity?

– Pastor Nick said that we are all accountable to each other in our generosity (you are accountable to the church and the church is accountable to you). How are you held accountable in generosity by others in the church/Community Group? Are your finances and giving off-limits to others?

– Pastor Nick spent several minutes talking about Veritas' budget and spending (Staffing, Ministry, Operations, Missions). While he was discussing it, were your thoughts and feelings more of mistrust in the church's use of money or did it seem "generous" and "honorable" (2 Corinthians 8:20-21)? Why?

– The end of 2 Corinthians 9 shows Paul's priority that giving of the Corinthian church would cause others to glorify God (2 Corinthians 9:13-15). How can our giving show God's glory to our friends, coworkers, community, and, even, our own hearts?