July 2nd Discussion Questions

1. Phil read Acts 20:17-24, Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders.  What in this passage is unique to Paul, and what should we imitate in our own lives?


2. How would your life be different if you lived like v. 24 describes?  What keeps you from doing so?


3. From Ephesians 3:8-10.  What are the steps in the process outlined here?  What is the ultimate end of the process given here?


4. How should this understanding of the church’s purpose—“to be an intergalactic cosmic showcase of God’s glory”—affect our life here at SGC?


5. Read 2 Tim 3:16-4:2.  What does this tell us about the Bible?


6. What happens to you when you fail to read the Bible, maybe for an extended period of time like 3-5 days?


7. Do you typically have “ears to hear” on Sunday mornings?  Why or why not?  Is there something you could change about your life prior to the service, or following the service that would help you listen better?


8. What is your current Bible reading plan?  How is it working for you?

 

 

June Prayer Requests

Dan: for the salvation of my friend Jason, that the Lord would soften his heart

Emma: to be salt and light at work, that I could break past the barrier of my coworkers thinking I'm a second generation Christian

Donna: salvation for Josh and Jena, direction for buying/selling home, wisdom for caring for my mom, that my mom would find joy in God

Dave: being humble, and not trying to impress people

Gideon: spiritual discipline, diligence in work, that he would put off pride and put on selflessness

Mike: my business ($), especially this summer

Connie: parenting wisdom and sleep

Timothy: recovery of family peace and joy and order after the long hours of a recent work project

Jeanne: recovery from being sick

Nathaniel: recovery from being sick

Nicki: recovering from Mono and safe travels

Amy Kay: in general laziness, specifically, that I would work on the Barnes' house and not let them do all the work

Prayer Requests - May

Connie - Sleep
Dan - Money, hygiene
Jenny - Students pass ERB; D.C. field trip
Mike - left arm, father's health
Emma - Blazer gets sold, warts go away, school
Andrea - decisions about college, fear of man
Vicki - Diligence in reading the Bible
Charlie and Victoria - stamina, family in Miami
Donna - Taking care of mom spiritual needs
Dave - God's timing in selling house; Josh; Filled with God's spirit
Nicki- Parents; Dad becomes a Christian ASAP
Nathaniel - Endurance for summer
Amy Kay - Students in her class, Kristix
Tim  - Wisdom for husband/father
Jeanne - Sleep

Cherokee People!!

Nikki goes Cherokee punk for Wild Hair Day at her work.

May 7 Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

 

 

1.     The Lord gives us joy in many ways.  What are some of the things in your life that bring you joy?

2.     The gospel and “gospel truths” (things that are the result of the gospel) are to be the source of our primary joy.  How can we grow in this?

3.     Phil said that because of justification when God looks at us he doesn’t frown but that he delights to see us and have us draw near to him. Is this the way you picture the Father as you approach him? (or do you struggle in this area?)

a.      What is your experience with drawing near to God? How often do you do that and how would you describe it?

4.     Verse 2 says “we have obtained access through faith into this grace in which we stand”.  Phil said that this grace in which we stand is the kingdom of the beloved Son, a place where our sin is forgiven and forgotten.  It is a place of grace not law or works where there is no judgment.  A place of acceptance.  “THE LAND OF GRACE”!.  Do you feel like you live in this place?

5.     “And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God”.  What is your definition of glory (or one of Phil’s that you really liked)?  What does the hope of the glory of God mean to you and do you find yourself rejoicing/exulting in it?

 

 

Corresponding Scriptures:

#3 - Hebrews 4:14Since then we have^(Q) a great high priest^(R) who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God,^(S) let us hold fast our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest^(T) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been^(U) tempted as we are,^(V) yet without sin. 16^(W) Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need

#3 – Ephesians 2:12remember^(AC) that you were at that time separated from Christ,^(AD) alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to^(AE) the covenants of promise,^(AF) having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were^(AG) far off have been brought near^(AH) by the blood of Christ. …17And he came and^(AO) preached peace to you who were^(AP) far off and peace to those who were^(AQ) near. 18For^(AR) through him we both have^(AS) access in^(AT) one Spirit to the Father.

#4 – Col. 1: 13He^(AD) has delivered us from^(AE) the domain of darkness and transferred us to^(AF) the kingdom of^(AG) his beloved Son, 14^(AH) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

#5 – 2 Cor. 3:18 - 18And we all, with unveiled face,^(AD) beholding^(AE) the glory of the Lord,^[f](AF) are being transformed into the same image^(AG) from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

#5 – Philippians 3:20But^(AS) our citizenship is in heaven, and^(AT) from it we^(AU) await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who will transform^(AV) our lowly body^(AW) to be like his glorious body,^(AX) by the power that enables him even^(AY) to subject all things to himself.

#5 – Colossians 1: 27^(BQ) To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are^(BR) the riches of the glory of^(BS) this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(BT) the hope of glory.

February 6th Discussion Questions

I Corinthians 2:6-16:  

1.     Please read over this passage and be ready to share any nuggets you find in it especially any not addressed in the following questions.

2.     CJ mentioned that in Paul’s day that Christianity was despised by both the Jewish and Gentile cultures, that it was completely foreign to those cultures.  Is that different in our day and culture?  If so how?

a.               He said that the cross is emptied of its power when mixed with the wisdom of the world.  Are you tempted to do so when communicating the gospel or your testimony?

3.     CJ said that “what matters” is not how cool (or rich or smart) one is but whether one is saved from the wrath of God; that what matters is the day of judgment.

a.               Do you tend to think that way (to have that divine perspective)?  Give examples of how that perspective can make a difference in your own life and the circumstances you find yourself in.

b.               How easily do you lose sight of that truth?  In what ways?  

4.     As you look back on your conversion share how it was God who opened up your spiritual eyes and revealed himself and the gospel to you.  This could have been a dramatic occurrence or happened over time.

5.     Has the understanding that God came looking for you (rather than the other way around) helped you to grow in humility and gratefulness?    

Dearest Hgers...

 

Oh, my.  Mike called us "dearest"...

Dearest hgers - Phil mentioned on Sunday that the hg meetings in February are cancelled.  That's only part true.  We will have hg on Feb 6th and we will be discussing CJ's teaching.  If you meet new people on Sunday invite them to our homegroup.  The following hgs will be cancelled so we can go to the classes that will be running during those times = Feb 20th and March 5th.  Note that the classes are being held on Tuesday nights not Wednesdays.  We are being encouraged to sign up for the classes - they are not just for new people.  But they are a great place to meet and greet new people.  If you have any questions check the church calendar on the web site.  Mike