Sermon Discussion Questions

SERMON SERIES: Special Message by Pastor Kent Sparks

SERMON TITLE: “Why Are We Here”

SERMON DATE: May 18-19, 2013

ICEBREAKER: If you could go only to one restaurant for the next five years, which would it be?

Announcements to share with your group:

• Baptism Weekend  is coming up this weekend—May 25-26. We are excited to be baptizing more than 70 people who have put their faith in Christ and are being obedient to Christ’s command to be baptized. There will be no 8:00am service that weekend, so plan to attend one of our 4 other services. This is a great weekend to invite non-Christian friends or family.
• Our annual High School Car Wash-A-Thon is Saturday, June 8th from 8:00am-2:00pm. This is a chance for our high school students to raise money for their camps and retreats all year. This event is totally FREE–the students have sponsors per car, so simply by showing up, you’re helping them to raise money. We’ll even provide a free lunch. If you’d like to help send a student to camp by providing financially, just look for a teen walking around church during the weekend services with a white envelope and ask if you can sponsor them!

SERMON SERIES: Special Mother’s Day Message by Associate Pastor Brian Darrow

SERMON TITLE: :”You Are Not Alone”

SERMON DATE: May 11-12

ICEBREAKER: How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Announcements to share with your group:

• Baptism Weekend  is coming up in a couple of weeks—May 25-26. We are excited to be baptizing more than 70 people who have put their faith in Christ and are being obedient to Christ’s command to be baptized. There will be no 8:00am service that weekend, so plan to attend one of our 4 other services. This is a great weekend to invite non-Christian friends or family.
• Our annual High School Car Wash-A-Thon is Saturday, June 8th from 8:00am-2:00pm. This is a chance for our high school students to raise money for their camps and retreats all year. This event is totally FREE–the students have sponsors per car, so simply by showing up, you’re helping them to raise money. We’ll even provide a free lunch. If you’d like to help send a student to camp by providing financially, just look for a teen walking around church during the weekend services with a white envelope and ask if you can sponsor them!

1. In Psalm 73:23,26, David writes, “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand…26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Share about a time in your life when you felt like David–in the face of loneliness you recognized that God was with you.

2. Brian shared that one of the ways that we can enjoy the people of Christ is to join a TEAM. Why did you decide to join a TEAM and in what ways has your involvement in your group impacted your life?

3. Do you have anyone who you pray with or for consistently? If yes, share with your group the importance of that relationship. If no, why not?

4. What is one of the promises of God that you have memorized that you call to mind often?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Brian’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Following Jesus: The Gospel Of John

SERMON TITLE: The Uniqueness of Jesus Part 2

SERMON DATE: May 4-5, 2013

ICEBREAKER: Share with the group your favorite travel memory.

Announcements to share with your group:

• Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend and we have a very special service planned. As a way to honor the moms, we are offering free professional-level family photos. We will be taking the photos in between services on Mother’s Day weekend and then within a couple of weeks we will direct you to a website where you can download the digital file and print it however you would like. So, get the whole family together and wear something nice that you’d like to be photographed in!
• KidsGames Volunteers: Every volunteer will undergo a background check this year to ensure the safety of our children. The LiveScan meetings began last weekend, so if you haven’t had your meeting yet, make sure you are checking your e-mails to find out when your meeting will be taking place.

1. Discuss with your group the ways that your faith in Christ was strengthened by Pastor Kent’s explanation of the other major world religion’s leaders.

2. John 1:16 says, “For from His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” From this verse, we know that nothing can deplete Christ–no matter how much we receive from Him, He keeps on giving. Do you ever struggle with feeling guilty or selfish for asking Christ for things through prayer? Explain.

3.  Share about a time in your life (other than your point of salvation) when you experienced Christ’s generosity in a meaningful way.

4. Our culture is saturated with self-help and self-improvement concepts and ideas. According to Philippians 3:8-10, Paul describes having a righteousness of our own as “rubbish” and strives to find his righteousness from God that depends on faith. In what ways do you struggle with trying to depend on your own righteousness vs. depending on Christ’s righteousness?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Special Message by Associate Pastor Brian Darrow

SERMON TITLE: “The Battle Unseen”

SERMON DATE: April 27-28, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What are you looking forward to the most about this summer?

Announcements to share with the group:

• Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day is coming up in 2 weeks and we have a very special service planned. As a way to honor the moms, we are offering free professional-level family photos. We will be taking the photos in between services on Mother’s Day weekend and then within a couple of weeks we will direct you to a website where you can download the digital file and print it however you would like. So, get the whole family together and wear something nice that you’d like to be photographed in!

1. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, agains mighty powers in this dark works, and against evil spirits int he heavenly places.” Can you think of a time you were struggling with a person or a situation and now, looking back,  you recognize that it was a spiritual battle? If you could go back, what would you do differently?

2. Some of the Enemy’s tactics that Brian described are: deception, doubt, discouragement, diversion, defeat and delay. Now that you are aware of these tactics, which do you think you have struggled with the most?

3. What does it mean for you practically to put on the armor of God?

4. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” How do you plan to be committed to prayer in this way?

5. What one point or verse from Brian’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Following Jesus: The Gospel Of John

SERMON TITLE: The Uniqueness of Jesus

SERMON DATE: April 20-21,2013

ICEBREAKER: What is the most unique restaurant experience you have ever had?

Announcements to share with your group:

• KidsGames: The Early Registration price of $85 is only available until April 27th. Sign up your kids now at www.beachcities.org and make sure you pass this info along to your friends and neighbors before the price jumps to $100.

1. Jesus showed the ultimate form of humility by choosing to come to earth as a man and give up his divine privileges. In Philippians 2, Paul tells us that we “must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Do you believe you have an attitude of humility like Christ? Or is humility something that you struggle with? Explain.

2. We learned that, in light of the incarnation, Jesus can empathize with our struggles with sin and weakness. How does this affect the way you come to Jesus in prayer?

3. Pastor Kent said that Jesus is the embodiment of the Old Testament Tabernacle and its 2 purposes: 1) being the agency through which people approach God and 2) being the manifestation of the Glory of God. What does this tell us about how Jesus is related to the Old Testament? What does this tell us about how we can have fellowship with God and worship Him today?

4. One of the big lies of our culture is that there are many different ways to get to heaven. Using the truth that you learned form this sermon, how would you respond to that lie?

5. What is something that you want Jesus to do for you? Are you committed to asking Him for it?

6. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Following Jesus: The Gospel of John

SERMON TITLE: Who Is Jesus

SERMON DATE: April 13-14, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What’s the worst thing you did as a kid?

Announcements to share with your group:

• Baptism weekend is coming up May 25-26. Who should be baptized? Anyone who has professed faith in Christ! If anyone in your group would like to be baptized, refer them to the website, www.beachcities.org where they can click the logo on the homepage and sign up.

1. 1 Peter 3:15 says that Christians should “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” If someone were to ask you right now, would you be ready to share your testimony? If yes, is your testimony Jesus-centric?

2.How’s the witness of your life going? Are you an effective witness for Jesus? Do people see a difference in you; can they see a family resemblance to Jesus?

3. Has God ever used you to to share the Gospel with someone, and they accepted Christ into their heart as a result? If yes, share your story with your group.

4. Who is someone who you are currently praying about sharing the Light of Christ with?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Following Jesus: The Gospel of John

SERMON TITLE: Who Is Jesus?

SERMON DATE: April 6-7, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What is your favorite TV show?

Announcements to share with your group:

• KidsGames Vision Night is Monday, April 15th at 6:30pm in the Auditorium. This is a chance to catch the vision for 2013 and find out how you can be a part of the KidsGames team. Director Ryan and his team have a very special night planned, you don’t want to miss it!
• Baptism weekend is coming up May 25-26. Who should be baptized? Anyone who has professed faith in Christ! If anyone in your group would like to be baptized, refer them to the website, www.beachcities.org where they can click the logo on the homepage and sign up.

1. What are you most looking forward to about this series through the Gospel of John?

2. How does understanding Jesus as the creator of all things change the way that you think about Him? (John 1:3)

3. Pastor Kent explained, according to v. 4-5, that Jesus is the conqueror of the darkness in our hearts and the darkness cannot overcome the Light. Do you ever feel like you are fighting a losing battle with the darkness and sin in your life? Explain.

We can take comfort and find hope in the truth of God’s promise in verse 5: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

4. Jesus is the ONLY one who can conquer the power of darkness in our lives. What are some of the other things that you personally are tempted to turn to before Jesus?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Special Message by Guest Speaker Steve Woodson

SERMON TITLE: The Great Invitation

SERMON DATE: March 23-24, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What is your favorite amusement park ride?

Announcements to share with your group:

• Easter is next weekend, March 31st, one service only at Edison High School. Pastor Kent challenged us to trace the outline of our hand and be praying about 5 people who we want to invite to join us for Easter service. This week, we should be inviting those friends who we have been praying about inviting
• Baptism weekend is coming up May 25-26. Who should be baptized? Anyone who has professed faith in Christ! If anyone in your group would like to be baptized, refer them to the website, www.beachcities.org where they can click the logo on the homepage and sign up.

1. In Luke 18, we read about two very different types of people: the self-righteous Pharisee and the humble tax collector who cries out to God for mercy. At this point in your Christian walk, which person do you most resemble? Explain.

2. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own righteousness and self-sufficiency instead of acknowledging your weakness and need for Christ’s righteousness? Why is it so tempting to focus on your own righteousness?

3.Are there any burdens in your life that you are unwilling or unable to give up to Jesus? Why are you carrying this burden alone?

4. 1 John 5:3 says “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” Are God’s commands burdensome to you? Why or why not?

5. Practically, what does it mean for you to “put on the yoke of Christ” as Steve explained?

6. What one point or verse from Steve’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Money Matters

SERMON TITLE: Overcoming Financial Worries

SERMON DATE: March 16-17, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What is something you are good at that would surprise others to know?

Announcements to share with your group:

• Easter is Sunday, March 31st, one service only at Edison High School. Pastor Kent challenged us to trace the outline of our hand and be praying about 5 people who we want to invite to join us for Easter service. This week, we are supposed to be praying for favor with those people and an opportunity to invite them.
• Baptism weekend is coming up May 25-26. Who should be baptized? Anyone who has professed faith in Christ! If anyone in your group would like to be baptized, refer them to the website, www.beachcities.org where they can click the logo on the homepage and sign up.

1. As Pastor Kent shared, more than 70% of the population struggles with anxiety caused by money related issues. At this point in your life, are finances and money a source of anxiety for you?

2. In Matthew 6:28-29, Jesus says, “And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.” Pastor Kent explained that God promises to take care of our personal attractiveness by giving us favor in the eyes of others. Is it hard for you to believe that God will provide for you in this way? Explain.

3. One of the ways that we can take one day at a time is by turning our worry list into our prayer list. What are some recurring or pressing worries that you need to put on your prayer list today?

4. What are some practical ways that we can cultivate contentment (see Hebrews 13:5)?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

6. What is the most meaningful or insightful truth that you have learned from the Money Matters series and how has it impacted your life?

SERMON SERIES: Money Matters

SERMON TITLE: Investing in God’s Kingdom Part II

SERMON DATE: March 9-10, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What is one movie that you could watch over and over again?

1. In Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus says, “So don’t worry about these things saying, ‘What will be eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers…But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Jesus explains that  unbelievers lives are dominated by fear and that the solution is to seek first the Kingdom of God. Do you find that your life is dominated by this kind of fear? Explain.

2.  Christian martyr Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” As a group, discuss this concept of investing in something that you cannot lose.

4. Are you currently giving an amount that causes joy to fill your heart? Are there any adjustments you need to make so that you can give more cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)?

5. Of the 6 main questions that Pastor Kent addressed over the last 2 sermons, which question was most helpful to you and why?

1. What is the motive for investing in God’s kingdom?
2. What are the benefits of investing in God’s kingdom?
3. What truths do I need to keep in mind when investing in God’s kingdom?
4.Where does God want me to allocate my kingdom investment?
5. How do I determine the amount I should invest in God’s kingdom?
6. What are the requirements for investing in God’s Kingdom?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Money Matters

SERMON TITLE: Investing in God’s Kingdom Part I

SERMON DATE: March 2-3, 2013

ICEBREAKER: If you had to lose one of your senses, which would you pick?

1. One of the principles we learned is that you can give without loving but you can’t love without giving. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

2. Share about a time in your life when being generous enlarged your heart for God and for spiritual things.

3. Practically, what are some ways that you can increase your influence in God’s kingdom by giving and investing financially?

4. Is it easy for you to perceive giving as an act of worship, or does it feel more like an obligation or a duty? Explain.

5. Pastor Kent explained that when it comes to giving, it’s not about how much we give, but it’s about our sacrifice—sacrifice is the essence of worship. Would you consider your giving a sacrifice? Explain.

6. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Special Message

SERMON TITLE: Are You Out Of Your Mind?

SERMON DATE: February 23-24, 2013

ICEBREAKER: If you had to give up a favorite food, which would be the most difficult to give up?

1. Philippians 2:4 says, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Would you describe yourself as someone who looks to the interests of others before your own? Explain.

2. One of the ways that we can get a mind of humility is by reminding ourselves of our sin on a regular basis. Is confession a regular part of your life? Why or why not?

3. In Psalm 139:23, David writes, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” Have you ever prayed this prayer? If yes, did God reveal anything to you? If not, what is keeping you back from asking God to reveal your sins to you?

4. Brian explained that the mind that God wants us to have is a mind that is totally dependent on Him. Practically, what does it mean to have a mind that is dependent on God?

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Brian’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?

SERMON SERIES: Money Matters

SERMON TITLE: Managing Money God’s Way

SERMON DATE: February 16-17, 2013

ICEBREAKER: What is a special dream that you want to save up for?

1. As a result of the sermon, how has your perspective on tithing been altered or changed? Do you plan to make any adjustments in your life? Explain.

2.  Pastor Kent explained that we must put our hope in God and not in our financial success. In what ways might you be placing your hope in your finances?

3. We learned that God’s priorities for our finances are 1) To care for the needs of our families, 2) To eliminate debt, 3) To share with the needy (those who are unable to work), and 4) To save for the future. Are there any changes you need to make in order to allocate your money according to God’s priorities?

4. God’s Word shows us that when we live by God’s priorities, we are able to enjoy God’s blessing when we work and when we rest. Do you find that you are able to enjoy God’s blessing free from guilt? Explain.

5. What one point or verse from Pastor Kent’s sermon spoke to you the most and why?