2010

Live Strong (From the Exiled in America Series)

Posted by Admin on September 12, 2010

Pastor Scott develops two needed aspects of a Christian worldview – thinking like we are separated from sin and acting like we believe the end is near.

Growth Group Questions:

  1. How often do you actively consider God’s will during the week? What are some examples of doing this? What does this reveal about your walk of faith?
  2. What are some examples of peer pressure you have faced in the last one or two years?
  3. Read Daniel 3. What can you learn from this passage about remaining committed in the face of slander?
  4. Read Romans 8:31-39. How does this passage increase your level of confidence in your salvation? Why does having confidence in your salvation foster a separation from sin?
  5. Read Luke 11:1-13. How does Jesus instruct us towards effective praying?
  6. Why is it easier to cover the faults of another when you know your time together is short? How can we apply this in our church?
  7. Who are some great examples of hospitality? What do these people do that makes them so effective?
  8. What are some of the gifts you have noticed in other people in your group? What role can you play in encouraging others to use their gifts in the church?

Very Christian (From the Exiled in America Series)

Posted by Admin on September 5, 2010

Pastor Scott continues the Exiled in America series. In this sermon he develops the theme of living a distinctively Christian life from 1 Peter 3:8-22.

Growth Group Questions:

  1. Describe someone who you have known that was a great example of a “Very Christian” person. How did that person impact your life?
  2. Read Romans 1:28-31. Does the inclusion of gossip in this list surprise you? What does this teach you about God’s perspective on gossip? Why is gossip so dangerous to churches?
  3. Describe a time when someone encouraged you through sympathetic behavior? How did your emotions and perspective change during this demonstration of sympathy?
  4. What are some ideas for activities that you would enjoy doing for the purpose of developing brotherly love amongst the GCBC family?
  5. What are some of the blessings you have received because of your life as a Christian? What are some verses that highlight some of the blessings of the Christian life?
  6. Read Philippians 2:1-11. How would you attempt to describe Jesus’ humble action of leaving heaven and taking a human body? Why does Jesus’ humble actions result in him being highly exalted?
  7. How does Jesus being all-powerful encourage you to live a distinctively Christian life? How does Jesus being holy encourage you to live a distinctively Christian life?
  8. Read 1 Kings 18. How does the example of Elijah strengthen your resolve to live a distinctively Christian life?

Effective Dual Citizenship (From the “Exiled in America” Series)

Posted by Admin on August 15, 2010

Pastor Scott continues the “Exiled in America” teaching series from the book of 1 Peter. In this message he examines how Christians should interact with the governmental authorities. The text for this sermon is 1 Peter 2:13-17.

Growth Group Questions:

  1. What government agencies or events have you participated in? Describe your involvement. Did you (or do you) think of your involvement as a spiritual endeavor? Why or why not?
  2. How does the fact that Peter wrote these instructions during the reign of the notorious Nero change your attitude towards current governmental leaders?
  3. Peter tells us to be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution (1 Peter 2:13) What are the different human institutions you are under (focus on institutions outside of your family and church)?
  4. Nehemiah was a man who worked in the government of a foreign king. Read Nehemiah 1-2. What evidences in the text demonstrate that Nehemiah …
    • Submitted by doing good?
    • Submitted with integrity?
    • Submitted with proper priorities?
  5. We were challenged to honor everyone on Sunday. What are some simple actions that demonstrate honor? (Things like the application of putting down your phone when talking with retail and restaurant personnel.)
  6. What does prompt obedience to God demonstrate about our fear of Him? What does procrastinated obedience to God demonstrate about our fear of Him? Which most often characterizes you?
  7. How can you as an individual honor your governmental leaders? How can we as a church honor our governmental leaders?

Godly Exile 101 (From the “Exiled in America” Series)

Posted by Admin on August 8, 2010

What are the basics of living as a Christian whose ultimate home is heaven? The segment of the “Exiled in America” teaching series examines that theme. The text for this sermon it 1 Peter 2:11, 12.

Growth Group Questions:

  1. The main point from Sunday’s message was that we, as Christian exiles, must live in a way that results in other people glorifying God. What does glorifying God look like in someone’s actual life? Use both contemporary and biblical examples.
  2. There is an increasing excusing of sinful behavior because the sin is proclaimed to be part of someone’s identity. What are some phrases that reveal this type of thinking?
  3. Although Peter does not specifically define what passions of the flesh are, there are other places in Scripture that do detail some of them. Read Colossians 3:5-10. Describe a time in your life when you have battled successfully with one of the passions listed in these verses.
  4. What are some Scriptures that encourage you as you seek to successfully abstain from sinful indulgences?
  5. The sermon on Sunday included a list of arenas in which we can live a commendable life. List the different arenas that exist in your life (work, 2nd job, family, neighbor, …). Try to develop an exhaustive list. Get creative!
  6. What are some allegations that you have actually heard or experienced because of someone’s Christian identity?
  7. Why do you think good deeds have the potential to cause another person to glorify God and even make a faith decision to become a Christ follower?
  8. What are some actions that you can do that might induce others to glorify God?

Holiness: The Exile’s Job (From the Exiled in America series)

Posted by Admin on August 1, 2010

Pastor Scott describes the heavenly job that all exiles must pursue. The text for this message of the “Exiled in America” series is 1 Peter 1:13 – 2:10.

Growth Group Questions:

1. Pastor Scott defined holiness as “complete separation from sin coupled with complete devotion to God’s honor.” How would you define holiness?

2. 1 Peter 1:17 – 21 tells us that the precious blood of Jesus Christ should motivate us to be holy. How does Jesus’ sacrifice motivate you towards holiness? What are some factors that encourage you away from holiness?

3. Describe a specific time in your life when your love for another person demonstrated your love for God.

4. Read 1 John 3:11 – 18. Why do you think the Bible makes such a strong connection between loving other people and the sincerity of one’s love for God? Do you agree with this correlation? Why or why not?

5. Give real life examples of the following behaviors that are destructive to community. Be as specific as possible.

  • Malice
  • Deceit/Guile
  • Hypocrisy
  • Envy
  • Slander

6. 1 Peter 2 is an important chapter developing the belief of the “priesthood of all believers.” The priesthood of all believers means that the entire church has direct access to God through Christ alone. Every true believer may approach God boldly at any time (see also Hebrews 4:14 – 16). What is comforting about this belief?

7. What is one thing you can do to have your pursuit of holiness result in proclaiming God’s excellencies to others?

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