THE CROSSING BLOG
Sermon Discussion - John 4:1-26
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 4:1-26 you can view it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfSTe-BNTAM
Pastor Aaron said that we all have a disorder, the desire for something more or something different. “If only… then everything would be good.” It’s a thirst that we think we can satisfy in various ways.
TPQ: What are some of the cultural “if only’s” for Fort Collins? What have been some of the “if only” desires in a previous season of life?
An unusual route – 4:1-6
Jesus heads back to the Galilee area from Jerusalem, and this meant He could go north through Samaria. The history of conflict & animosity between the Jews and Samaritans was well known, so much so that Jews normally would go around rather than through the region of Samaria.
Q: Am I open to the Lord leading me to a place or situation where I’d rather not go? In hopes of becoming vulnerable, what is that place?
Q: If you are single, how can we begin to turn our focus to what we have (a tremendous opportunity to serve the Kingdom of God) as opposed to what we don’t have (i.e. a spouse)?
An unexpected meeting- 4:7-10
When Jesus asks the Samaritan woman for water, He goes against a number of expected conventions: speaking with a woman, a Samaritan, and especially a woman with a ‘loose’ reputation.
Q: What are the cultural divisions we need to cross in order to offer Christ to someone? Who would be the “Samaritans“ in our culture? What are the places we avoid, to not be seen with ‘certain people’? Where is the “well” in your life that you can meet and engage with these identified folks?
We also see the scope of the Gospel in this. It’s open to all people from all backgrounds. It’s also a gift that is offered, not something that can be earned. The Samaritan woman is offered the gift regardless of her background. The same is true for each of us.
The ultimate thirst quencher- 4:11-16
Jesus offers her a source of never ending satisfaction, of something that will continue to meet her need, quench her thirst. She had tried to fill her longing for affection and security through multiple relationships, yet nobody satisfied the need.
Q: What have I been looking to, running after, that I think will satisfy my soul’s longing? Another way of asking this, what have I been willing to be pleased with but in reality have settled for that is far less than what I really want & need?
Jesus offers her (and us) the source of eternal life.
A unique approach to worship -4:17-26
She changes the subject and deflects to a debate about worship. Jesus sets her straight about what makes for true worship, truly connecting with God. It’s about recognizing who God is and approaching Him in truth (the scriptures), empowered by His Spirit.
When it comes to our worship, we’re called to gather in community, to immerse ourselves in scripture and to pray to the true God.
Jesus makes an amazing claim that demands a response, that He, Himself, is the Messiah, the one that both the Jews & the Samaritans were looking for.
Q: Do you know someone who needs to consider the claims of Jesus, someone who realizes they’ve been thirsting for things that don’t really satisfy (like relationships, money, or status)? How might you be the one to show them who Jesus is, how He is portrayed in this Gospel? (Specifically, how is the gospel good news to them and what are some next steps to take and share that with them?)
Next week’s passage: John 4:27-45
Sermon Discussion Q's - John 3:22-36
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 3:22-36 you can view it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGxDQg42hjU
The sermon’s title is Humility: The Perfect Remedy. Humility is defined as a modest or low view of oneself. Humility is the perfect remedy for pride which is defined as an excessively high opinion of oneself. In light of these definitions, let’s jump into some discussion questions.
TPQ – Thought Provoking Question: Pride was characterized as lethal and destructive. What are some stories (outside the bible) that depict pride leading to a great demise? This can be answered on a “macro or micro level” as Aaron described in his sermon.
1. – Everything is given from heaven
Read verses 25-27. Where do you see the pride in John’s (the Baptist’s) disciples statements? Why do you think they were responding in this manner?
The Baptist reminds them in verse 27 that everything received is given from heaven. What are some things, that you received today, that you can respond with humble gratitude to God for?
Often times we can respond in a prideful manner when someone or something (church, business, ministry, etc) has more ‘success’ than us. What are some of the emotions displayed in your life that overflow from a prideful heart?
There was a quote in the sermon that said this, “Humility is not thinking more of yourself nor is it thinking less of yourself but it is thinking of yourself less.” How can we begin to cultivate more of this gospel humility in our lives?
(think through v. 27, as well as contentment and gratitude) 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:11 – responding with faith and a kingdom mindset in light of my or others circumstances.
2. – See your calling/role correctly.
Aaron used the illustration of a Navy Seal Team and that each member knows the role they play on the team. John the Baptist knew his role and at this time he knew that he must decrease. It’s vital that we are to understand our role too.
We are a body comprised of many members. Each member has their own unique gifting and role that they play within the body. Take some time and reflect not on your own role but on the roles fulfilled within your Life Group. Speak words of encouragement to one another as you identify gifts you see within individual’s lives.
Some softball questions for this: – How have you seen this Life Group’s gifting come out when a need arises? What are some of the roles of this Life Group and how do you see them being fulfilled by the individuals within this Life Group? One of the best ways to identify spiritual gifts is in the context of the Christian community (not the spiritual gifts test!)
As a side note/study, check out v. 31-36 and try to identify the role’s of the Trinity within this passage.
3. Believe in Jesus
John 3:31 states, “He who comes from above is above all.” This is clear in regards to Christ’s authority. He has all authority in heaven and on earth – Matt 28:18-20. But, how often to we submit to that authority?
What are some areas in your life that you must decrease and Christ (and his authority) must increase? It’s helpful to identify these areas when life is difficult – circumstances, relationships, experiences.
What areas of your life are you prone to run to the world first as opposed to Christ? (world – own understanding, success stories, counsel outside of church) (Christ – himself, his Word, his people/leadership)
In light of John 3:35-36 RC Sproul says this:
“The whole of Scripture speaks to us of the love of God for His people, but so often we fix our attention on God’s love for us that we forget that the ground of that love is the love that the Father has from eternity for His Son. Remember, we’re not the natural children of God. We’re the adopted children of God, and even our election must always be understood to be in the Son. It is because of the Father’s love for the Son that we can stand forgiven before the throne of God, delivered from wrath unto everlasting life. It is because of the love of the Father for the Son that we are invited to partake one day of the marriage feast of the Lamb. We are invited not simply as friends of the Bridegroom or as friends of the bride we are the bride. Christ our Savior has set His love upon us and betrothed us to Himself. He who died for us will cone again someday to receive us to Himself Then we will rejoice with Him in the final increase of His exaltation.”
Real simply and practically, how does the gospel drive us to humility each and every day?
Memory verse: John 3:27 – John answered, A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
Next week’s passage: John 4
Sermon Discussion – John 3:9-21
Hey discussion leaders, I hope this provides some helpful questions as you revisit this last week’s sermon with your Life Group or family!
Teaching goal:
God’s display of love in John 3:16 magnifies the glory and worth of God above all else, and this is very good for us.
Application goal:
That people would have a greater sense of peace because they know their acceptance before God depends on his work and not on our own.
TPQ:
What is your favorite movie/story that is about love? What is it about that movie/story that you enjoy so much?
OR
What is the greatest gesture you’ve ever made in order to show love (or appreciation) for someone else?
Read John 3:9-21
Intro Questions:
(Note: if you didn’t do the study last week, here would be a good place to recap John 2:23-3:8 and Jesus’ teaching on being born again)
John 3:16 is probably the most well known verse in the entire Bible. Why do you think that is?
Why do you think that people don’t really know John 3:19 as well as John 3:16, they’re only 3 verses apart?
(This is the main question we’ll answer throughout the study, but give it to people so they can start chewing on it): What do you think people will misunderstand if they read John 3:16 without reading John 3:17-21?
Looking at the Text:
The passage starts out with Nicodemus still confused about what it means to be born again. Is there anyone in your study who is still confused as well? It’s ok if they are, Nicodemus was a religious professional and he still didn’t quite grasp it. Why do you think he was still confused?
What is Jesus’ response to his confusion?
- Answer: a rebuke. “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?”
- And an Old Testament example (John 3:14-15)
Interpreting the Text:
Read Numbers 21:4-9
What is the problem the people in Numbers 21 are facing? (Fiery serpents and death). How are they saved from the serpents bite? (Looking to the bronze serpent). What is the result of looking to the bronze serpent? (Life)
Why do you think Jesus turns to this story while he’s talking to Nicodemus? How in the world does this help us understand what Jesus is going to do on the cross?
- Depending on how much your group feels like talking, this may require some explanation. You gain life by looking at the bronze snake. You gain eternal life by believing in (looking to) Jesus. The serpent being lifted up was a sign of the people’s rebellion and their punishment. Likewise, when Jesus is lifted up on the cross (see John 12:32-33), it is a sign of our rebellion and punishment. On the cross, Jesus became sin for us (1 Corinthians 5:21), he became a curse and punishment for us (Galatians 3:13). In a sense, Jesus became a snake so that we could be welcomed back into the presence of God.
- If you like preaching gospel to your group, let it rip.
Read John 3:16
This verse starts with the word “For,” meaning that it is explaining what came before it (the story of the serpents). How does understanding the story in Numbers 21 begin to help us understand the love of God in 3:16-21?
What kinds of qualities typically make someone or something lovely?
What are some of the qualities of the world in 3:16-21? What do we learn about the world from verse 19? What does the world love? What does it mean that they “love the darkness”?
Why do you think some of the best love stories ever written entail stories of sacrifice and loss? Do you recall the story from the sermon about the father, the son, and the bridge? What was your reaction to it?
What makes the love of God in these verses so unique compared to the way non-Christian culture talks about a loving god? When non-Christians say they believe in a god of love, what did it cost their god to love them? What did it cost our God to love us?
Who actually ends up looking lovely in all of this? (God). What is it about God’s grand gesture that makes it so lovely? According to John 3:16, who is God’s love offered to and why is that significant? (whoever believes)
Personal Questions:
What are some ways that knowing God loves you on account of his Son’s work for us change the way that we think about love? Does it make you more joyful or less? Why?
How could knowing that God loves you for his Son’s sake make you more joyful?
What is the greatest loss that you could possibly imagine happening in your life (loss of money, loved one, etc. be specific)? How does contemplating losing the thing you treasure most help you understand the heart of God in John 3:16-21? How does it differ?
Do you feel disappointed at the idea that God loves you for his own glory’s sake instead of loving you for being a great person? Why might someone feel disappointed because of this? How should it make us feel? How do you think the teaching on needing to be “born again” can help us see God’s glory as a good thing?
Closing remarks:
We learn three great things from this passage in John 3:1-21. First, we are dead and need to be made alive, and God the Spirit accomplishes that in our lives by breathing life into our spiritual lungs. Second, we are condemned and need to be forgiven, and God the Son accomplishes that by dying in order to pay the penalty for our sins. Third, this all comes from the love God, and knowing this will help us see his glory (John 1:14, 1:18)
Final question: how can knowing these truths help you walk through tough seasons in life (doubt, despair, frustration, sin, etc.)?
- The answer I’m aiming at here is that you can find profound security and peace knowing that God has secured your salvation and this truth is a life raft in the storms of life.
For God – the greatest Lover
So loved – the greatest generosity
The world – the greatest tragedy
That he gave – the greatest sacrifice
His only Son – the greatest gift
That whoever – the greatest openness
Believes – the greatest simplicity
In him – the greatest attraction
Should not perish – the greatest rescue
But – the greatest difference
Have – the greatest treasure
Eternal life – the greatest experience.
Sunday Gathering, February 19th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 3:9-21 Worship through Singing: How Firm a Foundation
Here is Love
He Will Hold Me Fast
The Solid Rock
Rock of Ages (When the Day Seems Long)
Sermon Discussion – John 2:23-3:8
Hey Church Family. Here are some discussion questions from Sunday’s sermon. Take the time to discuss these either at life group, or with family and friends. We pray that you spend time reflecting on God’s word, and that your faith will be strengthened through this time. These questions are available to help facilitate that.
John 2:23-3:8
A solid, fundamental foundation is important in any context. This passage tells us about one of the foundations of the Christian faith. The concept of being ‘born again’ is crucial.
Jesus says one must, not should, be born again.
Why be born again? (2:23-25)
Some of the people in Jerusalem were ‘believing in His name’ but Jesus knew their belief was superficial, that they needed a deeper change. There’s a selfishness to this kind of belief.
Q: Why do I believe in Jesus? What am I seeking from Him? Has my belief led to love for Him?
How is someone born again? (3:1-5)
Nicodemus was a leader of the people, part of the Sanhedrin. He comes to Jesus at night, seeing that things are different with Him. Nicodemus wants some ‘one on one’ time with Jesus.
Q: Do I make ‘one on one’ time with Jesus a priority? Are there practical suggestions I might have to help someone else who struggles to make one on one time a priority with the Lord?
Jesus makes the need to be born anew clear, and Nick is confounded. His thinking on a material, horizontal level cannot comprehend this idea that is spiritual & vertical thinking.
See Ezekiel 36:24ff to see the actions that God takes to change & renew His people. This is all about the theological concept called “regeneration”- a work of God, initiated by Him and brought about by Him, to save us & to change us.
What’s the effect of being born again? (3:6-8)
Our new kind of life allows us to grow further in that life. ‘Like begets like’. Once we’re born again (“born from above”) we can now live & walk in the Spirit, no longer dominated by our flesh (human sin nature). This lifelong process is called ‘sanctification’ where God changes us and shapes us more and more into the image of Christ. All of this is at the will & direction of the Holy Spirit, who goes & does as He wills.
Q: How has my life changed as a result of being born again? How am I continuing to be changed by God in my day to day life?
Q: In what ways is the Spirit moving in my life, my heart now? Am I open to His prompting?
Sunday Gathering, February 12th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 2:23-3:1-8 Worship through Singing: The Church’s One Foundation
Rock of Ages (Ascend the Hill)
Crown Him (Majesty)
Oh My Soul Arise
Before the Throne of God – (Shane & Shane)
Sermon Discussion - John 2:12-22
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 2:12-22 you can view it online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNloDmJXWvU
TPQ – Thought Provoking Question:
When you hear the word worship, what comes to mind?
or
In the sermon introduction, I shared a few ‘optical illusions’ found in creation. Share a memory when you have been thrown off by an optical illusion?
Restored:
The temple was seen as a place to come and worship God. What do you know about the temple and the things that were to take place there?
Jesus zealously wanted to remove the obstacles that was preventing the gentiles to worship. How can we continue to remember Jesus removing the ultimate object (our sin) that prevents us from truly worshiping God? 1 Peter 3:18, 2 Cor 5:17, Galatians 2:20
Replaced:
What does Jesus mean when he says ‘destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it?’
In light of the passage, how is the temple being/going to be destroyed?
What does the temple ultimately represent? Can you identify some verses or passages that talk about God dwelling with his people? Gen 1:26-31, Gen 2, Gen 3:9, Ex 33:12-23, Ex 40:34-38, Lev 26:11-13, 2 Sam 7:1-17, John 1:14, Rev 21:1-4
Consider the implications of the church being the temple (along with Christ) from the following verses: 1 Cor 3:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 – How do we respond in worship to God in light of these verses?
Raised:
Why do you think John stops the dialogue between Jesus and the Jewish leaders with a question in verse 20? (Hint – the editorial note provided in verses 22 & 23)
Can you identify the difference between science and miracles? How can they co-exist? Are there any questions within the Christian life that you would like to find out more information on? If so, how can your Life Group help you with some of those questions?
Can you identify any of the evidence for the resurrection? Can you think through some practical implications in light of Jesus being raised from the dead?
Since God has intervened in the world and allowed not only his presence to come to us but also we can now be in his presence because of our faith in Christ. How would you say we are to respond in worship? Mark 12:28-34, Romans 6:11, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:25-28, Psalm 40:6-8, Proverbs 21:3
BONUS STUDY!
Compare the temple cleansing account in John to the accounts in Matthew 21:12-16, Mark 11:15-19 and Luke 19:45-47.
What are some similarities in the passage?
What are the differences? (Jesus’ focus, the quotes from the OT, context of the passage)
Jesus has a passionate zeal in this passage; some would even classify it as anger. Why is Jesus so fired up here? Can you think of verses or biblical characters that exemplify anger for the good or righteous motivations?
Next time you get angry, stop and ask these questions – why is this so important to me right now? What am I desiring (deep down) that’s causing me to respond with anger? How can I fix my eyes on Christ and respond with worship in light of the present circumstance?
Next week’s passage: John 2:23-3:8. We suggest you take some time read it and pray for our church in preparation for next week’s Gathering.
Sermon Discussion - John 2:1-12
Hey discussion leaders! Here’s some follow up questions from Aaron’s sermon from this last weekend. Hope it’s helpful. It’s probably a little long, so feel free to pick and choose what you want to highlight.
Teaching Goal:
That the way Jesus reveals his glory in John 2:1-12 points us to the fact that Jesus himself is our ultimate joy and gives us analogies to understand what that means.
Application Goal:
That people would seek to cultivate a greater enjoyment of Christ in their personal and communal (church) lives.
Thought provoking question:
What is something you enjoy a lot? This is pretty broad, so it could be a hobby, a food, a season, etc. Essentially, what is something that brings you a lot of joy? And what is it about that thing that gives you so much joy?
Intro questions:
Read John 2:1-2
This wedding took place right after Jesus called his disciples. What can you learn about the way Jesus pursues discipleship based on this passage? How does this inform the way that we pursue discipleship? How are we doing as a community at utilizing normal, day-to-day life occurrences for the discipleship mission? How can we improve?
Looking at the text: (these should all be obvious answers from the text)
Read John 2:3-12
What is the problem they encounter?
How does Mary try to resolve it?
What is Jesus’ response?
How does the problem get resolved?
Interpretive questions:
What are some reasons Jesus responded the way that he did to his mother’s request? What is the significance of his “hour”?
Corresponding texts to “the hour”
- John 7:30: “So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.”
- John 8:20: “No one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.”
- John 12:27: “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.”
- John 12:23–24:“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
(The teaching point here is that Mary’s request at a wedding caused Jesus to look ahead to his own wedding, but he knew that his wedding would come at great expense to himself. Hence, “My hour has not yet come.” If you like sharing the gospel, this is a great place to insert it.)
What kind of vessels does Jesus have the servants fill up in 2:6-8? What do you think the significance of purification jars could be, rather than just having them fill normal drinking jars?
When the wine was served, it was incredibly abundant and it was delicious. What do you think Jesus is trying to communicate to us through that?
Near the end of the passage, it states “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed him.” Looking at the passage as a whole and what it symbolizes, how would you describe to a non-believing friend how this story “manifests” or “reveals” the glory of Christ?
Personal Questions:
We asked at the beginning about what you really enjoy in life and why you really enjoy it. Aaron’s sermon on this text was entitled “Jesus Is Joy.” Do you make time to enjoy Christ in your life? What are some ways that you cultivate enjoying Christ in your own life?
In the sermon, Aaron talked about how we can know a lot of facts about honey, that it’s sweet, sticky, good on peanut butter, etc. without actually ever experiencing the sweetness of honey for ourselves. Read Psalm 34:8. Have you tasted and seen that the Lord is good? In what ways have you experienced it?
Jesus intentionally revealed his glory through abundance of wine at a wedding. What are some things about wine that make it enjoyable? How does the analogy of enjoying wine help us understand what it means to enjoy Jesus? (It may not be obvious, but the answer I’m looking for here would be to be intoxicated with him, see Ephesians 5:18, Isaiah 25:6-8).
How does the analogy of a wedding help us understand how we enjoy Christ?
Are there other scriptural analogies that have helped you enjoy Christ?
How can we encourage each other to taste, see (2:11, 1:14), know, understand, and practice enjoying God more?
Spare time questions:
We have a story here about a husband who had failed big in his first act as a husband by not providing enough wine for the wedding. How can this story help husbands who feel like they’re failing at their role in the home?
Why do you think Jesus would choose this as his first miracle? (from the sermon, Aaron compared it to a politician announcing that he’s running for office. It doesn’t get into the nitty-gritty details of his policies, but is designed to show where things are going).
Have you ever had a circumstance where you felt like you screwed something up big time (like the husband)? If you want to share, what was it? How does seeing Jesus help this guy out encourage you?
Sunday Gathering, January 29th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 2:1-12 Worship through Singing:
Sermon Discussion John 1:35-51
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his Word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 1:35-51 you can view online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R1Uk1OBfx
In this passage, we’re reminded of two pillars in Jesus’ ministry:
- ‘Come and see’
- ‘Go and tell’
Come & See—
Jesus asks the followers of John “what are you seeking?” (what do you want?) and they answer back with their own question “where are you staying?”. Christ invites them to “come and see”, to follow Him and live and learn.
Q: are there questions I bring when I consider following Jesus? Do these questions draw me to Him or draw me away from him?
Aaron shared his experience of having his mom die suddenly years ago and how this could’ve drawn his family away from Christ but instead it drew them closer. And Rita observed all this and saw the depth of their faith.
Q: who is in your life, watching you and observing your relationship with Christ? How are they drawn to ‘Come & See’ who Jesus is?
Go & Tell—
We see these first followers (Andrew, Philip) telling their friends/family about Jesus and leading them to Him.
Q: when is the last time you told someone about Jesus and who He is to you? Who can you be talking with about Jesus?
Jesus interacts with Nathanael, revealing His knowledge of Nathaniel (and His knowing what was probably Nathanael’s secret place). Nathanael responds with acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ.
Jesus tells him that He is the connecting point between heaven and earth. We all have a ministry to let others know who Christ is and that He is the bridge between heaven & earth.
Q: who are you in relationship with that needs to know who Christ is and that He is our bridge to the Father? Perhaps God is using you as a bridge as well. Discuss how this might be?
John Memory Verses:
Next Week’s Passage:
John 2:1-12
Sunday Gathering, January 22nd
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 1:35-51 Worship through Singing: The Church’s One Foundation
Rock of Ages (Ascend the Hill)
Crown Him (Majesty)
Oh My Soul Arise
Before the Throne of God – (Shane & Shane)
Sermon Discussion - John 1:19-34
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his Word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 1:19-34, you can view online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8m9RnqBTJg
Pastor Aaron opened his sermon with the legacy questions of, “how will people remember you? & what will be the testimony of your life?” Potential TPQ’s (Thought Provoking Questions) could be: How would you answer those questions honestly? Have you given much thought to what you would want shared, sung and preached at your funeral?
In the sermon, Pastor Aaron mentioned that some of us can feel the weight and responsibility of saving people. While we might not confess that outright, our underlying motivations and actions towards sharing the gospel might paint a different picture. A few questions here:
- Why is it a liberating truth that we are called to be the testifier and not the savior?
- How have you seen yourself try to be the savior (or play the role of the Holy Spirit) as you shared the gospel with someone? Thoughtful honesty is helpful here!
- What type of testifier might you be? (bearing witness to a historical Jesus, a refreshment from a bad experience in religious circles, a non threatening person someone can ask questions to)
“Behold, The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29b
- What are deep truths of Christ’s sacrifice can you behold this week?
- Romans 3:25, Heb 2:17, 1 John 2:2, 4:10, 1 Peter 2:24, 3:18
- Can you think of some of the OT shadows that were fulfilled in Christ being the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?
- Gen 22:8, Isaiah 53:7, Lev 14:25, 16:15-22
- Revelation 5:6-13, 7:17, 21:22-23, 22:1-3
Application
- Do people connect your life with Jesus? Not with a church, or that you’re a religious/morally good person but are you connected primarily with Jesus?
- Relational Evangelism Circles – where you live, work, and play!
- Identify 3 people in each of these circles.
- Pray for them often (daily, every other day, weekly at your Life Group or Journey Group.)
- Identify one way you can bring someone from your community into their life.
- Trust the Lord to share the gospel with them this winter (and think practically how you might do that.)
John Memory Verses:
- John 1:1
- John 1:14
- John 1:29
Next week’s passage:
- John 1:35-51
Sunday Gathering, January 15th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 1:19-34 Worship through Singing: The Church’s One Foundation
Rock of Ages (Ascend the Hill)
Crown Him (Majesty)
Oh My Soul Arise
Before the Throne of God – (Shane & Shane)
Sermon Discussion - Philippians 1:3-11
Hey discussion leaders! There should be more than enough here for a discussion to get going, so feel free to pick and choose whichever ones stand out the most to you. Hope it’s a blessing.
Thought provoking question:
When something difficult enters your life, are you more prone to act first and ask questions along the way, or are you someone who spends a lot of time contemplating your next move?
Similarly, when difficulty enters your life, are you more prone towards prayer or towards distancing yourself from God? Has there ever been a circumstance in your life that was difficult at the time but you are thankful for it now?
In the sermon, love was defined thusly: “the overflow and expansion of joy in God that meets the needs of others.” What do you think of this definition?
Assuming this definition is correct, when Paul prays for our love to abound more and more, how would that look? Read Philippians 2:1-11 and discuss the above definition and Paul’s prayer in light of that.
Does your joy in God compel you to serve others? Why, why not? How do you think The Crossing is doing at experiencing joy in God and love for others? Where can we improve?
Think through Paul’s sequence of how his prayer unfolds from abounding love (v.9) culminating in the glory and praise of God (v.11). How do you understand these parts relating to each other? Describe the difference between mere knowledge about God and knowing God. How do you read the Bible in such a way to ensure that you are getting to know God, and not merely facts about him?
For the above question, here are some reminders on definitions:
- Knowledge is epignōsis, meaning knowledge from experience.
- Discernment is aisthēsis, meaning moral clarity, seeing things the way God sees them
- Approve what is excellent indicates choosing the best of several good options
- Purity/sincerity is eilikrinēs, meaning purity of motivation, not self-seeking
- Blameless is aproskopos, meaning not causing others to stumble
- Rigteousness, in the case of Philippians 1:11, indicates practical righteousness
In the sermon, the three things needed for the fruit of righteousness were to be planted, to be pruned, and to know the love of the Gardener. Read John 15:1-5 and discuss how planting, pruning, and love help us grow.
At the end of the sermon, it was argued that God’s act of love toward us was seen at the end of verse 11, “to the glory and praise of God.” Why would God need to be glorified? How does God’s glory relate to our love (this is similar to the above sequence question)?
Read the following quote and discuss how it relates to the above definition of love:
“God is the one being for whom self-exaltation is the most loving act, because he is exalting for us what alone can satisfy us fully and forever. If we exalt ourselves, we are not loving, because we distract people from the one Person who can make them happy forever, God. But if God exalts himself, he draws attention to the one Person who can make us happy forever, himself. He is not an egomaniac. He is an infinitely glorious, all-satisfying God, offering us everlasting and supreme joy in himself.” (John Piper)
Unbelievers are capable of doing all sorts of loving things, but in the sermon it was stated: “If you look into the heart of God and don’t see his love for you, then you will never be able to joyfully go out and genuinely love and serve other people.” What would distinguish Christian love from love expressed in service by unbelievers?
Sunday Gathering, Jan. 8th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: Philippians 1:3-11 Worship through Singing: 10,000 Reasons
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
The Solid Rock
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery
Jesus I My Cross Have Taken
Sermon Discussion - John 1:9-13
We’re continuing in the Advent season with week 4. Here are this week’s sermon discussion questions from Rich’s sermon on John 1:9-13.
TPQ: is there a particular gift you can remember getting at Christmas that, not long after you got it, you lost interest in it. Maybe it was a ‘fad’ gift like we see every year. Why do you think we look to things for a sense of fulfillment?
Fads may come & go, but the birth of Jesus impacted the world in a way like no other. Thus, we’re forced to consider who He was and why He was born. The gospel writer compels us to ask what we believe about Jesus.
John earlier called Jesus the Word; now he calls Jesus the Light. He uses the image of light in darkness and harkens back to Isaiah 9.
Jesus is the True Light and His light is exhaustive. It is a light that both exposes and illuminates. His light shows us who we are in the dark, our own sinfulness. We’re also shown the elements of this dark world: acts of terror, sickness, despair.
Jesus was not recognized or acknowledged, even though he was the source of all that is. The world has missed who He is ever since. Even His own people didn’t see Him or receive Him as their expected messiah.
Q: why do you think people don’t recognize Jesus for who He is today? What gets in the way?
The Light of Christ not only reveals who we are and who He is, it also guides us. Through Him, we’re shown the way of belief to become children of God. This is a gift given to us by God. It’s not a natural, manipulated process; it is a reality that originates from God, a birth where He is the father.
Q: what difference does it make that being a child of God is His doing rather than ours?
Q: John makes a point of saying that this also involves our own belief. What keeps people from believing, in 2016 America? How might we help nonbelievers bridge the gap of unbelief through our own relationship with them?
Sermon Discussion John 1:6-8
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his Word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 1:6-8, you can view online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN3BVf4Hdu8
John 1:6-8 Discussion Questions:
TPQ (Thought Provoking Question) – If you were going to serve on a jury in a court case, what qualites would you look for in a witness?
Pastor Aaron said in his sermon that John the Baptist was the prophet that connected the Old Testament to the New Testament. John 1:8 A simple definition of a prophet is someone sent by God to testify (speak, witness, proclaim) his word to his people. Who are some prophets that come to mind and how did they testify God’s word?
(If you’re leading a discussion, feel free to highlight one of the following prophets.)
Moses – Read Exodus 3 and 4.
Calling: 3:10
Response: 3:11, 4:1, 4:10, 4:13, 4:20
Result: 4:31
Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1.
Calling: 1:4-5
Response: 1:6
Result: 40 years of persevering preaching (with only 2 converts!)
Peter – John 21 (take note of the setting; specifically the location and people present)
Why do you think Peter says, “I am going fishing.”
Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he loves him, why?
Regardless of the different Greek verbs used for love, how does Peter respond to Jesus’ questioning?
As an under-shepherd, how can Peter ultimately demonstrate his love for Jesus? How can we ultimately demonstrate our love for Jesus?
In light of John 20:21, who has Jesus sent you to? (If you’re unsure, pray and ask him to reveal people.)
Pastor Aaron mentioned his passion for Qdoba, do the people God has sent you to know your passions? How might you be able to identify with Jesus to these people? What opportunities are there to invite them into your community (or how can you invite your community in their lives?)
When it comes to sharing the gospel:
How have you responded in fear?
How have you responded in faith?
What are some ways we can grow in sharing our faith? Be specific.
A few suggestions to close your time:
Read Romans 10:8-17
Pray specifically for those God has sent you to.
Send a encouraging thank you note (text, email, phone call) to the one God sent to bear witness in your life
Next Sunday’s passage: John 1:9-13
Sunday Gathering, Dec.11th Advent
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 1:6-8 Worship through Singing: Joy To The World
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
What Child Is This
When Love Came Down to Earth
John 1:1-5 Follow Up Discussion
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his Word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 1:1-5, you can view online here: http://thecrossingfc.org/sermons/the-word-is-life-and-light/
John 1:1-5 Discussion Questions:
TPQ (Thought Provoking Question): In his sermon this past Sunday, Aaron described a scene in a dark cave. Where’s the darkest place you’ve ever been? (a cave, a rural road, camping on a mountain, etc.) How did you react to such literal darkness? As we begin to look at this passage in John’s gospel, we’ll see how the apostle John contrasts light & darkness.
1. In verse 1, John uses wording that calls to mind the opening verses in Genesis (In the beginning…). How does this set the tone for the rest of this passage? Why does he want to harken us back to Genesis when he’s about to tell us about the ministry of Jesus in first century Palestine? How does Christ as “the Word” connect with the creation account in Genesis?
2. John goes on to tell us some things about this Word (Jesus). Pastor Aaron brought out 5 characteristics or roles of the Word in these 5 verses. Can you identify them and share a little about the significance of each one?
>> The Word (Jesus) is:
Eternal- John points to Genesis 1 and a new creation, but a story older than time.
Personal- Jesus was with God, in relationship. ‘face to face’. Points to the Trinity
God (divine)- Jesus being not just like God, but God Himself. We’ll see this unpacked in the 7 ‘I am’ statements.
Q: what difference does it make to you that Jesus is God?
Creator- Jesus created all things and He Himself was not created. He is the source & the force behind all creation. (cf Col 1:15-17)
Life & Light- Jesus is the essence of spiritual life & glory that overcomes sin. The darkness has no power or means to overcome or to vanquish the light.
3. How does this knowledge about Jesus affect the way you see Him and act toward Him? Why does John think it’s important for us to know these things about Jesus from the very start of his gospel account
4. Christ is the source of all light & life. Where else do you & I look for ‘life’ rather than in Him? What about non-believers; where do they look for ‘life’ this time of year? How can we, with the knowledge of Who the true Life really is, where pure Light really defeats darkness, how can we connect with those who are searching for life & light? This week? This season? Be specific.
For further reflection on the Trinity:
Here’s a great graphic explaining the trinity: http://www.challies.com/visual-theology/visual-theology-the-trinity
Here’s an article for further reading on the great doctrine of the Trinity: https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2011/09/28/the-doctrine-of-the-trinity-no-christianity-without-it/
How does our view of “1 God, manifested in 3 distinct person’s” challenge your thinking? How does this view of God differ from other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses?