7 Churches of Revelation: Part 7

February 25, 2024

Discussion Questions:

  1. The church in Sardis is described as having a reputation for being alive, but Jesus sees them differently. How can we discern between an outward appearance of spiritual vitality and the reality of our spiritual life? What are some indicators of genuine spiritual health?

  2. The sermon mentions various wake-up calls in our personal lives, such as health issues or personal loss. Can you share a personal experience where you felt a wake-up call that prompted a revaluation of your priorities or spiritual life? How did you respond, and what changes did you make?

  3. The message emphasizes that church activity doesn't necessarily indicate spiritual life. In your opinion, what are some signs or characteristics that might indicate a spiritually vibrant church? How can a church ensure that its activities are rooted in a genuine encounter with the life-giving presence of Jesus?

  4. The church in Sardis is told to "strengthen what remains" (Revelation 3:2b). What are some practical steps we can take to strengthen our faith and the faith of our fellow believers? How can our small group play a role in supporting and encouraging one another?

  5. The message to the churches in Revelation often includes the phrase, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (e.g., Revelation 3:6). How can we cultivate a receptive and attentive spirit to hear what the Spirit is saying to us individually and as a group? What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are listening and responding to God's guidance?

Compassion Sunday

February 18, 2024

Discussion Questions:

  1. Read Galatians 4:1-7. What does it mean to be adopted into God’s family?

  2. How does Jacob’s story of adopting children into his own family relate to the experience of Christian faith?

  3. Has there every been a time when you sensed the Lord leading you to do something out of your comfort zone? How do you know when it is really the Lord’s will?

7 Churches of Revelation: Part 6

February 11, 2024

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways do you see parallels between the challenges faced by the church in Thyatira and the cultural influences present in our society today?

2. Reflecting on the compromise highlighted in Thyatira, how can we discern between cultural practices that may seem normal but could lead to compromise with our faith?

3. Consider the concept of God's discipline as an expression of love. How do you personally view God's discipline in light of these teachings, and how might it shape our understanding of accountability within the church?

4. Explore the idea of holding onto what you have until Jesus comes. In practical terms, what does it mean for Christians today to hold onto Jesus amidst the challenges of deceptive teachings and cultural pressures?

5. Jude identifies the corruption of God's grace through a license for immorality and a denial of Jesus' lordship. How can we guard against these corruptions in our lives and maintain a lifestyle that aligns with the teachings of Jesus?

7 Churches of Revelation: Part 5

February 4, 2024

Discussion Questions:

* The church in Pergamum faced a dissonance between their confession of faith and certain lifestyle choices.

* What are some specific areas in our modern culture where Christians might feel pressured to compromise their faith, and how can we maintain faithfulness to Jesus in the face of these pressures?

* How can we, as individuals and as a church community, strive for greater consistency between our confession of faith and our lifestyle choices?

* The call to repentance is a central theme in this passage. What does repentance look like in our lives, and how can it lead to ongoing transformation?

* Are there areas in your life where repentance is needed, and what steps can you take to turn away from compromise and draw closer to God?

* Reflecting on the letter to Pergamum, how can we assess the spiritual health and culture of our own churches or communities? What practical steps can we take to ensure that our churches maintain a strong and uncompromising commitment to biblical truth while still reaching out to those who need the message of Christ?

* In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to stand firm in your Christian convictions, and how can you address those challenges?

7 Churches of Revelation: Part 4

January 28, 2024

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the message to the church in Smyrna challenge our perspective on wealth and poverty? In what ways can we be rich in faith even if we lack material wealth?

  2. Pastor Jesse mentioned Polycarp's faithfulness unto death. How can we apply this example to our lives today? What does it mean for us to be faithful to Jesus, even in the face of adversity?

  3. What does the concept of the "second death" in Revelation 2:11 mean, and how does it relate to the message of hope in this letter? How can this perspective on life and death bring comfort and encouragement to us as believers?

  4. Pastor Jesse emphasized the call to remain faithful to Jesus in all circumstances. In your own life, what are some practical ways you can remain faithful to Jesus, regardless of the challenges or circumstances you face?

7 Churches of Revelation: Part 3

January 21, 2024, Revelation 2:1-7

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the image of Jesus holding the seven stars and walking among the seven golden lampstands signify to you personally? How can the awareness of Jesus' presence among us impact our daily lives and our interactions within the church community?

  2. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. In what ways have you experienced a deep, affectionate love for Jesus in the past? How has that love manifested in your actions and attitudes?

  3. Discuss the importance of doctrinal precision, as seen in the church of Ephesus, and how it can coexist with a fervent, loving devotion to Jesus. How can our church maintain a healthy balance between theological correctness and genuine affection for God?

  4. Share moments when you felt the wonder and awe of the gospel. How can the church collectively maintain a sense of wonder in worship, ensuring that routine does not replace a genuine, heartfelt response to the grace of God?

  5. Based on the call to repent and do the things done at first, what practical steps can individuals and the church community take to renew their love for Jesus? How can regular repentance and a return to foundational practices bring about spiritual vitality?

7 Churches of Revelation: Part 2

January 14, 2024

Discussion Questions:

  1. Russell emphasizes the new allegiance required by God's kingdom. How does the concept of allegiance to Jesus as King create upheaval in our lives?

  2. Discuss the significance of the vision of the risen and exalted Jesus in Revelation 1:12-16. How does this vision shape the way we understand and react to our present circumstances, especially in times of confusion, discouragement, or pressure to conform?

  3. Why is worship considered a crucial response to the challenges faced by the churches? How does worship draw us into the story of God and shape our lives in a way that resists false gods?* How does worship empower our devotion to Christ and help us overcome sin?

    * Discuss personal experiences where worship has played a significant role in your spiritual growth and resistance to the spirit of the age?

  4. How can we, as a church community, ensure that our vision of Jesus remains true to the revelation described by John in Revelation 1:9-20?

7 Churches of Revelation: Part 1

January 7, 2024

  1. Reflect on a personal encounter with Christ during a difficult time in your life. How did this encounter shape your faith and perspective? How can a deeper understanding of Revelation help us seek and recognize moments of encountering Jesus in our daily lives?

  2. How does the reality of Christ's continuous coming impact our day-to-day living? What practical steps can we take to live with a sense of anticipation for Christ's return while engaging actively in our communities and workplaces?

  3. In what ways do you see the influence of an anti-Christ spirit in our contemporary society? How can we, as a community of believers, embody faithful discipleship while countering these negative influences?

  4. Discuss the concept of being a "hopeful dissident" as outlined in the sermon. How can Christians embody hope and work for a better future while navigating societal challenges or pressures that conflict with their faith?

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