Life Group Discussion Guides

“Identity Crisis” by Pastor Nicholas

Life Group Discussion Guide 

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Rock of Ages Sermon Series
“Identity Crisis” by Pastor Nicholas

February 2, 2020
If you have questions, contact Pastor Ric,

Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in.  You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon, click on the speaker icon.

Context:  There is, and forever will be, conflict about identity. Who or what something is. This isn’t new. This was something that was at the very beginning of the establishment of the Church. Who is Jesus? What is Jesus? These were the questions that were in the minds of the disciples as they journeyed with him. These are great questions to have answers to as we pursue our life in Christ.  One moment in particular sticks out as we begin our new series today, Rock of Ages, on 1^st and 2^nd Peter. 

In the Bible app, Pastor Nicholas put some bonus references for our study in Peter’s letters.  Look them up this week:

John 1:40-43, Luke 5:1-11, Luke 4:38-39, Matthew 14:22-33, Matthew 16:13-23, John 6:53-71, Mark 9:2-10, Matthew 17:24-27, John 13:6-10, Mark 14:27-42, Mark 14:66-72, Mark 16:7, John 21:1-23, Acts 1-15, Acts 3:1-10, Acts 4:1-4, Acts 10:1-33 

In addition, on your own, please read through 1^st and 2^nd Peter. Each book might take you 15 – 20 minutes. Look for who Peter says we are in Christ. That foundation won’t ever go away.  He writes to tell us that this isn’t our home, that we are a royal priesthood, we are God’s elect.

Sermon Texts:   Acts 10; Matthew 16:5-19

Leaders, please choose only the best question(s) for your group.
We are praying for you as you lead these discussions:

Discussion Guide: 

1. What about Pastor Nicholas’ teaching was troubling, inspiring, convicting, or confusing?
   
   
2. How do you define yourself? If someone were to say “Tell me about yourself,” what would you say?
   
   
3. Pastor Nicholas told a part of Peter’s life where his theological lens shifted dramatically; and the fruit of this shift is that gentiles were welcomed as followers of Christ. A summary to this experience is found in Acts 10:34-35.

• What belief shifts have you experienced in your life?
• What impact has it made on you and others?
   

4. Our goal is to become like Jesus.

• What character areas of personal struggle are you comfortable sharing?
• What ways have you made progress in the past year?
• How can a Life Group help you become more like Jesus?

5. Is the work that Christ is doing in your heart and life visible to your oikos? How does a certain level of transparency help us better communicate the Gospel?

“Things Will Change” by Pastor Tony

Life Group Discussion Guide

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Looking Forward  Sermon Series
“Things Will Change” by Pastor Tony

January 26, 2020
If you have questions, contact Pastor Ric,

Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in.  You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon, click on the speaker icon.

Context:  This is the final week in our four-week series designed to help us prepare for the amazing things God is going to do as we move into our new facility while maintaining our vision of “Creating Space. Expecting Harvest!”  These four sermons have helped us calibrate our hearts, our eyes, and our minds upon the vision of “Expecting Harvest.”  This week, as we rapidly approach occupying our new worship facility on March 8, we consider the importance of change and examine some biblical principles. For some, change is not easy, but a better understanding of it will help us become increasingly effective in maintaining our vision and accomplishing our mission.

Sermon Texts:   Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 33:3, 96:1, 40:3; Lamentations 3:22, 23; Revelation 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Romans 6:4, 12:1, 2; Acts 5:20

Leaders, please choose only the best question(s) for your group.
We are praying for you as you lead these discussions. 

Embracing Change requires a new perspective, a new mind, and a new attitude.  Faith comes alive when we get out of the rut, and welcome God stretching us to be used for his glory! 

Discussion Guide:  

1. Spend a few moments processing Pastor Tony’s teaching.  What thought, concept, text, or phrase caught your attention or has triggered further questions?
   
   
2. Take a poll in your life group: Generally speaking… 

• Is change exciting or fearful?
• What percent of your life group find it exciting?
• What percent find it fearful?
• Why is this?
• How do you think your life group poll results reflect the Lancaster County culture?

3. In light of Romans 12:1-2, try to identify several ways in which you have changed recently? How and why did this happen?  Please be honest:  What factors are barriers to change in your life?
   
   
4. What part should a life group play in one’s spiritual life-change or transformation? How could this happen?
   
   
5. What about our new facility presents the greatest fear for you as we approach March 8^th first Sunday in our new space? How will you embrace change? Also, what is the most exciting?
   
   
6. How could daily transforming change in your life impact your oikos?
   
   
7. Pastor Tony spoke of seeing life through the lens of God’s great mercy. How does this affect your actions? How do you perceive your oikos through the lens of God’s mercy?