Life Group Discussion Guides

"Blessed This Side of the Cross" Pastor Tony

Group Discussion Guide

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Below the Surface Sermon Series
Blessed This Side of the Cross by Pastor Tony
Choose the best question(s) for your group

February 4, 2018
Questions by 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. 

TEXT: Exodus 34:29-35; 2 Corinthians 3:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 

1. Reflect on a spiritual “mountain top experience” you have experienced. Share this in your group and discuss why the experience was so special and why after time it seemed to fade. How can we build lasting spiritual growth from these kinds of experiences? How can Life Groups help?
   
   
2. Followers of Christ are liberated from the condemnation of the law (Galatians 5). Yet, from time to time, we are influenced by the enemy to believe that we are still living in condemnation. Discuss how you struggle with living and believing who we are in Christ and the glory of His Grace in a world of competition, judgment and narcissism. How can we access the Holy Spirit’s power to live in freedom and Grace?
   
   
3. What does it mean to, as Pastor Tony explains, turn to Christ and experience the reality of His Grace and His redemptive offer of righteousness?
   
   
4. In what ways are we responsible for stifling the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
   
   
5. For whom in your Oikos are you praying to be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, lifting the veil separating them from the freedom found only through Christ’s work on the cross? Share this with your group, and pray for one another’s Oikos, knowing it is not your competence, but the work of the Holy Spirit.

"What's That Smell?" Pastor Tony

Group Discussion Guide

Printer Friendly Version

Below the Surface Sermon Series
What’s That Smell? by Pastor Tony
Choose the best question(s) for your group

January 28, 2018
Questions by 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.

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 2:12-16

1. People spend a ton of money on perfume and cologne in order to smell good to others… the point is we are attracted to those who smell good! How would others in your Life Group define your “spiritual smell?” A good exercise of positive affirmation here.
   
   
2. Now share with the group (as you are comfortable) times when you have not smelled good!! Why has this happened, and what have you done to change?
   
   
3. Buying designer perfume/cologne may be the best way to ensure we smell good physically, but how do you and I access the power of the Holy Spirit who is the source of our Christ-like aroma? What is it that unleashes that powerful aroma in us? How can this Christ-like aroma impact the lives of those in our oikos?
   
   
4. Sometimes we can be identified with a smell that we wear often. I know who comes into the room before I see them! What unseen spiritual attributes can remain, be present, or even missed when we aren’t there physically? What is the key to people knowing our spiritual smell even if we aren’t there?
   
   
5. Do you think a Life Group can have a distinctive aroma? What is yours?