SUNDAY SERMON REFLECTION

September 24, 2023

Review: Paul must take the time to remind the Corinthians that their greatest pursuit in life is not spiritual gifts but love. God shows us the truth about love in and through who He is and what He has done. Love is a commitment to lay down yourself for the good of someone else. To know real love, we only need to look to the Cross. It is this kind of love that should mark all believers because it is this kind of love that the Father has shown us through His Son and poured out within us by His Spirit. The love of God is what transforms and gives life to the Church!

Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
1. Read John 3:16, John 15:13, Rom. 5:8, and Eph. 5:1-2. How does the love of God differ from the love of this world?
2. Read 1 Cor. 13:1-3. How does Paul level the Corinthians’ pride in these verses? Why should these verses cause us to evaluate our own “good works” and “ministry”?3.Read 1 Cor. 13:4-7. Can you give your own application for each description of love? Discuss what some of these would be. (For example: If love is kind then I will seek to do something good to my coworker who keeps belittling me at work.)
4. Read 1 Cor. 13:4-7 again. This time as you work through the descriptions of love discuss specific ways that Jesus fulfills each one.
5. Read 1 Cor. 12:31 and 14:1. What do you think it looks like practically to pursue love?
6. Spend some time in prayer this week confessing and repenting of specific ways that you have failed in true love. Ask the Holy Spirit to bear this fruit within you.

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September 17, 2023

Review: Each of us, when we receive Christ, is provided with a certain giftedness to be used for God's glory. The Church at Corinth had elevated certain gifts over others and failed to see the collective importance of all of the gifts working together. Some felt that because they did not have a certain blessing that they were less significant than others. Some in the church were looking down upon others that did not demonstrate the gifts that they felt were most important. Paul would remind them that all gifts are vitally important to the collective work of the body of Christ. Even those gifts that go unseen are critical to the church. 

Life Group/ Personal Discussion Questions...
Take a moment with your group and reread 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 before you discuss the following with your discipleship partner or group.
  1. Discuss the ways that a church is like our human bodies?  Do we treat all body parts the same?
  2. Read and discuss verse 17 of this passage.  How does this statement relate to the local church  -  the body of Christ?
  3. What are the implications of verse 21 in this passage?  How does this verse speak to spiritual gifts and their use in the church?
  4. We talked about seeing the church more than a Sunday morning worship service.  How does this understanding help us keep a correct perspective of all the spiritual blessings God has provided?
  5. How does a church's correct understanding of diverse spiritual gifts promote unity?
  6. Ask another person you trust how they see God's Spirit working through your particular giftedness at MGBC?
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September 10, 2023

Review:
The sermon this morning covered 1 Cor. 12:1-11. Spiritual gifts are vitally important to the church.  Spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given to you by the Holy Spirit- for you to develop and use for God- to impact others through the Church.  ​Unfortunately, the church at Corinth was confused.  Their misunderstanding of these blessings was causing problems in the church when it should have empowered them.  Paul would address this situation from several angles in chapters 12-14 in 1 Corinthians.

​Life Group/ Personal Discussion Questions…
  1. It can be hard to talk about spiritual gifts because we don't want to seem prideful.  Discuss with your group/family what spiritual gift(s) you demonstrate.
  2. Read 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. What are the variety of gifts that Paul describes to the Corinthians?
  3. Read 1 Corinthians 12:7. What is the difference between a spiritual gift and a talent?
  4. God gave us these supernatural abilities to build the church and to foster growth in others. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-2. In what ways can spiritual gifts harm the church? 
  5. What happens to the body of Christ when someone does not use their spiritual giftedness?
  6. Read 1 Timothy 4:14-15.  Paul tells Timothy not to neglect the gift that he has.  What are some ways that we can develop out spiritual gift(s)?  If someone were neglecting their gift, what would you encourage them to do?
  7. Go to the church website or click the following link (What Type of Spiritual Gifts Do You Have? | Cru) to take the spiritual gift assessment.
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September 3, 2023

Review:
The Corinthian church was challenged to be imitators of Christ in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and they had done a good job following the Christian traditions passed on to them by Paul.  But they developed two issues as a church.  (1) They were divided (see chapters 1-4) and they were not practicing Communion worship in a respectful way.  Paul addresses their issues in Communion worship in 1 Cor. 11:17-34. 

Life Group/ Personal Discussion Questions…
  1. Discuss reasons why Communion is important from the following texts: Matthew 26:26-29, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, John 13:1-18. Find specific reasons from this week's sermon text (1 Cor. 11:17-34). Why should believers regularly partake in the Communion service?
  2. What aspects of the Communion service are most meaningful and encouraging to you?
  3. Read 1 Cor. 11:26. How do we "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" in the Communion service?
  4. Read 1 Cor. 11:27-32. It’s vital that we come to worship and to the Communion service with a right heart.  What do you think it means to partake in an "unworthy manner"? How do you evaluate your heart’s authenticity?
  5. How can we prepare ourselves before we enter into worship? 
  6. Read 1 Cor. 11:33-34. How can we look to serve others in the Communion service?
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August 27, 2023
 
Review:
In 1 Cor. 11:1-16, Paul discusses the roles of men and women within the home and Church. These roles are not social constructs or man-made institutions but have been established by God at creation. Man is given the role of authority and woman, the role of submission. The purpose of each of these is to reflect Christ in this world and bring glory to God. Paul used a cultural symbol that was already in place in Corinth in order to serve as a reminder and representation of this principle. Although this particular symbol does not carry over into our cultural, we are called by God to represent the natural distinction between men and women in our appearance. This too brings glory to our Creator, for who He is and what He’s done.
 
Life Group/ Personal Discussion Questions…
1. Read Col. 1:16, 2 Cor. 5:15, and Rom. 14:7-8 and discuss this question, “Am I receiving what the Lord Jesus (my God and Savior) has for me because my life is “for Him” or am I in some way by my attitude and actions fighting against this truth?
2. In 1 Cor. 11:2, Paul finds reason to commend the Corinthians. Would you receive these same commendations from Paul? What other places (besides God’s Word) do you often turn for answers and insight?
3. Read 1 Cor. 11:3. Discuss how each person in this chain carries out their role and responsibility?
4. How does Paul answer in 1 Cor. 11 the objections from our world that marriage, male and female genders, and roles are all cultural products or man-made institutions?
5. Read 1 Cor. 11:11-12. How are men and women dependent on another in the home and in the church?
6. What things confuse the distinction between men and women in our world today?
7. Read 1 Cor. 11:14-16. Pray that the Lord would remove any spirit of contentiousness to His will within you (your family) and ask for guidance in carrying out these principles of roles and representation.
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August 20, 2023

Review:  We joined together as a church family at Camp Mantowagan on Sunday in the big tent to worship the Lord.  Exodus 33:11 says, “Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. (NLT). (See also Hebrews 9 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 which discusses the fact that Jesus is our “tent of meeting” and provided our salvation from sin.)
 
Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. Do you have a close friendship with God?  How are people able to have a close friendship with God?
  2. If you do have a close relationship with Jesus, how does that impact your life?  And others?
  3. We are to meet regularly for worship together so that we can grow closer to Jesus.  How does worship make you feel closer to the Savior?
  4. Family Fun Day is a special day for our church.  What are some things you appreciate about being part of the body of Christ?
  5. How can we encourage others to come together to experience the benefits of the “tent of meeting” (i.e.: worship in the local church)?  
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August 13, 2023

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-33
Review: We are prone to idolize many things.  Tim Keller says that idols are good things that we make into ultimate things.  We create idols from our desire to control aspects of our lives.  At the root  -  we want to worship ourselves.  Our desires, our comfort and our needs become priority one.  This can be a very subtle process.  It helps to have others keep an eye out for potential idols in our lives.  Here are some important questions that you may want to discuss with an accountability partner or life group.
 
Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. Whom do I thank when things go well?
  2. To whom do I look when things go badly?
  3. What is my source of security?
  4. Where do I gain my sense of worth in the world?
  5. What am I striving to achieve in life, and why?
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August 6, 2023

Review: In 1 Cor. 9, Paul confronts the Corinthians’ questions about their rights with his own determination and example. Paul determined to make himself a servant to all (vs. 19) and do all things for the sake of the Gospel (vs. 23). More than fulfilling or satisfying his own rights (that he had every right to- see vss. 1-14), he laid down those rights, for the sake of the Gospel. This is what we are called to as well in Christ.
 
Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
1.What evidence of Salvation does John state in 1 John 2:9, 3:10-11, and 4:20-21? Why is this evidence for Salvation? In what ways does the Holy Spirit equip us to carry out this command (consider Gal. 5:22-24)?
2. Discuss how a preoccupation with rights can be both a positive and negative thing?
3. In 1 Cor. 9:1-6, what is Paul arguing for? What is he defending?
4. What reasoning does Paul give in verses 7-11 and verses 13-14 to discuss God’s provision for ministers of the Gospel?
5. Why did Paul set up his argument and defense through the first part of this chapter? What was he trying to say and show the Corinthians? (see verses 12 and 15)
6. The key to chapters 8, 9, and 10 is verse 23. Are there any ways you can say with Paul, “I do this for the sake of the Gospel”?
7. What are “gray areas” in our lives that may cause a hindrance to the Gospel? What may a believer with a weak conscience struggle over?
8. Read 1 Cor. 9:19-23. What are ways that you can adapt or adjust your lifestyle to reflect Jesus to those around you without compromising the truth of the Gospel or your obedience?
9. Are there any rights that the Lord is calling you to lay down for the sake of the Gospel? Are there any steps He is leading you to take with your unbelieving family, friends, or acquaintances for the sake of the Gospel?
10. Read 1 Cor. 9:24-27. If you did not make a list of unbelieving family, friends, and acquaintances- make one now and commit to pray for their salvation with your life group, a close friend, or your family members. Ask God that He would “keep your eye on the prize” and use you to reflect Christ to these individuals. 
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July 30, 2023

Review: We took a break from our study in 1 Corinthians this week so that our youth could share with us about their time at Momentum Youth Conference.
The theme for this year was “Known: ...to know and to be known.” This year’s theme verse for Momentum was taken from 1 John 4 (1 John 4:16). 
All conference messages are available to watch at Momentum 2023 - YouTube.
 
Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. Many times students can become discouraged when returning from a conference trip. They are also prone to forgetting the things they were taught or challenged with. What are some specific ways that you can encourage those young people who went to Momentum, Camp, or VBS/VBX this year to press on in the things that they learned?
  2. Read Titus 2:1-10. How are older generations specifically called to serve and minister to younger generations? In what ways are you carrying this out in your own life and in the lives of those younger generations who attend MGBC?
  3. Read 1 John 4:13-15. What does it mean to “abide in God”? What are some evidences that John gives in these verses that we can know whether or not we abide in God?
  4. Read 1 John 4:16 (Momentum Theme Verse). How do we grow in knowing and believing the love that God has for us?
  5. How would you communicate the love that God has for us? What other Scriptures would you point to and reference to speak on God’s love?
  6. Commit to ask a young person who went to Camp, Momentum, or VBS/VBX this summer: “What did you learn about the Lord through that experience?”
  7. Spend some time praying with others for the children and youth ministries at MGBC. Pray that the Lord would equip and use these ministries to raise up passionate followers of Jesus Christ. 
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July 23, 2023

Review: In 1 Corinthians 8 Paul addresses the fact that people in the church at Corinth were holding onto personal rights at the spiritual peril of others.  Some were publicly eating meat that was offered to the temple gods, while others felt that doing so was a return to idol worship.  This was causing relational turmoil in the church.

Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. Why is it important that we increase in humility as we grow in knowledge and understanding? In what practical ways can we hurt another with our knowledge?
  2. Read and discuss Romans 14:20-21.  What does Paul mean by, "Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats."?
  3. A main point of the passage is: Just because something is our right does not mean that it is right.  Discuss how we decide between what is our right and what the right thing to do is.  What should be our main filter to make this determination?
  4. Jesus provided us with the ultimate example of yielding our rights for another.  Discuss what Jesus gave up as a result of his love for us.  Philippians 2:3-8 may be an excellent place to begin this discussion.
  5. Consider any rights that you hold onto that may be hurting the spiritual growth of another.  What changes need to be made to better love them?
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July 16, 2023

Review: The Lord calls all believers to contentment. We are to rest in what He has for us and remain where He's placed us. True Christianity can be lived out in any place, any time, circumstance, or situation. We must seek to pursue Christ wherever we are in life whether we are married or single. 

Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
1. Ask someone who knows you if they think that you are a content person. Be willing to receive feedback. 
2. What are the qualities of a content person? How can someone remain content with their place in life?
3. In what ways may the Lord be asking you to serve Him with where He has you in life right now? Are there areas of the church that you could serve?
4. The Corinthians thought that they needed external changes to reach their neighbors for Christ. What excuses are often used for not reaching out to neighbors, coworkers, or friends with the Gospel? What excuses need to be shut down in your own life?
5. Seek to encourage someone who is single this week.
6. Whether married or single, are there things that you are preoccupied with that will not matter into eternity? How can you take on an eternal mindset as Paul leads the Corinthians to? 
7. Are there any "if only" thoughts that you need to give up and surrender to the Lord?
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July 9, 2023

Review:
The Christians at Corinth were trying to find their way in obedience to Christ.  They desired to be obedient in their lives and marriages but there were so many social pressures and variables.  In 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Paul provides them with godly guidance.

Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. Discuss Paul's view of singleness.  What is his perspective?  What are some practical ways that a single person might be better able to serve God's kingdom?
  2. Paul has often been accused of being anti-women.  Where in this passage is it clear that Paul upholds the value of women in marriage?
  3. Discuss ways in which marriage is a picture of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
  4. Why do you think marriage is so important to God?
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July 2, 2023

Review:
Paul was concerned with the decisions the Christians at Corinth were making.  Their choices were impacting the church.  In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul confronts them to help them understand that the physical choices they make do impact their spiritual testimony.

Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. How does infighting, conflict and a lack of unity in the local church impact its ability to share the gospel of Jesus Christ?
  2. What we do and where we go says a lot about us and our relationship with Christ.  Why is it so important for us to “go” and “do” differently than the world around us?
  3. Because the Spirit of Christ lives in the believer, the decisions we make and the things we say and do are connected to His Spirit.  What are some guiding Biblical principles that Christians should use to determine life choices?
  4. Take some time and really think about what it means to be “members of Christ”.  Remember that you are not your own.  You were bought with a price.
  5. Discuss with a friend, group or family what it means to “glorify God in your body.”

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June 25, 2023

Review:
​The Corinthian church was tolerating the sin of an individual and would not confront him to help him overcome his sin.  Paul addresses the need to deal with sin in the church body because if it’s not addressed it will spread like yeast in bread and influence the entire body.  Sin is serious to God and it should be serious to us, too.  (See 1 Corinthians 5) 

Life group/Personal Discussion Questions...
1. Why do you think sin is so serious to God?
2. What do you think of church discipline?  Do you think it is necessary?  
3. When we don’t deal with sin in our own lives and the lives of others the sin greatly impacts the body of Christ and our testimony.  What are some ways we can address sin in others when it becomes apparent?
4. We are told in Matthew 7:1 we should not judge others, but we are to be “fruit inspectors” (as we see later in Matthew 7).  How are we to deal with sin in others without being judgmental?  
5. Questions to personally consider:  Is there someone you need to confront about an offense they have against you?  Have you offended someone and you need to go and apologize to restore the relationship?

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June 18, 2023

Review:
As the Corinthian church faces infighting and division because of their pride and arrogance, Paul takes aim.  Paul demonstrates to them that he, Apollos, and Peter are equals and that humility is the key to opposing pride.

Life group/Personal Discussion Questions...
  1. Discuss what pride is, what it looks like and why it is so dangerous.
  2. Read Philippians 2:3-8 and discuss how Paul addresses pride in this text.  What example of humility did he use?  Who is to be our model of humility?
  3. A heart of Christ employs humility.  What might that look like for you in the week ahead?
  4. Read 1 Timothy 4:11-12.  In which of the 5 areas addressed (speech, conduct, love, faith and purity) did you struggle the most this past week?  What practical changes do you need to address to be a better discipleship model this week?
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June 11, 2023

Review:
We are each involved in a building project. We all spend our time, energy, resources, and opportunities in some way that will impact eternity. One day we will stand before the Lord’s throne to give an account for how we built our lives. Our standing on that day depends on a strong foundation and our reward on a quality construction. God has given us "all things" to build lives that will last. As Paul's aim was to be pleasing to the Lord, let it be our aim as well to build our lives with materials that display the wondrous worth of Jesus Christ! (1 Cor. 3:10-23)

Life Group Discussion/Personal Reflection Questions...
1. What do you spend the most time on in your life? What would you say your motivation is for dedicating so much time on these things?
 
2. Read 2 Cor. 5:9-10. What will be presented before Jesus at the “judgment seat of Christ”? Paul knew that he would stand before Christ. According to vs. 9,
​what was his aim in love?
 
3. Read 2 Cor. 5:14. What motivated Paul to live in this way?
 
4. Read 1 Cor. 3:11. How do we, like Paul, lay the strong foundation of Jesus Christ in the lives of those God has given us to minister to?
 
5. How can we be sure that Jesus is our foundation?
 
6. What are ways that we can evaluate what materials we are building are lives with?
 
7. What specific Scriptures can you point to that God has given you to obey?
 
8. What would a life that displays the worth of Christ look like?
 
9. Are there any “good things” in life that you may need to give up in order to give time to the “best things”?
 
10. Read 1 Cor. 3:21-23. What has God made available to us to build our lives with?
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June 4, 2023

Review:
In 1 Corinthians 3, we discover life lessons not just for graduates but for all believers as we seek to follow Jesus.

Life Group Discussion/Personal Reflection Questions...
1. Read 1 Cor. 3:1-4. Based on this passage discuss what spiritual maturity looks like and what it does not look like.

2. Read 1 Cor. 3:5-8. Here Paul mentions that he and Apollos were both used by God to help the Christians in Corinth grow in their faith. Who has God used in your past to help you grow and who is God using currently to help you grow in your faith?

3. Read 1 Cor. 3:9. How does the Gospel remind Christians that they are valuable to God? Who in your life is a "field" or a "building" that you are intentionally seeking to help grow in their faith?
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May 28, 2023

Review:
This week we looked at 1 Corinthians 2.  Paul taught the Corinthian church the gospel of Jesus Christ- His death and resurrection.  Paul focused only on the gospel.  He also did not try to impress the church with his speaking skills or special insights.  The reason for this is that he wanted them to be moved to Jesus by the Holy Spirit and not by his own influence.

Life Group Discussion/Personal Reflection Questions:
1. We don't think much about the Holy Spirit in comparison to Jesus and God the Father.  Why do you think this is?
2. In verse 7 Paul says he came to, "impart a secret and hidden wisdom" to them.  What is this "secret wisdom"? (Colossians 2 may help)
3. In verse 10 Paul reminds them that, "these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit". Discuss the Holy Spirit, who He is and what He does in the life of a believer.
4.The Holy Spirit desires to reveal the heart of God to you.  What do you need to do this week to see and understand the heart of the Father?
5.In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands all of His followers to, “Go and make disciples”.  What is a disciple? What must a disciple do in order to effectively take part in producing Jesus followers?
6.One thing a disciple of Jesus does is set an example (1 Timothy 4:11-12).  In what way can you be an example of Jesus this week? To whom will you model this behavior?
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May 21, 2023

  1. We have to admit that man has done some truly amazing things.  At what point does this become sinful, prideful and arrogant?
  2. Man attempts to solve his problems by treating the symptoms and not the causes.  Discuss how Jesus defeats the cause of our problem.
  3. The gospel is the "word of the cross" that Paul spoke of in 1 Cor. 1:18.  Discuss the gospel and describe what it is.
  4. The church can disagree on many things but we must stand united on the gospel.   Why is this?
  5. Discipling others can be a challenge in a world that sees religion and the gospel as foolishness.  We are commanded to go and make followers of Jesus.  What does this look like?  Who are you discipling?  
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May 14, 2023

Review:
God’s clear will and command is that there would be no divisions within the local church. Divisions confuse the Gospel message and mar the name of Jesus Christ. God’s desire is that the Church would be a pillar and support of what is true (1 Tim. 3:15). The local church fulfills this by being “…united in the same mind and in the same judgement” (1 Cor. 1:10). As a local church we are to strive “to speak the same thing” when it comes to the truth of Scripture and Jesus Christ.


Life Group/Personal Discussion Questions…
  1. If you had to give a report about MGBC what would you say? In what ways are you living/participating to contribute positively to this report?
  2. Compare the report of Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11) with the report of Thessalonica (1 Thess. 1:8- 10). What are some of the major differences of these two reports?
  3. Read through James 4:1-2. What are ways that you can evaluate the root of quarrels and fights in your own life?
  4. Have you ever experienced a church split or division? What all was involved? How does your experience compare to what was happening in Corinth?
  5. Read Eph. 4:4-16. What gifts has Christ given to the Church? Why did Christ give these gifts (for what purpose do they exist)? How can you grow in appreciating and gleaning from the gifts given to the Church?
  6. What is the purpose of baptism? Have you been baptized? Why or why not?
  7. What does it mean/look like to be “…united in the same mind and in the same judgment.”? What steps do you need to take in your life that this would be a reality for you in the church?
  8. In what ways have you put yourself or your own desires over others within the local church? How could you develop a Phil. 2:3 mindset in yourself with regards to the church?
  9. Check out MGBC’s Statement of Faith at Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church | Statement of Faith (mgbconline.com). Have you ever taken the time to study where you stand on these truths? Are these things that you agree to lift up and share within the local church? Why or why not?
  10. On your own or with someone else, commit to study through the truths and passages associated with MGBC’s Statement of Faith.
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May 7, 2023

REVIEW: 
We are called to be holy in an unholy place and unholy time.  1 Corinthians 1:2 - “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”
 
QUESTIONS:
1.    Do you desire to be holy, set apart and special to God or do you struggle with desiring holiness?
2.    Ask yourself these questions to evaluate if you are striving for holiness:
  • Have I truly trusted Jesus as my Rescuer from sin?
  • Do I desire to worship God with other Christians and personally in my life?  Do I have a desire to pray and talk to God?
  • Do I show love, a heart of service, and forgiveness to other people in the church and to non-believers?
  • Do I have the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful, gentleness and self control?
  • Do I desire to deal with and confess sin in my life?  Am I convicted of my sin?
  • Do I have a desire to learn God’s Word and apply it to your life?
  • Do I have a desire to share my faith with others?
3.    As the church (and as small groups), how can we encourage others to strive for holiness?
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April 30th, 2023
​
  1. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-20. Why is it important to build your faith on the Resurrection of Jesus?
  2. What will you need to do to be able to love the church but also at the same time be honest about the problems of the church?
  3. Over what past temptations has God redeemed you from? What current temptations in your life do you need to be mindful of?