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  • April 12 – Sean Bitzer

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    **Discussion Guide: The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Forgiveness**

    **Summary:**

    In this sermon, Pastor Sean discusses the importance of understanding
    biblical parables within their context, using the parable of the lost
    sheep from Matthew 18 as an example. He emphasizes the significance of
    forgiveness and reconciliation in the Christian life, explaining that
    holding onto offenses prevents us from experiencing God’s healing. The
    message challenges listeners to release bitterness and embrace the
    grace of God, highlighting that forgiveness is ultimately for our own
    healing.

    **Ice Breaker Question:**

    What is one simple story from your childhood that taught you a valuable lesson?

    **Discussion Questions:**

    1. How does understanding the context of a biblical passage change the
    way we interpret it? Can you think of a time when a verse taken out of
    context misled you or someone you know?
    – Cross Reference: 2 Timothy 2:15

    2. Why do you think Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd leaving the
    99 sheep to find the one lost sheep? What does this say about God’s
    character?
    – Cross Reference: Luke 15:4-7

    3. In what ways can unresolved hurt turn into bitterness? How does
    this affect our relationship with God and others?
    – Cross Reference: Ephesians 4:31-32

    4. How can we practice forgiveness in situations where reconciliation
    seems impossible or unhealthy? What steps can we take to release
    bitterness?
    – Cross Reference: Colossians 3:13

    5. How does the concept of forgiveness as a journey for personal
    healing resonate with you? Can you share a personal experience where
    forgiveness brought healing?

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

    – Pray for the strength and courage to forgive those who have hurt us.
    – Ask for God’s guidance in identifying any hidden bitterness in our hearts.
    – Seek God’s healing for our wounds and the grace to release past offenses.
    – Pray for wisdom and discernment in handling situations of unresolved conflict.
    – Thank God for His unending grace and forgiveness towards us.

  • April 5 – Sean

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    **Small Group Discussion Guide**

    **Summary:**

    In this sermon, the speaker explores the foundational Christian belief
    in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Emphasizing the extraordinary
    claim that Jesus was truly dead and then rose again, the sermon
    challenges listeners to consider the implications of this event. The
    resurrection is presented as a transformative truth that has shaped
    history and has the power to impact individual lives. The message
    encourages believers to live in the hope and power of the risen
    Christ.

    **Ice Breaker Question:**

    What is one tradition your family practices during Easter, and what
    does it mean to you?

    **Discussion Questions:**

    1. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you personally, and how
    does it impact your faith?
    – Cross Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:14-17

    2. The sermon mentions that if Jesus rose from the dead, it changes
    everything. In what ways do you see this change reflected in your life
    or community?
    – Cross Reference: Romans 6:4

    3. How do you respond to the idea that the resurrection is an
    “astounding claim”? What makes it believable or challenging for you?
    – Cross Reference: Acts 2:24

    4. The sermon highlights how the resurrection has influenced societal
    developments like hospitals and education. Can you think of other ways
    the resurrection has impacted the world?

    5. Reflect on a time when you felt you were in a “dark valley” of
    life. How does the belief in Jesus’ resurrection provide hope or
    strength during such times?

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

    – Thank God for the gift of eternal life through Jesus’ resurrection.
    – Ask for strength and courage to live out the truth of the
    resurrection in daily life.
    – Pray for those who are struggling to believe in the resurrection,
    that they may encounter its transformative power.
    – Seek guidance on how to be a light in the community, reflecting the
    hope of the resurrection.

    Feel free to adapt the guide as needed for your group’s needs.

  • March 29 – Sean Bitzer

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    **Small Group Discussion Guide**

    **Summary**

    In this sermon, Pastor Sean reflects on the triumphal entry of Jesus
    into Jerusalem, contrasting the expectations of a king’s arrival with
    Jesus’ humble entrance on a donkey. This unexpected image challenges
    our understanding of power and invites us to see the world through the
    lens of God’s upside-down kingdom. The message encourages us to follow
    Jesus by adopting a perspective that prioritizes love, grace, and
    mercy over worldly notions of power and dominance.

    **Ice Breaker Question**

    – What is one thing you remember from a childhood story or movie that
    challenged your expectations?

    **Discussion Questions**

    1. How does the image of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey contrast
    with traditional images of a king? What does this tell us about God’s
    kingdom?
    – Cross Reference: Zechariah 9:9

    2. In what ways might our perceptions of power and success differ from
    those demonstrated by Jesus? How can we align our views with His?
    – Cross Reference: Philippians 2:5-8

    3. Pastor Sean mentioned the idea of living in a “Bizarro World.” How
    can we identify areas in our lives where we might see things upside
    down?
    – Cross Reference: Romans 12:2

    4. How does the concept of Jesus winning by losing challenge our
    understanding of victory? How can this perspective change our daily
    actions?

    5. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate the values of God’s
    upside-down kingdom in our community?

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts**

    – Pray for the wisdom to see the world through God’s eyes and not
    through worldly perspectives.
    – Ask for the courage to live out the values of God’s kingdom in our
    daily lives.
    – Pray for grace and strength to embody Jesus’ love, mercy, and
    compassion in all interactions.

  • March 22 – Scott

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    **Small Group Discussion Guide**

    **Summary:**
    The sermon discusses the importance of being a lifelong learner in the
    Christian faith, emphasizing the necessity of thinking deeply and
    acquiring knowledge. The speaker shares his journey from atheism to
    Christianity, highlighting various influences and experiences that
    shaped his understanding of faith. He encourages believers to engage
    with Scripture and other resources to enrich their spiritual growth,
    stressing that intellectual engagement can lead to a deeper love for
    others.

    **Ice Breaker Question:**
    What is one book or resource (outside of the Bible) that has
    significantly impacted your faith journey?

    **Discussion Questions:**

    1. The speaker emphasizes the importance of thinking deeply about
    Scripture. How can we ensure that our engagement with the Bible goes
    beyond just reading to truly understanding and applying it?
    *Cross Reference: Hebrews 4:12*

    2. Reflecting on the speaker’s journey through different Christian
    traditions, how have your experiences shaped your understanding of
    faith?
    *Cross Reference: Proverbs 19:8*

    3. The sermon discusses the balance between program-driven and
    presence-driven ministry. How do you see this balance playing out in
    your own church community?

    4. The speaker mentions the influence of various Christian thinkers
    and authors. How do you discern which external resources align with
    biblical truth?
    *Cross Reference: Acts 17:11*

    5. In what ways can intellectual engagement with faith help us to love
    others more widely and deeply, as mentioned in the sermon?
    *Cross Reference: 1 Corinthians 8:1*

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

    – Pray for a hunger and thirst for God’s word and wisdom.
    – Ask for guidance to discern truth from various teachings and resources.
    – Seek the Holy Spirit’s help to love others more deeply through understanding.
    – Pray for opportunities to share your faith and knowledge with those
    around you.

  • March 8 – Sean Bitzer

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    **Summary:**

    The sermon explores the concept of commitment within the church
    community, particularly focusing on giving time, money, and
    leadership. It reflects on the early church’s practices in Acts 2,
    highlighting their devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. The
    sermon challenges the congregation to embrace community, suggesting
    that real commitment involves cost and sacrifice. It encourages
    members to build strong, lasting relationships and invest in the
    church’s mission.

    **Ice Breaker:**

    Share a memorable meal you’ve had with others that wasn’t just about
    the food but about the company and conversation.

    **Discussion Questions:**

    1. How do you feel about the idea of giving both financially and in
    terms of time to the church? What challenges do you face in this area?

    2. Reflect on Acts 2:42-47. What aspects of the early church community
    do you find most compelling, and how can we apply them today?
    – Cross Reference: Acts 4:32-35

    3. In what ways can we build a sense of community and intimacy within
    our church similar to the early church?
    – Cross Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25

    4. Discuss the concept of “living in uncomfortableness” when it comes
    to giving. How does this resonate with your personal experiences?
    – Cross Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

    5. How can older generations in the church contribute to the growth
    and support of younger members? What are practical steps we can take?
    – Cross Reference: Titus 2:3-5

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

    – Pray for a heart willing to commit and sacrifice for the community.
    – Ask for guidance in building meaningful relationships within the church.
    – Pray for wisdom to discern how to use your time and resources for
    God’s purposes.
    – Seek strength and courage to step out of comfort zones and embrace
    community life.
    – Pray for the church leadership to have vision and clarity in guiding
    the community.

  • March 1 – Sean Bitzer

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    ### Summary

    In this sermon, Pastor Sean explores the theme of how God can use
    small offerings to achieve great things. He shares stories from the
    Bible, such as the feeding of the 5,000, and historical accounts like
    that of Hattie Wyatt’s 57 cents, to illustrate how God multiplies
    seemingly insignificant gifts. This message encourages believers to
    trust in God’s ability to use their resources, no matter how small,
    for His purposes.

    ### Ice Breaker

    – What is one small gift or act of kindness you have given or received
    that made a big impact on you?

    ### Discussion Questions

    1. **Reflect on the Feeding of the 5,000**
    What stands out to you in the story of the feeding of the 5,000?
    How does this story illustrate God’s power to multiply our offerings?
    **Cross Reference:** John 6:1-14

    2. **Significance of Small Offerings**
    How can the story of Hattie Wyatt’s 57 cents inspire us in our own
    giving and faith?
    **Cross Reference:** Mark 12:41-44

    3. **Compassion and Generosity**
    What role does compassion play in the stories shared in the sermon?
    How can we cultivate a heart of compassion in our community?
    **Cross Reference:** 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

    4. **Personal Offerings**
    What is something small you feel you can offer to God, and how
    might He use it? How does this challenge your faith and trust in Him?

    5. **Community Impact**
    How can our church collectively use our “57 cents” to impact our
    community? What steps can we take to ensure we are being faithful
    stewards?

    ### Suggested Prayer Prompts

    – Pray for God to reveal the gifts and resources He has entrusted to you.
    – Ask for a heart of compassion and generosity towards others.
    – Seek guidance on how to trust God with your offerings, no matter how small.
    – Pray for our church community to be united in purpose and generous in spirit.

  • Feb 15 – Sean Bitzer

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    **Summary:**

    In this sermon, Pastor Sean explores the topic of greed and
    generosity, using Luke 12 as a foundation. He discusses how Jesus
    warns against all forms of greed and challenges us to consider what
    truly defines a rich life. The message emphasizes the importance of
    being generous toward God’s kingdom rather than accumulating wealth
    for oneself. Pastor Sean encourages us to question how much is enough
    and to reflect on whether our lives are focused on eternal impact or
    temporary possessions.

    **Ice Breaker:**

    What is one thing you’ve always wanted to own or achieve, and why?

    **Discussion Questions:**

    1. How do you define “enough” in your life, and what influences that definition?
    – Cross Reference: Philippians 4:11-13

    2. How can greed manifest in both the wealthy and those with less,
    according to Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12?
    – Cross Reference: Luke 12:15

    3. What are some practical ways we can be “rich toward God” in our
    everyday lives?
    – Cross Reference: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

    4. Reflect on a time when you felt called to be generous. What was the
    outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey?

    5. How do you think our modern culture influences our understanding of
    wealth and success? How can we align our views more closely with
    biblical teachings?

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

    – Thank God for His generosity and provision in your life.
    – Ask for guidance in identifying areas where you may be holding onto
    possessions too tightly.
    – Pray for a heart that seeks to be generous and impactful for God’s kingdom.
    – Request wisdom and discernment in financial decisions and lifestyle choices.
    – Seek strength and courage to live out a life that prioritizes
    eternal significance over temporary gains.

  • Feb 15 – Sean Bitzer

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    ### Summary

    In this sermon from the “Unfinished” series, the speaker explores
    Philippians 1:6, emphasizing the transformative work God begins and
    completes in us. It highlights that the Christian faith is distinct in
    that it’s not about our efforts but God’s work in us. The discussion
    also touches on the concept of koinonia, or partnership in the gospel,
    and challenges us to release burdens and practice small, consistent
    disciplines that reflect God’s heart.

    ### Ice Breaker

    What is one small habit or routine that has positively impacted your daily life?

    ### Discussion Questions

    1. What does Philippians 1:6 mean to you personally, and how does it
    shape your understanding of God’s work in your life?
    – Cross Reference: Ephesians 2:10

    2. How can we identify areas in our lives that are “unfinished” and
    need God’s transformative work?
    – Cross Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:18

    3. The sermon emphasizes the concept of koinonia. How can we practice
    true fellowship and partnership in the gospel today?
    – Cross Reference: Acts 2:42-47

    4. What are some things that God might be asking you to release in
    your life, and how can doing so lead to spiritual growth?

    5. Discuss the idea of small, consistent disciplines. How can these
    practices lead to a deeper spiritual life, and what is one discipline
    you feel called to develop?

    ### Prayer Prompts

    – Pray for the courage to release burdens and trust God’s work in our lives.
    – Ask for guidance in identifying and committing to small, consistent
    spiritual disciplines.
    – Pray for our church community to grow in true fellowship and
    partnership in spreading the gospel.

  • Feb 1 – Sean Bitzer

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    **Discussion Guide**

    **Summary**
    In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of prayer,
    emphasizing its role as a personal response to the knowledge of God.
    Highlighting biblical perspectives, the sermon explains that prayer is
    not just individual but communal, serving as a way for believers to
    remind each other of God’s truths. By praying together, we affirm our
    shared beliefs and support one another in faith. The early church’s
    commitment to communal prayer, as seen in Acts 2, is presented as a
    model for today’s church. The sermon also reflects on Isaiah 6,
    illustrating how heavenly beings remind each other of God’s holiness.
    This communal aspect of prayer is vital for spiritual growth and
    unity.

    **Ice Breaker Question**
    What is one thing you find most challenging about maintaining a
    regular prayer life?

    **Discussion Questions**

    1. Why do you think the early church prioritized communal prayer
    alongside teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread?
    *Cross Reference: Acts 2:42*

    2. How can praying together serve as a reminder of God’s truths in our
    lives? Share an experience where praying with others encouraged your
    faith.
    *Cross Reference: Hebrews 10:24-25*

    3. The sermon mentioned that prayer is a tool of discipleship. How
    does praying with others help in our spiritual growth and discipleship
    journey?
    *Cross Reference: Ephesians 6:18*

    4. Reflect on the imagery of the seraphim in Isaiah 6. What does their
    continuous proclamation of God’s holiness teach us about the nature of
    worship and prayer?
    *Cross Reference: Isaiah 6:1-3*

    5. How can we cultivate a culture of prayer within our church
    community that goes beyond formal meetings and services?

    **Prayer Prompts**

    – Pray for openness and honesty within your group to share burdens and
    joys in prayer.
    – Ask for a deeper understanding of God’s presence and holiness as you
    pray together.
    – Seek guidance for ways to incorporate communal prayer more regularly
    in your life.
    – Thank God for the opportunity to gather and support one another in faith.

  • Jan 25 – Sean Bitzer

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    **Summary**

    In this sermon from the series “Let Us Pray,” the focus is on
    understanding prayer as a personal and transformative response to
    knowing God. Prayer is described as a means of experiencing God’s
    presence, which leads to personal change rather than altering
    circumstances. The sermon explores the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing
    submission to God’s will. It challenges listeners to genuinely
    consider the depth of the prayer “Your kingdom come, Your will be
    done” and reflects on Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane as an example of
    submitting to God’s will.

    **Ice Breaker Question**

    – What is one memorable prayer you’ve heard or prayed that impacted you deeply?

    **Discussion Questions**

    1. How does understanding God’s character influence the way we pray?
    – Cross Reference: Psalm 103:8-14

    2. The sermon emphasizes that prayer changes us rather than our
    circumstances. Can you share a time when prayer led to a change in
    your attitude or perspective?
    – Cross Reference: Romans 12:2

    3. What does it mean to truly submit to God’s will in our prayers, and
    why might this be challenging?
    – Cross Reference: James 4:13-15

    4. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of God’s presence during
    prayer, turning theology into experience?

    5. Reflecting on Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, how can we find strength
    in prayer when faced with difficult circumstances?

    **Suggested Prayer Prompts**

    – Pray for a deeper understanding and knowledge of God to enrich your
    prayer life.
    – Ask for the courage to submit your will to God’s will, trusting in
    His wisdom and love.
    – Seek God’s presence in your daily life, inviting transformation and growth.
    – Pray for those who may be struggling with heavy burdens, that they
    may find peace and strength in God.
    – Thank God for His goodness and mercy, acknowledging His sovereignty
    in all things.