Author: Monmouth Christian

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—

**Small Group Discussion Guide**

**Summary**
In this sermon, Pastor Sean reflects on the significance of compassion
as a core aspect of God’s character, drawing from Exodus 34:6. He
connects this attribute to the concept of “mothering,” highlighting
that God describes himself in terms of nurturing and caring, much like
a mother. Pastor Sean emphasizes that this call to mother well is a
command for all believers, encouraging acts of compassion in our
community, such as supporting foster families and sponsoring children
through Mission of Hope International.

**Ice Breaker Question**
– Share a memorable act of kindness you have witnessed or experienced.
How did it impact you?

**Discussion Questions**

1. How does the description of God as compassionate in Exodus 34:6
change or affirm your understanding of His character?
– **Cross Reference**: Psalm 103:8

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, embody the compassion
and nurturing nature of God in our daily lives?
– **Cross Reference**: Colossians 3:12

3. Pastor Sean mentions the importance of mothering well as a holy
vocation. How can this perspective influence our relationships and
interactions with others?
– **Cross Reference**: Isaiah 66:13

4. Reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan. How does this parable
illustrate the call to be compassionate and to “mother” those in need?

5. Considering the unchurched statistics shared in the sermon, what
practical steps can we take to be known as a compassionate community
in our local area?

**Prayer Prompts**

– Pray for the ability to see and respond to the needs around us with
a compassionate heart.
– Ask God to help our church community reflect His nurturing character
to those who are vulnerable and in need.
– Pray for the children and families involved in foster care and those
connected with Mission of Hope International.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

### Summary

In this sermon, Rebecca shares a story about Lee Strobel and his
unexpected impact through evangelism, illustrating the power of
sharing faith even when it seems challenging. This leads into a
discussion of the Parable of the Four Soils from Matthew 13,
highlighting different types of hearts and their receptivity to God’s
word. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of being generous in sharing
the gospel and allowing God, the gardener, to change hearts. The
sermon concludes with a call to self-reflection on our own hearts and
a challenge to spread the message of God generously.

### Ice Breaker Question

– Share about a time when you had an unexpected encounter that made a
lasting impact on you.

### Discussion Questions

1. How do you relate to the different types of soil mentioned in the
Parable of the Four Soils? Which one resonates most with your current
spiritual state?
– **Cross Reference**: Matthew 13:1-23

2. What are some barriers in your life that might prevent you from
fully receiving God’s word? How can you address these barriers?
– **Cross Reference**: Hebrews 12:1-2

3. Lee Strobel’s story highlights “ricochet evangelism.” Can you think
of a time when your actions or words impacted someone unexpectedly?
– **Cross Reference**: 1 Peter 3:15

4. The sermon discusses the importance of listening. How can we become
better listeners to God’s word in our daily lives?
– **Cross Reference**: James 1:19-25

5. Reflect on the concept of being wildly generous with the gospel.
What are practical ways you can share your faith with others around
you?

### Suggested Prayer Prompts

– Pray for God to reveal and remove any barriers in your heart that
prevent you from fully receiving His word.
– Ask God to help you be bold and generous in sharing the gospel with
those around you.
– Invite God to place someone on your heart who needs to hear His
message, and pray for opportunities to share with them.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

**Summary:**
Pastor Ben Bryson’s sermon focused on Colossians 3 and emphasized the
importance of being intentionally aligned with God. He discussed the
challenges faced by the early church in Colossae, such as legalism and
mysticism, and highlighted Paul’s call to focus on Christ. Pastor Ben
used the analogy of tuning a radio to illustrate how Christians must
set their minds on things above, cut off sinful habits, and live in
the new life provided by Christ. The sermon encouraged believers to be
consciously aware of the Holy Spirit and live out their faith visibly.

**Ice Breaker Question:**
What is one activity or hobby that helps you feel most connected to God?

**Discussion Questions:**

1. Pastor Ben emphasized setting your mind on things above. What
practical steps can we take daily to keep our focus on Christ?
*Cross Reference: Philippians 4:8*

2. The sermon discussed cutting off old signals and habits. How can we
identify and overcome these in our lives?
*Cross Reference: Hebrews 12:1*

3. Pastor Ben talked about putting on a new life. What does it mean to
clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, and humility in today’s
world?
*Cross Reference: Ephesians 4:22-24*

4. How do you handle situations where you find yourself drifting away
from your faith? What brings you back on track?

5. Pastor Ben mentioned the importance of community and
accountability. How can we support each other in staying tuned into
God?

**Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

– Pray for guidance in setting our minds on things above and aligning
our hearts with God.
– Ask for strength to cut off sinful habits and embrace the new life in Christ.
– Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence in daily life to remain consciously
aware of God’s love.
– Pray for unity and love within the church community, especially
during times of transition and growth.
– Thank God for the opportunities to grow in faith and the support of
fellow believers.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

**Summary:**

In this sermon, Pastor Sean explores the parables of Luke 15, focusing
on the story of the lost sheep. He contrasts the values of type A and
type B personalities, emphasizing the importance of relationships over
rigid structures. The sermon highlights the difference between
societal definitions of sinners and the biblical understanding of
those in broken relationships with God. It underscores God’s
relentless pursuit of individuals and challenges listeners to
prioritize people as image bearers of God, reflecting on how Jesus’
love for each person surpasses worldly concerns.

**Ice Breaker Question:**

What type of person are you—type A or type B—and how does that
influence your daily life?

**Discussion Questions:**

1. How do you interpret the parable of the lost sheep in your own words?
*Cross Reference: Matthew 18:12-14*

2. Pastor Sean mentioned “moralistic therapeutic deism.” How does this
concept impact our understanding of God’s relationship with us?

3. In what ways can we become more like the shepherd in the parable,
actively seeking out those who are lost?
*Cross Reference: Ezekiel 34:11-16*

4. How do you balance the need for order and plans with the call to
prioritize relationships and people?

5. Reflect on a time when you were the “lost sheep.” How did you
experience God’s pursuit and grace?
*Cross Reference: Psalm 23:1-4*

**Prayer Prompts:**

– Pray for a heart that seeks after the lost and values relationships
over personal agendas.
– Ask for humility and grace to see others as God sees them, as His
beloved image bearers.
– Thank God for His relentless pursuit and love, even when we wander away.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

**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.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

**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.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

**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.

—

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

**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.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

**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.

This content is AI generated. While it is good and helpful most of the
time, it can occasionally make errors.
Instructions for use: while a variety of content is provided, do not
feel the pressure to utilize everything with every discussion time.
Contact info@mymcc.cc if you have any further questions.

—

### 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.