Posts filed under Special Services

Is Trust Beyond Hope?

Speaker: Dr. Dennis Magary
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
Series: —

Sermon Notes

  1. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know how to respond when crises arise (vv. 1-4).
  2. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know that it is God's ways alone that are sure and reliable (vv. 5-12).
    1. God is incomparably powerful (v. 6).
    2. God is characteristically gracious and merciful (v. 7).
    3. God’s name is at stake in all that He does (vv. 8-12).
  3. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will know that circumstances are always in the Lord's hands (vv. 13-19).
  4. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will be able to offer unconditional obedience to His will (vv. 20-23).
  5. Only the one who trusts in the Lord will experience the true joy of unanticipated blessing from God (vv. 24-30).

Discussion Questions 

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

We often have some resemblances to relatives—either in appearance, demeanor, likes, skills, etc. Share with your group a few of these resemblances and whether you like them, are neutral to them, or would like to change some of them.

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. Read the following and discuss King Jehoshaphat’s character: 2 Chronicles 17:3-6; 19:4-7; 20:31-33.
  2. While Jehoshaphat’s heart was devoted to the Lord, he made some unwise alliances. Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, 28-31; 19:1-3; 20:35-37. Discuss the alliances and the results.
  3. As followers of Christ, we are forgiven yet still sin; we are not to love this world, yet we are to be salt and light on this earth. Read the following passages: Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 9:19-23; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16. What will this look like as we try to live out these truths? Be specific in regard to relationships with family members, neighbors, coworkers, and in the area of dating and marriage. 
  4. What is the report that King Jehoshaphat receives in 2 Chronicles 20:2? How do he and the people respond (20:3-4)?
  5. Read King Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12. How is God described in these verses? What do the people appeal to for their request? What is their attitude while making the request (see especially v. 12)?
  6. What is the answer from the Lord, through Jahaziel, in 2 Chronicles 20:15-17? How do King Jehoshaphat and the people respond (20:18-21)?
  7. Read 2 Chronicles 20:22-25 to see how the Lord kept His word. Read 20:26-30 for the battle’s aftermath. What is your response to this story?

APPLICATION

We as Christians are to live by faith (Hebrews 11:6). Identify a situation you’re facing where you need to live more by faith. Ask someone (or your group) to pray about that with you.

FAMILY FOCUS

Parents, we are pleased to include a family-oriented section to the Community Group questions. Our goal is to assist you in taking what you have learned through the sermon and discussed in your group and “bring it home” to your family.

  1. Which of the following best describes you and your trust in God and His direction in your life? Share your answer and why you chose it. Why is it hard at times to trust the Lord?
    1. I don’t seek Him because I am afraid of what He may say.
    2. I seek Him because I am supposed to, but the decision is mine.
    3. Whatever the Lord wants for me is good, acceptable, and perfect. My answer is yes no matter what the question may be.
  2. Because King Jehoshaphat was devoted to the Lord, he removed idols in the land and obeyed God’s commands (2 Chronicles 17:3-4, 19:3). Read Colossians 3:8-16a. As Christians, what are some hurtful things that we are to “take off”? What are some good things we are to “put on”? How can we do that?
Posted on October 11, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Dennis Magary.

Belief Leads to Action

Speaker: Cal Hiebert
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11
Series: —

  1. Our Position in Christ (vv. 1-4)
  2. Seek the Heavenly (vv. 1-4)
  3. Put to Death the Earthly (vv. 5-9)
Posted on September 6, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Cal Hiebert.

Beatitudes

Speaker: Pastor Steve Yeschek
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-11
Series: —

  1. Know God
  2. Know Who You Are in Christ
  3. Words of Jesus That Bring Change
  4. Response
Posted on July 12, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Steve Yeschek.

You'll Do Anything for the One You Love Most

Speaker: Chuck Beckler
Scripture: Luke 14:25-33
Series: —

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. How does the truth statement that salvation is by faith alone connect with the message of Luke 14:25-33?
  2. Please explain the three demands of Jesus in your own words (everyone should try). Luke 14:25-33 makes them very clear. Read the passage together again.
  3. What is the significance of the word “cannot” in the text? Why does Jesus emphasize that word?
  4. Is the word “disciple” synonymous with the term “Christian” in Luke 14-25-33? Explain.
  5. Take some time to find other texts in the Gospels that communicate a similar message from Jesus. Discuss how they compare to Luke 14:25-33. (I didn’t give the texts because I want you to dig.)
  6. How have the three demands of Jesus personally impacted your life? Which one is the most difficult for you?
  7. Can you be a disciple without being a Christian? Explain.
  8. Can you be a Christian without being a disciple? Explain. 
Posted on April 26, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Chuck Beckler.

Investing for the Future

Speaker: Cal Hiebert
Scripture: Luke 12-13-34
Series: —

Sermon Notes

  1. A person's life does not consist in abundant possessions.
  2. God is in control of man's destiny. 
  3. God will provide for His own.
  4. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Tell us about a treasure (other than family) that would be difficult to give up.

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. Read Ecclesiastes 8:15. How does this differ from the “eat, drink, and be merry” in Luke 12:19?
  2. Read Colossians 3:1-2. How do you set your mind on heavenly things?
  3. Read Ecclesiastes 5:10. How does this complement Jesus’ teaching about possessions?
  4. Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10. Why do you think that desiring riches and loving money causes so many problems?
  5. Read Philippians 4:11-12. What was the secret Paul learned, and how can we learn it?
  6. Is there a difference between earthly and heavenly treasure? If so, what?
  7. Read Luke 12:33. How do we apply this verse to our lives today?
  8. Is it possible to have both earthly and heavenly treasure? Explain.
  9. We are told we must plan for retirement. Discuss how we can do that and at the same time please God.

APPLICATION

How are you investing in a heavenly future? 

Posted on April 19, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Cal Hiebert.

Pictures of Celebration

Speaker: Pastor Tim Bruns
Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9
Series: —

Sermon Notes

  1. Celebrating with the Lord's Supper
  2. Celebrating with Baptism

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Share your baptism experience or a memorable communion celebration.

INTO THE BIBLE

The following two articles are from our church’s Statement of Faith; read them as a group.

We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.

We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.

  1. Spiritual baptism: At conversion, we believe that the Holy Spirit baptizes/immerses/places a person into union with Christ or into the body of Christ. Read the following verses: Romans 8:9-11, 14-15; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 1:9-12, 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 5:5. Describe the work of the Spirit in these passages and discuss the help and encouragement these truths can bring to a Christian’s life.
  2. Water baptism: Our church believes that people—specifically those who have trusted in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on the cross as their only hope of salvation—should be obedient to what the Bible says and be baptized. Read the following verses: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 10:34-48; Romans 6:3-5. Discuss how these passages answer the why and when of water baptism and what this ordinance symbolizes. 

  3. Communion: When Jesus inaugurated communion, He and the disciples were celebrating the Passover (see Luke 22:14-16; compare to Exodus 12:1-14). That feast began hundreds of years earlier when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. Jesus infused new meaning by taking the bread and the cup and tying it to His body and blood. How does the picture of Passover find fulfillment in Christ? See 1 Corinthians 5:7 and Hebrews 9:11-15, 10:10-14. Lastly, read 1 Corinthians 11:26. According to the Apostle Paul, what are we doing as we partake of communion? 

APPLICATION

We have focused on two ordinances (practices) that followers of Christ hold dear out of reverence and obedience to the Lord. They are powerful symbols of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. But as we read earlier, they are not a means of salvation. The Bible makes clear that there is bad news for every person: all are sinners deserving of condemnation. No ordinance, religious practice, or good work can change our hopeless situation. But it also says there is good news for every person: Jesus is the way, truth, and life (John 3:16-18, 14:6). The Philippian jailer asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” and the Apostle Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). Are you asking the same question today? If so, talk to your Community Group leader, contact one of the church pastors, or visit the church website and read the “How Do We Get to Heaven?” article: www.efccl.org/heaven.

Maybe you are a follower of Christ but have not gone through water baptism, the public declaration that you have turned to God in repentance and have trusted in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). Visit the church website for more information on the purpose of baptism and the process we have at EFCCL: www.efccl.org/baptism. 

Posted on March 15, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Tim Bruns.