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.

The Triumph of the Lion

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Revelation
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

Sermon Notes

  1. What Is Revelation About?
  2. What Does Revelation Call Christians to Do?

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What excites you most about the future? What frightens you most about the future?

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. In the past, how have you felt about the book of Revelation? What is the book primarily about? What disturbs you the most? What interests you the most? How is Revelation misunderstood?
  2. Read Revelation 1:1-3. How is this book a prophecy? What does it mean to “heed” the contents of this book? Why does John say “the time is near”?
  3. Read Revelation 1:3-20 out loud as a group. What words and titles are used for Jesus?
  4. Read Revelation 1:9. Where is Patmos? Why was John exiled there? What happened to him?
  5. Read Revelation 5:1-5 out loud as a group. What do the titles “the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah” and “the Root of David” mean? (cf. Genesis 49:9-10; 2 Samuel 7:13, 16; Isaiah 11:1, 10)
  6. Read Revelation 5:6-10.
    • Share a time in your life when realizing that Christ is triumphant changed your tears to joy.
    • How would you describe the difference between Jesus as a lamb and a lion? (Read Psalm 2.)
  7. Read Revelation 5:11-14.
    • How is the Lamb described? Is He God? Why? Why not?
    • How are true believers called to respond to the Lamb? What does this mean practically?
  8. How does this chapter give us courage to live out the gospel? Be specific.
  9. Read Revelation 5:9 and 7:9. How do these verses tie into the Story of the Bible?
    • Read Revelation 6:9. Why is martyrdom often the price-tag for advancing the gospel?
    • Read Revelation 6:10-11. Discuss the implication of a predetermined number of martyrs in God’s plan.

APPLICATION

How will your private and public worship look different after this chapter?

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. What’s in a name? Discuss the meaning of the names of each member of your family. Why were those names chosen?
  2. Jesus has many names and titles. There are some in this week’s sermon (Revelation 5:5, 8). Read the following verses: John 8:12, 10:11; 1 John 4:14. Discuss the meaning of these names of Jesus. Is it helpful or encouraging to know these things about Jesus? Why? How?
Posted on October 4, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Get Your Global Vision On and tagged Jay Childs.

Compassion for the Nations

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Romans 15:14-22
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

Sermon Notes

  1. A Burden for the Gospel (vv. 14-16)
  2. A Burden for the Nations (vv. 17-22)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Have you been to another country? If so, share an interesting fact that you discovered there. If not, where is somewhere you’d like to visit outside the USA?

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. Read Matthew 28:16-20. What is the Great Commission? Why was this review for the disciples?
  2. Read Acts 9:15-16. What was Paul chosen for? What would it cost him personally? Why?
  3. Read Isaiah 19:21-25. What does God promise here? How does this reveal God’s heart for the nations?
  4. Read Mark 1:14-15 and Romans 1:16-17. What is the gospel? How do we distort it? Why is it good news? How is it different from “religion”?
  5. How is the love of God good news? How is the wrath of God good news?
  6. Read Revelation 20:11-15. Is Hell real? Why? Why not?
  7. Read John 14:6. Does this really mean what it says? Why? Why not? What are the implications?
  8. Read Romans 10:9-15. Why is conscious faith in Jesus necessary for salvation? Is sincerity enough?
  9. Read Romans 1:18-25. What about those who have never heard the gospel? What is their fate? Why?
  10. Read Matthew 8:11-12 and John 4:1-26. How do these sections reveal Jesus as Messiah for all ethnic groups?

APPLICATION

Pray for your adopted missionary family (or for one of our missionary families).

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. The holy and righteous Lord is also loving, compassionate, merciful, and patient with humanity. Read these verses: Matthew 5:43-45a; Luke 10:30-37; Galatians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12; 3:1-2; and 2 Peter 3:9. Discuss ways you and your family can be loving and compassionate to the people you meet at work, school, and in your neighborhood.
  2. Take your children shopping to buy items for a church member or neighbor who may be homebound. After making the purchase, go as a family and deliver the items to the person, spending a little time visiting them.
Posted on September 27, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Get Your Global Vision On and tagged Jay Childs.

Jonah: God's Missionary Heart

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Jonah
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

Sermon Notes

  1. Running from God's Will (Jonah 1-2)
  2. God's Compassion for the Nations (Jonah 3-4)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Briefly share one highlight from your summer.

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. Read Jonah 1 out loud. What is the context of this unusual book?
  2. Describe who Jonah was, where he lived, when he lived, where he sailed from, where he ended up. (Use a study Bible if possible.)
  3. Jonah tried to run away from God. Is this possible? Read Psalm 139:7-12. Describe a time you tried to run away from God.
  4. What were the results of Jonah’s disobedience? How is disobedience insanity?
  5. Read Jonah 1:17 and 2:10. Discuss the implications of this verse for God’s sovereignty over all things. What are some other examples of God’s sovereignty over animals, weather, people, etc.?
  6. Read Jonah 2:8. Jonah seemed to understand God’s loving-kindness and grace. How can we as Christians obtain the mercy of God? Read Hebrews 4:14-16.
  7. Read the last sentence in Jonah 2:9. Why might this be the most important statement in the entire book?
  8. Read Jonah 3 out loud. Describe Jonah’s sermon. Was the repentance real? Why? Why not?
  9. Read Jonah 4 out loud. Why was Jonah so upset? What is our attitude toward those least like us?
  10. How does Jonah reveal God’s heart for the nations?

APPLICATION

Pray for your adopted missionary family (or for one of our missionary families). 

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.  Most characters in the book of Jonah listen to, respond to, obey, or worship the Lord: the sailors (Jonah 1:14-16), creation (winds, fish, plant, and worm in 1:4, 15, 17; 2:10; 4:6-8), and the people of Nineveh (3:5-9). The exception to this, at least at first, is the prophet Jonah. It takes a “whale of a tale” to get him to come around, and even then his attitude is not the best (4:1). Why is obedience so important? Read and discuss some of these verses: 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 119:34; Matthew 28:20; John 15:10; Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20; Hebrews 13:7, 17; and 2 John 6. Why is obedience (doing the right thing) so hard? Share with your kids an area or two where you struggle and are challenged about obedience. As a family, how can you help each other get better at obedience?
  2. One way to “get your global vision on” is reading missionary biographies. Next Sunday, take your children to the church library. You will find a great selection of age-appropriate stories that your family will enjoy reading together!
Posted on September 20, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Get Your Global Vision On and tagged Jay Childs.

The Story of the Bible

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: —
Series: Get Your Global Vision On

  1. The Introduction to the Story (Genesis 1-11)
  2. The Main Plot of the Story (Genesis 12-Jude)
  3. The Conclusion of the Story (Revelation)
Posted on September 13, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under Get Your Global Vision On and tagged Jay Childs.

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.