June 26th – Based on a sermon on June 23rd by Les Kovacs
Here are some questions that may challenge you to deepen your understanding of the Consummation of the Body of Christ:
This blog is written by Rev. Merv Lanctot, based on his sermon preached on June 9 on the Body's Fellowship - "Koinonia":
1) What do you think fellowship (Koinonia) means to us at St Aidan's? 2) Why do you think Paul was concerned with the fellowship found in the Corinthian Church? 3) What is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit? 4) What does the fellowship with the Holy Spirit involve? Read: 2 Corinthians 5: 18 – 6: 2
This blog is written by Rev. Kim Salo, based on his sermon preached on May 26, "The Trinity and the Church".
1. Name some other concepts about who or what God is than the Holy Trinity. 2. What are the problems some Christians have in understanding the Trinity? Why does this happen? 3. How is worship the work of the Trinity, especially the Holy Spirit? 4. Read Ephesians 2:14-22. (This passage refers to Jews and Gentiles both becoming one body in Christ.) What are some of the chief signs that there is authentic communion and unity among different Christians, even across denominations? 5. How is the church's mission the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? 6. Have you (or a group or your congregation) ever clearly sensed that God is sending you somewhere to do something? How did it turn out? Reflection Questions
Read Acts 2: 1-13:
Take a moment to reflect on the gift of the Holy Spirit in your life (the very same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead). Share your reflections with your brothers and sisters. Then pray together for the filling and refreshing of the Holy Spirit. Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, here is our cup. Warm it and fill it up! May all you intend to happen in our lives come to pass, though the power and presence of you Holy Spirit! Please continue to work in us and through us, producing a supernatural joy and praise in our hearts. May your fullness bring salvation to many around us, for your glory. Amen. Questions:
1. Luke 24:36 How is "Peace be with you" a good summary of the gospel? 2. Luke 24:44 Why is it important that Jesus' mission was anticipated in "the Law of Moses," "the Prophets," and "the psalms"? 3. Acts 1:11 When you read verses 5,6,7 and 8 together, you get two different ideas about the kingdom. Verses 5-6, the disciples, verses 7-8 Jesus. How do they differ? 4. Ephesians 1:15-23 a. What does Paul pray for in this passage? b. Which of these things could you use in your life right now? c. Where do you need "the incomparably great power of God" to be at work in the coming week? These questions are a follow-up to the sermon "Pastors/Teachers: Who Do You Say That I Am?", preached on May 5th by Rev. Merv Lanctot.
1. What/Who do you see as Pastor/Teacher? 2. Is that the same role we need at St. Aidan's? 3. How would you respond if the new pastor is different than your expectations? 4. How do see the role of pastor/teacher fitting into the structure in place now at St. Aidan's? 5. Who do you say that I am? May 1st – Based on a sermon on April 28th by Les Kovacs
Read Ephesians 4:11-13 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil”.
These questions are a follow-up to the sermon "Evangelists and the Body", preached on April 21st by Rev. Chris.
Follow up: Take time this week to write out your testimony and then become familiar with it. This practice will help you to become more prepared to share the reason for your hope in Christ. These questions are a follow-up to the sermon "Apostles and the Body", preached on April 14th by Rev. Kim Salo.
1. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Paul calls five ministries “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers.” Do you know of any churches that regularly exercise all five? Why do so few churches designate their ministries this way? 2. Why do so many churches drift into “only the minister does real ministry” mode? What are some ways churches can get out of the rut of “only the minister does ministry”? 3. Read Luke 6:12-16. What are some of the reasons for Jesus to pray and then choose such a wide variety of people to be his 12 apostles? Why Twelve? 4. Read I Corinthians 15:7-9. Why does the apostle Paul say, “last of all, Christ appeared to me, as one abnormally (or untimely) born.” What does he mean by “abnormally/un- timely born”? 5. If we no longer have leaders called “Apostles”, what does it mean for the church to be “apostolic”? How do we help keep a local church apostolic? What is meant at Jude 1:3 by “contend for the faith once delivered (or, entrusted) to the saints”? |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
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