Aug 24, 2014
Love: The Mark of Discipleship
By: Max Oates
Series: Discovering Discipleship
Pastor Max continues in the series, "Discovering Discipleship", with a message from John 13:31-38.
Questions:
Please read John 13:31-38.
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him”? How does Jesus glorify God?
2. In verse 32, Jesus says that, “God will glorify the Son” and “will glorify Him at once.” How will God do that? (see Phil.2:8-11)
3. Jesus makes reference in verse 33 to His “little children” and though a number of them are Jews, He makes another reference to “the Jews.” What is the distinction Jesus is making? What is the present truth that both groups share? What is the future that the “little children” have to look forward to? (see verse 36)
4. In the following verse, Jesus raises the bar regarding how the disciples are to love. How so? How had the disciples previously been taught to love one another? (see Lev.19:18)
Questions:
Please read John 13:31-38.
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him”? How does Jesus glorify God?
2. In verse 32, Jesus says that, “God will glorify the Son” and “will glorify Him at once.” How will God do that? (see Phil.2:8-11)
3. Jesus makes reference in verse 33 to His “little children” and though a number of them are Jews, He makes another reference to “the Jews.” What is the distinction Jesus is making? What is the present truth that both groups share? What is the future that the “little children” have to look forward to? (see verse 36)
4. In the following verse, Jesus raises the bar regarding how the disciples are to love. How so? How had the disciples previously been taught to love one another? (see Lev.19:18)
5. Lastly, what is the intended impact upon the world concerning this demonstration of love? What sets this love apart?
WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Aug 24, 2014Love: The Mark of DiscipleshipAug 24, 2014Love: The Mark of DiscipleshipBy: Max OatesSeries: Discovering DiscipleshipPastor Max continues in the series, "Discovering Discipleship", with a message from John 13:31-38.
Questions:
Please read John 13:31-38.
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him”? How does Jesus glorify God?
2. In verse 32, Jesus says that, “God will glorify the Son” and “will glorify Him at once.” How will God do that? (see Phil.2:8-11)
3. Jesus makes reference in verse 33 to His “little children” and though a number of them are Jews, He makes another reference to “the Jews.” What is the distinction Jesus is making? What is the present truth that both groups share? What is the future that the “little children” have to look forward to? (see verse 36)
4. In the following verse, Jesus raises the bar regarding how the disciples are to love. How so? How had the disciples previously been taught to love one another? (see Lev.19:18)
5. Lastly, what is the intended impact upon the world concerning this demonstration of love? What sets this love apart? - Aug 17, 2014Spiritual Maturity: The Fruit of DiscipleshipAug 17, 2014Spiritual Maturity: The Fruit of DiscipleshipBy: Max OatesSeries: Discovering DiscipleshipPastor Max continues in the series, "Discovering Discipleship", with a message from Ephesians 4:11-16.
Questions:
Please read all of Ephesians 4 in order to understand the full context of what Paul is communicating. Now we'll focus on verses 11 to 16.
1. Who assigned the spiritually gifted individuals listed in verse 11 to lead and serve in the church?
2. What is the purpose of their role and service as identified in verse 12? Does this surprise you? What overall result is implied at the end of verse 12?
3. List the traits that will be evident in the body of Christ when fully mature (v. 13). How will this growth prevent the spiritual dangers warned of in verse 14? In which of these areas do you recognize the greatest need for personal growth in your life?
4. In what ways can “speaking the truth in love” (v. 15) among believers help combat the perils warned of in verse 14? Can you think of some examples from the life of Christ, who was full of both “grace and truth” (John 1:14)?
5. How is a human body a good illustration of Christ's body, the Church? Who gives life and direction to thisbody (vv. 15-16)?
6. What happens to both a human body and the Church when any part of it is hurting, unhealthy or not working in unity (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31)? What is the result when “each part is working properly” (Ephesians 4:16)?
7. What is God saying to you about your “work of ministry” (v. 12) in the body of Christ? - Aug 10, 2014Self-Control: The Character of DiscipleshipAug 10, 2014Self-Control: The Character of DiscipleshipBy: Max OatesSeries: Discovering DiscipleshipPastor Max continues in the series, "Discovering Discipleship", with a message from Titus 2.
Questions:
Please read Titus 2:1-15.
1. What would Paul define as, “sound doctrine”? With respect to that definition and to what Paul says in verses 1-10, how should sound doctrine affect how we live?
2. Paul addresses several different groups of people in this passage. What are some of the similarities in how these different peoples are to live? What are some of the distinct differences?
3. Why would Paul address Titus specifically in verse 7? What 2 specific areas of Titus' life does Paul address?
4. Paul gives his readers then, and now, our motivation at the end of his directive to the slaves. What should be the result of a life lived as Paul describes?
5. How are the Christians under Titus’ care in Crete, and us now in Mississauga, able to live as Paul has directed us? (vv.11-14)
6. By what authority does Titus teach and lead the people entrusted to him? (v.15)
“There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.”
- William Barclay - Aug 3, 2014Abandon: The Cost of DiscipleshipAug 3, 2014Abandon: The Cost of DiscipleshipBy: Max OatesSeries: Discovering DiscipleshipToday Pastor Max begins a new series entitled "Discovering Discipleship". The first message is from Luke 14:25-35.
Questions:
Please read Luke 14:25-35.1. With the context of this chapter in mind, what would the crowd of followers be expecting to hear from Jesus as He turned to address them in verse 25?
2. If this scene occurred today, in Mississauga, what would you expect Jesus to say to a crowd of followers?
3. With Jesus’ other teachings on loving others in mind (Lk. 6:27-31), how should we best understand verse 26?
4. Similarly, in Luke 9:23-27, Jesus describes bearing ones own cross (v.27). What kind of life should a follower of Jesus expect then, and now?
5. Jesus now uses two illustrations to make two related points in verses 28-32. What is Jesus’ first point in verses 28-30? How is Jesus’ point different in His illustration from verses 31-32?
6. How does Jesus short parable in verses 34-35 about salt and saltiness apply to what He has said about discipleship and the cost of following Him?
7. Summarize in your own words Jesus’ lessons on discipleship from this passage. Have you applied these lessons? - Apr 19, 2014The Message & Mission of the ChurchApr 19, 2014The Message & Mission of the ChurchBy: Deric BartlettSeries: EasterPastor Deric shares with us an special Easter message from John 20:19-23 entitled "The Message & Mission of the Church" on Easter Sunday at the Living Arts Centre.
Questions
Read John 20:19-23
1. In the light of Jesus’ life, and His death on the cross, what is the significance of Jesus’ resurrection? What difference does it make to you that Jesus lives?
2. To say the least, it had been a tumultuous week for Jesus, and especially His disciples. After reading v.19, place yourself in their sandals and describe their emotions and thoughts at this time leading up to v.19a. What had Jesus promised them some time earlier? (John 16:20)
3. Read v.20. Describe the disciples initial reaction to seeing Jesus standing before them. (see Luke 24:36-43) What did Jesus do that changed them, and brought about their second reaction?
4. Read v.21-22. Jesus brings clarity to the purpose for which He had called His disciples. How might the disciples understand their purpose now? What might have been their natural reaction to His statement? How could the Holy Spirit have changed their understanding?
5. Does Jesus get your attention with the statement, “as the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you”? What implications do you see regarding your own life?
6. How do you understand John’s instructions to the disciples in v. 23? Do we have the power to forgive sin? What is John saying?
7. After digging deeper into the events of the resurrection, what does the statement, “Jesus is Lord” mean to you?
8. All believers are commissioned by Jesus to do the work of making disciples. How do you maintain your career / job, and fulfill this command of Jesus? - Apr 18, 2014Good FridayApr 18, 2014Good FridayBy: Brian RabySeries: Guest speaker
Our guest speaker for Good Friday is Pastor Brian Raby. His message is from Matthew 26:36-46.
- Apr 13, 2014Your Are Being CalledApr 13, 2014Your Are Being CalledBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 2:21-25 entitled "You Are Being Called"
Questions
Read 1 Peter 2:21-25
1. In your own words, to what have you “been called”?
2. When we follow Jesus’ example, what does this reveal about our life and our attitude? (v.23 b) How do you react to the prospect of suffering for Jesus sake? What does Peter say about this in 1Peter 4:13-14?
3. Read the 12 verses of Isaiah 53. It seems apparent that Peter had these verses in mind when he wrote this passage. From v.22-25, find the quote and the allusions to Isaiah 53.
4. How did Jesus respond to the unjust treatment He received? (v.23) What would our instinctive response be to such treatment? What would these responses indicate about “who we depend on” in times of crisis? Who did Jesus depend on?
5. In v.24, Peter reminds us of the heart of the Gospel, “He bore our sins in His body on the tree.” According to Peter, why did Jesus do that? How does Peter’s answer to this question relate back to our necessary response to unjust treatment?
6. Peter has reminded us that we are called to a difficult calling. Remembering the points from Pastor Deric’s lesson on Sunday, how can we “answer the call” that Peter identified and Jesus modelled for our lives? - Apr 6, 2014You Are God’s PeopleApr 6, 2014You Are God’s PeopleBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 2:10-20 entitled "You Are God's People"
Questions
1. Read v.10-12. Who are the “beloved” that Peter refers to and what makes them “sojourners and exiles”?
2. The fact that Peter implores the beloved to “abstain” from these passions, carries a significant implication about our ability to resist sin. What is the implication?
3. How does the Christian “wage war” against the desires of the flesh?
4. What may result from living a life of honourable conduct among the “gentiles”? (v.12)
5. Read v.13-17. Why should we “be subject” to “every human institution”? What about institutions that are led by leaders that are not believers or are morally bankrupt? (see Rom 13:1-7) Are there any exceptions to this?
6. The text implies active participation in the political institutions of our day. Why are believers often tempted to neglect their civic duties? (see Matt 22:15-21)
7. How does God intend for us to silence the foolish and the slanderer? (v.15-17)
8. Read v.18-20. Peter calls believers to a difficult level of obedience. What confidence enables the Christian to endure difficult circumstances and even mistreatment? What does this confidence and ability to endure hardship say about the believers’ faith?
9. So in the light of what we’ve studied and learned this week, how do we live this way? What are we to do? Give examples of how Acts 5:29 will apply. - Mar 30, 2014A Call to Gospel EnduranceMar 30, 2014A Call to Gospel EnduranceBy: Darryl DashSeries: Guest speakerOur guest speaker this week is Pastor Darryl Dash from Liberty Grace Church in Toronto. His message is from 2 Timothy 2:1-13 "A Call to Gospel Endurance."
Questions
1. The apostle Paul challenges Timothy in vv.1-2. What is the scope of Paul’s challenge? How can Timothy possibly do all that? Where should his strength come from? How can we take up Paul’s challenge?
2. In v.3 Paul encourages Timothy to, “share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” How could Timothy have done that in a practical way? How can we do the same?
3. In v.4-7 Paul uses the common images of a soldier, athlete and farmer, and tells Timothy to think about what he has said. As you reflect upon Paul’s words, what understanding has the Lord given you regarding these images? How can we apply this knowledge today?
4. Read v.8-13 again. What core belief is Paul reminding Timothy of? Why would this be so important to Timothy then, and us today? (see 1 Timothy 3-7)
5. In v.9 Paul contrasts his situation in prison with the freedom of the Gospel. Proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Messiah and preaching the Gospel that frees us, landed him in prison. What does this tell you about the power of the Gospel?
6. What is it that motivates Paul to endure the hardships he faces? (v.10) Compare and contrast your life and experience. Are you taking the Gospel to your world? Are you being mentored/discipled? Are you mentoring/discipling someone?
7. Why was it important for Paul to write this passage (v.1-13) to Timothy? What effect would it have on Timothy? What effect does it have on you? - Mar 23, 2014Proclaiming the Excellencies of God’s Big House!Mar 23, 2014Proclaiming the Excellencies of God’s Big House!By: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 2:3-10 entitled "Proclaiming the Excellencies of God's Big House!"
Questions
1. Reading from v.4, what are some images that come to mind where we read that Christ is, “a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious”?
2. Earlier in v.4 it says we “come to Him”. How would you describe this call to ‘draw near’ to Christ the living cornerstone?
3. In v.5 Peter says we are “like living stones.” As Christ is a “living stone”, what implications does Peter’s description of us now suggest to you?
4. Peter goes on to say we are “a spiritual house” and “a holy priesthood” offering “spiritual sacrifices.” (v.5) How is this possible for us?
5. There is a history of visible evidence of God’s presence among His people. Examine these examples of God’s presence in Scripture. (Ex. 13:21-22; Ex. 33:8-13; 40:34-38; 1Kings 8:10-11; Jn. 1:14; Jn. 2:19) How is the visible presence of God evidenced in the world today?
6. Peter cites Isaiah 28:16 in v.6. In your own words, how is Peter applying this Scripture? What has God done?
7. In v.6, Peter states that those who believe in Christ, “will not be put to shame.” In v.7-8, the other shoe drops. How do you understand, “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”?
8. How should we best understand the end of v.8 where Peter says, “as they were destined to do”? (Eph. 1:4; 2 Pet. 2:3; Jude 4; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:29-30; 9:14-24)
9. Reading in v.9, who are the “chosen race” the “royal priesthood, a holy nation”? Describe some of the implications your answer carries with it.
10. In v.10 Peter contrasts our former standing with our present blessing. What is your response to this truth? How are you working out your response today? - Mar 16, 2014Letters from HeavenMar 16, 2014Letters from HeavenBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 entitled "Letters From Heaven"
Questions
1. What is Peter’s point in distinguishing between “perishable seed” and “imperishable”? (v.23) What is Peter saying about the nature of our faith? On what basis does Peter make this claim?
2. Peter cites Isaiah 40:6 in vv.24-25. What is Peter emphasizing here by using this quote? Can you think of any implications these verses might have regarding our understanding of evangelism? Your role? God’s role?
3. As we read and understand the earlier verses, why are we to “put away” malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander mentioned in 2:1?
4. Just as a newborn infant cries for milk, what is it that Peter implies we should long for? (v.2) What does desire or longing for God’s Word have to do with the Christian life? Can’t we just read and study the Bible as a matter of discipline?
5. What does Peter mean (v.3) that we have “tasted” that the Lord is good? How do you taste something that is invisible?
Personal Application: What evidence do you see in your own life that you are growing in your salvation experience? - Mar 2, 2014Ask and It Will Be Given to You!Mar 2, 2014Ask and It Will Be Given to You!By: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 1:17-25 entitled "Ask and it Will Be Given to You!"
Questions
1. If you could ask God for anything, what would it be?
2. In verse 17, Peter describes the church reaching out to God as a call to Him as our Father. What two aspects of being a Christian are highlighted in that statement?
3. Read vv.18-19. It says we, “were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from our forefathers…” In your words, what does “ransomed” mean? Name 3 implication your definition suggests.
4. In verse 19 Peter reminds us that God paid a very high price for us. What does that say about God the Father? Jesus Christ, His Son? You and me?
5. Peter paints an extremely vivid picture of the Gospel in verses 18-22. What makes that makes that Gospel so compelling to us?
6. In Verse 20, Pastor Deric explained that the word “foreknown” refers not only to knowing in advance but also actively working out His plan through eternity. How does this truth impact your understanding of your role in God’s ongoing plan?
7. Read vv. 22-25. In the previous verses Peter has called us to be holy. Now with souls purified by “obedience to the truth” we are to, “love one another earnestly from a pure heart…” How could we see this love in our families? In our church? How could evidence of this kind of love impact the community we live, go to school and work in? - Feb 23, 2014Measuring the True Value of Your SalvationFeb 23, 2014Measuring the True Value of Your SalvationBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 1:13-21 entitled "Measuring the True Value of Your Salvation."
Questions
1. Read v.13 again. What does, “preparing your mind for action” look like? Give examples of how you would explain it to someone.
2. The words “sober-minded” in v.13 translate as un-intoxicated. Why would Peter have used those words?
3. From v.14, how are you doing at being an obedient child of God? How natural is it to live the way God commands us to?
4. In v.15, Peter describes God as “holy.” What does that mean? As we are charged in v.16 with being, “holy in all our conduct”, how do we establish this pattern for our lives?
5. What does it mean that God judges deeds impartially? (v.17)
6. Three times in this chapter (vv.3,13 & 21), Peter has highlighted the concept of “hope”. Why is hope important? How does hope affect us? - Feb 16, 2014Your Sacred AncestryFeb 16, 2014Your Sacred AncestryBy: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 1:10-12 entitled "Your Sacred Ancestry."
Questions
1. Read the text again (vs. 10-12) and underline key words that highlight the Gospel. What aspect of the Gospel do these words emphasize?
2. Do you have a favourite verse that utilizes that fabulous word “salvation”? Write it out and think about why it means so much to you.
3. What did the prophets discover about the message they were delivering to the people of their day?
4. What lesson for our own lives can we learn from the prophets’ discovery? Give some examples of how you can apply this lesson, this week.
5. Why is preaching as important today as it was in the days of the apostles? What is the Holy Spirits’ role in preaching?
6. Think/talk about the effect that your earthly ancestry has had upon you. Is it for good, has it caused you pain, or maybe both. Now compare the hope that your new identity by faith in Jesus Christ brings you. Are you learning to live in the light of the “new creation”? (2 Cor.5:17) - Feb 9, 2014It’s Simply Complex!Feb 9, 2014It’s Simply Complex!By: Deric BartlettSeries: The House that God is BuildingPastor Deric continues his series from 1 Peter entitled "The House that God is Building." This week the message is from 1 Peter 1:6-9 entitled "It's Simply Complex!"Questions
Having already discussed our present and future joy of our reward in heaven, Peter leads us into a further discussion of joy in spite of suffering and our inexpressible joy in knowing Christ as our Saviour!There are simple fleeting joys in life and there are deeper, long lasting, life altering joys. Describe examples of each that you have experienced, the similarities and the differences.
1. Why are we tested by “various trials” in this life? What does Peter have to say about that in 1 Peter1:6-7. How do these verses shed yet additional light on the reason for our trials?
2. According to this text, what proves that a person has a genuine faith?
3. How do you explain the “seeming contradiction” in the text between rejoicing and grieving? How is that possible?
4. Peter begins verse 8, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him.” This is an incredible statement! How is this possible? Read the rest of verse 8. Reflect on and share what this means to you.
5. Read and consider 1 Peter1:9. Peter seems to be describing the entire process of growth in the Christian life. How are you doing in the process? Are you shaken by the trials of life, stopped dead in your tracks? Are you receiving more and more blessings as you journey by faith towards Christian maturity?
6. Give examples of what loving Jesus, believing Jesus and rejoicing in Jesus looks like.
