White Unto Harvest

White Unto Harvest

Title: White unto Harvest

Discussion Questions: 

1. What are some differences between Nicodemus in John 3 and the Samaritan woman in John 4? What does this teach us about Jesus' view of people?

2. Why do you think the disciples "didn't get it?"

3. Why do so many christians not witness?

4. What are some of the excuses for not sharing the gospel with others?

5. What is your greatest fear in sharing the gospel?

6. How was Jesus able to see the fields white unto harvest and his own disciples miss "seeing it?"

7. How can we do better as individuals and as a church in sharing the gospel?

8. How has God ordained the gospel to spread in our modern world? 

9. Are you pursuing the will of God and the work of God?

This Is the End (Pastor Ontoy)

This Is the End (Pastor Ontoy)

Standing Together – Summer Sermon Series
 
“This Is the End”
Jude 8-16
 
Outline:
 
The Starting Point of False Teachers – “filthy dreams”
The Starting Point of Believers – God’s Word

  1. 3 Sins of False Teachers (8-10)

    • Immorality – “Defile the flesh”

    • Insubordination – “Despise dominion”

    • Ignorance – “Speak evil of dignities”

  2. 3 Examples of False Teachers (11)

    • Cain

    • Balaam

    • Korah

  3. Consequences of Following False Teachers (12-16)

 
Sermon Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth this morning?

  2. False teachers appeal to their dreams rather than God’s Word. Is there an area of your life that you need to bring into alignment with Scripture?

  3. Jude lists 3 sins of false teachers. Is there an area that you need to confess and repent of today?

    • Application: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas in your life that you need to submit to Him.

  4. False teachers walk in the way of Cain. What lessons can you learn from Cain’s bad example?

  5. Read 1 Tim. 6:6-11. Balaam led people astray because of greed. Have you ever been tempted to compromise on the truth because of the possibility of material gain?

    • Application: Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Find ways to invest in eternity. Ask God to help you value godliness with contentment.

  6. The sin of Korah was sowing seeds of division. How can we as a church cultivate unity and support our leadership during this pastoral transition?

    • Application: Ask God to help you endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit.

  7. False teachers lead people to destruction, fruitlessness, and wandering. If that is the end of false teaching why do so many people still choose to follow false teaching?

  8. God is coming to judge. How should that reality impact your life this week?


Do You Remember? (Pastor Ontoy)

Do You Remember? (Pastor Ontoy)

Standing Together – Summer Sermon Series
 
“Do You Remember?”
Jude 5-7
 
Outline:

  1. The Israelites: Doubting God’s Word

  2. The Angels: Denying God’s Authority

  3. The Cities: Distorting God’s Order

 
Sermon Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth this morning?

  2. Have you experienced the hurt and discouragement of someone who abandoned the Christian faith? How did that news impact you?

    • Application: Pray for restoration. Ask God to lead you in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

  3. Jude provides us 3 examples from the Old Testament. Does the Old Testament matter for believers today? Why do so many Christians ignore the Old Testament?

    • Application: When was the last time you studied a book of the Old Testament? Take time in your devotions to study all of God’s Word (Read 1 Cor. 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16).

  4. Why is it sometimes easier to rely on cultural Christianity than to pursue a personal relationship with God? Have you ever been tempted to just blend in or go through the motions?

    • Application: Examine your heart. What are you really trusting in for salvation? Is there an area of your life that you’re not trusting and obeying God in?

  5. What did you think about the 2 different views about the sin of the angels in Jude 6? Based on Scripture, which view do you believe? How does your view explain all the verses in Scripture? (For example, see Mark 12:25. Is this a contradiction in Scripture?).

    • Application: Do more homework. Ask the Lord to give you understanding and humility as you diligently search the Scriptures like the Bereans. Ask for unity with other Christians as you extend grace to others who disagree on secondary and tertiary issues.

  6. How does the Creation account shape a Christian’s belief and practice regarding sexual ethics?

    • Application: Plead for grace to live a holy life. Repent of any sins that displease God.

Do You Love Jesus? (Pastor Miller)

Do You Love Jesus? (Pastor Miller)

Do You Love Jesus?

Hebrews 2:5-9

Pastor Miller

There are many thoughts about what love is.

I. What Is God's Love?

1. God's agape love is self-sacrifice for the benefit of an undeserving person, not expecting equal return.

2. Christian love for Jesus is self-sacrifice for the benefit of a greatly deserving Person.

II. Why and How to Love Jesus

Love responds to:

1. His humility in incarnation- obedient and othersminded.

2. His victory in temptation-overcomers

3. His immensity of salvation-givers and receivers

4. His intimacy in consolation-comforters

5. His identity in intercession-"prayer-ers" and praisers

6. His beauty in preparation- longing for His appearing

7. His immensity of compensation- investors for eternity

"Christ took our hell so that we might take His heaven".  Donald G.Barnhouse

Discussion

1. What did God speak to you about today?

2. What different things does "love" mean in your life?

3. How is God's love different from the "love" you sometimes think about?

4. Compare and contrast God's love for us with our love for Jesus.

5. Pastor Miller highlighted seven aspects of Jesus' Person and work that should compel us to love Him. Which of these 7 was most convicting for you today?

6. What action does God want you to take in response to this truth?

Fighting for Unity (Marsh Fant)

Fighting for Unity (Marsh Fant)

Date – 7/28/24 10 AM

Speaker – Dr. Marsh Fant

 

Sermon Title – The Fight for Unity

Sermon Text – Ephesians 4:1-3

  

Sermon Outline:

 

I. Your call. (v 1)

Your call to hear truth.

See Ephesians 2:8-10.

Your call to                            truth.

“walk worthy of the calling”

See Romans 8:28-30.

 

II. Your walk. (v 2)

You should walk in all                                  and                             .

You should walk with                                  and                             .

See Galatians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 4:5-6.

See Matthew 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41.

 

III. Your work. (v 3)

Your work is to preserve the                                              of the Spirit.

See Ephesians 2:14-18; 4:4.

Your work is to preserve the bond of peace.

Concluding thoughts:

 

Sermon Discussion Questions:

 

1. What does walk worthy mean (v 1), and how would it apply to the members of Morningside during this time?

 

2. Why do you think Paul identifies himself as the prisoner of the Lord (v 1)

before he admonishes the Ephesians to walk worthy?

 

3. What do you think a low and meek (v 2) church member’s life would look like?

 

4. Why is it so important for you to be longsuffering and forbearing with each

other (v 2) during a season of pastoral transition?

 

5. In verse 6, Paul admonishes us to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of

peace. In light of the first three chapters of Ephesians, why do you think he

uses the word, keep, instead of create? What is the difference?

Faithful Is He Who Promised

Faithful Is He Who Promised

Andy Gleiser, Gen. 21:1-21

Date: 7/21/24 10 AM

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. What was your biggest takeaway from Genesis 21?

2. Is it true that every promise made by God is a promise kept by God? How do you know? Can you provide evidence of its truth from Scripture? from personal experience?

3. How should this truth of God’s faithfulness to His promises shape your search for a lead pastor at Morningside?

4. Name a specific promise from God that is particularly precious to you. Why is it precious to you? When have you seen God deliver on that promise to you?

5. Do you want a God whose faithfulness to you is dependent on His submission to your desires, your demands, and to your timetable? Why is this thinking disastrous?

6. Charles Spurgeon said, “I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.” How have you embraced suffering as a way to trust Christ? What role does the church family play in your life as the waves of grief crash you against Christ?

To Be Content (Phil. 4:11-12)

To Be Content (Phil. 4:11-12)

To Be Content (Philip. 4:11-12)

1.    Do you trust in God’s sufficiency, regardless of your circumstances?

o   Reflect on how much you rely on God to provide for your needs and whether this trust helps you maintain contentment in various situations.

2.    How do you typically respond to loss or change in your life?

o   Think about a recent time when you faced a significant change or loss. Were you able to find contentment in that situation?

3.    How has technology influenced your sense of contentment or discontentment?

o   Consider how often you find yourself dissatisfied with your current technology or lifestyle because of the influence of advertising and social media.

4.    Do you find yourself coveting your neighbor’s house, spouse, or possessions?

o   Reflect on whether you compare your life to others and if this comparison leads to feelings of discontent.

5.    How have trials and difficult circumstances taught you contentment?

o   Identify a difficult experience in your life that ultimately helped you learn to be more content.

6.    Do you focus more on what you have or on what you’re missing?

o   Examine whether your mindset tends to dwell on the blessings you have or on the things you lack.

7.    How can you apply biblical logic to your circumstances to find contentment?

o   Consider verses like Romans 8:18 and think about how you can use them to reason with yourself during challenging times.

8.    How does gratitude play a role in your contentment?

o   Reflect on how expressing gratitude for what you have affects your overall sense of contentment.

9.    Are you content with the relationships God has given you?

o   Think about your family, friends, and community. Are you grateful for them, or do you often wish they were different?

10.                  Are you satisfied with the material provisions God has given you?

o   Assess your attitude towards your income, home, and possessions. Do you find contentment in what you have been given?

A Faith Worth Fighting For

A Faith Worth Fighting For

Standing Together – Summer Sermon Series

“A Faith Worth Fighting For”
Jude 3-4
 
Outline:

1. The Charge: Contend

A. Initial Priority

B. Higher Priority

2. The Reason: Phantom Menace

A. Twisting God’s Grace

B. Taking God’s Place
 


Sermon Discussion Questions:

  1. How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth this morning?

  2. Is your personality more prone to speaking out or keeping peace?

  3. Why are you sometimes tempted to avoid contending for the faith?

  4. On the flip side, how can you ensure that you contend without being contentious?

  5. Why are we tempted to make secondary issues primary issues, on par with the gospel?

  6. Have you ever had doubts about the authenticity of God’s Word? Did this message help you better understand why you can trust God’s Word as truth?

  7. Have you ever been tricked by someone you thought was on your side? Why was that so hurtful/dangerous?

  8. What are other ways people twist God’s grace? What are some reasons (heart motivations) that lead people to twist God’s grace?

  9. Is there an area of your life that you have not surrendered to the Lord? Why haven’t you?

  10. What is a change to your beliefs, attitude, or behavior that you’re going to change this week, by God’s grace, because of today’s message?

Jehovah Jireh

Jehovah Jireh

Date – 6/30/24 10 AM

Speaker – Dr. Jerry Sivnksty

Sermon Title – Jehovah Jireh

Sermon Text – Genesis 22

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1.        What were the 2 characteristics of the Lord’s request to Abraham (Gen. 22:1-2)?

2.        How did Abraham respond (Gen 22:3-4)?

3.        How did the Lord reveal His redemptive plan to Abraham (Gen. 22:11, 14)?

4.        According to 1 Cor. 10:11 what lessons can encourage us from Abraham's life?

5.        How can we be an encouragement to others by the trials we go through (Ps. 66:12; Job 23:10)?

Called, Loved & Kept (Jude 1-2)

Called, Loved & Kept (Jude 1-2)

Standing Together - Summer Sermon Series

"Called, Loved, & Kept"

Jude 1-2

Overview:

  1. Author: brother of James & servant of God

  2. Audience: called, sanctified / loved, & kept

  3. Abundance: mercy, peace, & love

Sermon Discussion Questions:

  1. Did you learn anything new today? Was there a truth that you needed to be reminded of this morning?

  2. Have you been tempted to falter or waver when you see apostacy? If so, why?

  3. Why is it so important to start with our identity in Christ before going into spiritual battle?

  4. How does the call of God give you assurance?

  5. Sanctification is a pretty “churchy” word. How does today’s message impact your view of sanctification?

  6. How specifically does the preservation of God comfort you?

  7. Was there a blessing in verse 2 that was an encouragement to you today (mercy, peace, love)? Why did that blessing stand out to you?

Trusting God (Dr. Bruce McAllister)

Trusting God (Dr. Bruce McAllister)

Dr. Bruce McAllister preached “Trusting God” (Proverbs 3:1-12) on June 2, 2024.

Date – 6/2/24 10 AM

Speaker – Dr. Bruce McAllister

 

Sermon Title – Trusting God

Sermon Text – Proverbs 3:1-12

 

Sermon Outline

1. Truthful trust.

2. Tenacious trust.

3. Total trust. 

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1.    Why do you think Proverbs 3:5-6 are such special verses to so many Christians?

2.    Has there been a time in your life where these verses have meant something special to you that you would like to share with the group?

3.    What do we mean by truthful trust? What is the relationship between the Word of God and our understanding of God’s character and the confidence that he gives us as we navigate life’s difficulties?

4.    How is it that we can determine to trust in God tenaciously even when we do not feel like it or when we are overwhelmed?

5.    What are some of the seasons in life that believers sometimes struggle in getting through? Are there any other verses in the Bible that are particularly comforting and encouraging during these times?

6.    What do we mean by total trust as noted in verse five?

7.    How does leaning to our own understanding and being wise in our own eyes compete with total trust in God?

8.    What is the relationship between fearing God, departing from evil, and refusing to be wise in our own eyes?

9.    What is the relationship between trust in God in our finances and giving in such a way that we are expressing total trust in God?

10.  What is the relationship between our responding well to corrective discipline from God as a way of expressing trust in God?

 

The Scream of Love for You

The Scream of Love for You

Pastor Josh Crockett preaches on Christ's cry from the cross as Pastor Kevin Chen translates into Mandarin Chinese during a combined Communion service.

The Scream of Love for You (Mark 15:33-34)

  1. Self Examination: How does the concept of God's wrath challenge your understanding of His love, and how does Jesus's sacrifice on the cross redefine that perspective?

  2. Personal Assessment: In what ways do you struggle to accept God's love due to feelings of unworthiness or self-righteousness? How can you overcome these barriers to fully embrace His grace?

  3. Spiritual Awareness: How does the realization of Jesus taking on the full weight of God's wrath for your sins impact your daily perception of yourself and your relationship with God?

  4. Gratitude Check: Take a moment to consider the depth of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. How does this reflection inspire gratitude in your heart, and how can you express that gratitude in your daily life?

  5. Sin Awareness: Do you sometimes minimize the seriousness of your sins, viewing them as less significant compared to others'? How does Jesus's cry of abandonment on the cross challenge this perspective?

  6. Salvation Understanding: Reflect on your understanding of salvation and forgiveness. How does Jesus's sacrifice on the cross offer hope and assurance in the face of sin and guilt?

  7. Response Evaluation: How do you typically respond to reminders of Jesus's sacrifice, such as communion or the reading of Scripture describing His crucifixion? Are there ways you can deepen your response to these reminders?

  8. Self Reflection: Take a moment to examine your heart and motives. Do you ever rely on your own goodness or righteousness rather than fully embracing the grace of God offered through Jesus's sacrifice? How can you shift your perspective?

  9. Surrender and Acceptance: Consider any areas of your life where you struggle to accept forgiveness or believe in God's love for you. How can you surrender those doubts and fully accept the truth of God's unconditional love?

  10. Action Plan: What practical steps can you take to more fully live in the reality of God's love and grace as demonstrated through Jesus's sacrifice? How can you share this message of love and redemption with others in your life?

Hope for Hurting Hearts

Hope for Hurting Hearts

Hope for Hurting Hearts

(1 Samuel 1-2:11)


Application:

 

1.    Society's Expectations: How have society’s expectations shaped your perception of self-worth and identity? In what ways do you find yourself measuring your value based on external factors such as career success, physical appearance, or relational status?

2.    Competition of Rivals: Can you identify any "rivals" in your life who may be triggering feelings of inadequacy or insecurity? How do you respond to comparison and competition with others, especially in areas where you feel vulnerable or lacking?

3.    Feeling God-Forsaken: Have there been moments in your life when you felt abandoned or forgotten by God? How do you reconcile feelings of disappointment or anger with a belief in God's love and care for you?

4.    God Hears Your Cry: Reflecting on Hannah's example, how do you approach prayer during times of deep emotional distress or sorrow? Do you believe that God hears your cries even when words fail you?

5.    God Doesn't Forget You: In what ways do you seek reassurance of God's presence and remembrance during seasons of hardship or waiting? How does Hannah's trust in God's faithfulness inspire you to persevere in faith?

6.    Hope Beyond Circumstances: Hannah's story illustrates a shift from placing hope in temporal desires to finding hope in God alone. How can you cultivate a similar mindset of trusting in God's sovereign plan, regardless of your current circumstances or unfulfilled desires?

7.    Finding Joy in God's Presence: Consider the transformation in Hannah's demeanor from sadness to joy, even before her prayers were answered. How can you cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude in the midst of uncertainty or unanswered prayers?

8.    Shifting Your Hope: Reflect on where you have placed your hope and security—whether in relationships, achievements, or material possessions. How might you shift your focus to prioritize God as the ultimate source of fulfillment and stability in your life?

9.    Releasing Control to God: Like Hannah's vow to dedicate her son to God's service, are there areas in your life where you need to relinquish control and trust in God's plan, even if it means letting go of cherished dreams or desires?

10.                  Embracing God as Your Rock: How do you currently lean on God as your rock and source of strength during times of trial or uncertainty? What practical steps can you take to deepen your reliance on God's unchanging character and promises?

In My Place

In My Place

In My Place

Mark 15:21-32

Application Questions:

1. Dealing with Shame: What steps can you take to overcome feelings of shame and guilt, knowing that Christ has taken your place and clothed you in His righteousness?

2. Belonging in God's Family: In what ways can you remind yourself and others that belonging in God's family is not about deserving, but about the grace extended through Christ's sacrifice?

3. Receiving Righteousness: How does the concept of being clothed in Christ's righteousness change the way you approach your relationship with God and others?

4. Understanding Jesus as King: Reflect on how Christ's refusal to save Himself demonstrates His kingship and the depth of His sacrificial love for you. How does this perspective impact your view of His sovereignty in your life?

5. Transforming Mockery: Consider instances in your life where you've faced mockery or ridicule for your faith. How does knowing that Jesus endured similar taunts but chose to stay on the cross affect your response to opposition?

6. Access to God: Reflect on the privilege of having direct access to God through Christ's sacrifice. How does this access empower you to approach God with confidence in prayer and worship?

7. Living as Saints: Despite struggles with sin, how does knowing that Christ was numbered with transgressors allow you to confidently identify as a saint? How does this impact your daily walk with Christ?

8. Servanthood and Sacrifice: In what ways can you emulate Christ's example of sacrificial love by serving and loving others, even in challenging circumstances?

9. Response to God's Love: How can you tangibly respond to the overwhelming love displayed through Christ's sacrifice? Consider practical ways to express gratitude and share this love with others in your community.

10. Sharing the Gospel: Reflect on how you can effectively communicate the message of Christ's substitutionary atonement with others who may not yet understand its significance. How can you share this message of hope and redemption with those around you?

Responding to Suffering

Responding to Suffering

Responding to Suffering (Mark 15:1-20)

 

1.     Personal Application How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2.     Self-Examination: Reflecting on your own responses to suffering, do you tend to react out of fear, envy, or obedience?

3.     Identifying Envy: Can you recognize instances in your life where envy has influenced your thoughts or actions, particularly in comparison to others' possessions, relationships, or circumstances?

4.     Overcoming Envy: What steps can you take to overcome feelings of envy and cultivate a heart of gratitude for the blessings in your own life?

5.     Fear of Man: In what areas of your life do you find yourself succumbing to the fear of man, seeking approval or avoiding conflict at the expense of obedience to God?

6.     Fearing God: How can you cultivate a greater fear of God in your life, recognizing His sovereignty and authority above the opinions and judgments of others?

7.     Acceptance of Suffering: When faced with suffering, do you find yourself lashing out in resentment or quietly accepting it as an opportunity for obedience and growth?

8.     Suffering as a Test: How does your response to suffering reveal the strength of your faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?

9.     Living Sacrificially: In light of Christ's sacrificial love in dying as your substitute, how can you demonstrate that same love to others, willingly sacrificing your own comfort and desires for the sake of their well-being?

Darkness Over the Land

Darkness Over the Land

Darkness Over the Land (Exodus 7-10)

1. Understanding God's Authority: How does the story of the plagues in Egypt illustrate God's ultimate authority and power over all creation?

2. The Consequences of Pluralism: What can we learn from Pharaoh's attitude towards God's command to let the Israelites go, especially in a culture that embraces pluralism and multiple gods?

3. Recognizing God's Sovereignty: In what ways do we sometimes question or doubt God's authority in our lives, similar to Pharaoh's initial response?

4. The Significance of God's Judgment: Why is it important to understand God's role as Judge, particularly in a world that often questions or denies the concept of divine judgment?

5. Lessons from the Plagues: How do each of the plagues sent upon Egypt reveal God's power over creation and His ability to judge sin while offering redemption?

6. The Symbolism of Darkness: What significance does the darkness over the land of Egypt for three days hold in terms of God's authority and His role as the ultimate Judge?

7. God’s Commands: How are God’s commands to work hard and rest well for your good? How are His commands to forgive for your good?

8. Responding to God's Call: In what ways are we called to respond to God's authority and sovereignty in our lives, particularly when faced with challenges or uncertainties?

9. Living in Obedience: What practical steps can we take to align our lives with God's will and submit to His authority, recognizing Him as both Judge and Savior?

The Emtpy Tomb

The Emtpy Tomb

The Empty Tomb (John 20:11-18)

1.     Comfort in Crisis: How can you find comfort in Christ during times of disappointment, grief, or struggle?

 

2.     Facing Disappointment: What disappointments are you currently experiencing, and how can you process them in light of God's love and care for us?

 

3.     Overcoming Evil: In what ways do you see evil prevailing in our world, and how can you trust in God's sovereignty to ultimately triumph over it?

 

4.     Dealing with Loss: How does the resurrection of Jesus offer hope to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one?

 

5.     Embracing a New Identity: How does knowing that you are called by name and loved by God impact the way you view yourselves and others?

 

6.     Discovering Purpose: What mission has Jesus given us as His followers, and how can you actively engage in sharing the Good News with others?

 

7.     Trusting God: In what areas of your lives do you need to release control and trust in God's plan, rather than trying to accomplish things on your own?

  

8.     Responding to Jesus' Call: When Jesus calls us by name, how should you respond in terms of surrendering to His Lordship and embracing your identity as His disciples?

 

9.     Sharing the Good News: How can you practically fulfill your mission to "go and tell" others about the hope found in Christ's resurrection?