Sunday Sermons - Audio - Entries tagged "Truly Epic: Run Hard"

Are you a citizen of the kingdom that cannot be shaken?

Listen, God’s going to shake things up (v18-19a, 26-27)

…and not everyone is going to like it (v19b-21)

…but this kingdom is awesome (v22-24)

…and you should heed the warning: “do not refuse him” (v25)

…but instead receive the kingdom and worship your God (v28-29)

SG Curriculum

1.     How has my world been shaken?

2.     What gave stability during that time?

3.     Has my approach to God become casual?  What are some markers that might show a decline? 

4.     How have I been responding to God’s Word in my personal decisions? Vs. 19-21, 25

5.     Read vs. 22-24.  What does this passage tell us about what we have in Christ?

6.     What are some specific things to offer as acceptable worship? Vs. 28

7.     What are some things I am grateful to God for?

Breakout:

1.     Is there any way I am refusing God because the world is too enticing, the Word too demanding? 

2.     What is the next right thing for me to do to embrace the flame of God’s holiness?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 12:28-29

2.      Colossians 1:12-14

Hebrews 12:4-11


The discipline of the Lord is “for our good” therefore…

§  Don’t take it lightly (v4-5)

§  Rest in who you are and how much the Father loves you (v6-8)

§  Respect him for it (v9)

§  Notice what it is accomplishing in you (v10)

§  Just accept that discipline is painful rather than pleasant (v11)

1.     What is something God has had to remind you of a number of times?

2.     How do you feel about finding discipline is not always a result of sin?

3.     Discuss: “Do we discipline like God does?”                                                                                   
- Clear understanding of the expectation                                                                       
- Carefully restrained response (not an emotional reaction)                                   
- Entirely purposeful (seeking to train the heart)

4.     Share a benefit of holiness in your life because of God’s training in your life.  (James 1:2-3)

5.     Read verse 11.  What does this passage tell us?  What is a good response to this?

6.     Who are some “witnesses” you look to in various areas of living?

Breakout:

1.     What is the biggest thing keeping me from holiness?  (vs. 10-11) (That thing keeping me from experiencing God’s Presence, Peace and Purpose in my life!) 

2.     How can we encourage each other while experiencing discipline?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 12:9-11

2.     James 1:2-3 

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Faith believes

Todd Dugard

1.     What are most people referring to when they say, “You have to have faith”?

2.     How does the worldly philosophy of “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” apply where you live and work?

3.     How do we live out that God’s value system elevates weakness?  (vs. 34) Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

4.     Share how you believe the people listed in verse 32, expressed faith.

5.     Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14, 19.  What does this passage tell us? (vs. 35)

6.     What am I known for – earthly or spiritual things?   How can we know each other on the basis of our faith? (vs. 39)

7.     Share some evidences of faith we see in each other.

Breakout:

1.     Have I been using my weakness as a pass for sin instead of confidence in God’s Power and Purpose?  (vs. 34)  In what area do I need to step up?

2.     How do I see my life fitting into God’s Purposes?

3.     Who can I share the gospel with this week?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 11:39-40

2.     2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Faith blesses

Todd Dugard

Breakout:

1.     What actions do I need to take to bless my children? 

2.     How can we support each other in giving the blessing?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 11:20-22

2.     Matthew 3:16-17 

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Faith is...

Todd Dugard

SG Curriculum

1.     How has life been harder than you expected?

2.     Read John 20:24-29. Have I acted on my belief in the unseen by trusting Jesus?

3.     Pastor Todd started by saying, “You can’t run hard if you don’t have faith in Jesus Christ.” -  How important is salvation to living by faith? 

4.     Share your story of walking by faith in a hard time. (vs. 1 “assurance, conviction”)

5.     Read vs. 2.  What am I known for? Whose approval am I craving? (Take some time to share positive traits of faith that you see in each other.)

6.     Is my foundation for living rooted in rationalism or living by faith? 

7.     (Bonus question!)  Without discussing the mechanics of how or when, how important to saving faith is a belief in creation – ex nihilo?

 Breakout:

1.     In what specific area do I need to stop walking by sight and start walking by faith?

2.     In what specific thing do I need to seek God’s approval, and stop seeking man’s approval?   

3.     How can we encourage each other this week to walk by faith?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 6:19

2.     John 20:26-29 

Truly Epic...Jesus Christ and the power of an indestructible life

Run Hard - Without Wavering

Todd Dugard

Faith in Christ fills you with an unwavering confidence…

…that rests on all that he has done for you (v19-21)

…allowing you to draw near without reservation having (v22)

                  …a sincere heart

                  …a clean conscience

                  …and evidence of purity

…calling on you to have a firm grip on your profession of faith in him (v23)

…and compelling you to stir it up in one another to (v24-25)

                  …worship Christ together

                  …walk with Christ together

      …work for Christ together                 

SG Curriculum

1.     What is something you have unwavering confidence in?

2.     What does it mean to “enter the holy places?” (vs. 19)

3.     How can I attain sincerity of heart, a clean conscience, or evidence of a pure life?  (vs. 22)  Read Hebrews 9:13-14.

4.     Share how you have attained a firm grasp on your salvation experience. (vs. 23)

5.     Read verse 24.  Spend some time considering how to practically stir up each other! (Provoke, irritate, stimulate to change – to love and good works).

6.     Who are some specific people you can encourage this week?

 Breakout:

1.     In what area am I wavering, and need encouragement from this group?  (vs. 23) 

2.     What specific commitment do I need to make in the 16-week pledge?

Transforming Prayer:

Pray the following Scriptures.

1.     Hebrews 10:19-22

2.     James 5:16