Sermon Discussion Guide

    1. A dictionary definition of a “movement” is “a group of people working together to advance a cause or attain a goal.” Think of a time (before Church of The Commons!) when you were part of a movement, whether in sports, student government, a job campaign, or the like. What was necessary to make the movement successful?
    2. What hinders those same components in church? (For example, if unity is necessary to the success of a movement, what hinders unity at church?)
    3. Read Acts 1:1-14 and/or recap this week’s sermon. What stands out to you about the early church? In what ways are modern churches similar / different from the early church?
    4. When you first heard “a movement for all people,” what was your gut reaction to the idea of “all people”? Why is it challenging to care for all people? Why is it necessary?
    5. Without looking, do you know our four core values as a church? If you had to pick one to intentionally focus on during this season, which one would it be and why?
    1. Read I Timothy 4:6-10 and/or recap this week’s sermon. In verse 7, Paul advises Timothy to have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales. What are some modern-day distractions or false teachings that can divert our attention from truth?
    2. How can we discern between godly truth and misleading information in today's world? What practical steps can we take to stay grounded in biblical truth?
    3. What are some of the most common lies that snare you? Can you identify a similar thread, or a “core lie” beneath all of the common lies?
    4. What are some of the most powerful “core truths” that have helped ground you? Would anyone like to share about a time when focusing on God's truth helped you overcome a challenging situation?
    5. Reflect on verse 10 where Paul mentions laboring and striving because of our hope in God. How does our hope in God motivate us to keep our minds fixed on His truth?
    1. Spend some time recapping highlights from this week’s sermon.
    2. Read John 17:20-30. Why do you think unity among believers is so important to fulfilling Christ’s mission? How can we work towards greater unity within the “big-C” Church? What about the local church?
    3. In John 17:24-26, Jesus expresses His desire for believers to be with Him and see His glory. How does this impact your understanding of eternity and Christ’s mission?
    4. Would you describe yourself as a person “on mission”? Why or why not?
    5. What’s one step you could take to better align your heart with Christ’s heart?
    1. Read I Corinthians 12 and/or recap this week’s sermon. Verse 12 compares the church to a body with many parts. How does this analogy help us understand the importance of each member’s contribution to the church?
    2. What are some of your own personal gifts, talents, and resources? How do you use these gifts or resources in your daily life? How might you use them for Christ’s Kingdom?
    3. Paul emphasizes in verse 26 that if one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it. How can we better support and serve each other during difficult times?
    4. What are some biblical motivations for serving others, and how can understanding these motivations change our attitude toward service? (Refer to passages such as Mark 10:45 and Philippians 2:3-4.)
    5. Do you currently serve at church? If so, how has it impacted you? If not, is there an area where you’re curious to learn more about serving?
    1. Read Romans 8 and/or recap highlights from this week’s service. Romans 8:1 says, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." On a scale of 1-10, how much do you live in light of this reality on a daily basis? What keeps you from living in the freedom that’s yours in Christ?
    2. In Romans 8:5-6, Paul contrasts living according to the flesh with living according to the Spirit. How does relying on God's grace help us live according to the Spirit? How is this different from just “trying harder”?
    3. Reflect on Romans 8:15-16, where Paul speaks about receiving the Spirit of adoption. How does understanding our identity as God's children help us live all of life by grace? Would you say you have a good picture of God as Father? Why or why not?
    4. Romans 8:18 mentions present sufferings and future glory. How can God's grace help us endure and find hope amidst life's challenges and sufferings? Is there a specific challenge you’re struggling with right now that we can be praying over?
    5. Romans 8:26-39 unpacks several powerful themes including the Holy Spirit helping us in weakness, God working all things for good, and the unbreakable love of God. Which of these themes resonates the most with you and why?