ERCC Sermons

Discussion Questions 1. Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2. Many of us have been taught prayer techniques and formulas throughout our lives. We learn when to pray, how to structure our prayers, and what words to use. Yet prayer at its core isn't about technique but relationship. How has your understanding of prayer as relationship rather than obligation changed your communication with God over time? 3. There's a significant difference between prayer endurance and prayer devotion. Endurance means we pray because we have to, knowing all the right words to say at the right times. Devotion springs from relationship—praying because we desire communion with God regardless of circumstances. What practical steps have you taken or could you take to move from prayer endurance to genuine devotion in your daily life? 4. We often approach prayer with specific outcomes in mind, knocking on God's door with requests and expecting immediate answers. But God frequently invites us into a deeper experience—coming inside, spending time with Him, and trusting His timing and process rather than just receiving what we asked for at the doorstep. When have you experienced God answering your prayers in ways that were different but ultimately better than what you originally requested? 5. The tension of living in the "now and not yet" reality of faith means we often pray in the middle of God's unfolding story. We know the ending—restoration and eternity with Him—but we don't always see how the middle chapters connect to that conclusion. What current situation in your life requires you to trust God while you're in "the middle" of His story, before you can see the resolution?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) In a world that often measures success by visible results and numbers, spiritual communities can fall into the trap of evaluating their health based on programs and attendance. True vitality, however, springs from a deeper source that transcends these external metrics. What does authentic devotion to God look like in your daily life, beyond scheduled church activities? 3) Acts 2:42 describes the early believers devoting themselves to four specific practices: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. These practices have both formal aspects (like Sunday services or communion) and informal expressions (like casual Bible discussions or shared meals). Which of these four practices comes most naturally to you, and which requires more intentional effort? 4) Genuine devotion persists regardless of circumstances or feelings, maintaining focus on God during both easy and difficult seasons. This steadfastness often produces a sense of awe—moments where God's presence becomes tangibly real. When have you experienced this kind of awe that transcends explanation, and how did it affect your relationship with God? 5) The apostle Paul reminds us that in spiritual growth, "neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." We participate in the process through faithful service, but transformation ultimately comes from God. In what areas of your life or ministry might you need to release control and trust more fully in God's power to bring growth?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many of us hesitate to bring "small" requests to God, believing we shouldn't bother Him with trivial matters. We often decide certain issues aren't spiritual enough or important enough to warrant prayer, choosing instead to handle them on our own. What prevents you from approaching God with complete openness about all your needs, whether significant or seemingly insignificant? 3) Our view of God fundamentally shapes how we pray and what we expect when we pray. If we see God primarily as a distant ruler, we might approach cautiously with formal language, but if we view Him as a loving Father, our approach becomes more intimate and confident. How has your perception of God's character influenced your prayer life and expectations? 4) The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—often emerge in our lives precisely when we're facing circumstances that would naturally produce the opposite reactions. These counter-intuitive responses suggest divine intervention. When have you experienced unexpected peace, joy, or love in a situation where those responses didn't make logical sense? 5) Persistence in prayer isn't about wearing God down until He finally gives in, but rather about maintaining connection with Him through every circumstance. This ongoing relationship itself becomes the answer to many prayers. What practical steps could you take to develop more consistency and persistence in your prayer life this week?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often face situations in life where we believe we can handle problems on our own strength. This self-sufficiency can lead to spiritual dryness and disconnect from God. When was the last time you found yourself trying to solve a significant challenge without seeking God's help, and what was the outcome of that experience? 3) The concept of "dwelling" with God suggests an unhurried, consistent presence rather than quick, transactional interactions. Many of us habitually rush our prayer time with phrases like "let me pray real quick." What practical steps could you take to create space for deeper, more relationship-focused time with God in your daily life? 4) Biblical examples like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego or Paul and Silas show that God often walks with people through trials rather than removing the trials completely. This presence within suffering can sometimes be more powerful than avoiding difficulties altogether. How has God's presence comforted or strengthened you during a time when He didn't remove your struggle? 5) We typically have specific ideas about how we want God to solve our problems, but true humility accepts God's methods and timing even when they differ from our expectations. How do you respond emotionally and spiritually when God's answer to your prayers looks different than what you requested?

Elder Dean preaches from Hebrews 13:17

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) When we look at relationships in our lives, we often struggle to see our own faults clearly. We tend to minimize our mistakes while magnifying the wrongs done to us. This perspective can skew how we view both forgiveness and the need to be forgiven. What area of your life do you find it most challenging to admit when you're wrong? 3) In our culture, we often talk about justice and making things right. The concept of debt and repayment runs deep in human relationships, whether emotional, social, or financial. Many people live with the weight of past hurts because they're waiting for justice to be served. How has your understanding of justice influenced your ability to forgive others? 4) The magnitude of forgiveness we've received should impact how we treat others. When we truly grasp how much we've been forgiven, it changes our perspective on the debts others owe us. This can be especially powerful in close relationships where hurts can run deep. What has been your most meaningful experience of receiving forgiveness from someone? 5) Pride often stands as a barrier between us and forgiveness - both in giving and receiving it. Sometimes we resist asking for forgiveness because we don't want to admit the full extent of our wrongdoing. Other times, we withhold forgiveness because we want others to fully feel the weight of their actions. What makes it difficult for you to ask for forgiveness when you've wronged someone?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often try to earn forgiveness through good deeds or making amends. This transactional approach to forgiveness is deeply ingrained in human nature and shapes how we view both giving and receiving forgiveness. What makes it challenging to accept forgiveness that comes without any requirements or conditions? 3) Our modern culture tends to reject the idea of inherent human brokenness. Instead, there's a strong emphasis on self-acceptance and viewing our desires and inclinations as fundamentally good and natural. How does acknowledging our fundamental brokenness actually lead to greater freedom than denying it? 4) When we see others struggling, our natural impulse is often to try to fix their problems through advice, solutions, or programs. We can feel pressure to have all the answers and make things better through our own efforts. What might change in our relationships if we focused on pointing people to God's restoration rather than trying to fix them ourselves? 5) Having received extraordinary forgiveness from God, we're called to extend that same kind of costly forgiveness to others. This often means absorbing the debt ourselves rather than demanding repayment. When has someone's unexpected forgiveness impacted you in a meaningful way?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) In our modern world of abundance and instant access to resources, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of daily dependence on God. Many of us rarely experience genuine uncertainty about where our next meal will come from. The comforts and securities of modern life can inadvertently distance us from the experience of trusting God for daily provision. What specific aspects of modern life make it most difficult for you to maintain a genuine sense of dependence on God? 3)We live in a culture that highly values self-sufficiency and independence. Financial advisors encourage multiple backup plans, and conventional wisdom suggests having several months of expenses saved. While wisdom and stewardship are important, there's a delicate balance between responsible planning and genuine trust in God's provision. How do you personally navigate the tension between wise planning and complete trust in God's provision? 4) The Israelites received perfect provision in the form of manna, yet they still grumbled and complained, wanting something different. Their dissatisfaction wasn't about the quality or quantity of provision, but rather about their own hearts and attitudes toward God's care. What helps you maintain an attitude of gratitude even when God's provision doesn't match your preferences? 5) Our relationship with material resources often reveals deeper spiritual truths about our hearts. The way we handle abundance, scarcity, and everything in between can show where we truly place our trust. Sometimes what feels like a crisis of resources is actually an invitation to deeper faith. What has your response to financial ups and downs revealed to you about your trust in God?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often approach prayer with our own plans and desires already firmly in mind. Sometimes these desires feel deeply right and good to us, making it particularly challenging to hold them loosely. Even Jesus, in his humanity, expressed his genuine desire to avoid suffering while still submitting to God's will. When was the last time you had to wrestle with surrendering something that felt right and good to you? 3) Many people develop a habit of turning to prayer primarily during times of crisis or urgent need. However, just as athletes train consistently to prepare for major competitions, regular prayer builds spiritual endurance for challenging times. What obstacles currently prevent you from developing a more consistent prayer life outside of crisis moments? 4) The idea of being completely vulnerable with God can feel uncomfortable or even frightening. We often sanitize our prayers, saying what we think we should say rather than expressing our true thoughts and feelings. Yet God invites us to pour out our hearts honestly before him, just as Jesus did in Gethsemane. What keeps you from being fully honest with God in prayer? 5) The distance between crisis and resolution can feel unbearably long. Even Jesus experienced a three-day gap between his surrendered prayer in Gethsemane and the resurrection victory. God's timing rarely matches our preferred timeline, yet His faithfulness remains constant. How do you maintain trust in God's timing when the wait feels overwhelming?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Some of us have grown up viewing prayer primarily as presenting requests to God, much like submitting a wishlist or making appeals to a powerful authority figure. We might measure the effectiveness of our prayers by how many of our requests are granted in the way we expect. This can lead to frustration or doubt when prayers seem to go "unanswered." In what ways might viewing prayer as relationship-building rather than request-making change your approach to prayer? 3) Throughout history, humans have consistently tried to build their own kingdoms—creating spaces of safety, comfort, and control. We often invest significant time and energy into constructing these personal kingdoms, whether through career advancement, financial security, or social influence. Yet these efforts, while not necessarily bad, can compete with our allegiance to God's kingdom. What are some signs that you might be more focused on building your own kingdom than seeking God's kingdom? 4) When we encounter pain, suffering, or injustice in the world, our natural response might be to either accept it as "God's will" or to question God's goodness. However, understanding that these elements were never part of God's original design for creation—and won't be part of His kingdom—offers a different perspective. How might recognizing that suffering isn't part of God's intended kingdom change how you pray about difficult situations? 5) The idea of "dying to self" and submitting to God's kingdom can sound intimidating or even threatening to our sense of identity and autonomy. Yet the bible suggests that finding our true identity and purpose comes through this very submission. This paradox lies at the heart of kingdom living. What does dying to self mean to you?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many of us develop habits and patterns in our prayer life over time. These patterns can become so familiar that we follow them without much thought, potentially losing sight of the deeper purpose behind them. Sometimes we need to step back and examine why we pray the way we do. What tends to be your primary focus or starting point when you begin to pray? 3) The concept of holiness can feel abstract or distant from our everyday experience. In Scripture, when people encountered God's holiness directly, it often led to profound reactions - Isaiah declared himself unclean, Peter asked Jesus to depart from him, John fell as though dead in Revelation. These encounters transformed their understanding of both God and themselves.How has your understanding of God's holiness influenced your relationship with Him? 4) In our achievement-oriented culture, we often measure success by results and outcomes. This mindset can seep into our spiritual life, leading us to evaluate prayer by whether we receive the answers we seek. However, the eternal picture of prayer shown in Revelation focuses on declaring God's glory rather than making requests. What would it look like to measure the "success" of prayer by how it transforms our perspective rather than by the answers we receive? 5) The 24 elders in Revelation cast their crowns before God's throne, symbolizing how they lay their achievements and honors before Him. This action demonstrates a profound understanding that everything they have achieved or received ultimately belongs to God. We face similar opportunities in our daily lives to acknowledge God's supremacy. In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "cast your crown" before God?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many people feel they need to use formal language or specific formulas when praying. This can create anxiety about "praying correctly" and may prevent people from praying altogether. The focus on technique can overshadow the relational aspect of prayer. How has your understanding of prayer as a child speaking to their Father changed your approach to personal prayer time? 3) Our culture often promotes self-sufficiency and independence as ultimate virtues. There can be significant internal resistance to admitting our limitations and need for help, even (or especially) to God. What makes it challenging to approach God with complete vulnerability about our weaknesses and needs? 4) The transformation from viewing God primarily as a transcendent, holy judge to understanding Him as an intimate, loving Father represents a profound paradigm shift. This new identity as God's child affects every aspect of spiritual life. In what ways does seeing yourself as God's beloved child change how you view your daily challenges and struggles? 5) The Holy Spirit's role in prayer includes taking our imperfect, sometimes selfish prayers and translating them into perfect communications with the Father. This process gradually teaches us to pray more aligned with God's will. When have you experienced your prayers changing over time as you grew in your relationship with God? 6) The concept of suffering as part of our inheritance with Christ challenges many popular ideas about faith and prayer. Rather than eliminating suffering, prayer often helps us engage with it more meaningfully. How does understanding suffering as part of your spiritual inheritance affect your perspective on difficulties in your life?

Discussion Questions Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? Many people feel pressure to pray with perfect words or follow specific formulas when talking to God. This can create anxiety about praying "correctly" and may even prevent people from praying altogether. Some believers worry their prayers won't be effective unless they use the right language or technique. What holds you back from praying more openly and freely with God? Children often approach their parents with complete trust, expressing their needs and feelings directly without worrying about proper form or presentation. This natural, unfiltered communication demonstrates the kind of relationship God desires with us. Their simple faith and dependence can teach us much about prayer. How might viewing God as your perfect Father change the way you pray? In our social media age, we often feel pressure to present a polished version of ourselves to others. This can carry over into our spiritual lives, where we might focus more on how our prayers sound to others rather than on genuine communication with God. The desire for recognition can subtly influence even our most sincere spiritual practices. What difference do you notice between your private and public prayers? Trust requires vulnerability, and bringing our real needs and struggles to God can feel risky. Opening ourselves up to disappointment if God doesn't answer in the way we hope takes courage. Yet this vulnerability is essential for developing a genuine relationship with God. What makes it difficult to be completely honest with God in prayer?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many people attempt to understand God through their own cultural and personal experiences of love. This often leads to defining God’s characteristics based on human understanding rather than the other way around. How might our cultural understandings of love potentially distort our comprehension of God's nature? 3) The concept of unconditional love often seems counterintuitive to human nature. In most relationships, people expect some form of reciprocity or worthiness from those they love. God’s love, however, operates differently. What challenges do you face in accepting love that is completely independent of your actions or worthiness? 4) The analogy of pure water versus flavored beverages suggests that while cultural expressions of faith aren't inherently negative, they shouldn't be confused with the essential nature of God’s love. Every culture adds its own "flavoring" to the expression of faith. In what ways have you observed cultural additions potentially obscuring the pure essence of God’s love in faith? 5) Burnout often stems from attempting to generate love from our own resources. Rather than striving harder, the solution involves returning to a relationship with the source of love. How does viewing yourself as a channel of God’s love rather than its source change your approach to serving others?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often create detailed plans for our lives - career paths, relationships, personal goals, and life milestones. These plans may be good and even admirable, but sometimes they can become rigid tracks that we're unwilling to deviate from. When we grip too tightly to our own plans, we may miss opportunities for something greater. What area of your life do you find it most difficult to accept unexpected changes or interruptions? 3) In our digital age, there's a constant stream of new solutions, techniques, and approaches promising to bring happiness and fulfillment. From self-help books to wellness apps, we're surrounded by novel answers to age-old human struggles. Yet lasting joy might be found in more timeless sources. How do you distinguish between temporary happiness and deeper, more lasting joy in your own life? 4) The concept of surrender often carries negative connotations in our culture, which celebrates independence and self-determination. Yet paradoxically, spiritual traditions have long taught that true freedom and joy come through surrendering control. This surrender isn't about passive resignation but active trust. What does genuine surrender look like in your daily life and decision-making? 5) Mental health challenges like anxiety and depression affect many people in our communities. While professional help and medical interventions play important roles, there's also a spiritual dimension to emotional wellness. Finding balance between practical and spiritual approaches requires wisdom and discernment. How do you maintain hope and seek joy during seasons of emotional struggle?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often try to create peace in our lives through external means - managing circumstances, building security, or controlling our environment. These efforts, while natural, can actually increase our anxiety when things feel out of control. What specific situations in your life have shown you the limitations of trying to manufacture your own peace? 3) The Holy Spirit consistently aligns with scripture, bringing God's word to life in practical ways. Understanding this helps us discern between our own thoughts and the Spirit's guidance. How do you distinguish between your own desires and the Holy Spirit's leading in your daily decisions? 4) Saying "yes" to God often involves stepping out of our comfort zone, especially in loving others. While this can feel risky, it paradoxically leads to deeper peace. When have you experienced unexpected peace after choosing to follow God's leading despite your initial hesitation? 5) As responsibilities increase in life, maintaining dependence on God becomes more challenging. The temptation to rely on our own capability and control grows stronger. What practices help you maintain spiritual dependence when life's pressures push you toward self-reliance? 6) True peace includes elements that worldly peace often avoids: justice, holiness, and the reality of right and wrong. This deeper peace acknowledges both the gravity of sin and the beauty of redemption. How has your understanding of peace changed as you've grown in your faith journey?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Work existed before sin entered the world, as God placed Adam in the Garden to work and tend it. This reveals that work itself is inherently good and purposeful, not merely a consequence of the fall. While sin added difficulty to work, its fundamental value remains unchanged. How does viewing work as worship rather than just a means of survival change your approach to daily tasks? 3) In Christian communities, some people become "busybodies" - appearing active but engaging in unproductive activities like gossip rather than meaningful work. This behavior often masquerades as spiritual activity or concern for others, but ultimately burdens the community. What's the difference between genuine spiritual fellowship and being a "busybody" in the church community? 4) True accountability extends beyond just talking about our struggles or meeting for prayer. While these activities have value, biblical accountability must include practical demonstration through actions and service to others. How can accountability relationships move beyond conversation to include practical service and work? 5) When confronting others about their behavior, Scripture teaches us to approach different age groups appropriately - older members as parents, younger ones as siblings. This family-based model emphasizes respect and relationship while still maintaining the need for truth. What specific challenges arise when trying to maintain both respect and truth in difficult conversations with fellow believers?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) In our modern world, we often approach relationships through technology and quick interactions. We value efficiency and immediate responses, sometimes reducing deep connections to surface-level exchanges. How does your understanding of prayer differ from other types of communication in your life? 3) Many of us face situations where our efforts and abilities seem insufficient for the challenges before us. These moments can either drive us to self-reliance or lead us to depend on something greater than ourselves. What has helped you move from relying on your own strength to trusting in God's power? 4) The transformation of our hearts often occurs gradually through consistent relationship rather than dramatic moments. Like any deep relationship, this process requires investment, vulnerability, and regular connection. What practices have most helped you develop genuine intimacy with God? 5) Everyone faces opposition or rejection when standing for their beliefs. In these moments, we must choose between defending ourselves or trusting God with our reputation and moving forward. When have you experienced freedom by choosing to move forward rather than defend yourself?