ERCC Sermons

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many of us naturally compare our spiritual lives to others around us. When do you find yourself most tempted to measure your faith against someone else's, and what drives that comparison? 3) True service involves knowing names and sharing in people's struggles rather than just meeting physical needs. Who in your life right now needs you to be present with them in their difficulties rather than just offering quick solutions? 4) Our culture constantly shapes our values through media, entertainment, and social pressures. What worldly value or priority have you absorbed recently that conflicts with your faith, and how did you become aware of it? 5) Walking humbly means giving credit to God rather than seeking recognition for our good deeds. How do you struggle with wanting others to notice your acts of service or spiritual disciplines? 6) Sometimes we serve others while secretly keeping score or calculating what we'll receive in return. Can you recall a time when you helped someone with no expectation of recognition or reward, and what was different about that experience?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many believers experience spiritual lethargy despite claiming transformation through faith. What areas of your life remain unchanged even though you believe God has given you new life? 3) James says even demons believe the facts about Jesus, but what separates their belief from saving faith is recognizing Jesus died for you personally. How does viewing Christ's sacrifice as personal rather than general change your daily decisions? 4) Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac because his faith led to action, while Rahab betrayed her entire culture to align with God. What are you holding back from God that you know He's asking you to surrender? 5) Dead faith calculates what to give God while expecting maximum return, but living faith says "everything is yours." Where do you find yourself keeping score with God rather than worshiping freely? 6) A corpse cannot bring itself to life no matter how hard it tries, yet once alive, movement is natural and expected. What specific actions would naturally flow from your life if you truly believed you've been raised from spiritual death?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often pursue happiness through circumstances we can control, but joy comes from something deeper. What's one area of your life where you've been chasing happiness instead of resting in the joy that comes from knowing God loves you regardless of outcomes? 3) Trials have a way of stripping away the image we present to others and ourselves. Can you share about a time when a difficult season revealed something about yourself that you hadn't wanted to acknowledge? 4) Sometimes we treat our faith like a burden that makes life harder rather than recognizing it as the very thing that carries us through. How has your perspective on following God shifted from seeing it as an obligation to experiencing it as a source of strength? 5) James tells us to consider trials as joy, not because suffering is enjoyable, but because these moments invite us to cling tighter to God. What current challenge in your life could become an opportunity to deepen your dependence on God rather than trying to solve it yourself?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Scripture acts like a mirror that shows us both our brokenness and God's love for us. What area of your life have you been avoiding looking at honestly, and what might God be wanting to show you about it? 3) We often make plans for the next 5 or 10 years while God operates on an eternal timeline. How does focusing on temporary goals sometimes prevent you from seeing what God might be doing in your life right now? 4) There's a difference between knowing what's right and actually doing it. What's one area where your knowledge about following Jesus hasn't translated into action, and what's holding you back? 5) When God blesses us, we sometimes forget the source and start taking credit ourselves. Can you share a time when success or blessing led you to rely more on yourself than on God? 6) If you truly believed that everything you do could be done in Jesus's name, from work tasks to casual conversations. What daily activity would be most challenging for you to approach as sacred rather than ordinary?

Discussion Questions: 1. Paul was changed from a zealous Pharisee to a humble man who suffered and died for Jesus. His change started with an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Dean contends all followers of Christ are changed people. Share a short testimony on how you have been changed by Jesus. The change can be in the past, recent, or on-going. 2. Dean referred to Genesis 3 and spoke of the serpent’s lie. A lie which is a part of our fallen nature. - What is the serpent’s lie? - Have you ever thought that you live with this lie in your DNA? Whether you do or not, do you think this lie keeps you from trusting God? - How do you live as a Christ follower and deal with the serpent’s lie. 3. Dean contends that God created us to rejoice in Him…always. We need to rejoice and will seek out joy…whether godly or ungodly. Dean calls the ungodly joy, counterfeit joy. Counterfeit joy is like empty calories. - Contrast godly joy vs counterfeit joy. - When you seek out joy, what types of things bring you joy? - Are you able to rejoice in the Lord always? 4. Dean referred to Philippians 3:10, “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Then Dean pointed to 2 Greek words, “oida” and “gnonai”, which translates into “know”. The oida is a factual know, whereas the gnonai is a deep relational knowing. The gnonai knowing embraces every organ and mode of knowledge. This is not just a casual relationship. - In your knowledge and relationship with Jesus, is it more “oida” or “gnonai”. Explain your answer. 5. In Philippians 4:5, Paul asks us to be seen as “reasonable” by all because the “Lord is at hand”, ie is coming soon. According to the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament Abridged, “reasonable” is translated from the Greek word, “epieikes”. Other English translations are “gentle”, “doing what is right”, etc. - Do you think that you are displaying “epieikes” to everyone while waiting for Jesus? If not, have someone pray for you. 6. Dean and Kirie made a commitment to be “all in” for Christ. In their version of being “all in” they listen to the Holy Spirit and try to obey him without counting the cost, without making sure all their ducks are in a row, and not knowing how it will all play out. This has led them to a greater trust in their Lord. - What does your “all in” for Christ look like? - Are you growing in your trust of the Lord? Please explain. 7. Philippians 4:6 – 7, commands us not to be anxious about anything, but to go to God with prayer and supplication. - Are you able to comply with God’s command not to be anxious, or do you still get anxious? If you still become anxious, what do you plan to do? - When you pray to God do you go with thanksgiving? - Do you think you are growing in your prayer life? If so, what is helping you grow? - Have you ever experienced the peace of God? Share this experience.

Discussion Guide: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) When life is going well, we naturally praise God, but trials reveal a different depth of worship. How has a difficult season in your life changed the way you relate to God? 3) We often try to fix our problems through our own strength rather than surrendering them to God. What area of your life are you currently trying to "clean up" on your own instead of asking for God's help? 4) The things that make us feel strong, like our anger or pride, can actually be impurities God wants to remove. What characteristic or defense mechanism do you find hardest to let go of, even though you know it's not helping your spiritual growth? 5) Our desires reveal what we truly value and pursuing anything above God ultimately leads to disappointment. What competes most for your attention and affection when God is calling you to focus on Him? 6) Spiritual endurance develops through consistent daily choices rather than dramatic moments. What small, sustainable practice could you begin this week to strengthen your ability to persevere in faith?

Discussion Questions: 1. What story do your actions tell? Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:20). When you reflect on your consistent daily behavior, how you treat others, how you speak, what you prioritize, what story do your actions tell you about your heart and your faith? What kind of “fruit” do you think others see in your life? 2. Why do you think it’s easier to say the right things than to live the right way? Consider the Pharisees, Sam Bankman-Fried, or even modern Christian culture. What makes it so tempting to focus on image and reputation rather than obedience to God’s word? How do we guard against becoming people who say “Lord, Lord” but don’t do the Father’s will? 3. When have you felt the tension between knowing what’s right and actually doing it? James says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Can you share a time when you struggled to live out your faith? What helped you take a step of obedience? What keeps us from doing what we know we should do? 4. How do you recognize if your worship is sincere or just routine? Jesus quoted Isaiah saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matt. 15:8). What are some signs that your heart is truly engaged in worship and obedience to God? What habits help you keep your relationship with God active and sincere? 5. Why does true faith always lead to action? “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). How do you distinguish between trying to earn salvation by works and allowing grace to produce works in your life? How can we encourage one another to walk out our faith in practical ways? 6. If someone could only observe your actions (not hear your words), would they know you follow Jesus? Reflect on Titus 1:16 and 1 John 3:18. What changes, if any, would you want to make in your life so that your faith is more visible through your actions? How can your group help each other live with greater integrity and impact for God’s kingdom?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) What's a recent decision where you struggled between following what you felt God wanted versus what you wanted? 3) God's love remains constant regardless of our performance or failures. How does truly believing this change the way you approach your relationship with Him? 4) Sometimes following God's guidance means sacrificing something important to us for a greater purpose. What "queen" in your life might God be asking you to let go of? 5) Life isn't meant to be lived alone but with the Holy Spirit's guidance and wisdom. In what area of your life do you find it hardest to pause and ask for God's direction before acting? 6) God can work through our mistakes and wrong choices to still accomplish His purposes. How have you seen God redeem a poor decision you've made in the past?

1. Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2. We often try to build good lives through our own efforts and achievements. What area of your life do you find yourself trying to control the most instead of surrendering to God? 3. The fruit we produce on our own may seem sweet but ultimately leaves us unsatisfied. When have you experienced something you thought would bring lasting happiness but ended up feeling empty or temporary? 4. True spiritual growth requires letting God prune areas of our lives that hinder fruitfulness. What is God currently trying to remove from your life that you're holding onto tightly? 5. Sometimes following God's direction seems irrational or uncomfortable to us and others. Describe a time when obeying God required you to do something that didn't make sense from a worldly perspective. 6. Spiritual breakthroughs often come from simply spending time with Jesus rather than doing more religious activities. How can you create more space in your daily routine to simply be with God without an agenda? 7. The world offers many substitutes for true salvation, from wealth to politics to technology. Which alternative "savior" are you most tempted to rely on for security, and how does recognizing this help you refocus on Christ?

Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? Many people limit themselves to specific spiritual gift categories based on personality tests or past experiences. What abilities or talents has God given you that you might be overlooking or underusing because they don't fit your self-perception? Using our gifts requires consistency even when we don't feel motivated, much like maintaining healthy habits. What specific practices could you implement to ensure you're serving others regularly rather than only when you feel inspired? The church functions best when each person contributes their unique perspective and abilities rather than copying others. How can you embrace your distinct way of serving while still maintaining unity with those who express their faith differently? Every genuine spiritual gift helps people encounter Jesus, whether through words or actions. When was the last time someone experienced God's love through something you did, and what made that interaction meaningful? The world offers many substitutes for true salvation, from wealth to politics to technology. Which alternative "savior" are you most tempted to rely on for security, and how does recognizing this help you refocus on Christ?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) The parable of the talents shows servants who either invested or buried what their master entrusted to them. What fears or doubts have caused you to "bury" abilities or opportunities God has given you? 3) Scripture teaches that every believer receives manifestations of the Spirit for the common good. How have you seen God use your natural abilities or spiritual sensitivities to benefit others, even in small ways? 4) The servant with one talent compared himself to those with more and let fear paralyze him. When has comparison with others prevented you from using what God has given you? 5) Love is the ultimate purpose behind all spiritual gifts and abilities. Share about a time when someone used their gifts to show you God's love in a practical way. 6) Churches and individuals can become defensive, trying to protect what they have rather than investing it for God's kingdom. What would it look like for you to move from a defensive to an active posture in using your gifts this week?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often wish we had different abilities or personalities than what God has given us. What specific gift or trait do you possess that you've struggled to see as valuable? 3) Many things in life promise to give us purpose and meaning beyond our daily routines. What activity or pursuit tends to control your emotions and mood more than it should? 4) There's a difference between enjoying something and letting it become an idol in our lives. How can you tell when something you love has crossed the line from healthy enjoyment to unhealthy dependence? 5) God desires our consent before using us in His work, but fear often holds us back. What specifically makes you hesitant to fully offer yourself for God's purposes? 6) When people with different gifts and backgrounds work together, something beautiful emerges that couldn't exist individually. Share about a time when you experienced or witnessed this kind of unity creating something greater than the sum of its parts.

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) The Holy Spirit empowers us to accomplish God's purposes rather than our own agendas. What area of your life do you find most difficult to surrender to God's control rather than maintaining your own? 3) Waiting on God's timing often feels counterintuitive when we see needs around us. How do you discern between times when God is calling you to wait versus times when fear is holding you back from action? 4) When God works through us, we remain who we are but with His power flowing through us. How have you experienced God using your unchanged personality and gifts in ways that surprised you? 5) True spiritual effectiveness comes through submission rather than increased effort. What spiritual disciplines or practices have helped you develop a posture of waiting and listening rather than striving?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often try to fill our emptiness with temporary things like achievements, entertainment, or relationships instead of allowing God to fill us. What are you most tempted to use as a substitute for God's presence in your life right now? 3) Following Jesus requires us to stop making excuses and simply walk the path we know is right. What excuse do you find yourself using most often to avoid doing what you know God is calling you to do? 4) When we're filled with God's Spirit, we naturally overflow into serving and submitting to others around us. Who in your life is most difficult for you to serve selflessly, and why? 5) True worship can happen even in our darkest moments, like Paul and Silas singing in prison. How do you typically respond when life circumstances don't match your expectations of what following God should look like?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) There's a significant difference between knowing facts about someone and actually knowing them personally through relationship and shared experiences. What's one area where you feel like you know facts about God but would like to know Him more personally? 3) Human hearts seem universally designed with a longing for something beyond what this world can offer, leading people to seek fulfillment through relationships, achievements, possessions, or experiences that ultimately leave us still searching. What has been your experience with trying to find lasting satisfaction in things other than God? 4) The Holy Spirit often creates opportunities for us to encounter Jesus in fresh ways, but these opportunities frequently come disguised as challenges that require us to respond with forgiveness, generosity, or trust rather than our natural impulses. Can you share about a time when you felt God asking you to respond in a way that went against your natural inclination? 5) There's often a tension between what seems wise from a worldly perspective and what appears to be God's leading in our lives, creating internal conflict as we try to discern whether to follow conventional wisdom or spiritual guidance. How do you typically navigate decisions when God's leading seems to conflict with practical wisdom? 6) Submission to the Holy Spirit's teaching requires a humble posture that acknowledges we don't have all the answers and need divine guidance, which can be challenging for people used to being self-sufficient or in control. What makes it difficult for you to maintain a teachable spirit in your relationship with God?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many Christians struggle with knowing whether they're hearing from the Holy Spirit or just following their own thoughts and feelings. How do you personally discern when the Holy Spirit is guiding you versus when you might be following your own desires? 3) Peter lists qualities like virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love as building blocks for spiritual growth. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to develop in your current season of life? 4) Within the Trinity, both Jesus and the Holy Spirit willingly submit to the Father's authority, not from weakness but from love and unity. What makes it difficult for you to fully submit your plans and decisions to God's authority? 5) Despite having unprecedented access to biblical teaching and spiritual resources, many Christians struggle to translate knowledge into action. What prevents you from acting on spiritual truths that you already know and believe? 6) The Holy Spirit knows our future and guides us with that knowledge, yet often asks us to trust without revealing every detail. When has following God required you to move forward without knowing the outcome, and what did that experience teach you about trust?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Many of us experience a deep sense of wanting something more in life, asking questions about purpose and meaning that go beyond just making money or surviving day to day. This longing often feels like a thirst that we try to quench with achievements, relationships, or possessions. What are some ways you've tried to satisfy this inner thirst in your life, and how effective were those attempts? 3) In John 7:37-38, Jesus says, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." He's offering himself as the only true source that can satisfy our spiritual needs. What makes it difficult to accept that there might be only one source that can truly quench our spiritual thirst? 4) The image of a dry riverbed compared to a flowing river helps us understand spiritual transformation. Without water, a riverbed is just an empty ditch, but when water flows through, it gains a new identity and purpose. How has your sense of identity and purpose changed since you began your spiritual journey? 5) We often feel pressure to appear spiritually mature or gifted in certain ways, comparing our spiritual experience to others. The same Spirit works differently through each person, like water taking the shape of different vessels. In what area of your life do you feel God might be using your unique personality and experiences as a channel for His Spirit? 6) When water flows through a river, it naturally reaches and nourishes everything along its path. Similarly, when we're filled with God's Spirit, that blessing isn't meant to be contained but to flow outward to others. Who in your life right now might be spiritually "thirsty," and how might you serve as a channel of refreshment to them?