ERCC Sermons

Discussion Questions Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? We often evaluate churches by visible metrics like attendance, programs, and facilities, yet the early church began simply with the Spirit filling ordinary believers. What would change in how you view your own spiritual life if you measured it by dependence on the Spirit rather than by what you produce or accomplish? The believers at Pentecost immediately began proclaiming what God had done, making their faith a public declaration rather than a private experience. In what areas of your life have you been tempted to keep your faith private, and what holds you back from speaking about what God has done? Pentecost reversed the division that occurred at Babel, unifying people across language and culture through the Spirit's power. Where do you see division or miscommunication in your relationships that might need the Spirit's work to bring understanding and unity? The Spirit does not fill us simply for our own benefit but to send us out on mission, often to people closer than we expect. Who in your everyday life, perhaps a neighbor, coworker, or family member, do you sense God may be calling you to reach out to?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Scripture says that God rejoices over us, delights in us, and even sings over us. How does your picture of how God sees you compare to the image of a parent looking at their child with complete affection? 3) The call to rejoice in Zephaniah came during one of the darkest seasons in Israel's history, when exile and loss were imminent. What makes it possible to worship and give thanks when circumstances are genuinely difficult? 4) There's a difference between God tolerating us because of Jesus and God genuinely delighting in us. Which of these two pictures do you tend to default to in your own thinking about your relationship with God? 5) The sermon suggested that we need community to help us rejoice when we don't feel like it on our own. Who in your life helps you keep your eyes on Jesus, and how can you be that person for someone else this week?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often pursue peace by avoiding conflict or finding a middle ground where everyone gets something they want. Can you think of a time when this kind of "peace through compromise" turned out to be only temporary? 3) God's love is described as uncompromising, meaning he loves us completely without giving up any aspect of his holiness. How does understanding that God's love and God's holiness work together (rather than in tension) change how you approach him? 4) Surrendering our desires to God can feel risky because we might get taken advantage of by others. What fears come up for you when you think about putting others' needs above your own rather than negotiating for a fair outcome? 5) Jesus won his battle against sin not by overpowering enemies with force but by laying down his own life. In what area of your life might God be calling you to "fight" by surrendering rather than pushing harder? 6) Isaiah's vision describes a restored creation where former enemies live in harmony, something only possible through Christ's work. Where in your life do you need to trust that God can bring transformation that seems impossible by human effort?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Sometimes we avoid naming the hard things in our lives because we think faith requires positivity. What darkness in your life have you been reluctant to bring honestly before God? 3) True hope is not about circumstances changing but about a person entering our lives. How would your daily outlook shift if you measured hope by Jesus's presence rather than by your problems getting solved? 4) We often place our security in political systems, financial stability, or human relationships. What has been competing with Jesus for the throne of your life lately? 5) Sharing our faith authentically means including the messy parts of our story, not just the victories. What holds you back from being honest about your struggles when talking with others about your faith?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Transparent community requires us to be honest about our struggles and confess our sins to one another, even though this opens us up to the possibility of rejection. What specific fears keep you from being more transparent with others in your life, and how have those fears shaped the depth of your relationships? 3) Many of us avoid prayer when we feel self-sufficient, turning to God primarily when we're out of options or at rock bottom. In what areas of your life right now do you tend to rely on your own abilities rather than dependence on God, and what would it look like to bring those areas into prayer? 4) The disciples in the storm didn't tell Jesus how to solve their problem, they simply went to him and said they were scared. How does your prayer life reflect either trust in God's wisdom or an attempt to instruct him on what he should do? 5) We often avoid sharing our faith with others because we fear conflict or rejection, even with people who used to attend church but no longer do. Who in your life has wandered from faith or community, and what holds you back from reaching out to them?

Discussion Questions: 1. Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2. We often become impatient with God when His timeline doesn't match our expectations for how quickly things should happen in our lives. In what area of your life are you currently struggling to wait patiently on God's timing? 3. When we're impatient with God, that impatience tends to spill over into how we treat and judge others around us. How have you noticed your own impatience with God affecting the way you view or interact with other people? 4. Farmers in ancient times had to do all the work of preparing their fields while recognizing they had no control over when the rain would come. What "field preparation" work is God calling you to do right now while you wait for Him to bring growth? 5. The best testimonies focus on how big God is rather than on how much we've grown or succeeded. If you were to share your story with someone this week, how would you describe God's role in your life in a way that magnifies Him rather than yourself? 6. True covenant commitment means being willing to follow God through poverty and sickness, not just through prosperity and health. What would it look like for you to remain faithful to God even if your current circumstances never improve?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We know the right answer is to trust God, yet our actions reveal where our security actually lies. When you face financial uncertainty or unexpected expenses, what is your gut reaction, and what does that reveal about where you find security? 3) The morality of money says that whatever helps you gain more wealth is right, which can lead us to justify cutting corners or treating people unfairly. Can you think of a time when financial pressure tempted you to compromise on treating someone with fairness or generosity? 4) James warns that our treasures will bear witness at judgment to who or what our god truly was. If someone examined your bank statements, calendar, and possessions, what would they conclude you worship or value most? 5) When we say "I surrender all" to God, we often hold back certain areas like our finances, homes, or security. What is one specific area of your life or possession that you find hardest to truly surrender to God's control?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often come to worship with expectations about what we'll receive rather than focusing on what we can give to God. What does it look like in your daily life when you shift from asking "what do I get out of this?" to simply submitting to God's will? 3) The devil's primary strategy is convincing us that following our own will is the path to fulfillment. Where in your life right now are you most tempted to believe that your plans and desires are better than God's? 4) When we draw near to God, we begin to see others through His eyes of love rather than through a lens of judgment. Think of someone you've been critical of recently, how might your perspective change if you truly believed God loves them as much as He loves you? 5) Speaking truth to someone headed toward disaster looks very different when done out of love versus judgment. Can you share about a time when someone corrected you in a way that felt loving, and what made it feel that way? 6) We have no control over how long we'll live, yet we often make plans as if we're guaranteed tomorrow. If you fully embraced the reality that your life is brief and uncertain, what would you do differently today?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Conflicts often arise when we don't get what we want or feel we're losing control of a situation. Can you share about a recent conflict in your life and what you were really wanting in that moment? 3) Many of us struggle with trusting that God is writing our story and the stories of those around us. What area of your life do you find it hardest to let God have full control over? 4) The early Christians were called to honor even brutal leaders like Nero because they knew who was ultimately on the throne. How does knowing the end of the story change the way you respond to leaders or circumstances you disagree with? 5) There's often a gap between saying "everything is yours, God" and actually living that way with our time, money, relationships, and dreams. Where do you most struggle with the tension between "it's yours, but it's mine"? 6) We're called to love people even when we strongly disagree with their beliefs or choices, trusting God to do the work of conviction. Who in your life is hardest for you to love without trying to fix or change them?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) Earthly wisdom often leads us to pursue recognition and personal glory. In what areas of your life are you most tempted to seek glory for yourself rather than pointing to God? 3) True wisdom shows itself through humility and good conduct rather than impressive knowledge. Can you think of someone in your life who embodies this kind of wisdom, and what makes them different from people who simply know a lot? 4) Adam chose autonomy in the garden, wanting to be in charge of his own life, while Jesus demonstrated glory through submission at the cross. Where are you currently holding onto autonomy instead of surrendering to God's ways? 5) Sanctification requires submitting to God's logic and rules rather than our own. What specific area of your life feels hardest to submit to God, and what do you think is making that surrender difficult?

Discussion Questions: 1) Was there anything from the sermon or the passage that stuck out to you? 2) We often feel deeply hurt when others speak harshly to us, yet we minimize the impact when we say hurtful things to others. Can you think of a time when you dismissed your own words as "not a big deal" even though you knew they caused pain? 3) James compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a forest ablaze, suggesting that seemingly minor comments or "white lies" can have far-reaching consequences. What's an example from your life where small words (yours or someone else's) ended up having a much bigger impact than expected? 4) The passage teaches that no human can tame the tongue through willpower or self-improvement alone. When have you experienced the frustration of trying to control your words through your own strength, only to fail repeatedly? 5) We're called to bless those who persecute us and speak kindly even to difficult people, which goes against our natural instinct to retaliate. Who is one person in your life right now that you find genuinely difficult to speak well of, and what makes blessing them so challenging? 6) The practice of listening to God before speaking helps us hear His truth about ourselves and others rather than operating from our own broken perspective. How might your conversations this week change if you spent time in prayer and Scripture before engaging with people who frustrate you?

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.