Sermon Discussion

11/16/25

1 Timothy 2:5-6
"The Middle Man"
Pastor Aaron Crawford

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• Before we get into the 3 functions of Christ from this week’s message, what are some other functions or roles that Christ performs that are encouraging to you?

• Christ acts as our mediator between us and a holy, and righteous God. Talk through why Jesus was so unique in His ability to serve in this capacity. Why is this such an important factor in our spiritual walk?

• Aaron mentioned that, generally speaking, we have a higher view of ourselves and a lower view of God’s holiness, especially in light of our sin. What did he mean by this? How have you interacted with this way of thinking?

• Aaron focused on the fact that we are saved BY God and FROM God’s wrath (Romans 5:6-11). How does that make you feel? Have you really wrestled with the reality of God’s wrath on sin before?

• How encouraging is it to you to know that Christ “lives to make intercession” for you, even in times of our own prayerful negligence? (Hebrews 7:23-25)

• What’s the difference between Jesus being our intercessor and our advocate? Why is it important to distinctly separate all three of these titles and functions?

11/9/25

Ruth 2:20, Hebrews 2:6-15
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 8: Kinsman"
Pastor Tom Gray

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• Redeem means to rescue and restore. Have you had any experience where someone in your family was a redeemer for you?

• Have you had the opportunity to do that for someone in your family? What did you learn in those instances?

• The terms Father, Husband, Brother and Friends are relational terms used in scripture to describe our relationship with the God-head. Talk through each one of these, what they mean for our walk and what stands out to you about each of them. 

• What is the significance of Jesus being our brother / kinsman? (See Hebrews 2:9-15)

• What does “being in Gods family” mean to you? What blessings and responsibilities come from this?

11/2/25

Ruth 2:1
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 7: Character—Boaz"
Pastor Tom Gray

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• How does pursuing Christ reflect on our character development? Where have you seen personal growth in your own life through this?

• How is reputation different from character? Read 3 John 3-6. What stands out to you in these verses?

• How do you or how can you make your “job” (in the world or at home) more Christ-centered like Boaz?

• How is our character developed through following or submitting to the will of God?

• How does God model generosity to you? Where have you learned or grown in your own generosity to those around you?

• Character over time = impact. Talk about this and what it could look like within your group, family and personal life 

10/26/25

Ruth 3:11
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 6: Character—Ruth"
Pastor Tom Gray

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• How do you define character?

• What are the character traits of Christ that we are called to model?

• How or what can we do to grow in some of these areas?

• Tom said that God builds through process and pressure. What does this mean and how have you experienced this in your own life?

• How do we parent towards godly character? What are practical things you are doing or have done to teach and model these things for your children?

• Why is working hard such an important character trait? Have you seen the downfall of laziness in your life or others around you? What can we learn from that?

10/19/25

Ruth 2:1-3:5
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 5: Waiting for the Lord"
Pastor Tom Gray

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• What are some things that you or your family have had to wait for the Lord with? What was the outcome of that waiting?

• How has God provided for you recently?

• What does it look like to live in a continual attitude of waiting for the Lord?

• Tom talked about seeking God through prayer but intensely and consistently. Do you find this easy or difficult? Why is this so important to waiting on the Lord?

• How do we balance “acting” with “waiting”?

• Where have you acted and God closed a door in the process? What did you learn from that?

• How has God changed you throughout these experiences of waiting on Him?

10/12/25

Ruth 1:19-2:20
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 4"
Pastor Tom Gray

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• Reaping and sowing are biblical truths. So is hope. Where have you seen God working or had hope through “bad sowing”?

• How did Tom define grace? How do grace and faith work together in our relationship with God?

• We often think of Jesus taking on our sins at the cross. Tom added another layer to it today by saying that Jesus reaped the consequences of our sinful sowing at the cross. Discuss this idea as a group. Does it help you see the cross a little more clearly?

• Why do you think we focus more on the consequences of our actions, more than being grateful for the mercy and grace we are shown?

• Discuss this phrase: “Blessings follow obedience.” What does this mean? How do we navigate this truth without falling into the false prosperity gospel teachings?

10/5/25

"Israel, the Nations, the Assembly of Messiah"
David HaLevy​​

9/28/25

Ruth 1
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 3: Terrible Times"
Pastor Tom Gray

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• What hard / terrible things are you facing right now? What are you praying that God would do in this situation?

• Discuss Romans 8:22-23. What are we waiting for? How does this truth help us process the hard times?

• How have we seen the reaping of  what our nation has sown? What can we do to change what is being “planted”?

• Why is it so easy for us to play “king” in our lives?

• Why do you think we are so hesitant to repent and return to the Lord in our lives?

9/14/25

Luke 6:46-49
"Build Your Life on the Rock of God's Word"
Pastor Matt Russell

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• What examples have you seen of “personal truths” in the world around you?

• How do we battle against the temptations to trust ourselves over obeying the Word of God?

• “The faith that justifies will never be alone." How have you learned to balance the faith and works aspect of our faith?

• Jesus tells a parable that explains that obedience to Him and His words are the foundation that we stand on when storms arise (v. 47-49). 

• How have you experienced this in your life? How did Gods word sustain you through those times? How do we apply these verses to the themes of “water as judgment”?

9/7/25

Ruth 1:1-5, 4:13-22
"Divine Conspiracy, pt. 1: In the days when..."
Pastor Tom Gray

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Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges. What do you know of that period and how does that shape how we will read Ruth? (Read the very last verse of Judges for help if needed.)

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• The book of Ruth starts with death and ends with life. Where else do we see this in Scripture?

• Where have you experienced God taking dark moments of your life and then transforming them to hopeful situations?

• Tom spent some time talking about governance and pointing out that Ruth is looking ahead to Jesus who is the ultimate Ruler.  Why is this important to keep in mind as we begin this study of Ruth?

• Tom gave a biblical hierarchy of authority and governance: God -> Individual -> Family -> Church -> Nation.
  Discuss this as a group. What stands out about the order? How can each group thrive by looking to God?