The Loveless Church | Revelation 2:1-7

In late Spring 2025, Coastline began a seven-week journey through the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation.When most people think of Revelation, they picture beasts, dragons, strange numbers, and the antichrist. But before all of that, the book opens with something deeply personal: Jesus speaking directly to His Church. This series has been a powerful experience for our congregation—challenging, encouraging, and deeply relevant. As we studied each letter, we created small group questions to help people dive deeper, reflect honestly, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so that others can benefit from them too—whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or walking through Revelation with your church.

Small Group Questions | The Loveless Church | Revelation 2:1-7

Today we begin a brand-new sermon series through the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation. The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was on the Island of Patmos. Most scholars think the letter was written about 95-96AD. The letter was written to real churches in Modern Day Turkey. Most people think of Revelation as: beasts, dragons, and the antichrist. That comes later, but first Jesus wants to address His church. Each church finds an encouragement, a rebuke, and a promise. Study these questions and look at what Jesus spoke to the church in Ephesus about their spiritual formation. 

1) In the beginning of the sermon Neal talked about being afraid to read the book of Revelation and that it took him years to finally read it. What three words would you use to describe how you feel (have felt) about the book of Revelation? 

2) Read Revelation 2:1-3. We read that Jesus saw the hard work and serving nature of the church. Read Matthew 5:16, Acts 2:42-47, and Galatians 5:13. What do these verse teach us about the heart behind serving others? How can we live this out? 

3) The church in Ephesus was encouraged for persevering in their faith. Read Hebrews 11:36-40. What does it look like for us, in the church in America, to persevere in our faith this week, month, and year? 

4) Next, Jesus moves to a rebuke for the church (read Revelation 2:4). What does it mean to lose our love for Christ? How can we recognize that drift early—and what helps us return to the “wild love” of God? 

5) Read Revelation 2:5-6. Jesus invites this church to consider how far they fell. As a group come up with a list of five to ten examples of people in the Bible who also fell from their faith. What, if anything, brought about their restoration? 

6) The church is instructed to repent and do the things they did at first. Share with your group when you felt like your faith was the strongest and most passionate. What did that time look like and how do you return to that type of faith? 

7) Read Revelation 2:7. The promise for the church in Ephesus is to hear the voice of the Spirit and eat from the tree of life. Read 1 Samuel 3:10, John 10:27, Romans 8:14, and Hebrews 3:7–8. What do these verses teach us about the power of hearing the voice of God in our daily life? 

Close in prayer, asking God to rekindle your love for Him this week 

Atonement | 2 Corinthians 5:21

Starting in March 2025 Coastline began an eight-week sermon series called: Solid Ground. The series is based on Matthew 7 where Jesus encouraged the listeners to build their home on a firm foundation. For this series we're looking at some of the most important Christian Doctrines. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | Atonement | 2 Corinthians 5:21

For the final week of our Solid Ground sermon series we looked at: Atonement. We can define Atonement as: The work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation. For eight weeks we’ve been talking about building our lives on Jesus as the foundation of our lives. In Matthew 7, Jesus taught what it looks like to build our homes on solid ground and not on sinking sand. Jesus used the illustration of a home as a metaphor for our spiritual lives. Today we’ll see how Jesus took our sins upon Him so we could be the righteousness of God. We’ll see that Jesus conquered death and that because He is alive we can have life in Him.

1) Pastor Neal started our sermon by talking about what Easter was like for him as a child. Think backing to your childhood, what are some of your favorite memories or special things you really enjoyed as a child on Easter? 

2) Read 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Ephesians 2:16. Paul taught the church about how Jesus became sin so we could become the righteousness of God. Discuss the power of Jesus reconciling us back to God. 

3) Jesus didn’t just remove what’s broken, He gave us something brand new and that is life in Him. Share with your group something that Jesus has made new in your life and how that makes life with Him so special. 

4) In Luke 24:1-12 we read about the Tomb being empty. The disciples came to examine the tomb and they find no evidence of Jesus being there. What evidence of Jesus has helped encourage your faith the most? 

5) Read John 3:16-16. The Scriptures teach us that Jesus came to bring us back into right relationship with God. Share about a time in your life when you vividly remember Jesus restoring your relationship with God. 

6) In Luke 24:13-35 we see two of the disciples are completely hopeless. They are so dejected they leave Jerusalem. Share about a time in your life when things didn’t go your way and it hurt your faith in God. 

7) On the road to Emmaus Jesus uses the Old Testament Scriptures to encourage the disciples in their faith. Read Psalm 119:11, 105, Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16. Share about how reading God’s word has changed your life. 

Close your time in prayer asking for God to help you understand glorification. 

Glorification | Philippians 3:20-21

Starting in March 2025 Coastline began an eight-week sermon series called: Solid Ground. The series is based on Matthew 7 where Jesus encouraged the listeners to build their home on a firm foundation. For this series we're looking at some of the most important Christian Doctrines. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | Glorification | Philippians 3:20-21

Today we’re in week six of an eight-week sermon series called: Solid Ground. In Matthew 7 Jesus taught the listeners about the power of building their home on a solid foundation. This series is all about making sure our spiritual life is built on Jesus. Today we come to the doctrine of Glorification which causes us to think about heaven and what happens to our earthly bodies as we transition to our eternal home. Here’s a short definition of Glorification— when God completes His work in us. Making us fully like Jesus; perfect, eternal, and whole. Glorification gives us a hope for heaven but we also know there is suffering on this earth. 

1) Our sermon started with what we learn about heaven from the culture around us; it might be from cartoons or characters of God. When you were growing up what shaped your view of Heaven? How has that changed over time? 

2) Read Philippians 3:20-21. Paul taught the believers in Philippi that they are now citizens of heaven (see Ephesians 2:19, John 17:14-16, and Hebrews 11:13-16). What stands out to you about the idea that our citizenship is in heaven?

3) Paul taught the early church that our future glory changes how we live now. He pointed them to eternal thinking. What’s one area of your life that would look different if you truly lived with eternity in mind? How can begin living this out this week? 

4) Read Romans 8:17-18. We learned that we are adopted as children of God and heirs of God’s Kingdom. That means we have something to look forward to in eternity. How does being a child of God change how you live today? 

5) Paul and other New Testament writers teach us that our suffering plays a part in our hope for Heaven (read Romans 5:3–5, James 1:2–4, and Hebrews 12:10–11). Share with your group a story when you suffered and how it shaped you. 

6) In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 we learned about four contrasting words that help us understand our heavenly bodies. Read this passage and talk about the four contrasting images Paul taught the early church. What do they mean for us?   

7) Jesus’ resurrected body gives us an example of what our resurrected bodies will look like. Read Luke 24:28-32 and John 20:26-27 and 21:4-9. What do these passages teach us about Jesus’ resurrected body? 

Close your time in prayer asking for God to help you understand glorification. 

Regeneration | Titus 3:3-8

Starting in March 2025 Coastline began an eight-week sermon series called: Solid Ground. The series is based on Matthew 7 where Jesus encouraged the listeners to build their home on a firm foundation. For this series we're looking at some of the most important Christian Doctrines. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | Regeneration | Titus 3:3-8 

Today we’re in week three of our eight-week sermon series called Solid Ground. This series is all about building our lives on a firm spiritual foundation. What if true change wasn’t just about trying harder but about becoming completely new? This Sunday, we’re diving into the incredible truth of regeneration—how God doesn’t just improve us, He transforms us. Through the story of a rockstar’s radical faith and the journey of C.S. Lewis from atheism to belief, we’ll see how God takes even the most reluctant hearts and makes them new. Don’t miss this powerful message of hope, renewal, and the life-changing work of Christ in us. Join us and discover what it truly means to be made new!

1) The sermon started with the story of Brian Welch, a man whose life was radically changed by God. Think about your own journey, what was your life like before you encountered Christ? What changes have you seen since then?

2)Regeneration is completely a work of God. Read John 1:12-13 and Ezekiel 36:26. What do these passages teach us about being born again? Why is it important to understand that we play no active role in our own regeneration?

3) Before we experience regeneration, sin holds a powerful grip on our lives. Read Titus 3:3 and discuss how sin influences people’s thoughts, actions, choices and relationships. Where did sin once have control over your life?

4) In Titus 3:4-5 we learn that salvation comes not because of our righteousness but because of God’s kindness and mercy. How have you experienced God’s kindness in your life? How does His mercy change the way we view others?

5) Read Titus 3:5-6, John 3:5-8, and 1 Peter 1:3. What do these passages say about the role of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our regeneration? How can we be more aware of the Spirit’s work in our daily lives? 

6) Regeneration isn’t just about forgiveness, it’s about becoming a completely new person in Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. What does it mean to live as a new creation? What are some practical ways we can reflect this transformation in our everyday lives?

7) C.S. Lewis, once an atheist, was transformed by Christ and became a powerful advocate for the gospel. Who in your life needs to hear about the power of regeneration? Take a moment to pray for them and discuss how you can share your faith with them this week.

Close your time in prayer, thanking God for His transformative power in your lives. 

 

The Trinity | Genesis 1:1-3

Starting in March 2025 Coastline began an eight-week sermon series called: Solid Ground. The series is based on Matthew 7 where Jesus encouraged the listeners to build their home on a firm foundation. For this series we're looking at some of the most important Christian Doctrines. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | The Trinity | Genesis 1:1-3 

Today we’re in week two of our eight-week sermon series called Solid Ground. This series is all about building our lives on a firm spiritual foundation. Our theme verse comes from Matthew 7, where Jesus teaches us to build our lives on the rock instead of the shifting sand. We live in a world filled with all kinds of ideas about God; some rooted in truth and others way off base. One of the most important doctrines of the Christian faith is the Trinity. The Trinity is the belief that God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For some, this may be familiar, while for others, it feels like a confusing mystery. Take some time today to walk through the questions on the Trinity with your group. 

1) The sermon started explaining topics of conversation we are good at having vs. areas we know little about. As we approach the Trinity, quickly have your group share their confidence in being able to describe the Trinity.

2) The concept of the Trinity is present throughout Scripture but “The Trinity”, in written form like this, is never mentioned in Scripture. Read these passages and talk about the Trinity: Genesis 1:1-3, 26-27, Isaiah 6:8, and Matthew 28:18-20. 

3) We looked at Four words to help us understand the Trinity: One— There is only one God, Three— This one God exists as three persons, Diversity— Each person of the Trinity is distinct and Unity— The Trinity functions in perfect harmony. What part of this was most helpful to you? 

4) The Trinity is hard to explain and Christians have used human examples like: the egg, the shamrock, and water. Have you heard any other illustrations that would be helpful in explaining the Trinity to someone? 

5) All throughout the New Testament we see the unity of the Trinity. Read Matthew 3:16–17, John 14:16–17, 2 Corinthians 13:14, and Ephesians 2:18. How do these verses help us see the unity in the Trinity? 

6) In our Christian faith the Trinity matters. Read Romans 5:5–6, Galatians 4:4–6, Ephesians 3:14–19, and 1 John 4:13–14. Discuss how these verses show God expresses His great love to us. What stands out to you? 

7) Part of being loved by God is loving others. Come up with a list of five potential ways you can personally show the love of God to others this week. Next have everyone in your group one way they be intentional to work on this week.  

Close your time in prayer asking for God to help you understand His triune nature. 

Love Your Kids | Ephesians 6:1-4

The month of February is a time when love is in the air! "I love you" might be the most sentence in the English language... in any language. For the month of February we're focusing in on love. We're doing a sermon series titled: "I love you". In this series we'll look at four unique relationships: Loving God, loving others, loving our spouse, and loving our kids. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | Love Your Kids | Ephesians 6:1-4

This month, we’re dedicating our time to exploring Biblical love. On Sunday, we talked  about the role of love in parenting: a calling that requires patience, guidance, and grace. In Ephesians 6:1-4, Paul teaches that parenting is about both instruction and nurture, balancing discipline with encouragement. Just as God lovingly leads us, parents are called to lead their children with wisdom, consistency, and a heart that reflects Christ’s love. Parenting can look different for everyone. Our church includes people in various stages of life: parents, grandparents, future parents, and those who support families. As you discuss, please be mindful and sensitive to each person’s experiences.

1) What is one moment from your childhood when you felt deeply loved by a parent or guardian? What specifically made you feel loved? How can we apply those principles in our own parenting or relationships? 

2) Read Ephesians 6:1-3. Paul connects obedience to parents with enjoying long life.  Thinking about your relationship with your parents, how have you seen obedience their instruction in your life lead to blessings in your life?

3) The New Testament offers us a variety of examples of parenting. Read Matthew 3:16-17. At the baptism of Jesus we read about an affirming time for Jesus. Talk about the power of encouraging our children. 

4) Read Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21. Paul warns fathers not to exasperate their children. What are some ways that parents (or authority figures) can unintentionally discourage or embitter children?

5) In the sermon we learned about three ways to ruin a child: Being Overbearing, Being Permissive, or Being Inconsistent. How does your parenting impact your children? Have you modeled a consistent parenting style?

6) Read Deut 6:4-9. Moses instructed God’s people to impress these commandments on their children. What are ways we can enter into spiritual conversations this week? What one thing do you want to focus on this week? 

7) In Matthew 17:14-20 we learned about a father who was willing to do anything for his son and desperate for life change. What is one way you can bring your children to the feet of Jesus this week to be in His presence? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

Love Your Spouse | Ephesians 5:21-33

The month of February is a time when love is in the air! "I love you" might be the most sentence in the English language... in any language. For the month of February we're focusing in on love. We're doing a sermon series titled: "I love you". In this series we'll look at four unique relationships: Loving God, loving others, loving our spouse, and loving our kids. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | Love Your Spouse | Ephesians 5:21-33

This month, we’re dedicating our time to exploring Biblical love. On Sunday, we focused on the marriage relationship, which requires submission, sacrifice, and communication—exactly what Paul teaches in Ephesians 5:21-33. This passage can sometimes make people uncomfortable because of its discussion on submission, but when we view it through the lens of Christ’s love, we see that submission isn’t about power, it’s about serving one another with humility and love. Since our church is comprised of people in various stages of life and relationships, some questions may resonate more than others. As you discuss, please be mindful and sensitive to each person’s experiences.

1) The sermon started with a viral story about Otou Katayama who acted extremely childish in his marriage. What are some childish things you’ve seen couples do in their relationship that leaves you shaking your head?  

2) Read Ephesians 5:21. Paul commands married couples to submit to each other out of reverence for Christ. The word submit can get a bad reputation in marriage. How can married couples show a profound respect for each other? 

3) To fully understand the marriage relationship we need to look back to creation. Read Genesis 1:26-27 and 2:20-25. Focusing on these two verses, what do we learn about the way God created mankind in His imagine and the role of marriage?  

4) In Acts we learned about the couple Priscilla and Aquila. Read Acts 18:1-3 and 18-19. What lessons can we draw from this married couple about supporting each other in the gifting God has given to husbands and wives? 

5) Scripture provides us some cautionary tales of marriage. David and Michal’s marriage is one that lacked spiritual unity. Read 1 Samuel 19:10-17 and 2 Samuel 6:16-23. What can we learn from this couple about having a healthy marriage? 

6) Read Ephesians 5:22-33. Paul teaches married couples how to interact with each other in a Godly way. As a group, pull out several examples of what a healthy marriage looks like and discuss how you could move in that relational direction. 

7) For those who are married, come up with a list of several ways you can love and respect your spouse this week. Examples can range from praying for each other, reading Scripture together, or planning a date. 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

Love God | Mark 12:28-30

The month of February is a time when love is in the air! "I love you" might be the most sentence in the English language... in any language. For the month of February we're focusing in on love. We're doing a sermon series titled: "I love you". In this series we'll look at four unique relationships: Loving God, loving others, loving our spouse, and loving our kids. It seemed like a great idea to share the small group questions here incase you'd like to study one of these topics more. 

Small Group Questions | Love God | Mark 12:28-30 

On Sunday we kicked off a brand-new sermon series called “I Love You.” These three simple words carry incredible power; they can heal wounds, bring comfort, and soften even the hardest hearts. Today we begin this series by looking at the most important relationship in our entire life, our relationship with God. The Bible is filled with reminders of God’s deep love for us, but what about our love for Him? In Mark 12, Jesus has a conversation about the greatest commandment, and it all starts with making sure our love is directed toward the right place. As we dive into today’s discussion, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to love God with our entire being 

1) We live in a world longing for love. Share a time when you felt fully loved by family, friends, or God. Take some time to describe the details of that situation, experience, or time with your group. What made it so special?  

2) Read Mark 12:13 and 18. While Jesus is teaching in the Temple courts two groups try to trap Him with their questions. How can we approach Jesus more like the teacher of the law looking to learn from Jesus? 

3) Read Mark 12:28-30. Jesus invites us to love God with our entire heart. Read Matthew 6:19-24. What are some things that compete for your heart’s devotion? What steps can you take to realign your heart to love God fully?

4) Jesus taught us to love God with all our soul. Read Psalm 19:7, 42:2, and 119:8. In today’s fast-paced world, what are some challenges that keep us from caring for our soul, and how can we overcome them?

5) Read Mark 12:30 once more. Jesus teaches us to love God with all our mind. Read 2 Corinthians 10:5 and Romans 12:1-2. What are some distractions or thought patterns that pull us away from this? What are three practical ways you can love God with your mind this week?

6) Read Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Loving God with all our strength means using our time, energy, and abilities for His glory. What does this look like in everyday life? How can you love God with all your strength this week?

7) As you look back on the passages we studied this week, what is God speaking to you about loving Him with your entire being?  

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

Serving Others | Matthew 25:31-40

The month of January seems like a great time to get our priorities straight again! For January Coastline Bible Church started a four-week sermon series called; "The Church." In this series we talked about how the church is a living, breathing, organism, on mission for God. We looked what makes the church unique and the role God's people play in the church. We had small group questions for two of the weeks and it made sense to keep sharing them here. 

Small Group Questions | Serving Others | Matthew 25:31-40

Throughout January we’re exploring four key aspects that make the church truly unique. One idea we’ve emphasized in this series is that the church is not merely an organization but a living, breathing organism—a unique community of people on mission for God. This week, we’ll focus on how serving sets the church apart. Think of serving like eating your vegetables: when you’re spiritually immature, you might resist serving because you see life as centered on yourself. But as you grow in your faith, serving others becomes something you eagerly look forward to. Together, we’ll explore an invitation to serve others, our responsibility to serve within the church, and the joy that comes from serving.

1) In the introduction to the sermon Neal gave us an example of how much he disliked eating his vegetables as a kid but learned to eat them as an adult. Thinking of this analogy, how do you feel about serving others? Is it a joy for you or difficult?  

2) Read Matthew 25:31-40. While sitting on the Mount of Olives Jesus taught on several things. One was what would happen when He returned to earth. How does this passage inspire you to live out your faith through serving? 

3) Serving is a practical way to live out our faith. But we live in a fast-paced, schedule paced, world. Take some time as a group to share what holds you back from serving others; it could be time constrains, fears, health issues, or more. 

4) Read Romans 12:6-8. Paul wrote to the church in Rome with this encouragement to serve others. Thinking back on your life, what do you think some of your gifts are to serve the church? Where have people affirmed these gifts in your life? 

5) Look over the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 12. Paul teaches the early church about the different gifts God has given us. What do we learn about deploying our gifts to serve the church in these passages? 

6) Read 1 Peter 4:8-11. Peter taught the early church about the using whatever gifts they have to faithfully serve the church. Where would you like to grow in the understanding and use of your gifts? 

7) As a group, think of several ways you can serve others this coming week or month. Come up with a list to help you have several ideas and commit to doing those. 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

Sabbatical Update

The past few years have been intense. I’ve led through the loss of my dad and stepdad, my mom suffering a traumatic brain injury, and the challenges of a global pandemic. On top of that, I’ve spent the last seven years helping rebuild a church that experienced a painful split. My soul was weary, and I was exhausted. Thankfully, our elders approved a ten-week sabbatical, providing the rest I desperately needed.

About a week into my sabbatical, a friend texted me, asking how I was doing. I replied, “I’m more tired than I realized.”In those first days, I took more naps, slept in, and yawned more than I ever imagined. My exhaustion ran deeper than I had known or acknowledged.

I wonder if you might feel the same. Maybe a key staff member recently left your team. Perhaps you’ve navigated the tensions of the latest election cycle or carried the weight of your congregation’s struggles. You go home physically, spiritually, and emotionally drained. Like me, you might be more tired than you realize.

Sabbatical forced me to slow down completely. It felt like pulling over on a long road trip, engaging the emergency brake, and shutting off the engine. I’m not naturally good at rest, but three weeks of stopping entirely brought renewal. For the first time in a long while, I started dreaming again—about ministry, discipleship, and reaching our community.

But God wasn’t done. In the weeks that followed, He did some of His deepest work in my soul. As I spent time alone with Him, He revealed my struggle with control. He reminded me to trust Him fully to care for His church. I realized God cares more about me as a person than about my role as a pastor. He shepherded my soul in ways I hadn’t let Him before.

You might not have ten weeks to take off, but you can still rest. Start with a Sabbath day and allow God to speak to you in your deepest need.