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.