Pursue- Week 3 Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a four-week sermon series called: "Pursue." During this series we are going to study the Scriptures about loving God, loving others, living a holy life, and having a healthy marriage or preparing for marriage. This is a sermon series for everyone who is looking to have a little more love in their life. It seems there has been so much division in our Nation over the last several years. Marriages are growing cold. Dating relationships are falling apart under the stress of the pandemic. For this sermon we had Doug Meye write the small group questions that go along with this sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Love for a Lifetime ::: 1 Corinthians 13

Pretty much everyone agrees that “love” is one of the most important concepts in relationships and life.  Yet, love is used in so many different ways, to describe so many different things, that it’s difficult to know what love really means. As followers of Jesus, we can begin here: God is the definition of love. Furthermore, God’s love for us shows us how to love others. The deepest and most intense expression of this kind of love is found in the marriage relationship. In this study we will dig into the kind of love that’s needed to make a marriage last a lifetime, and why those who love for a lifetime come to understand God’s love in a richer way. But this study goes way beyond marriage: it’s for all of us who want our everyday relationships to better express and experience a different kind of love.

1) As a group think of as many different phrases/sayings as you can that have the word love in them. (For example – It’s love that makes the world go round.) 

Read I Corinthians 13

2) Based on I Corinthians 13, do your best to define love in a single sentence? 

3) Many people have noted that you could easily replace the word “love” in I Corinthians with “Jesus.”  Try it with some of the phrases.  In what substantial ways does Jesus’ love differ from the love you described in question 1? 

4) The divorce rate in our culture is very high. What is the reason Jesus tell his listeners Moses grant a certificate of divorce in the OT law (Matthew 19:8)? What different kinds of things can make it so challenging for two people to stay married for the rest of their lives? How does Matthew 19:8 factor into these challenges?

5) In the sermon on Sunday, the following 4 exhortations were given to help marriages last a lifetime: Stay Married, Choose Love, Apply Grace, Invest Generously.  What is meant by each of these? Which one spoke the most loudly to you personally? How can you apply it? What would you add to these?

6) Author Gary Thomas has written a (wonderful) book on marriage, called Sacred Marriage. The subtitle of the book is: What if God Designed Marriage More to Make Us Holy than to Make us Happy? How do you respond to this subtitle? Why is the marriage relationship such a powerful instrument in God’s hand for us to become more like Jesus?  

7) As a church, Coastline wants to be a community which strengthens marriages, comes alongside those who have experience brokenness, and helps all experience the transforming power of Jesus in their lives and relationships. Having gone through this study, what do you most need from others in your groups.

Pursue- Week 2 Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a four-week sermon series called: "Pursue." During this series we are going to study the Scriptures about loving God, loving others, living a holy life, and having a healthy marriage or preparing for marriage. This is a sermon series for everyone who is looking to have a little more love in their life. It seems there has been so much division in our Nation over the last several years. Marriages are growing cold. Dating relationships are falling apart under the stress of the pandemic. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Live in the light ::: Romans 13

The month of February tends to get our mind thinking about love. Love is in the air, love is on our mind, love is what more of us need. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome in anticipation of his upcoming visit. In chapter 13 we read about being prepared for the return of Christ and living a holy life. The Romans culture endorsed idol worship, sexual promiscuity, and appealing sexual behavior. It would have been increasing difficult for a Christ follower to not partake in this type of behavior. But, not partaking in this type of behavior would have helped the Christ-follower to stand out as an anomaly in the Roman culture. The call of living a holy life is what God desires for all of us. Take some time to go over these questions and figure out what it looks like to pursue a holy life and not a life dictated by following the desires of the flesh. 

1) Have you noticed an increase of co-habitation before marriage, a decreased desire for marriage, or increase in divorce? If so, what do you think is causing that? 

2) Read Romans 13:11-12. Why do you think Paul talked about the return of Christ in regards to us living a holy life? Read Mark 13:32-37 and talk about what Jesus instructed us in regards to His second coming. 

3) Paul encouraged the church in Rome to put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. How is putting on the full armor of God and putting on the armor of light similar? 

4) Coastline longs to see people find freedom in Jesus Christ and be sanctified. Read:  John 16:1-11, Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 12:2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23. What does the Bible teach us about leaving a life of sin and following Jesus? 

5) Read Romans 13:13-14. Paul instructed the church to avoid any sexual sin. Read Matthew 5:32, Acts 15:20, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, and Ephesians 5:3. How do we avoid sexual immorality in a sex saturated culture? 

6) What does culture teach us about the value of marriage, the reason for marriage, or the meaning of marriage? What does the Bible teach us about a Biblical marriage? See Genesis 2:24 and Hebrews 13:4. How can our marriage make us holy?  

7) Paul’s instruction is to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14). Read Colossians 3:12-17. As we live in a culture that is slowly degrading the value of marriage, how can we uplift marriage and clothe ourselves with Christ?  

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

Pursue- Week 1 Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a four-week sermon series called: "Pursue." During this series we are going to study the Scriptures about loving God, loving others, living a holy life, and having a healthy marriage or preparing for marriage. This is a sermon series for everyone who is looking to have a little more love in their life. It seems there has been so much division in our Nation over the last several years. Marriages are growing cold. Dating relationships are falling apart under the stress of the pandemic. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Love God, Love Others ::: Matthew 22

This week we kick off a brand new sermon series called: Pursue. For the month of February we’re going to focus on the love of God and how that impacts our lives. In Matthew 22 we read that the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with a question. Jesus does a great job at summarizing the 600+ Jewish Laws into one statement. Jesus knew it was all about love. He encouraged us to focus on loving God, loving others, and loving ourselves. The words that so easily rolled off Jesus’ lips can be a tough teaching for us to implement in our lives. We have past hang-ups, negative interactions, and a poor ability to put boundaries in our lives. Before studying these questions, ask God to help you to understand love in a new way this week; a way that He loves. 

1) Neal started the sermon by sharing a story of a time when he had a difficult time loving someone he worked with. Think about a time in your life that you’ve had a hard time loving someone, how did you respond to that person? Did it work?  

2) Read Matthew 22:34-38. Jesus tells us to love God with all our heart. Read Psalm 73:25, 1 John 4:19, & 2 Corinthians 3:16. What does it look like to love God with our entire heart? What holds us back from loving God with all our heart? 

3) Jesus also invited us to love God with all our mind. There are some churches that want you to ‘check your mind at the door’ and simply trust. But Jesus invites us to love God with our mind. How can we love God with our mind this week? 

4) Next, Jesus invited us to love God with all our soul (Matthew 22:37). Read: Matthew 11:29, Mark 8:36-37, Luke 1:46 & 1 Peter 2:11. How do these passages provide instruction on what it looks like to love God with all our soul? 

5) Jesus added to the question and told us to love our neighbor as ourself (read Matthew 22:39). How come we don’t love others? Read 1 John 4:11, 1 Peter 4:8, Romans 12:9, & Ephesians 4:32. How can we love our neighbor this week? 

6) Neal said that one of the reasons we don’t know how to love our neighbors is that we don’t love ourselves. Read Micah 6:8, 1 John 3:1, and John 3:16-17. What holds you back from loving yourself? How can you grow in loving yourself this week? 

7) Jesus was able to answer the question with Scripture (read Deuteronomy 6:4). Do you feel confident in knowing God’s word so that you can answer questions based on Scripture? If not, how can you know God’s better? (see Psalm 119:11) 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

Lean in to the Holy Spirit- Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Lean In" as we move into the New Year. There are so many parts of our lives that we don’t engage. We lean away from confrontation, difficult subjects, broken relationships, and things that require change. But what would happen if we began to lean in? What would change if we choose to lean in to God this year and see what He has for our lives? For five weeks we are going to lean in to different aspects of the Christian faith. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Lean in to the Holy Spirit ::: John 14

As we wrap up our sermon series Lean In, we are going to talk about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. We see the work of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture. The Holy Spirit is rarely preached on and some people can think of Him as mysterious. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit would come on a person for a certain time or task but in the New Testament there is a change. in John14, Jesus promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their guide and comforter. We know that the Holy Spirit is a free gift of God; He is not something that can be purchased. One purpose of the Spirit is so we are not alone. The Holy Spirit helps us to accomplish the commands of God. Take some time to study these questions and lean in to the Spirit. 

1) One of the places we read the most about the Holy Spirit is in the book of Acts. We see the Spirit embolden the believers to do the work of God. Share about a time when you knew the Spirit was giving you power to do God’s work. 

2) Read John 14:15-21. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit as a free gift. Meaning the Spirit is available to anyone and everyone who places their trust in Jesus. Read Acts 10:44-48 and talk about how the free gift of the Spirit was seen. 

3) In John 14:17-18, Jesus told the disciples that the world neither sees or knows the Holy Spirit. Read: Matthew 1:18, 3:16, and Luke 1:41. Talk about how God’s people saw the Holy Spirit at work in miraculous and tangible ways.  

4) Read John 14:22-24. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit wouldn’t leave us alone. Think of a time when you felt lonely and needed the Holy Spirit to help you. Read Acts 4:8-22 and talk about how the Spirit helped Peter when he needed it most. 

5) Some of Jesus’ final words were a commission to the early church (read Matthew 28:18-20). Read Acts 2:42-47, 8:34-40, 13:1-3, and16:11-15. What do these stories teach us about the obedience of the disciples? 

6) Read John 14:25-27. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would teach us and remind us of all the things that He said. Read Acts 4:8-22 and talk about how the Spirit gave Peter the words to speak.

7) Some believers have never really studied the work of the Holy Spirit in their life. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19. Paul encouraged the church not to “quench” the Holy Spirit. Can you ways to allow the Spirit to work more in your life? 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

What would you change?

I heard a story a couple years ago about an older pastor who was leading a ministry to seniors. They were having a great evening together. They ate a meal and sang some of their favorite songs (hymns). The pastor then asked a couple questions: “How many of you would change your weekend plans to see your grandchildren?” 

Almost everyone raised their hand. 

His next question was: “How many of you would change your Christmas plans if your grandkids would join you?” Once again, almost everyone raised their hand. 

Then he asked: “How many of you would change your vacation plans if your kids would join you?” Nearly everyone. The audience was elated, you could tell they loved their family. 

The final question was: “How many of you would change your worship style so your grandchildren would know the Lord?” Only a few hands were raised; the joy was sucked out of the room. 

This story has always stood with me. How are we willing to change so much to spend time with our families but we are unwilling to sing a new song to the Lord? It doesn’t mean we can’t ever sing an old worship song. I'm grateful for the church I serve at and their willingness to sing a new song. 

So many people can get stuck wanting to hear that same song, that “oldie”, when God wants to do something completely new in our lives. When we sing a new song we can learn about the love of God. 

Singing a new song to the Lord would reflect a new orientation in our lives. 

Psalm 96

1 Sing to the Lord a new song;

    sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

    proclaim his salvation day after day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations,

    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

As we lean in to worship, we are going to see that worship is active (read Psalm 96:1-3). 

The Psalm begins by setting up suspense for reader. It prompts our minds to think: “Why do we need to sing a new song?” This isn’t a song reserved for only the Israelites, this is a song for the entire world to sing. One thing we say here a lot is that the gospel is for everyone. Right here we read that other nations are starting to learn about the greatness of God. His renown is expanding so much so that the whole earth is encouraged to sing a new song to God. 

Singing a new song to the Lord reflects that there has been a life change in us. Think about a song that you once sang (tell us in the chat) and now you sing a new song. You might have loved to go to the clubs on Saturday night but since you met the Lord you are singing a new song. You used to listen to Bob Marley and smoke weed all week long but God put a new song in your heart. Now you praise the Lord. Look at what Paul said to the church in Ephesus (read Ephesians 5:8). You were once in darkness. When you lived in darkness you sang that songs that were played in the darkness. When you start to worship the Lord it changes your mind and your focus. You are walking in the light of the Lord. 

Lean in to Worship- Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Lean In" as we move into the New Year. There are so many parts of our lives that we don’t engage. We lean away from confrontation, difficult subjects, broken relationships, and things that require change. But what would happen if we began to lean in? What would change if we choose to lean in to God this year and see what He has for our lives? For five weeks we are going to lean in to different aspects of the Christian faith. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Lean in to Worship ::: Psalm 96

When you talk about worship in a church the first thing that most people think about is worship through music. It’s what we’re accustomed to when we think about worship. When we look at the entirety of Scripture we read that worship is more than singing. In Psalm 96 we are instructed to sing a new song to the Lord. The instruction is because a new song can be from a new thing that God is doing in our lives. But it’s more than singing. We are are taught to proclaim and declare the glory of God. Our speaking the truth of God is a form of worship because it draws the unbeliever closer to Jesus. Worship is singing, sharing the good news of Jesus, and giving. Our giving is an act of worship and an example of trusting the Lord. Work through the following questions. 

1) Neal shared a story about teaching at Mount Hermon and reminding students that God is not a feeling. When you think about worship do you seek out God as a feeling or are you seeking out the God of creation? 

2) Read Psalm 96:1-3. The Psalmist teaches us that worship is active. Read Psalm 95. What are the different ways that these two Psalms teach us to make our worship active? What one do you want to practice in your worship this week? 

3) Psalm 96 teaches us to proclaim the salvation of the Lord day after day. Read Matthew 9:35, Mark 1:14, and Luke 4:43. How do these passages encourage us to share our faith? When was the last time you shared your faith as an act of worship?  

4) Read Psalm 96:4-6. The Psalmist teaches us that the Lord is great and worthy to be praised. Read Psalm 8 and talk about the worthy things that the Lord has done. Share a story of when God was great in your life. 

5) Part of worship is remembering who we are worshipping. We live in a time where idol worship is lifted high. Read Exodus 20:1-6, Acts 14:8-18, 2 Corinthians 6:16, and 1 John 5:21. What is so detrimental about idol worship? 

6) Read Psalm 96:7-10. The Psalm has a repetitive theme to keep us focused on the Lord. Verse 9 tells us to tremble before the Lord. Read Exodus 34:29-35 and 1 Kings 19:12-18. Do you think these men trembled in the presence of the Lord? 

7) Read Psalm 96:11-13 and 150:6. So often we think of worship as only singing songs but what we are really learning is that worship is a lifestyle. How do you want your lifestyle to change to be more worshipful? 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

There are two seas in Israel

A couple years ago I visited Israel. On that trip we had an opportunity to visit the two different seas in Israel. As we drove south from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea our trip leader told us a story of the two different seas in Israel. It sent something like this: 

In Israel there are two seas. One is the Sea of Galilee and the other is the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is beautiful, the water is blue and life is thriving in there. Trees line the banks. Families travel there in the summer to splash in the water. Fish swim throughout its bounds. 

The Jordan River flows into this Sea from the sunny hills to the north. The snow melt travels down. On the south end the Jordan river continues to flow into another sea. The Jordan is used to irrigate fields and trees. Flocks drink its water and find life. Families are sustained with the life it gives. 

The Jordan flows south into the Dead Sea. Here there are no fish swimming, no birds flying above, no kids playing in the water and no families surrounding the shoreline. No man or animal can drink of this sea. Life does not exist in the Dead Sea. 

One might wonder: What makes this enormous difference between these neighboring bodies of water? Does something happen in the Jordan that turns the water bad? No. 

The water that flows into each body is good water. It’s not the soil, the people, or the geography of the land. The difference is that the Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the water. For every drop it receives it also gives back. The Sea of Galilee gives equally as it receives. The Sea of Galilee is generous. 

At the other end, the Dead Sea keeps the Jordan. It hordes all the water that is poured into it. Every drop is kept for itself; it never sends water elsewhere. It selfishly keeps all that is given to it with no thought of giving. 

There are two Seas in Israel. The Sea of Galilee is generous and giving while the Dead Sea shares nothing. What sea best represents your life? What sea do you want to be like? I think that God gives us money to steward, not to posses. 

Lean in to Generosity- Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Lean In" as we move into the New Year. There are so many parts of our lives that we don’t engage. We lean away from confrontation, difficult subjects, broken relationships, and things that require change. But what would happen if we began to lean in? What would change if we choose to lean in to God this year and see what He has for our lives? For five weeks we are going to lean in to different aspects of the Christian faith. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Lean in to Generosity ::: 2 Corinthians 9

To lean in is the opposite of running away. In this sermon sermon series we are leaning in to how God wants to shape and form our lives. Almost 2000 years ago the Apostle Paul started a church in a city he never visited; he choose to lean in to loving people. After leaving that church he wrote them about living a generous life. Paul instructed them on what do with their financial means. Giving isn’t reserved only for the rich but giving is act of faith. Giving is one way to say: “God I trust you with everything I have.” We want to lean in to all that God has for us. Today we’re going to focus on leaning in to generosity. We want to lean in to what the Bible teaches us about what to do with our financial resources and we want to be obedient to follow God’s word. 

1) Neal opened the sermon by talking about the RAS (reticular activating system) that helps our brain choose what to process. Share about something that your RAS has highlighted at one time or another in your life. 

2)Paul writes to the church in Corinth about being generous with their financial resources (read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). In general, what are your thoughts about giving to God? How did you originally format this thought process?  

3) Paul instructs the church in Corinth to be cheerful and decisive in their giving. Read Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was decisive in his giving and gave half his possessions to the poor. What does it look like to be deceive and cheerful in your giving?  

4) Read 2 Corinthians 9:8-9. God promises to give us what we need but not what culture says we must have. Share about how you have fallen into thinking that wants are needs and been mislead on financial purchases. 

5) Giving reflects a deep trust in Jesus. Read Luke 21:1-4. This woman was acting in obedience to God and her experience with God (see Malachi 3:10). What sticks out to you most about this woman and her trust in the Lord?

6) In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus spoke these words (Matthew 6:19-24). What makes it easier for a person to store up treasures on earth than in heaven? What do you think about Jesus’ words in verse 24, can a person serve two masters?  

7) When we trust our financial situation to God, He will provide all we need (read 2 Corinthians 9:10-11). Share about how you’ve seen God provide for your needs because you’ve made a commitment to trusting Him with your finances. 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

16 thoughts on 16 years of marriage

Last week Charity and I celebrated 16 years of marriage. It was a pretty surreal experience. We were able to get a hotel room in the same place we celebrated our honeymoon in San Diego. We stayed at the Hotel del Coronado. Coronado Island has many great memories for us. It’s the first place we celebrated a Valentine’s Day. We would visit the beach there. We loved to walk downtown there.

On the drive to San Diego we talked about some of the highlights and hard times in our marriage. We talked about supporting each other during school, having kids, vacationing, making marriage a priority, and much more. 

When we returned home it prompted me to write this post. I’m not going to expand on each point but if you’d like to talk about them let me know: 

1. Our marriage is stronger because we’ve chosen to seek God first

2. Listen to your spouse 

3. Over-communicate on anything and everything 

4. Make dating your spouse a priority 

5. We’ve chosen to make vacations/adventures a priority 

6. Lots of couples fight over money and it’s not worth fighting over 

7. Life is well spent eating sushi together 

8. If you’re spouse is interested in it, find a way to be interested 

9. Don’t neglect your sex life, make that a high priority 

10. Look for ways to bless your spouse (don’t be selfish) 

11. Find creative ways to surprise your spouse with things he/she will love

12. Take lots of pictures, you will want to look back on them later 

13. Focus on a healthy marriage, not a perfect marriage

14. There are times to listen and times to offer advice 

15. Pray for each other and together; you can never have enough prayer

16. Make sure to tell your wife that she is beautiful every time you think it; she can’t read your mind 

Lean in to Scripture- Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Lean In" as we move into the New Year. There are so many parts of our lives that we don’t engage. We lean away from confrontation, difficult subjects, broken relationships, and things that require change. But what would happen if we began to lean in? What would change if we choose to lean in to God this year and see what He has for our lives? For five weeks we are going to lean in to different aspects of the Christian faith. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Lean in to Scripture ::: Psalm 19

Today we’re starting a brand new sermon series at Coastline called; Lean In. There are three reasons that people avoid Scripture. First, we're not sure if God's word is trustworthy. In Psalm 19 we read that the Law of the Lord is perfect. We learn that God’s precepts are trustworthy. We learn how to have a reverent fear for the Lord. We are keen at seeing imperfections in others but fail to see the perfect value of the Bible. Second, we're not sure if it's practical. It is easy to think that because the Bible is so old that it's antiquated. We forget that Scripture transcends time and culture. There are practical lessons for us to learn today. Third, we don't know how to apply it to our lives. When we don't read the Bible we fail to learn how to apply it to our lives. We are so inundated with information that we rarely apply life change. We long for the easy life. Work through these questions either alone or with some others and grow in Scripture. 

1) Neal shared a story about a neighbor in college and how their conversation prompted him to read the Bible on a daily basis. What was a catalyst for your reading the Bible on your own? Where are you currently reading in the Bible? 

2) One reason people don’t read the Bible is that they don’t think it’s reliable. Read Psalm 19:7 and talk about how God’s words perfect. Share a story when reading the Bible was the perfect words you needed for that exact time. 

3) Thinking about the Bible being perfect, read Psalm 12:6-7. Share a time time in your life that you considered participating in sinful behavior. How did the word of the Lord protect you from participating in that wicked behavior? 

4) Another reason people don’t read the Bible is because they don’t think it’s practical. Read Psalm 19:8 and talk about God’s word can be our personal conduct. Share about how the Bible has been practical in a life situation you encountered. 

5) Read Hebrews 4:12. The author teaches us that the word of God is alive and active. He goes on to share that it judges our thoughts, attitude, and heart. Can you think of a time that God’s word impacted your thoughts, attitude, or heart? 

6) A final reason people don’t read their Bible is because they don’t know how to apply it to their life. Read Psalm 19:9. So often we think about fear as being scared. What does Psalm 19 and Proverbs 1:7 teach us about fearing the Lord? 

7) Read Psalm 119:11 and 105. the Psalmist teaches us how the word of God is applicable in our life when we apply it. Talk about ways that you have applied God’s word to your life and share what the outcome has been. 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

Christ the King :: Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Searching for Christmas." As we approach the Christmas season we wanted to take a look at some of the most famous words ever spoken about Jesus. We might be familiar with the New Testament accounts of Jesus but what if we looked back, hundreds of years earlier, to the prophecies spoken about Jesus. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Christ the King ::: Isaiah 9

The Christmas season is filled with a variety of emotions. Single parents might be trying to add an extra shift so they can afford that special gift for their child. A couple might be trying to balance the calendar in anticipation that family will be visiting. Or a student might be working their hardest to figure out how to surprise his/her parents on Christmas Eve. With the current climate many plans are in limbo, canceled, or on pause. It seems that some people are affected greatly while others aren’t feeling the impact as badly. As we study Isaiah 9 we read that the coming Christ will bring light to the darkness we’re experiencing. Isaiah gives four attribute names to the Son of God. Take some time to study the following questions together.  

1) One of the most watched Christmas movies of all time is Home Alone. Kevin is left at home while his family travels to Paris. Once they realize the mistake, the family is in distress. Are you feeling any distress this Christmas season? 

2) Isaiah let God’s people know that they no longer need to walk in darkness (read Isaiah 9:1-2). Talk about how Jesus has set you free from dark behaviors you participated in and has brought you into His wonderful light. 

3) Jesus said that He is the light of the world (read John 8:12). Jesus also told us that we are the light of the world (read Matthew 5:14-16). What are we doing to actively shine the light of Jesus this Christmas season? 

4) Read Isaiah 9:6-7. This is one of the most famous prophecies about Jesus. Read the four names that describe Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. What role of Jesus do you need right now? 

5) Focusing on the first two names of Jesus. Neal taught us that Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor and not a consoler. We also looked at Jesus being a Mighty God. Read Matthew 8:5-10, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 7:11-17, and John 8:1-11. What account about the power of Jesus sticks out most to you? 

6) Focusing on the final two names of Jesus: Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. How do you relate to God as Father? (read John 8:42-47 and Romans 8:14-17). Where do you need Jesus to bring peace in your life this Christmas season? (Read Mark 5:21-34, Luke 24:36 and John 14:27) 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

9 Ingredient Top Ramen

This is not a food blog, I'm just a guy who knows how to eat Top Ramen! For years I've been doctoring up my Top Ramen. Don't get me wrong, I started like many of you. I boiled the noodles, put the seasoning in the water, and thought I was done. I'm not sure how it started, who prompted it, or where it came from but it's turned into a game to see how many ingredients I can add to my Top Ramen. 

This weekend I made my latest rendition of my favorite winter soup (when I only have 15 mins and I'm hungry). 

Use some common sense in following my directions:

Boil water

While the water is boiling, use this time to cut some celery and carrots. The best way for the carrots is to peel them so they cook quicker. If you have an onion around, this is a good time to add some of that to your healthy vegetable pile. 

Once the water is boiling:

Add Top Ramen

While that is going on, get a bowl on the counter and add the following: 

Top Ramen Season Packet

Pepper

Slice of butter

Tabasco (I do about 10-11 hits on the bottle)

About this time your noodles are close to ready. This is important: you need to get out any excess water that won't fit in your bowl. Once you've done that you can move on to being a master chef: 

Crack egg into boiling noodles with water and stir. This is kind of like egg drop soup! 

In about 30 seconds you can add your vegetables to the soup. 

At this point I give it enough time to help my kids get a drink (maybe a minute). Then I pour the entire contents of the pot on the stove in to the  bowl on the counter. If you get some hot water in the bowl first, you can stir in the seasoning packet (it's easier now). Then let it all go in the bowl and stir. 

Now, you get some cheese and break it up on top! Oh ya, cheesy goodness! 

Enjoy! 

Hope for the Hopeless :: Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Searching for Christmas." As we approach the Christmas season we wanted to take a look at some of the most famous words ever spoken about Jesus. We might be familiar with the New Testament accounts of Jesus but what if we looked back, hundreds of years earlier, to the prophecies spoken about Jesus. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Hope for the Hopeless ::: Isaiah 7

In the Christmas season it seems that everyone is searching for something. You might be searching for the perfect gift for a family member. You might be searching for a new apartment for the new year. You might be on the hunt for a new job. When we open our Bibles to Isaiah 7 we see that Israel was searching for Hope. The King of Assyria was planning to attack the region of Israel. King Ahaz had allied himself with two local kings to increase his odds of survival. At this point the prophet Isaiah approaches Ahaz and encourages with a word from the Lord. The spoke truth to the young king to help him thrive in his role in leading God’s people. Unfortunately the king didn’t heed the wisdom of the Lord and lead God’s people astray. Keep in mind that the words of Isaiah were spoken about 700 years before Jesus was born. 

1) Neal started the sermon by sharing about a jacket that he searched for as a gift for his wife last Christmas. What are you searching for this Christmas? Is it a present, a new living situation, hope, forgiveness, peace, or something else? 

2) Read Isaiah 7:1-2. Israel was in a tough predicament. King Ahaz was pressured into a coalition with two local kings. Think about a time you were pressured into a relationship or agreement. How did it turn out? 

3) As we search for Christmas, Isaiah gives us a roadmap on how to keep up our search (read Isaiah 7:4). What one statement do you need to work on most? 

4) The Christmas season can bring much joy and much fear in people’s lives. The Bible gives us over sixty verses about not being afraid. (Exodus 14:13, Numbers 14:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 27:1) What are you afraid of right now? 

5) Isaiah spoke these words of comfort to the young king (read Isaiah 7:7-9). It was God’s promise to provide for and to protect the king but he wouldn’t listen. Read Proverbs 4:25-27 and talk about being faithful to our Lord. 

6) We come to one of the most known prophecies of Jesus (read Isaiah 7:10-14). The nickname that Jesus would be given is Immanuel meaning: God with us. Talk about how you’ve actively seen God at work in your life. 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online?

 

Praying Scripture

We all know that 2020 has been a wild year. From fires, to the pandemic, to racial reconciliation, to an election year in America, and I'm sure I could write another paragraph about what has happened this year. As a pastor of a local church I've found it very difficult to lead with such turmoil around every corner. At one point this year we only made decisions for about 8 hours at a time. We then moved that to making decisions for two months. I'm not actually sure where we are in the time length for making decisions now. 

When the pandemic started I thought that churches wouldn't gather for three weeks max (WOW, was I wrong). What I thought would be a 5k run turned into a marathon that turned into an IronMan that I hadn't trained for. 

Last week I had this idea to study Scripture with our staff. You might think that is normally what is in a church staff meeting and there is a component of that. This week we took the majority of the meeting to read God's words, ask some questions, and then pray. The whole morning went really well so I thought I'd share it with you here. 

Our staff gathered and read the following passages. Then we asked these guiding questions (and some more). Finally we prayed. 

Jesus will build His church (Read Matthew 16:13-20)
Who will build the church? 
What is our role in building the church? 

Pray for Jesus to rebuild Coastline in the wake of the pandemic 

Go and make disciples (Read Matthew 28:18-20)
What is our command in these verses? 
Are we doing more event planning or disciple making?
Pray for Jesus to show us how to disciple people. 

Open the flood gates of giving (read Malachi 3:6-12)
How have we cheated God?
Are we teaching our people to trust God with their finances? 
Pray for God to open the flood gates of giving this year. 

Ask the Lord of the Harvest (Matthew 9:35-38)
Where do you need four more volunteers right now?
How will you build up these volunteers?
Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send workers. 

Care for the people (John 21:15-19)
How are we doing at caring for people?
How are we intentionally caring for people? 
Pray for God to shepherd His people 

Jesus, the hope of the world | Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Searching for Christmas." As we approach the Christmas season we wanted to take a look at some of the most famous words ever spoken about Jesus. We might be familiar with the New Testament accounts of Jesus but what if we looked back, hundreds of years earlier, to the prophecies spoken about Jesus. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Jesus, the hope of the world ::: Various Scriptures 

As we move into the Christmas season we’re starting a brand new sermon series titled: Searching for Christmas. The Christmas season brings great joy and hope to many people. On the contrary, some people have placed their hope in the wrong person or the wrong situation. The reality is that we are all searching for something. In the opener of this sermon series we will look throughout the Bible and search for Christ. From the prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus to the apostles who’s lives were radically transformed by His power. The call of Christmas is for us to look back on God’s faithfulness in sending Jesus, and to look forward to our hope of glory where God will liberate humanity, and the entire universe, from evil.

1) Bert started his sermon by sharing about how much fun he is having searching the Scriptures with his kids and studying advent. Have you started an advent reading? Share what you’re learning as you’re searching for Christ this week. 

2) Hope, in the bible, is a peculiar thing. And seems like a really vital component to how we relate to God. Read Romans 5:3-5. What is something that you’ve placed your hope in that has disappointed you? 

3) One problem with hope is: We convince ourselves we don’t need hope. Read Matthew 1:18-25 and talk about how the coming of Jesus brings us hope that we didn’t think we need. What sticks out to you most in this account? 

4) A second problem with hope is: We think hope equals optimism. Paul wrote to the early church about being focused on God (read 1 Corinthians 9:19-27). How are you training yourself in hope or how do you want to train yourself in being hopeful? 

5) A third problem with hope is: We often put our hope in all the wrong things. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed this very issue (read Matthew 6:19-24). What do you need to change to put your hope in the right place? 

6) The final problem with hope is: We think hope is only about the future. Read Luke 12:22-31 and talk about how we can hope in Jesus today, we don’t have to wait until tomorrow. What is one thing you’re hopeful for right now? 

7) As we wait in eager exception for Christ have someone read Revelation 21:1-5 and Romans 15:13. Share how you can be a hope dealer during the month of December as so many people are more open to the gospel message. 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online? 

Judges 19-21 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: A People with no King ::: Judges 19-21

The conclusion of the book of Judges is one of the most gruesome chapters in all of Scripture. We read about a woman who treated as an object and lost her life. Her marriage to her husband should be shocking to us in the fact that he was a Levite. Her death led to a civil war in Israel which lead to more sin. It is interesting that such horrific events are what united Israel to work in unity for the first time since Judges 3. The story reads like Israel was trying to solve their sin problem with a sin problem. The conclusion of Judges is like being stuck in a dark tunnel and feeling very hopeless. The story is meant to leave us longing for a hero without flaws. The book of Judges is intended to push our eyes, and heart, to the New Testament to find Jesus. We need a better leader than what has been presented. We need an eternal King! 

1) We’ve all been in dark times in our lives. Neal shared a story about his brother-in-law going on a cruise for his honeymoon and the trip being a total failure. Share about a vacation that went bad but had a highlight at the very end. 

2) Read Judges 191:-8, 20-30. How did this story get so bad so quickly? The vile actions of what took place are completely against God’s will. How does God want us to treat each other? (Read 2 Thessalonians 3:13 and 1 Corinthians 10:24)

3) The Levite stretched the story to get revenge on the offenders (read Judges 20:1-7). How did his stretching the truth impact God’s people? What would happen if we stopped telling stories that paint us as the hero and reveal more of the truth?  

4) Neal gave us a crash course on forgiveness. Read Matthew 18:21-35. In the parable Jesus tells us about the lavish love of God that offered forgiveness to a man who didn’t deserve it. How can we act more like God in forgiving others? 

5) Read Judges 20:43-48. The people of Israel not only engaged in battle but practiced genocide by killing so many people in their rage. How does the darkness of this passage, and the evil nature of mankind, push us to Jesus?  

6) In Judges 21, God’s people made a number of unwise vows that hurt more people. (read Judges 21:15-25). How have you seen sin lead to more sin? 

7) The book of Judges is filled with flawed heroes. Turn to the New Testament and talk about how Jesus came to save us. (see Matthew 1:21, John 10:9-10, Acts 4:11-12, Romans 5:6-10, and 1 Corinthians 1:18). Who can you share this message with?  

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline this week 

Judges 17-18 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Micah, the thief ::: Judges 17-18

As we near the end of the book of Judges the author makes a shift in the focus of the book. We will not study a particular Judge but turn our attention to the people of Israel and see how they lived in this time. If Judges 1-16 were a 30,000 foot view of God’s people, then Judges 17-21 will be a sea level view of what took place in Israel. Starting in Judges 17 we read that Micah’s family created their own homemade religion. Micah believed in God but didn’t know God. Micah set up an idol that lead to apostasy. His actions in turn spurred the men of Dan to steal his priest and idols which lead to a larger sin. Judges 17-18 teach us what happens when we turn our back on God, the effect is much larger than any of us think.  

1) Micah was a thief because he turned people from worshipping God. Neal shared about having his car broken into and what it feels like to be stolen from. Share about a time someone stole from you and how it felt.    

2) Read Judges 17:1-6. Micah stole the money from his mother and returned it. The money was dedicated to the Lord but wasn’t fully given to the Lord. How have you been obedient in giving to the Lord? (see Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

3) Micah continued to steal from the Lord (read Judges 17:7-13). Micah cheated this priest, read the Levitical Law (Deuteronomy 18:1-5). How have you cheated God and how did God turn your heart back to Him? 

4) The sin of idol worship continued to permeate in Israel (read Judges 18:1-6). There is another time in Scripture where God’s people don’t wan to seek God (Read 2 Chronicles 18:1-7). How does this type of behavior impact others? 

5) Read Judges 18:18-20. The men of Dan returned to steal Micah’s idols and priest. We live in a culture where it’s easy to care more about self-promotion and prideful decisions. What does Scripture teach on these things? Share a Scripture.   

6) The questions Micah asks in Judges 18:24 are the hinge of the entire story. Micah feels like his idols are more important than the Lord. Do you have something in your life that you have given higher importance than your walk with Jesus?  

7) Our story ends with an example of how bad it had become for the people of Israel (read Judges 18:30). What do we learn from this story about continuing to seek the Lord with all our heart (read Matthew 22:37-40) 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline this week 

Accountability in a Wild World

There is a big part of me that is hesitant to write this post. There are a couple reasons. First, I am not an expert in this subject. Second, I have been blessed with a great group of guys and I don't want to lessen the value of the group I'm a part of by writing this. Third, there has been yet another scandal in the church and it weighs on my heart. 

About a week ago I was talking with a good friend in ministry. He said this exact line: "Did you see what happened to Carl Lentz?" I quickly replied that I hadn't. I could hear the tone in his voice change. I've known him for almost twenty years and I could tell by his long pause that it was bad. He sent me a link and all it took was one Google search to read that another pastor had a moral failure. 

For my friends who don't attend church, I want to apologize for the actions of this man, and many others, who have commited a moral failure. I know it's my fault but I see how it hurts you and the witness of the church. It hurts my heart that you may never trust Jesus because of stories like this. 

This brings me to the reason for this post. I know that I am far from perfect (just ask my kids). I have seen enough leaders fall and it hurts my heart. Maybe thirteen years ago I was invited to join a group of pastors that would provide a greater level of accountability, friendship, and ministry connection. I joined the group, bought a plane ticket, and had to resign myself from the group. My seminary schedule changed and I was more committed to finishing my degree at that time in my life. Sometimes I regret that choice. 

A couple years later I was talking with my friend who started this group. I asked him to bring me into the group now. After a couple calls he let me know it wouldn't work. There was a cohesion in the group and I understand that. But he said the best line: "Start your own group." 

If you're still reading, I began to pray about starting that group. I remember praying for months at the gym. I had a short list of guys that I wanted to do life with and sent them this email: 

Hey Guys,

I hope you’re all doing well. Its been on my heart for the last couple years to start a group. Before you think, “I can’t do one more thing in my life.” hear me out. We are all called to pastoral ministry. In my church context I have come to realize that in most situations I am looked to for spiritual care and leadership. I have a select group of guys who I can go to for prayer. But I’ve come to the conclusion that I need more. I need a band of brothers to do life with.

Here is what I’m thinking:

Meet once a year

Go away for 2-5 days

Meet in a central location

At this point I’m thinking the purpose of this group would be:

• Spiritual Growth 
• Deep accountability
• Encouragement
• Prayer

I don’t have everything work out but am convinced that I need something like this in my life and my guess is that you do also. You may have guys you connect with but I can see this group growing into something special. I know getting away for 2-5 days can be tough with family, work and other commitments but I think the benefit is going to far outweigh the cost.

I’ve been praying about this all week long and am finally acting on something I think God has been putting on my heart to start for about 2 years now. If you’re in just reply and let me know. Right now I’m thinking about October 10-11, 2016 for our first gathering. Aiming for the San Bernardino Mountains for the location. There may be a few guys on here you don’t know but they are good dudes, trust me!

Sending that email changed my life. 

Everyone of those guys said: "Yes!" 

I'm writing this email not to give details about the group but to encourage you to have people you do life with. We live in a society that is so easy to feel connected and be so distant. I am saddened to see of people throwing their marriage away, hurting others, and sabotaging their lives. 

Maybe God will use this post to help you deepen community and relationship in your life. 

Judges 15-16 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions ::: Samson ::: Judges 15-16

The second part of Samson’s life leaves little hope for Israel and their next deliver. Once again we see that Samson choose to be with women instead of being with the Lord. His selfish desires turned into vengeful wrath when he slays the Philistines. From there Samson goes into hiding and we read that Judah would rather live at peace with the world, and worship their idols, than be delivered for the holy purposes of God. Once Samson’s lust wins again and he finds himself in the arms of a greedy woman who has the potential for national fame. After revealing his secret, Samson is captured. It isn’t until Samson is unable to see that his heart truly turns to the Lord. Sometimes we have to loose our vision to find our Lord. Samson truly is a powerfully weak hero. 

1) Many of our heroes are powerfully weak. Neal shared about his love for Superman as a young child. Superman was perfect in almost every way but his weakness was Kryptonite. Who is your favorite superhero and what is his/her weakness?   

2) Samson had finally begun to deliver Israel from their enemies but Judah preferred the comfort of idol worship (Judges 15:9-13). Is there is something in your life that has become a comfort that hinders you from following the Lord? 

3) Read Judges 15:14-20. Samson is gifted by the Spirit in a remarkable way, but he fails to grow in holiness (Romans 6:22, Ephesians 4:22-24). Read Galatians 5:22-23 what fruit of the Spirit do you long for as you grow in holiness?

4) Samson is a display of a powerful human being (read Judges 16:1-3). Share about a time where you saw the power of God at work. In addition, where do you long to see the power of God at work in your circumstances? 

5) Samson enters into a relationship with a woman with opposite values that God’s people hold (read Judges 16:4-19). Share about a time in your life that someone pressured you into doing something you didn’t want to do. How’d it turn out? 

6) Read Judges 6:20-30. It took Samson loosing his freedom and his eyes to turn his heart to the Lord. What do you notice about Samson’s character, his actions, and his tone in the final hours of his life? How has God changed him? 

7) Contrast Samson and Jesus. Jesus prayed for God to forgive His enemies (Luke 23:34). Jesus stretched out His arms to save us (Mark 15:37-39). Jesus conquered the grave so we can have life (Matthew 28:1-10). 

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline this week 

Judges 14 Small Group Questions

Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this sermon my good friend Hylke Hylkema wrote the small group questions that go along with this sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone. 

Small Group Questions ::: Samson ::: Judges 14

1. Do you remember a secret as a child or as an adult you tried to hide but it became known? Share the story.

2. Samson was a man of many secrets. He tried to hide his failings repeatedly. This is not unlike many of us. What is it in us that turns to secrecy and even lies to cover our sin?

3. Samson was ruled by his untamed desires. Read James 1:13-15 and 4:1 and 1 John 2:16. How do these passages shed light on your own inner struggles?

4. How should followers of Jesus respond to sinful desires? Is failure inevitable? Do we just need to try harder at following Jesus or is there a better option?

a. Psalm 32:5

b. Galatians 5:16-25

c. Matthew 26:41

d. 1 Corinthians 10:13

e. Galatians 2:20

f. Colossians 3:1-4

g. Colossians 3:5-11

5. As you look at Judges 14 and consider the entire story, how significant is verse 4? Explain

6. How does verse 4 encourage you? Is there a challenge in your life you need to trust Him with?

7. Verse 6 and 19 talk about the Spirit empowering Samson, giving him incredible strength. He used his Spirit empowered ability poorly; he did not steward his gift well. Can followers of Jesus misuse spirit-enabled gifts? Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.