Wednesday, April 29, 2020

COVID-19 Hope in Scripture


For the last several days/week, I’ve seen different options about the virus being shared on social media. Some are political, some are medical based, some are rants, and others are laments. I’m not here to draw lines in the sand, to pick a side, or bolster a video you found. I’m here to remind us about what Scripture says. I’m actually just sharing with you what I’ve been telling myself.

When you are discouraged remember that David was discouraged too:
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

When you are lonely remember that God is always with you:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

When you are confused remember that God is truth:
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

When you feel lonely, Jesus knows what that is like:
Then everyone deserted him and fled. Mark 14:50 (NIV)

When you are feeling tired, go to God:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Monday, April 27, 2020

1 Kings 19 Small Group Questions


Our church is doing a four-week sermon series called: "Questions from God." We are looking at times in the Old Testament where God asked questions from His people. The questions pertain to different subjects and situations (kind of like our lives). They take place in different time periods showing that questions from God are always relevant. In this series we are learning how to hear God's voice and follow His leading. 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 ::: Questions in the Cave ::: 1 Kings 19

Reading 1 Kings 19 must be done in connection with 1 Kings 18. The two chapters show us the highest of highs combined with the lowest of lows. The prophet Elijah has defeated the prophets of Baal and longing to see Israel return to the Lord their God. Jezebel, Israel’s murderous first lady, has other plans. She plays on the emotional fragility of Elijah and causes the prophet to flee Israel. Elijah leaves Israel altogether. It looks like Elijah has left his ministry position and resigned his fight for the Lord. At the lowest of his life is when God speaks from the soft wind and calls the prophet back to full-time ministry. 1 Kings 19 teaches us that when we think we are done with ministry might be the time that God is ready to redeploy us for a greater work!

1) Living during a pandemic can be frightening; fear of catching a virus, groceries, and more! What fears do you have right now that make you want to run and hide?

2) For three years Elijah had not made a move without hearing from the Lord (1 Kings 17:2-3, 8-9, 18:1). But now Elijah fled from Jezebel (read 1 Kings 19:1-4) How do you go about your decision making? What role does the voice of the Lord play?

3) From watching the news, reading the paper, and scrolling social media we are inundated with information. Our bodies become over-stimulated. Elijah needed to rest his body and be restored (read 1 Kings 19:5-7). How are you restoring yourself during this pandemic? (see Psalm 91:1, 118:6, and 127:2)

4) Read 1 Kings 19:7. Some scholars think the angel of the Lord is an Old Testament title for the second person of the Godhead, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Read Genesis 16:7-10, Exodus 3:1-4, and Judges 2:1-4. What does Scripture teach us?

5) Elijah felt lonely in his service to the Lord (read 1 Kings 19:9b-14). How are you avoiding loneliness during this pandemic? (see Hebrews 10:24-25).

6) On Mount Sinai, God met with Elijah and asked him: “What are you doing here?” It seems that Elijah was there because of fear. How are you battling the feelings of fear this week? (see Joshua 1:9 and 1 Peter 5:7)

7) God gave the prophet a fresh vision and renewed service to the Lord (read 1 Kings 19:15-21). Where are you living like a minister of the Lord? How are you obeying the Lord during this time? (see 2 Corinthians 5:20 and 1 Peter 2:9).

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline on Sunday.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Genesis 3 Small Group Questions


Our church is doing a four-week sermon series called: "Questions from God." We are looking at times in the Old Testament where God asked questions from His people. The questions pertain to different subjects and situations (kind of like our lives). They take place in different time periods showing that questions from God are always relevant. In this series we are learning how to hear God's voice and follow His leading. 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 ::: Questions in the Garden ::: Genesis 3

Genesis 3 documents what we have come to know as “the fall of mankind.” The story is rather lengthy and spans a variety of discourse through multiple characters involved. Although there are several characters in the narrative, it is clear that God is the central focus of the story. It is best to read Genesis 3 through the eyes of an Israelite looking to enter the Promised Land. The narrators goal is probably more than to simply teach Israel about the origin of brokenness. The goal is to teach people about the hope comes from God after we fall into sinful decisions. Looking with New Testament eyes, we see how Adam is a type of Jesus. Both were tempted but Jesus conquered sin.

1) Neal shared a story about his daughters painting the side of their rental house. Share a story about a time you got caught doing something you knew you shouldn’t have been doing.

2) To fully understand the fall in Genesis 3, you have to read the blessings of God that come in Genesis 2. Read Genesis 2 and discuss the beauty of creation. What stands out to you about the creative ability of God in Genesis 2?

3) Read Genesis 3:1-5. The serpent plants a seed of doubt in the mind of Eve. Satan ignores the good gifts of God. Read John 8:44, John 10:10, and 1 Corinthians 15:33. What do we learn about the enemy and who we keep company with?

4) Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent and willfully disobeyed the commands of God. Neal shared that the immediate results of sin are: feeling guilty for our actions & being afraid of God. How can we resist temptation? (read James 1:13-15)

5) Read Genesis 3:14-20. God makes is clear that Satan will be defeated. Read  Isaiah 11:1, 4-9, Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:20-34. What does Scripture teach us about Jesus defeating sin so we can be in relationship with God?

6) The relationship between Adam and Eve will never be the same. In the same way, our marriage relationships with always need work. Read Ephesians 5:21-33. Talk about how to have a thriving marriage while living in a broken world.

7) Although Adam and Eve will be sent out of the garden, God still showed His grace after judgement (read Genesis 3:21-24). How do we live in the grace that God has so generously extended to us? (see John 8:1-11, Romans 3:24, Ephesians 2:8-10)

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline on Sunday.

In case you missed the sermon you can watch it here

Friday, April 17, 2020

3 Ways to grow spiritually during COVID-19


The last several weeks have been some of the wildest weeks of my life. And my guess is your life too.

From seeing the e-brake thrown on the world, to the stock market roller coaster, to the unemployment level rising, to domestic violence on the rise, and suicide hotlines experiencing an increase in calls. It's not all bad news. We've seen drive-by birthday parties, the launch of SGN on YouTube, churches blessing people and more.

As we've been going through COVID-19 here is something that I've learned. This is how I've tried to maintain spiritual growth and focus.

1. Read your Bible each day
This one isn’t going to shock you. Think about driving a car. You are with your friend visiting the town they just moved to. You’re driving along the 1 right along the beach. Your friend begins to point out her favorite surf spot and the car begins to drift in that direction. It wasn’t her fault; the truth is that we are drawn to where our eyes are fixed.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to watch Hulu as much as the next person, but this is not a time to just binge all day long.
I can’t watch/read the news all day. New information is coming at us like rocket speed and it’s tough to process it all.
Social Media will never fill the need that only God’s word can.

I invite you to find a Bible reading plan. You can start reading the Proverbs. You read one Proverb a day based on the date of the month. If today is April 17, read Proverbs 17. Read the book of 1 Peter. Peter writes to exiles who are suffering. Perfect timing. Read the Gospel of Mark. It’s fast-paced, and action-packed! You get to learn about the life and ministry of Jesus.

2. Go on a prayer walk
Your body needs spiritual and physical exercise. Take a break and go for a quick walk. What if you took that time to share your thoughts, fears, dreams, and prayers with the Lord?

In my county we are still able to exercise outside. I know you want to endlessly scroll social media and catch up on all the updates. I know it’s great to read the stories of working at home and my co-workers just nap all afternoon. Put the phone done and talk to God.
Pray for this virus to be beaten.
Pray for your church.
Pray for your family.
Pray for your Governor to have wisdom.
Pray for your neighbor who lost his job.
Pray. Pray. Pray.

3. Care for your neighbors
This can be tough in social distancing but easy to do if you know your neighbors. Make sure your older neighbors have a ride to the store. Maybe call them and get their shopping list and pick up their groceries for them.

One person I know has called the single moms in her life and asked how she can help. Some of them have neighbors already sharing the load. Some have family members doing the shopping. Some need help.

Bake something and drop it at your neighbors doorstep with a kind note. This has happened to us. It is so cool when the kids walk out the door and find that. It has helped them feel connected to the rest of the world while social distancing.

What are some ideas that you can share?
What is missing or can be added?

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Mark 16 Small Group Questions


Our church is currently studying the book of Mark. For twenty-eight weeks we're walking through the book and talking about the action-packed story of Jesus. Mark was more concerned with what Jesus did than what Jesus said. 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 ::: The Empty Tomb ::: Mark 16

The Gospel of Mark comes to a conclusion in chapter 16. Mark has taken the reader on an action packed journey of following the Messiah. Mark has taught us about Jesus being the Son of God (Mark 1:1). We have followed the footsteps of the healing ministry of Jesus, seen the miracles, and listened to the teaching. We sat on the edge of our seat as Jesus went to the cross. Mark draws us to the conclusion with the three women finding an empty tomb. They obviously didn’t believe that Jesus would rise from the dead. Grab your Bible and study these questions to get a better understanding of the fast paced, action-packed, Gospel of Mark.

1) About four weeks ago it felt like the emergency brake was pulled on the entire world. News outlets, social media, and phone calls are filled with COVID-19. Share a story of good news that you heard this week.

2) Read Mark 8:31-33 and16:1-4. Mark makes is clear that the three women had no context for Jesus conquering the grave. They brought the spices to anoint His body. How do we misunderstand Jesus teaching because we aren’t paying attention?

3) The Bible gives us a few accounts of people rising from the dead. Read 1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 13:21, and John 11:38-44. Knowing that God has the power to raise a person from the dead how can we adjust our view of God?

4) It can easy for a person to miss the spiritual realm taking place around us. Read Mark 16:4-7, Genesis 18:1-15, Joshua 5:13-15, Daniel 10:4-6, and Matthew 1:20-21. Talk about angels speaking with man and the heavenly visits in Scripture.

5) There are times we tell people about Jesus and they accept the message. There are times that people are not ready to accept the message. Read Mark 16:9-11 and John 1:35-42. Talk about difference in how the message was received.

6) Scripture tells us about how Jesus connected with the disciples after His resurrection (Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36-49, and John 20:19-23). Share about how your faith has grown because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

7) Before returning to heaven Jesus instructs us to share our faith (read Mark 16:15-19 and Matthew 28:18-20). How can you share your faith this week? Make sure to be kind and compassionate when sharing (1 Peter 3:15).

Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline on Sunday.

Monday, April 06, 2020

Mark 15:1-24 Small Group Questions


Our church is currently studying the book of Mark. For twenty-eight weeks we're walking through the book and talking about the action-packed story of Jesus. Mark was more concerned with what Jesus did than what Jesus said. 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. If you missed the sermon you can find it at the end of this post.

Small Group Questions ::: Three Responses to Jesus ::: Mark 15:1-24

In Mark 15 we read about our Savior willingly going to the cross. As we read/study this chapter we must keep in mind that Jesus had been up all night. Jesus had been taken to an unfair, unjust, midnight courtroom. He was unfairly beat, unjustly tried, and now will be handed over to the Romans officials. The Jewish people had no legal ability to kill a person and therefore must involved the very government they find themselves subjected to. Mark does a great job at keeping our thoughts in a theological channel as we watch Jesus go to the cross for us. We must read these verses through the eyes of love; it was love that sent Jesus to the cross.

1) Neal started the sermon talking about how our world feels like we are waiting to experience a tsunami. Did this illustration resonate with you? How does the global pandemic feel to you right now?

2) The religious leaders took Jesus to Pilate (read Mark 15:1-5). Pilate sent Jesus to Herod to examine him (read Luke 23:6-12). Herod then send Jesus back to Pilate (Luke 23:13-18). How come no governing official was able to find any reason for Jesus to be put to death and yet Jesus was still crucified?

3) Read Mark 15:6-15. If Pilate was able to find no basis for a charge against Jesus, why did the religious leaders hand Jesus over to him? (read Isaiah 53:7-9 and John 18:33-40, and 1 Peter 2:21-24).

4) The Gospels tell us what happened to Jesus but not in graphic detail (read Matthew 27:27-31 & Mark 15:16-20). Discuss with your group about what Jesus went through to earn our salvation.

5) There is a theological term called: atonement- the work Christ did in His life and death to earn our salvation. (Read Romans 3:23, John 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:2, and 1 Timothy 2:5-6). Discuss how important atonement is to our salvation.

6) Mark tells us that Simon from Cyrene carried the cross for Jesus (read Mark 15:21). What would it have felt like to carry the 100 pound cross beam for the exhausted, beaten, dehydrated, hungry Lord?

7) The Bible invites us to a life of serving others (read Matthew 6:1-4, Mark 10:43-45, Acts 3:7, Acts 16:9, & 1 Thessalonians 5:14). How can you help others this week?

Close your time in prayer. Pray specifically for your Plus One at Easter