Small Group Questions | The Giving Life | Malachi 3:6-12

As we move into February we typically think of this month as a month of Love. It's a month we think of hearts, Valentine's Day, and expressing our love. In the New Testament Jesus asked His listeners to think about where they placed their affection. It is easy for us to place our affection in the wrong place; we have misplaced affection for money. Of His thirty-eight parables, about half of them deal with money and possessions. In the Gospels, one in every ten verses deal with money. Why so much talk about money? Because our attitude to money reveals a lot about us. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | The Giving Life | Malachi 3:6-12

The good life is not something we stumble into by accident, it is formed as we learn to grow into the disciples Jesus has invited us to be. In the Old Testament God’s people had robbed Him of the tithes and offerings. The Temple was rebuilt in Israel but it paled in comparison to its former glory. The priesthood was corrupt, tithing was neglected, and widespread social injustice plagued Israel. Malachi speaks on behalf of God, inviting God’s people to worship Him again. Malachi invited God’s people to think about God’s faithfulness in their lives. This same invitation is extended to us today as we study these questions and remember God’s faithfulness in our lives even when we fail God. 

1) Every one of us has bills to pay and financial obligations to meet. Paying bills might be one of the most stressful things some people have to do. What emotions come up for you when you think about spending or giving money?  

2) Read Malachi 3:6–7. God reminds the Nation of Israel of His unchanging character. Why is God’s unchanging character important when we talk about generosity? (see Lamentations 3:22–23, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17). 

3) God invites His people to return to Him and in return He will return to them. There are many circumstances why someone would walk away from the Lord, what are the main reasons we see people come back to the Lord? 

4) Read Malachi 3:8-9. Malachi says that God’s people were robbing God. Read Haggai 1:4–9, Matthew 23:23, and Luke 21:1-4. What do you think God was really confronting in the hearts of His people and in our hearts as well? 

5) In the sermon we learned that the practice of tithing has four benefits to our walk with the Lord: Tithing forms me into a disciple who trusts and obeys Jesus, Tithing protects my heart from turning money into an idol, Tithing strengthens my relationship with God as Provider, Tithing partners us with God’s mission through the local church. What one was most impactful to you and why? 

6) Read Malachi 3:10-12. God told His people to test Him with their tithes & offerings. What does that reveal about His heart? (Read Psalm 34:8, Isaiah 55:8–9, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. 

7) Neal shared how tithing changed his family. They stopped seeing money as security and saw the Lord as their provider. How has tithing changed you? 

Close your time in prayer asking God to help you honor Him with your finances. 

Small Group Questions | The Generous Life | Matthew 6:19-24

As we move into February we typically think of this month as a month of Love. It's a month we think of hearts, Valentine's Day, and expressing our love. In the New Testament Jesus asked His listeners to think about where they placed their affection. It is easy for us to place our affection in the wrong place; we have misplaced affection for money. Of His thirty-eight parables, about half of them deal with money and possessions. In the Gospels, one in every ten verses deal with money. Why so much talk about money? Because our attitude to money reveals a lot about us. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | The Generous Life | Matthew 6:19-24

The good life is not just wishful thinking but living into what Jesus teaches us about our heart and our treasure. Money is not simply a financial issue it is connected to our heart, priorities, and sense of security. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6 invites us to slow down and examine what we truly treasure. In this passage, Jesus challenges us to think about where we invest our lives and what those investments are shaping us into. These questions are not meant to produce guilt or pressure, but reflection and honesty. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and experiences with money, which means this conversation may look different for everyone. Move slow and practice kindness. 

1) Neal shared a story about a greedy uncle who wanted his wife to bury him with all of his money. This story makes us think about the contrast between greed and generosity. What makes the love of money and desire to have it so compelling? 

2) Which of the four areas of confusion about money (money is evil, you have to tithe, money equals God’s blessing, or “it’s mine”) do you see most often in yourself or in our culture? What other confusion on money would you add to this list? 

3) Read Matthew 6:19-21. Jesus contrasts storing up treasure on earth with storing up treasure in heaven. What are some practical ways people today “store up treasure on earth” without even realizing it? (see Colossians 3:2 and 1 John 2:15–17)

4) In the sermon we learned there are only four things we can do with our money: save it, spend it, give it away, or invest it. Read 1 Timothy 6:10, Luke 21:1-4, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. What does the Bible teach us about money? 

5) Read Matthew 6:22–23 Jesus uses the image of the eye being the lamp of the body. In your own words, what do you think Jesus is teaching with this picture? (see Psalm 119:37, Proverbs 4:25–27, and Hebrews 12:1–2). 

6) Read Matthew 6:24 When Jesus says we cannot serve both God and money, why do you think this is so challenging in everyday life living in Southern California? Where do you see that tension most clearly in your life? 

7) The story from 2 Chronicles 31 about God’s people returning back to Him shows generosity as a response to God’s work, not a requirement to earn His favor. How does that perspective change the way you think about giving or generosity?

Close your time in prayer asking God to give you a persistent prayer life.

Small Group Questions | Persistent Prayer | Luke 18:1-8

As we kick off the New Year, Coastline chose to preach on Bold Prayers. Throughout God's Word we see God's people cry out to Him. This might look like a cry of gratitude or a cry for help. In the New Testament the one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was how to pray. They saw the dedication Jesus had and something in His prayer life drew them to want to model what He was doing. We too can learn from the example of Jesus in our prayer life. Not only can we learn from Jesus but we can learn from a humble king, a hurting widow, and many more in the Bible who called out to God. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | Persistent Prayer | Luke 18:1-8

We’re dedicating the entire month to studying prayer. The month of January can be a time where many people seek to make changes in their life and what better change can we make then spending more time communicating with God. Not only are we looking at what Scripture teaches on prayer but in Luke 18, Jesus teaches us about praying and never giving up. Studies show that only about 9% of people who set New Year’s resolutions actually stick with them through the year. In addition to that, 23% of resolution-makers quit within the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January. Instead of quitting, let’s study about prayer and learn to grow in spiritual maturity. 

1) Neal shared a story about how he and his son prayed for God to give them a house with an avocado tree. God answered that prayer for them. What is a prayer you  prayed, big or small, that God answered recently in your life? 

2) Read Luke 18:1-3. Jesus taught the disciples to not give up in their prayer life. As you reflect on your Christian walk is there a prayer you gave up on? What caused you to stop praying for this certain thing? 

3) Jesus taught the disciples to engage in continual prayer, not continuous prayer. Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Romans 12:12, and Ephesians 6:18. How do these verses invite us to be persistent in prayer in a way that’s realistic for everyday life?

4) Read Luke 18:4-5. The widow was so persistent in her request that the judge thought she would wear him out. Share with your group a prayer that you really want to see God answer and you are trusting the outcome to Him. 

5) Read Luke 11:1-4. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Notice that Jesus said: “When you pray” not “if you pray.” How has this sermon series impacted your understanding and has it changed anything about how you pray? 

6) Read Luke 18:6-8. God doesn’t ignore the requests of His people but will come to the aid of His people. Read 1 Samuel 1:9–20, Jonah 2:1–10 and Acts 12:5–17. When you read these instances of God working, how does that increase your faith?  

7) At the end of our passage Jesus didn’t ask if we would be religious but if He would find faith when He returns. Read Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:17, and Mark 11:24. What do these verses teach us about how faith grows as we continue to pray, even when answers don’t come in our desired timeframe? 

Close your time in prayer asking God to give you a persistent prayer life.

As we kick off the New Year, Coastline chose to preach on Bold Prayers. Throughout God's Word we see God's people cry out to Him. This might look like a cry of gratitude or a cry for help. In the New Testament the one thing the disciples asked Jesus to teach them was how to pray. They saw the dedication Jesus had and something in His prayer life drew them to want to model what He was doing. We too can learn from the example of Jesus in our prayer life. Not only can we learn from Jesus but we can learn from a humble king, a hurting widow, and many more in the Bible who called out to God. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or learning to pray these questions are for you. 

Small Group Questions | Selfless Prayer | 1 Kings 3:1-15

We’re starting the year by looking at what God’s word says about prayer. The month of January can usually be a reset in our life and a time to evaluate how we use our time. Prayer is simply communication with God. It takes time, intentionality, and focus. Sometimes we’re distracted in our prayer life and sometimes we’re extremely focused. In 1 King’s 3:1-15 we learn that Solomon had a divided heart. He loved the Lord but also struggled with the worldly practices around him. He goes to the most important place to worship and has a meaningful interaction with God that really changes his life. Through a humble prayer God gives Solomon what he asked for and even more! 

1) We live in a world with such abundance which makes us think we don’t need to ask God for our daily provision. When you think about everything you have at your fingertips, how does that impact how you choose to pray? 

2) Read 1 Kings 3:1-3. When we read this passage we learn that Solomon had a divided heart. Read Matthew 6:24, Jeremiah 31:33, and James 1:22. What does God’s word teach us about having a divided heart? 

3) Having a divided heart is an age old issue humanity has struggled with for centuries. Share with your group about a time you recognized your heart was divided in choosing the world over choosing the ways of the Lord. 

4) Read 1 Kings 3:4-6. Solomon’s first response to God was thankfulness. Take some time to share what you are thankful for and where you see God’s provision in your life. (see Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Psalm 100:4, and Psalm 107:1).

5) Read 1 Kings 3:7-9. When you read the entirety of Solomon’s response to God, does it follow the pattern of the ACTS prayer model we learned last Sunday? How does the humility of Solomon impact you? (see James 4:6 and Proverbs 22:4).  

6) Neal offered us three ways to remain focused, and not distracted in our prayer life: Put your phone away, create space for times of prayer, and viewing prayer a text thread with God. What one(s) do you plan to implement this week? 

7) Read 1 Kings 3:10-15. God responded to Solomon with abundance. Read Ephesians 3:20, John 10:10, and Psalm 103:8. Share with your group how you’ve seen God’s provision and abundance in your life. 

Close your time in prayer asking God to help you grow in spiritual maturity. 

Small Group Questions | From Death to Life | Ephesians 2:1-10

In the Fall of 2025, Coastline began a journey through the book of Ephesians. This letter from the Apostle Paul is packed with timeless truth about who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His people. From God’s eternal plan of salvation to the call for unity in the church, Ephesians grounds us in the gospel and shows us what it means to walk faithfully in a broken world. As we’ve studied this book together, our congregation has been both encouraged and challenged. Each week, we’ve created small group questions designed to help people reflect deeply, apply personally, and grow spiritually. I’m sharing those questions here so others can benefit; whether you’re leading a small group, studying on your own, or walking through Ephesians with your church.

Small Group Questions | From Death to Life | Ephesians 2:1-10

Scripture teaches us that we are completely dead without Christ. Completely separated from God. No pulse. No hope. That’s the bad news. Paul doesn’t leave us hopeless. Paul describes our spiritual condition and then some of the most hope-filled words in the entire Bible show up: “But God…” God steps in and brings the dead back to life. God takes our life, that was dead without Him and brings hope to our current condition. You’re going to see in our passage today that Paul had a vision to see God’s Kingdom built up. Today we’ll see that Paul teaches us we were once dead in our sins, now we are alive in Christ, and we’ve been saved by grace. 

1) Neal shared the Princess Bride illustration when Miracle Max said Westley was: “mostly dead” vs. “completely dead.” Think back to your life before trusting Christ, where can you now see that you were completely dead in your sins? 

2) Read Ephesians 2:1–3. What stands out to you about Paul’s description of our condition before Christ? (read John 10:10, Galatians 5:19-21, and Romans 12:2) How do you see “the world, the flesh, and the devil” at work in today’s culture?

3) Paul uses two words—transgressions (active rebellion) and sins (anything contrary to God’s plan). Which one do you tend to recognize more easily in your own life? 

4) Read Ephesians 2:4–7. What do the words “But God” mean to you personally? Share a moment where God stepped in and brought new life or hope into your story. Read Mark 5:18-20 and Luke 19:9-10. What do these passages teach us about the new life God brings to His people? 

5) Paul says we are “seated with Christ” (v. 6). What does that truth say about our identity and worth in God’s eyes? How does this statement impact our current situation and the future hope we have in Christ?  

6) Read Ephesians 2:8–10. Paul teaches us the importance of remembering that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (read 2 Timothy 1:9 and Titus 3:5) How does this truth shape the way we relate to others? 

7) Verse 10 says we are God’s workmanship (poema). How does knowing you are God’s masterpiece affect the way you view yourself and others? (see Genesis 1:27)

8) This Sunday, Coastline gave out a new prayer card to write down names of people you want to see come to faith. Who are some of the people God is putting on your heart? How can our group commit to praying with you for them this week? 

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. 

When I’m not feeling it | Psalm 13

This summer our church is taking nine weeks to focus our heart, soul, and mind on worship. For the summer we’re going to focus our attention on worshipping God. We’re going to submit ourselves to the creator of the universe and see what Scripture teaches us about worship. For this series we’ll look at a variety of passages that teach us about worship. For this series I will write some of 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 | When I’m not feeling it | Psalm 13

It’s hard to worship when we’re not feeling God in our daily life. The Bible teaches us how to deal with distressing situations in our life and turn them into worship. The struggle in our lives happen when we want to praise God but we just can’t. We can be grateful for the honesty of the Psalmists who experienced difficult times and wrote about them. We’re going to look at how to worship God when it seems like God has hidden His face from us. We’ll figure out how to ask God to look on us and how to respond in praise. There are times in our lives when it feels like God has hidden Himself from us. 

1) Neal shared a story about losing his dad, his stepdad, and his mom having a traumatic brain injury in the span of seven months. Can you think of a time in your life when it seemed like your world was falling apart?  

2) Read Psalm 13:1-2. You can see David’s struggle in the fact he writes, “How long…” four different times. Read Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 11:7, Psalm 17:15 and Psalm 27:4. Describe what it feels like for God to hide His face from our daily life. 

3) In our dark moments we tend to wrestle with the thoughts in our mind. One struggle we have can be listening to God’s word but not applying it (read James 1:22-25). How do you manage your emotions during dark times? 

4) Read Psalm 13:3-4. David asks God to look on him and answer. There is a powerful aspect of our human life when people actually see us (read Genesis 16:13, Psalm 80:14, and Matthew 8:5-13). Talk about the power of God seeing us. 

5) David’s fear was that his enemies would gain the victory if he were to pass away. This is not a selfish request but a request for the mighty power of God to be known. Think of ways that God can be, and is, glorified when He acts on our behalf. 

6) No matter the situation, David will trust in God. David has known God’s faithfulness for generations. Read Psalm 13:5-6. Share about how you’ve seen God's faithfulness in your life and how you can trust Him moving forward. 

7) The final invitation, or application, of this Psalm is to praise God. What is your favorite worship song? How does that song invoke a lifestyle of praise for you? Where would you like to praise Jesus more in your life? 

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

When a Lion is on the Prowl: Staying Alert in a Fierce World

As a child, visiting the zoo was an exciting adventure. The majestic lions, lying lazily in the sun, seemed so harmless and cuddly. But as we grow older and gain knowledge about the wild, we understand the true nature of lions – powerful, muscular, and fierce hunters. Similarly, the Bible compares the devil to a roaring lion, seeking to devour God's people. In this blog post, we will explore 1 Peter's teachings on staying alert and vigilant when the enemy is on the prowl, and how embracing God's grace can empower us to stand firm in our faith.

The Lion on the Prowl:

In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter warns the early Christians of the devil's tactics, likening him to a ferocious lion seeking to destroy believers. As Christian leaders today, we must remain alert to the actions of the enemy, knowing that he is always looking for an opportunity to strike. Lions have powerful teeth and razor-sharp claws, reminding us of the strength and cunningness the devil possesses in his schemes against us.

Staying Vigilant Against the Terror of the Enemy:

The scattered church in the first century faced intense persecution and hardships. Similarly, we may find ourselves in challenging situations, where the devil seeks to capitalize on our weaknesses. To resist the devil, we must stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are not alone in this struggle. Throughout history, countless believers have faced the enemy's pressure and emerged victorious, and their stories of faith can encourage us to do the same.

Grace in the Midst of Suffering:

Facing the roaring lion is not something we can do in our own strength. The grace of God sustains us through periods of suffering, restoring us and making us stronger in the process. Our past experiences of God's grace, even in the most trying times, can equip us to confront the enemy's attacks with confidence.

Staying Alert: Practical Applications:

To remain vigilant in a world with a prowling enemy, we must actively engage in practices that strengthen our faith. Hiding God's word in our hearts enables us to combat the enemy's lies with truth. We resist the lion's temptation when we choose not to engage in sinful behaviors, such as harmful conversations or gossip. Instead, we strive to speak kindly, seek truth, and stand firm against the devil's tactics.

Worship in the Midst of Adversity:

Amidst the trials and challenges, we must remember that the ultimate response to God's grace is worship. When we worship, we draw closer to God, allowing His strength to fill us. Focusing on worship keeps our minds fixed on the Almighty, reminding us that while the lion prowls, we serve a God who is greater and more powerful.

In a world where the enemy lurks like a lion, seeking to cause havoc, the Church must stay alert and vigilant. Just like a lion on the prowl commands our attention, so should our awareness of the spiritual battle we face. But with God's grace and strength, we can stand firm, resisting the enemy's attacks, and remaining steadfast in our faith. Let us remember to worship God in the midst of adversity, acknowledging that He is the ultimate victor over any prowling lion in our lives. As we embrace God's grace, we can walk with confidence, knowing that when the lion is on the prowl, the Church stands united, strong, and unwavering.

Who We Worship | Deuteronomy 6

This summer our church is taking nine weeks to focus our heart, soul, and mind on worship. For the summer we’re going to focus our attention on worshipping God. We’re going to submit ourselves to the creator of the universe and see what Scripture teaches us about worship. For this series we’ll look at a variety of passages that teach us about worship. For this series I will write some of 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 | Who We Worship | Deuteronomy 6

This summer we’re taking nine-weeks to focus our hearts on worship. The word, worship, describes the acts of the mind, heart and will where we joyfully acknowledge the worth of God. In the 1600’s a group of English and Scottish Theologians gathered, with layman, to bring the church of England into greater conformity with the Church of Scotland. From this gathering emerged the Westminster Shorter Catechism which states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” In other words, we were made to worship! Take some time to work through these questions on your own or with a group to grow your heart to worship God with everything you have. 

1) The act of worship is an all-encompassing act in our lives. When you think about worship what do you primarily think about? Anticipating there will be several answers in your group, take some time to share on each response.   

2) Read Deuteronomy 6:4-5. This passage is an instruction from Moses for Israel to worship God. Jesus shared the same commandment at the Temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 22:37 & Mark 12:29-30). What does it look like to worship God with every fiber of our being? How would that be lived out in your life? 

3) Often we view love as coming from the heart so this might be the easiest way to love God. How can we actively demonstrate our love for God by engaging our hearts fully? (see Joshua 22:5, Proverbs 4:23, and 1 John 4:19) 

4) Sometimes we neglect our soul because we don’t know how to connect with God on a regular basis and love Him with our soul. In what areas of our lives do we truly love God with all our souls? (see Psalm 19:7, 23:3, 42:2, 62:1).  

5) Our church is passionate about people loving God with their entire mind. What does it look like in your life to think theologically and love God with your entire mind? 

6) Throughout our passage Moses taught the Israelites to pass these commands to their children (read Deuteronomy 61-3, 7-9, 20-25). No matter what stage you’re at in your parenting, what does it look like to live this out? 

7) Here at Coastline we have a core value of; Putting God First. One of the ways we do that is through a lifestyle of worship. When you think about worshipping God with every fiber of your being, where do you need to grow? 

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

The Voice of Reason | John 1:19-34

A couple months ago I preached on John 1:19-34. Today I took that sermon and asked Chat GPT to turn my sermon into a blog post. Here is what was generated. 

Introduction:

Welcome to my personal blog! I'm Neal Benson, the lead pastor at Coastline, and I want to share an inspiring sermon with you today. In this sermon, we'll delve into the Gospel of John, focusing on the passage in John 1:19-34. The overarching message is that the Lamb of God came to remove our sin and end our separation from God. Let's dive in!

The Catalyst for Transformation

Sometimes, a single question can change the trajectory of our lives. I vividly remember the day I was asked a life-altering question. I was attending a court-mandated DUI class, feeling lost and broken. After a personal interview, the class leader told me, "If you don't stop doing what you're doing, you'll be dead in five years." Shortly after that encounter, a fellow classmate invited me to church, and that question sparked a profound transformation in my life.

Questions that Transform

Throughout our lives, we encounter questions that shape our destinies. From deciding to pursue higher education to accepting a marriage proposal, certain questions carry immense weight. However, the question that surpasses all others in its life-altering impact is, "Do you want to follow Jesus?" This question has the power to transform lives more than anything else in this world.

Exploring the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is a unique account of Jesus' life, distinct from the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Believed to be written in Ephesus around 90 CE, it presents a deeper theological perspective. Today, we'll focus on how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.

John the Baptist Faces Interrogation

Our passage takes us to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist catches the attention of religious leaders from Jerusalem. These leaders approach John with a series of questions, seeking to understand his identity and purpose. They inquire if he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet Moses foretold. John clarifies that he is not the Messiah, nor Elijah, but instead a humble servant of God with a unique mission.

Discovering Our Role in God's Kingdom

John's response to the religious leaders serves as a reminder for us to discover our own roles in God's Kingdom. Like John, who pointed people back to the Lord, we too can find purpose and fulfillment in aligning our lives with God's calling. Let the story of John inspire you to seek your role in God's Kingdom.

The Significance of Baptism

John's baptism plays a crucial role in the narrative. Although the specific mode of baptism is not the main focus, John's act of baptizing symbolizes a significant spiritual journey. Before individuals enter the waters of baptism, they first hear the Gospel, respond to it, and grow in their faith. John's baptism signifies a transformative process leading to a public declaration of faith. If you have yet to be baptized, consider taking this step in your own spiritual journey.

Drawing Parallels to the Ethiopian Man in Acts

The story of the Ethiopian man in Acts provides a parallel to the transformative power of baptism. Philip, one of the disciples, explains the Scriptures to the Ethiopian man, who then eagerly chooses to be baptized on the side of the road. This account demonstrates the immediacy and joy that can accompany baptism. If you feel prompted by God to be baptized, I encourage you to connect with me or one of our staff members after the service.

John's Profound Revelation of Jesus

Moving forward in the passage, John the Baptist unveils a profound understanding of Jesus' identity. He proclaims Jesus as the Lamb of God—a title not used by any other Gospel writer. This designation evokes the imagery

Hebrews 6:13-20 | Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church just started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For the next several months we are going to look through the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. 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 | Greater than Abraham | Hebrews 6:13-20

In the later part of Hebrews 6 we read about Jesus being greater than Abraham. The author reminds the early church about the patience of Abraham. God called Abraham from his home country and made him into a Nation. But it didn’t happen overnight. Abraham had to wait for God to fulfill His promises. The author gives us the example of Abraham because some of the believers were considering abandoning their faith. They needed to learn to wait patiently on the Lord and go through the maturating process. Sometimes we abandon things too early and miss out on what God is working in our hearts. Study these questions and make the hope of Jesus the anchor of your soul. 

1) Neal shared a story about trick-or-treating as a teenager and how his friend lacked patience. His friends inability to wait put him in an unwanted situation. Share a time that your inability to wait put you in an unwanted situation.  

2) Read Hebrews 6:13-15. God made a promise to Abraham about building him into a great nation. Abraham, having patiently endured clearly refers to the Isaac trial, as a result of which he obtained the promise. Where are you learning patience today? 

3) God made it clear that He would bless Abraham and give him many decedents. The goal of those descendants was to be a blessing to everyone (read Genesis 12:1-3). How can you be a blessing to others this week? 

4) We were given homework to find the promises of God in Scripture. If you found some this week share those with your group. If you haven’t had time to do that, take some time as a group to look for God’s promises in Scripture.  

5) Read Hebrews 6:16-18. The author subtly pulls in the Old Testament aspect of the cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-14). What are the similarities in the cities of refuge and find refuge in Jesus? 

6) For centuries Christians have put their hope in Jesus as the anchor of their lives (Hebrews 6:19-20). How do you keep your hope anchored in Jesus when difficulties come? Where are you feeling hopeless? (see Colossians 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:1)

7) Hebrews 6 ends with an image of Jesus as the forerunner of our hope. A forerunner is a person who has gone before another. Discuss the truth of Jesus being our forerunner in heaven and the impact of that (John 14:1-6, Colossians 1:16-20, Ephesians 1:20, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16). 

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

Hebrews 2:1-9 | Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church just started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For the next several months we are going to look through the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. 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 source of Salvation | Hebrews 2:1-9

Most scholars agree that the book of Hebrews was written before AD 70. The letter teaches us about how Jesus is greater than anything that has come before Him. In Hebrews 2 the author continues to teach us that Jesus is greater than the angels. We learn that Jesus is the source of our salvation. No matter how glorious the angels are they will never be able to offer us salvation. They are heavenly beings who cannot die. But Jesus took on the flesh of humanity and became our spotless offering on the cross to win our salvation. As we study Hebrews 2:1-9 think about your own salvation. Think about when you gave your life to Christ and radical life change that took place. If you have yet to place your life in Christ, look only to Jesus for salvation and you will find it. 

1) Neal shared with us about a summer camp he preached at and a young man giving his life to Jesus. Share with your small group about your salvation event. Where were you at, who invited you, how did God draw you to Himself? 

2) Read Hebrews 2:1-4. We are encouraged to be careful to not “drift away” from the faith. Read 1 John 1:9, 2 Timothy 3:16, James 1:21-25, and 2 Peter 1:5-10. Talk about what causes believers to drift away from the faith and how to combat that. 

3) One of the reasons the author wrote this book was because people were drifting away from the faith because of persecution. Read Acts 12:1-24. Where do you see the church experiencing persecution right now? 

4) In Hebrews 2:3 we read about ignoring this great salvation. Read Jonah 1, Matthew 25:31-46, and James 1:22. The repercussions for ignoring God are great. How can we help people obey the Lord and find this great salvation? 

5) There are a number of spiritual ramifications for drifting away from the Lord. Take some time as a group to talk about ramifications. Take some time to talk about the benefits of following Jesus. (Psalm 5:3, Psalm 119:11, John 4:24, 2 Corinthians 9:7)

6) Read Psalm 8. The author is quoting King David who teaches us about the authority God has given mankind. What does this verse teach you about your role in creation? What does this verse teach you about how Jesus is greater than angels? 

7) Read Hebrews 2:9. We may not see angels but we do see Jesus. Share about a time how you saw Jesus at work in your life in the last week. It might have been in a neighbor, a friend who helped out, or a way the church came alongside you. 

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

Hebrews 1 | Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church just started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For the next several months we are going to look through the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. 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 | High Above it All | Hebrews 1

Sometimes we need a different angle to view things from. It might be a new perspective that shows us what we’re missing, lacking, or how we’re not seeing for the whole picture. We just started a brand new sermon series called: “Greater” and began studying the book of Hebrews. The letter was written to Jewish people living in the first century. The early church was being persecuted and many of the believers were slipping back into Jewish customs to avoid persecution. We know it was written to Hebrew people as it talks about the Old Testament in great depth. These first four verses are some of the most poetic, poignant, and clear verses in the New Testament about who Jesus Christ is. Let’s study Hebrews 1:1-14 together! 

1) Neal shared a story about climbing a mountain and getting a different view of the same thing. Share about a time when you saw something from a different vantage point and how that changed your perspective. 

2) Read Hebrews 1:1-2. We read that God has spoken to us through the prophets in a variety of ways. Read Matthew 5:17-20 and talk about how Jesus is greater than the prophets who preceded Him. 

3) We learn that God has spoken to us through His Son. Read Luke 4:16-21. Jesus knew one of the roles of the prophets was to point people to Himself. Share how God’s Word has spoken to you and pointed you to Jesus. 

4) Read Hebrews 1:3-4. We learn that Jesus is the exact representation of God. That means if we want to know God we need to look to Jesus. Read these verses and talk about how they help us know God: Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:36, and John 11:35. 

5) Jesus is not only the author of life but the sustainer of life. Read Philippians 2:5-11. In the letter to the church in Philippi, Paul teaches us about the character and nature of Jesus. How do these verses help you understand who Jesus is? 

6) Neal said the church is going through trying times right now. He talked about how we need to make sure that Jesus is the foundation of our living. Share about how you have trusted in scaffolding and not Jesus as the foundation. How will you change? 

7) Read Hebrews 1:5-14. In the last ten verses we see multiple ways that Jesus is greater than the angels. Pick a couple of these verses, go read them in the Old Testament and talk about how Jesus is greater than the angels. 

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

The Tender Commandments Overview

This summer we preached through the Ten Commandments at Coastline. In my opinion it was the best sermon series we've ever done. I think the plurality of voices in the series was a huge win and the planning for this time was deep. 

One thing we do at Coastline is what I call: "Big picture sermon planning as a team." Let me explain this a touch more. We have about six different people who sit in the room for sermon planning. We use the white board to line out: sermon title, big idea, ideas, Scripture, songs, video clips, illustrations, books, and quotes for the sermon. 

I love the team dynamic that plays out in the room. We start each session in prayer and aim to line out four to five sermons. Sometimes we get more stalled and other times we are moving quickly. In every situation we trust that the Lord is leading the process. 

From there I take the white board notes and put them in a Google Doc that is shared with the team. Since we just finished the Ten Commandments I want to share all those notes with you! 

Here are the notes that came from our team planning. It's a way to show you what goes into the planning of a series:

June 20 | Exodus 20:1-3

Sermon Title- None Before Me

Big Idea- We put Him first because of who He is and what He’s done

Ideas-

Philippians 3:19

Isaiah 44

Mark 10:17-27

Teach about other gods that people worship 

Tie into previous sermon on how we can tell what matters in our lives 

Israel was called to be set apart (not set aside). Teach on Santification? 

God was concerned about getting the Egypt out of them. -Dave Roberts 

God’s brought us all out of something. We need to help fill in that blank. -Becky Shipe 

In the rich young ruler the commandment was put to the test 

God gave us the commandments in a desire to provide and protect us 

Illustration- What struggle do you put in front of God?

Core Value- We put God first 

I- Items

D- Duty

O- Others

L- Longings 

Songs:

Egypt 

Your great name 

June 27 | Exodus 20:4-6

Sermon Title- Don’t Reduce God 

Big Idea- Out thoughts about God determines our worship of God 

Ideas-

Exodus 32- Aaron and the golden calf

Psalm 115

John 4- the Woman at the well 

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. ... Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God. - Tozer

Our image of God will have everything to do with our worship of God. -Dave Roberts 

Westminster Shorter Catechism- the chief goal of man is to worship God and enjoy Him forever 

The heart is an idol factory 

God is a jealous God. We have a negative connotation of jealousy in our culture 

Jealousy and love aren’t in opposition to each other

How does idol worship affect those around us: Family, spouse, kids, relatives, work?

Our concept of God determines our life before God 

Left to our own devices we will make anything into an idol. -Dave Roberts 

It’s so important we get our understanding of God correct 

Songs:

Egypt 

Your great name 

The Blessing 

July 04 | Exodus 20:7 (Blaze McEntee)

Sermon Title- His Holy Name 

Big Idea- Reverence for God’s name will lead us to represent Him well 

Ideas-

Mark 5- Demons flee at the name of Jesus 

The tribe of Korah didn’t understand the power of God’s holy name 

When Israel moved the ark from the Philistines the man who reached out his hand to stabilize the ark lost his life. 

Stories of taking God’s name in vain 

“The name Austin was being misrepresented.” 

We don’t understand how different God really is 

YWHW

Songs:

Break every chain

Your great name

No other name 

July 11 | Exodus 20:8-11

Sermon Title- Living Rested 

Big Idea- God knows I need rest to be my best 

Ideas-

Deuteronomy 5:15

Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath Matthew 12:1–8, Mark 2:23–28 and Luke 6:1–5

When Israel were slaves they didn’t have days off, there was no rest for them 

Explain the Jewish perspective on time- a new day started when the sun set

We wear busy as a badge of honor in our culture 

Research on rest, naps, sleep, and neuroplasticity 

Animals at the zoo get days off where they are not on display 

CF takes Saturday off and still makes more than other restaurants 

The sabbath is a time for restoration and recreation

Michael Yankoski’s book on Sababth enjoyment 

Lance Witt’s story about waking up in the middle of the night 

God didn’t have to rest but modeled rest for us--we are not following Satan’s example 

We are creating a rhythm of rest as a church body (no events on Saturday) 

I take days off and am not available, I shut down email, I have a vacation coming up 

Pastor who received a call about a failing marriage on Saturday. He asked a few questions to learn that the marriage had been failing for five years. She waited to meet later that week 

We rest to follow God’s example of rest. God knew we needed to rest 

Songs:

Egypt 

Your great name 

The Blessing

July 18 | Exodus 20:12

Sermon Title- Powerful Parents 

Big Idea- When you rightly honor your parents, all your relationships get better 

Ideas-

Colossians 3:20 

Luke 15

Ruth 1

John 19:25

Malachai 1:6

Honor parents who aren’t honorable 

Is it only to a set geographical location? 

What does it mean to prosper? 

People who have trouble of thinking of God as a Father 

Songs:

The blessing 

Break Every Chain 

Make Room 

July 25 | Exodus 20:13

Mike Lovato

August 1 | Exodus 20:14

Bert Alcorn 

August 8 | Exodus 20:15

Sermon Title- Caught red handed 

Big Idea- Do not take what rightfully belongs to others 

Ideas-

Malachi 3:6-10 

Acts 5

1 Kings 21

Deuteronomy 24:7 

Micah 6:8 

Story of stealing when I was 5 years old 

Story on Twitter of woman who stole hand sanitizer from Bath and Body works 

$970 or more is stealing CA 

Moving boundary stones to gain more power 

Employer taking wages, an employee stealing hours 

Aladdin steals to eat 

Movie example- Liar Liar with Jim Carey 

We write it down because we need to remember it 

Songs:

Clean Hands 

Egypt 

Jirah 

No longer slaves 

August 15 | Exodus 20:16

Sermon Title- Truth Teller 

Big Idea- The Bible teaches us how to tell the truth 

Ideas-

Acts 5

Matthew 26:57

Mark 14:53

Luke 10:36

Colossians 3:9-10

1 Kings 21

John 8:44

Matthew 5:33

Can’t be killed on the testimony of one witness 

US Judicial System- tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth 

Examples of “white lies”- the check is in the mail 

Movies and TV shows that promote lying 

More than just morals 

We believe untruths and share them as truths 

Have so much integrity that people believe what you say 

Teach on how to apologize for lying 

Exaggeration- how to work on truth telling 

Making excuses

Using ‘Always’ and ‘Never’ statements  

Songs:

The blessing 

Break Every Chain 

Make Room 

August 22 | Exodus 20:17

Sermon Title- Facing Covetousness 

Big Idea- Coveting is an expression of our distrust of Jesus 

Ideas-

Romans 7 

Joshua 7 

2 Samuel 11

Psalm 51

James 1:13

Ephesians 5:5

Colossians 3:5

Proverbs 4:23

Philippians 4:11-12

Coveting starts with the physician 

Story of Christopher Duntsch (wanting to be a doctor and rich) 

This i the internal one

Covetousness is the motivation for many of sins 

Covetousness is hidden 

We covet thinking it will make us complete 

“Trust the Lord who is provider” -Ryan LaFata 

Why do I covet knowing the greatness of the Lord? 

“Coveting is a sinful belief that things will make me happy.” -Dave Roberts 

Gratitude and thanksgiving combat covetousness 

“This isn’t a uniquely American problem but we’ve perfected it.” Dave Roberts 

Songs:

Waymaker 

The impact of false testimony

The ninth commandment is more than simply lying. The commandment forbids us from giving false testimony against our neighbor. 

What we don’t know about the Hebrew language hinders our full understanding of this passage. In the Hebrew, the word neighbor means anyone you’re in close contact with. There is also a judicial understanding in the text. For the original audience it was not giving false testimony in the courtroom. In a time when forensic science was unavailable the courtroom could shift on the testimony of one person. If that testimony was false, it could lead to the loss of life. 

Let's look at the life of Joseph and how his brothers stole him and sold him into slavery. The slave traders took him to Egypt and sold him to a man named Potiphar. While living in Potiphar’s home, Jospeh excelled. He was basically put in charge of the entire home:

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.

Genesis 39:2-6

But there was a problem. Potiphar’s wife had longing eyes for Jospeh. She wanted to have sexual relations with Joseph but he refused time and time again. One day the house was empty and tragedy struck:

One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.

When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”

Genesis 39:11-15

Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph and it hurt him. Of course he would loose his status in the home. He might have to go to trail for attempted rape. She gave false testimony against him to her master and it landed Jospeh in Jail. Now Scripture teaches us that Joseph was innocent. We know this because in Genesis 39:1 we read that Potiphar was the captain of the guard. He was a military official. If he suspected that Joseph had tried anything funny with his wife, he would have had him killed. Potiphar knew his wife was was lying and spared Joseph’s life. 

Listen to how the Lord feels about lying:

The Lord detests lying lips,

    but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

Proverbs 12:22

The Lord detests lying lips. The Lord knows that lying hurts others, lands people in jail, and has the potential for the loss of life. That is why we are commanded not to lie. 

If you have been lying will you submit yourself to the examination of the Holy Spirit to search you and find where those lies are hidden? 

Will you allow the Lord to examine you, as a judge examines a court case, and find where lying is hurting your walk with the Lord? 

Our neighbor is anyone we are in close proximity to. But it goes further! Listen to this: “In laws and formal rules, neighbor has nothing to do with proximity or familiarity; your “neighbor” connotes any other human being you may have dealings with, actually or potentially. -Douglas K Stuart.

The impact of false testimony

For the original audience there was a huge ramification for giving false testimony. That impact echos forward to today. If someone went on the stand to give false testimony against their neighbor it could lead to the loss of life. There is a captivating story in 1 Kings 3 about two prostitutes who stand before the young king Solomon. They are living in the same home when one woman rolls over on her son in the middle of the night. She proceeds to take her dead son to her roommate and steals her living son. She swaps the dead baby for the living baby. 

The mother wakes up in the morning and sees her son is dead… but it’s not really her son. The case is brought to the king. The evidence is there. One living baby and one dead baby. Two women. Two different stories. The king needs wisdom in making this decision because the stories don’t line up 

False testimony could have cost the life of another child in this story. Solomon uses the wisdom God gave him to judge the trail. But this didn’t have to get this way. If the one woman would have told the truth the whole situation could have been solved. 

The story doesn’t tell us the punishment of the lying woman. We could look at the Levitical Law and conclude that her punishment could have been death. This woman not only lied but she stole another person. She became a kidnapper because of the pain of her loss.

I wonder what would have happened if she decided to tell the truth. She might have woke up in the middle of the night and wailed. She could have cried with her roommate and grieved the loss of her son. Maybe she would have changed her ways and not stolen a child. Her pain became pain for another. Her lying hurt. 

This story reminds me about how important it is for us to have friends who we can be honest with. So often we ask each other: “How are you doing?” It’s a great question but in our culture it has become a greeting. We don’t tell people how we’re really doing. And there is another layer. Most people are so busy they don’t have time to listen to your answer. We need friends who listen to us. 

Listen to what Dr. John J. Ratey wrote, “In modern life, people tend to have fewer friends and less support, because there’s no tribe. Being alone is not good….” 

The importance of having friends helps us to keep accountable open telling the truth. When we tell the truth we live in the light. Listen to what the Apostle John taught us on telling the truth (read 1 John 1:6-7). If we claim to be Jesus followers we need to excel in telling the truth. If there is anyone in the world who tells the truth it needs to be those who call themselves Christians. We should excel at telling the truth because we are in relationship with the truth. That friendship encourages us to be relationship with others who keep us accountable to truth telling.  

I love what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 6:14). If you are having trouble with telling the truth. memorize this verse. Every morning you and physically put on the belt of truth as you commit to telling the truth. Don’t say: “I’m going to try to tell the truth.” Say: “I am a truth teller.” If we say we will try to tell the truth we will fail. Commit to truth telling. Clothe yourself in the truth and watch how your life changes. 

Being a Truth Teller

In 2016 I was sitting on the edge of my seat watching the summer Olympics. As the games progressed a frightening story was developing. American swimmer Ryan Lochte had been robbed at gun point. The story came out that Ryan and three other men had been robbed at gunpoint during a taxi ride. The kicker was that the men who robbed them flashed badges. Then it came out that Ryan had a gun placed on his forehead during the robbery. Olympic athletes feared for their safety. It looked like Brazil would receive a black eye for the Olympics but the truth came out. The whole story was a lie! It was fabricated after a night of partying. 

It seems like lying is all around us! Remember when Tiger Woods told the world that he was a faithful husband? The truth came out that he was having extra-marital affairs with over a dozen women. 

Remember the man who won seven consecutive Tour de France titles? Years later Armstrong confessed to taking performance enhancing drugs. 

We all know about Bill Clinton and his famous words: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” Lie! 

Maybe the most heart-breaking for me was when Milli Vanilli were accused of lip syncing their song: “Girl you know it’s true.” It was a massive hit but the pop stars confessed to lip syncing. It seems that we are surrounded by lies in almost all areas of life. 

We all know this, but lying hurts all parties involved. The lies we just talked about hurt millions of people. Think about the last time you were lied to and how you felt. Think about the impact it had on your life, relationships, and integrity you thought someone had. When was the last time you told a lie? Maybe it was this week at work or to your children. It could have been a big lie or a white lie to just keep things quiet. No matter what, lying hurts. 

Being a Truth Teller 

Many of recall the ninth commandment in the most simplest terms of “do not lie” and that’s a good start. But the commandment is longer than that:

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." Exodus 20:16 

Let’s talk about lying. There are all kinds of lies that people tell: white lies, whoppers, fibs, gossip, half-truths, exaggerations, misleading silence, lying on paper, lying at work, lying at home. 

Sometimes we lie to make ourselves look better. An example of this might be: “The check is in the mail” when really you never sent the check. Sometimes we lie to make others look worse. At work a colleague might lie about an employee’s perform.

We’re all familiar with Pinocchio. Every time he lied his nose grew just a little bit. Sometimes it feels like life would be easier if that happened to everyone who told a lie. Instead of wondering who is, or isn’t, lying to us we could see that they are lying to us. 

The hard part about the day and age we live in is that we have to constantly decipher who is lying to us. We feel lied to by our boss at work when she tells us she tried to get us the raise we asked for. We feel liked to by the politicians we elected who promised to solve a certain problem. We feel lied to by our neighbor who swears his dog didn’t poop in our front yard. 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Colossae and instructed them to give up lying:

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:9-10

We read this and think that the early church must have been full of liars. Maybe it was, or maybe there just a few. Paul wrote this because saw lying was an issue that was hurting the early church. Some people grew up lying. They learned that sin from their parents. I’ve seen first-hand how lying hurts the local church. A half-truth is shared as if it were the entire truth. Gossip learns to walk, is passed on as truth, shared on Facebook, and next thing we know another church split takes place. 

If you have placed your trust in Jesus, this passage is for you. It’s more than giving up lying, it’s surrendering your life to Christ and being transformed. There is progression that Paul teaches us about being sanctified as we keep following Jesus.

If you have yet to place your trust in Jesus, this transforming life is available to you today. Listen to what George Orwell once wrote: "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Lying has become more accepted and we need more truth-tellers in this world.

Philippians | Week 3 | Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing an eight-week sermon series called: "Defined by Joy." The Apostle Paul helped plant the church in Philippi (see Acts 16) but never forget about them. They played a key role in supporting him as God called him to plant other churches. From this series we want to learn how to have our lives defined by joy and not circumstances. Paul modeled this well to the early church. 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 Great Example | Philippians 2:1-11

Serving others does not come natural to everyone. Paul wrote the letter to the church in Philippi from a Roman jail about putting Christ first and others next. Instead of talking of being released, Paul focused more on uniting the church. It is truly better to have a united church ministering in the community. Paul longed to see the local church taking up the example of Jesus and chose to serve one another. Paul wants the church to find the joy of serving Jesus that he has found. In Philippians 2:1-11 he writes a poetic masterpiece that shows the chiastic structure that details Jesus coming to earth, serving people, and ascending back into heaven.  

1) Neal shared about the mass shooting in Las Vegas almost four years ago. Many people fled for their lives but some heroes went back to help save others. What motivates a person to put their life on the line to save strangers? 

2) Read Philippians 2:1-4. Draw out the different ways he wanted the church to be united. Talk about the difference between unity and uniformity. How can we be united with Christ for the advancement of the Gospel? 

3) Look again at Philippians 2:3-4. As a group take a couple mins to read Mark 5. Look at how Jesus selflessly served the different people He ministered to in this chapter. What stands out to you about looking to the interests of others? 

4) Paul encouraged us to have the same mindset as that of Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Read John 4:31-34, Luke 7:11-17, Mark 2:1-11, and Matthew 5:1-2. What does these passages teach us about the mindset of Jesus? 

5) Read Philippians 2:6-8. Jesus was obedient to death on the cross. Some believers hear about the cross so often that they forget what really happened (read Luke 23:26-47). What do you need to remember about what happened on the cross? 

6) Jesus ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of God (read Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus allowed God to exalt Him. Read Mark 10:35-45. Why did the disciples want to exalt themselves? Why do we try to do the same? 

7) One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Share about a time where you saw someone confess salvation in the name of Jesus. Who are you praying for to find hope in the name of Jesus?   

Close your time in prayer by praying for: Child Evangelism Fellowship. 

Flawed but Faithful | Week 2 | Small Group Questions

Coastline Bible Church is doing a five-week sermon series called: "Flawed but Faithful." This is going to be a unique sermon series because typically when we read the Bible we are looking for the text to be God-centric; meaning we put God at the center of our focus. But for five weeks we’re going to focus on the life of Peter. We’re going to see that Peter is a human just like us. We’re going to learn that Peter followed Jesus, stepped out in faith, tried to justify himself, and had wild ideas. We’re going to see that Peter is a flawed man who was faithful to God. Peter played a key role in building the local church and because of his faithfulness to Jesus we have the local church. 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 ::: Walking on Water ::: Matthew 14

Last we studied the calling of Peter and today we will look at one of his greatest acts of trusting Jesus. Hours before this story took place the disciples watched Jesus feed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish. After the miraculous feeding, Jesus instructed the disciples to meet Him on the side of the lake. They acted in obedience and it brought them into a treacherous storm. It was in the middle of the Sea of Galilee that Jesus came to them, walking on water. It seems that Jesus is breaking the laws of nature to care for His disciples. In fact, we learn that Jesus is the Lord of creation. But since we’re studying Peter we see his bravery in following Jesus by walking on water with Jesus! 

1) Neal shared about the catastrophic destruction that hurricane Katrina caused in the golf coast back in 2005. Share about a time in your when you were in a literal or figurative storm that caused you to trust God. 

2) Read Matthew 14:22-24. The disciples obeyed when Jesus asked them to get in the boat and head to the other side. Read John 8:51, 14:23, Acts 5:29, and Romans 2:13. Why is it easy to obey Jesus sometimes but other times it seems so difficult?  

3) In the middle of the storms of life, what keeps you committed to obeying the truth of God? Do you find it hard to remember the truth that Jesus has spoken to you in the dark times? Psalm 119:11 teaches us to hide God’s word in our hearts.  

4) We need to know what voice to listen to in the storm  (read Matthew 14:25-27). In the middle of the lake Jesus encouraged the disciples not to be afraid. What are you afraid of right now? Read Isaiah 41:10,  Genesis 15:1, and Psalm 118:6. 

5) Jesus said: “It is I” to the disciples. This would have made them think about what God spoke to Moses in Exodus 3:1-15. Discuss the significance of Jesus declaring His deity to the disciples during that storm.  

6) Read Matthew 14:28-31. Peter is the one disciple who was courageous enough to get out of the boat. Two questions: What is holding you back from getting out of the boat and what is pushing you to step out of the boat this week? 

7) The first thing the disciples did was worship Jesus when He got in the boat. Read Acts 14:8-18. In the boat, Jesus permitted the disciples to worship Him. What does this teach us about Jesus being fully God and fully man? 

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

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?