Pushing Back Darkness
Pushing Back Darkness - Study Guide
Key Takeaways:
1. The church is not a building, but a gathering of believers united by the message that Jesus is the hope of the world.
2. Jesus intends for His church to be on the offensive, "storming the gates of Hades" rather than hiding behind defensive walls.
3. The church's mission involves the Great Commission, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commitment.
4. When Jesus' church embodies His message and embraces His mission, it is unstoppable in pushing back darkness.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does it mean to you personally to say "I love my church"? How does this relate to loving Jesus?
2. The sermon mentioned an "opponent" who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. How have you experienced this in your own life or seen it in others' lives?
3. Pastor Mike mentioned that Jesus is "restoring, resurrecting, and rebuilding" in contrast to the enemy's actions. Share an example of how you've seen this happen in your life or someone else's.
4. How does the idea of the church "storming the gates of Hades" change your perspective on what it means to be part of the church?
5. Discuss the three "greats" mentioned in the sermon (Commission, Commandment, Commitment). Which one challenges you the most and why?
6. The sermon emphasized loving one another as a key aspect of being the church. What are some practical ways we can love on e another better as a small group?
How does being part of a local church help you in "pushing back darkness" in your daily life?
Practical Applications:
1. Identify one way you can get more involved in serving at our church this week.
2. Practice one of the "one another" commands mentioned in the sermon (e.g., encourage, forgive, bear burdens) with someone in the group this week.
3. Reflect on your own "confession of faith" moment. If comfortable, share with the group or write it down as a reminder.
4. Think of someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily and look for opportunities to share your faith.
5. Consider your gifts and passions. How can you use them to contribute to the church's mission of pushing back darkness?
Key Takeaways:
1. The church is not a building, but a gathering of believers united by the message that Jesus is the hope of the world.
2. Jesus intends for His church to be on the offensive, "storming the gates of Hades" rather than hiding behind defensive walls.
3. The church's mission involves the Great Commission, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commitment.
4. When Jesus' church embodies His message and embraces His mission, it is unstoppable in pushing back darkness.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does it mean to you personally to say "I love my church"? How does this relate to loving Jesus?
2. The sermon mentioned an "opponent" who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. How have you experienced this in your own life or seen it in others' lives?
3. Pastor Mike mentioned that Jesus is "restoring, resurrecting, and rebuilding" in contrast to the enemy's actions. Share an example of how you've seen this happen in your life or someone else's.
4. How does the idea of the church "storming the gates of Hades" change your perspective on what it means to be part of the church?
5. Discuss the three "greats" mentioned in the sermon (Commission, Commandment, Commitment). Which one challenges you the most and why?
6. The sermon emphasized loving one another as a key aspect of being the church. What are some practical ways we can love on e another better as a small group?
How does being part of a local church help you in "pushing back darkness" in your daily life?
Practical Applications:
1. Identify one way you can get more involved in serving at our church this week.
2. Practice one of the "one another" commands mentioned in the sermon (e.g., encourage, forgive, bear burdens) with someone in the group this week.
3. Reflect on your own "confession of faith" moment. If comfortable, share with the group or write it down as a reminder.
4. Think of someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily and look for opportunities to share your faith.
5. Consider your gifts and passions. How can you use them to contribute to the church's mission of pushing back darkness?
Posted in I Love My Church