Sermon Discussion Questions

Matthew 2:1–12 | Responses to Christ

Sunday, January 4, 2026 - Brian Steinbach

1. Three responses to Jesus appear in this passage: Herod’s hostility, the religious leaders’ indifference, and the magi’s worship.
   Which response do you find most common in our culture today? Why?

2. Herod felt threatened by the birth of Jesus because it challenged his authority.
   In what ways can Jesus still feel threatening to people today—even to those who consider themselves religious?

3. The priests and scribes knew Scripture well but did not act on what they knew.
   What are some modern examples of being informed about Jesus without truly seeking Him?

4. The magi acted on limited knowledge but great faith.
   What risks did they take to follow the light they were given, and what might it look like for us to do the same this week?

5. True faith leads to worship, and true worship leads to obedience.
   How do worship and obedience practically connect in everyday Christian life?

6. God’s purposes were not threatened by Herod’s power or schemes.
   How does God’s sovereignty in this passage encourage you when the world feels unstable or uncertain?

Luke 1:5-25 | God's Abounding Grace

Sunday, December 7, 2025 - David Mapes

1. What are some stunning events you've faced? How did God use that for His glory and your good?

2. Describe some times in which you have responded to God's work in unbelief, in waiting and in rejoicing?

3. How do you need to continue seeing God's grace in your life, your church, your community? Spend some time praying together for God to show his abounding grace to you and those around you.

4. Read through Ephesians 2:1-10. How can these verses help you to meditate richly on Christ's abounding grace to you this week?

Colossians 4:3-6 | Portraits of Evangelism

Sunday, October 5, 2025 - Aaron Moore

·         Prayer and Evangelism: Paul emphasizes “bended knees” as the first portrait of evangelism. How have you seen prayer open doors for the gospel in your own life or in the church? What might it look like for us as a church to pray with intentionality for opportunities to share Christ? (Col. 4:3-4; Acts 1:14; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Js. 5:16)

·         Theology of Evangelism: Why do you think God chooses to involve ordinary believers in the work of evangelism rather than sending only pastors or missionaries? How does understanding that the “Word is not in chains” shape the way we see our role in God’s mission? (2 Tim. 2:9; Mt. 28:18-20; Rom. 10:14-15)

·         Practice of Evangelism: Think of one place in your daily life—work, home, or community—where you regularly interact with someone who doesn’t know Christ. Share in small groups a concrete way you could intentionally witness or show Christ this week. What holds you back from sharing the gospel with unbelievers? (Mt. 5:13-16; Lk. 17:10; Jn. 20:21)

·         Speaking the Gospel: Words are the vehicle of faith. If you had only 30 seconds to share the gospel what must you include/what passage would you use? How could your own story or testimony serve as a starting point for clearly and faithfully communicating Christ? What would you actually say this week if someone asked why you follow Jesus? (Jn. 9:25; Acts 4:20; Rm. 10:17; 1 Pet. 3:15)