Church in the Park – Jayson Etchison

Pastor Jayson emphasized how unity does not come naturally and that it requires effort. What are some steps you can take to promote unity in your own relationships, small group, or ministry?

Pastor Jayson shared Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-21, 23, where Jesus prayed for all believers to become one, bringing complete unity. What actions can you take to promote unity in your church community, based on Jesus’ example of prayer and love for one another?

In the sermon, Pastor Jayson mentioned several instructions given to followers of Jesus, such as forgiving, accepting, encouraging, and bearing with one another. Which of these instructions do you find most challenging, and what steps can you take to grow in that area?

Pastor Jayson referenced Romans 12:4-5 and emphasized the importance of living out our gifts while celebrating the gifts of others to avoid comparison and discontentment. In what ways can you support and encourage the unique callings and gifts of other members in your church community?

What lessons can we learn from the early believers in Acts 4:32-34 about the power of unity and God’s grace?

The Greatest Hits –  Pastor Lungz

How does the widow’s story in 2 Kings 4:1-7 demonstrate God’s ability to use what we have, not what we lack?

Why is it important not to be ashamed of what we have, even if it seems small or insignificant?

What seemingly insignificant resources or talents do you have that you can trust God to use for His purposes?

How does faith determine the extent of the miracles we experience?

In his conclusion, Pastor Lungz invited the congregation to say, ‘Here I am again,’ and encouraged them to show up and bring what they have, trusting God to do the rest. What specific burdens or concerns do you need to surrender to God, and how can you practically do this in your daily life?

How can this sermon’s message help believers to stay faithful and hopeful during challenging times?

The Greatest Hits –  Kurt Owens

Pastor Kurt Owens shares a personal story about misunderstanding his boss, leading to a reflection on challenging perspectives. He transitions to discussing the discomfort of the true gospel challenging our comforts. Referring to Jesus’ teachings, he emphasizes loving neighbors beyond cultural barriers. Through personal experiences, he motivates listeners to embrace discomfort and make a positive impact while being the light and salt in their communities.

How does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge our understanding of who our neighbors are?

Pastor Kurt used the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35) to illustrate how the gospel challenges our comfort zones, cultural biases, and perceptions of our neighbors. Who are the people in your life that you might struggle to consider a s neighbors, and how can you show them love and compassion as the Good Samaritan did?

Pastor Kurt emphasizes that people often prefer a gospel that doesn’t challenge or disrupt their lives. How can we identify when we are seeking a comfortable gospel? And what aspects of our faith should we analyze to ensure we are embracing the true gospel that challenges us?

Pastor Kurt shared his experience of receiving kindness from someone outside his own culture, leading him to reevaluate his conceptions. What steps can we take to break down cultural barriers and love our neighbors and do you want to?

In what ways can we challenge our comforts and conceptions to make an impact in our community?

The Greatest Hits –  Jason Ewart

What challenges your belief in miracles, and how can you reconcile this with the purpose of miracles as presented in the sermon?

Pastor Jason explains that miracles are extraordinary divine interventions that go beyond the natural order of the world. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a miracle? How did it impact your faith?

Why does Pastor Jason argue that science cannot disprove the existence of miracles?

How can we engage with skeptics who dismiss the biblical accounts of miracles?

What is the purpose of miracles according to Pastor Jason, and how does the first miracle of Jesus turning water into wine illustrate this?

Pastor Jason suggests that the purpose of miracles is to restore the natural order of a broken world affected by sin. The first miracle shows Jesus giving us a glimpse of future joy and fulfillment when He establishes His kingdom on earth. Can you think of other miracles in the Bible that demonstrate this restoration of the natural order?

The Greatest Hits – Ben Davis

What do the three chairs represent in our spiritual lives and which chair do you think you are currently sitting in?

Pastor Ben introduced the concept of the three chairs, which represent commitment, compromise, and complacency in our spiritual lives. What can you do in your daily life to move towards the chair that represents commitment to Jesus?

How did the people in the Book of Judges shift from commitment to compromise and eventually complacency, and how can we avoid falling into the same pattern?

Pastor Ben shared how the people in the book of Judges shifted from commitment to God in Joshua to compromise and eventually complacency. What steps can you take to ensure that you continue growing in your relationship with Jesus and avoid becoming complacent?

What specific move or next step do you feel God is asking you to take in your spiritual journey right now?

The Greatest Hits – Mark Weigt

What are some examples of detours you have experienced in your life and how have they shaped you?

What are some common causes of detours in our lives, and how can we recognize them?

How did God use Joseph’s detours to develop him into a leader?

How can you shift from a victim mentality to a mindset of growth and opportunity when facing life’s detours?

Is there a detour you are currently facing that you can choose to view as an opportunity for growth? How can you allow God to work in your life in this process?

How can you leverage your detours for good in your life and the lives of others?

The Greatest Hits – Chabo Brothers Testimony

How did the faith and readiness to die for Christ in the Chabo Brothers’ community in Syria help prepare them to face the challenges of war and being refugees?

The brothers highlight how God provided for their needs through the kindness and generosity of the church community in Lebanon. What are some ways the church in Lebanon showed love and support to the Chabo Brothers while they were refugees?

The brothers draw parallels to King David’s life and mention specific psalms written by him during challenging circumstances. How did King David’s honesty with God and unwavering praise in difficult times parallel the Chabo Brothers’ own faith journey?

What role did trust in God’s plans play in the Chabo Brothers’ journey from Syria to Wisconsin?

Their personal testimony serves as an example of the power of faith, prayer, and community in sustaining them throughout their journey. How can you use their story, or your own personal testimony, to encourage others to deepen their faith and trust in God?

The Greatest Hits – Jesus & Truth

In this sermon, Pastor Jayson discussed Jesus’ interaction with a Samaritan woman, where Jesus acknowledged her past yet offered her grace and a fresh start. Can you think of a time in your life when you needed both truth and grace? How did that experience change or impact you?

Why is it important to understand that God always shows up as 100% truth and 100% grace?

In the sermon, Jesus offers the Samaritan woman ‘living water’ which represents a life that is firm, confident, and whole, ultimately leading to eternal life. In what areas of your life do you feel you need the ‘living water’? How can Jesus’ teachings help you find that wholeness and confidence?

Pastor Jayson discussed the significance of grace and truth at the cross, which brings healing, restoration, and a new beginning. In what ways have you personally experienced or witnessed this healing or restoration in your life or in the lives of others?

The Greatest Hits – Jayson Etchison

How can we identify the areas in our lives where we are maxed out?

How does the scripture quote from Proverbs 27:20 apply to our desire for more and the difficulty of finding satisfaction?

What role does wisdom play in helping us create margin and simplicity in our lives?

Can you think of examples where you needed to amplify, reduce, add, or subtract something in your life to find the right balance?

How can we apply the concept of numbering our days from Psalm 90:10 to make the most of the time we have?

The Greatest Hits – Justin Laib

Pastor Justin emphasized the significance of engaging in a dialogue with God through His word and prayer, using verses from Psalm 119. One verse is Psalm 119:25 – My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!

What methods or practices have helped you engage in meaningful dialogue with God through His word and prayer?

Pastor Justin emphasized the importance of prioritizing God’s voice over other voices in our lives and shared how God’s word can guide and direct us in times of confusion or loss. One verse is John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

What are some practical ways you can prioritize God’s voice in your daily life?

Logos vs Rhema – Greek Words in the N.T. There are entire studies dedicated to understand how both words are used in the Bible and are important in a believer’s life. Below are a couple excerpts of definitions from Dr. Mark Virkler:

Logos – The Greek word, most often translated “word,”…One example of Logos is the Bible, the Word of God. We are to prayerfully meditate on the Bible, which allows God to speak to us through Scriptures, which in turn ignites our hearts (Lk. 24:32). The Bible also tells us to treasure or hide Scripture in our hearts so we do not sin against God (Ps. 119:11). Common example of logos is

2 Tim 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word (logos) of truth.

Heb 4:12 – For the word (logos) of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Rhema – This Greek word is most often translated “word” or “saying” and means “spoken word.” The Spirit’s voice in our hearts is one example of rhema. Another example of rhema is when verses leap off the pages of Scripture and into our hearts, as this is the Holy Spirit speaking to us, applying the verse directly to our lives. In the Bible rhema refers to speaking. Common examples are:

Matt 4:4 “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word (rhema) that comes from the mouth of God.”

Luke 1:36-38 “And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son…who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word (rhema).” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 2:25-26, 29  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ…“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word (rhema).”

In our journey of faith, understanding how God communicates is crucial. Here are the five points given to us from Pastor Justen below. Discuss how BOTH the logos and rhema each play a role in our lives according to the truth of the statements below:

#1 When God speaks, I have reason to hope in hard times. (NOW DISCUSS)

#2 When God speaks, I have guidance in my life. (NOW DISCUSS)

#3 When God speaks, I am reminded who is #1 in my life. (NOW DISCUSS)

#4 When God speaks, I re-enter the most desirable dialogue possible. (NOW DISCUSS)

#5 – When God speaks, I can find my way home. (NOW DISCUSS)