Sermons on Bible People
Reminders | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Pastor Ron finishes our series going through 1 Thessalonians and remembering what it means to have a “Better Life Now”. Discussion Questions 1. How and why do we hold leaders in the highest regard? 2. Notice the instructions in verses 14-18. They allow for no exceptions. In light of that why are Paul’s counsel in verses 19-22 and his prayer in verses 23,24 important? 3. What is the difference between “quenching”or putting out the fire of the Holy Spirit (5:19)…
Hope Fulfilled | 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11
Mark Pender encourages us with this message about hope from 1 Thessalonians. Discussion Questions Paul uses a literary technique of contrasts in this section. Some examples – Light contrast Dark, Sober contrast Drunk, Asleep contrast Awake. Is Salvation the contrast of wrath (v9)? Martin L King Jr said “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” How did Paul model this? In what ways have you seen others model this? We’re not the church in Thessalonica, but how…
Self-Giving | 2 Thessalonians 2:1-16
Pastor Ron helps us to see the qualities of good leaders as presented in Thessalonians. Discussion Questions 1. According to this passage, what qualities of Paul make him a good pastor? 2. Should we make more of imitation in the church? (note vs 8 and 14, also 1Cor. 11:1) 3. Look at vs.13, ch.1:5 then 2Timothy 3:14-17. In light of these scripture verses what role does the Word of God play in our relationships with one another? 4. How must…
For Example | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
We take a closer look at the church in Thessalonica and the example they set as Pastor Ron continues our series “A Better Life Now”. Discussion Questions 1. Share an example that encouraged your spiritual life. 2. How can Cornerstone be an example to another church or churches in the area as the church in Thessalonica was? 3. True or False? Life without problems and suffering is a fantasy and not worth pursuing. Can we have a meaningful life of…
Troubling Truth | Acts 17:1-9
Pastor Ron introduces us to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica as he begins a new sermon series entitled “A Better Life Now”. Discussion Questions 1. Suffering and Death were great hurdles or obstacles for the Jews to believe Jesus was Messiah. What are some of the common hurdles or obstacles for people today to believe Jesus is who He says He is? 2. How does the gospel trouble you? 3. Jealousy was a problem here. (Note: Prov.14:30; James 3:16: Mark 7:22)…
Escape From Our Boxes | Mark 7:24-30
As Pastor Ron continues our series in the book of Mark, we explore how we can see beyond our own perspective. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. What is the main point of this passage? 2. Explain the exchange between Jesus and the woman. 3. How does “normal life” limit our perspective and opportunity to accept and serve those different from ourselves? 4. Earlier Jesus chided the disciples for their “little” faith. Here Jesus commends this woman for her “great” faith…
Facing Our Limits | Mark 4:35-41
Jesus led His disciples into a storm. What can we learn from this as we face storms in our own life? Listen as Pastor Ron continues our series in Mark. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. What do you think is the main lesson in this story? 2. Does it seem right that Jesus chided the disciples? 3. Why can/cannot fear and faith co-exist? 4. Did the disciples have reason(s) not to fear? Do we when faced with our limits in…
A Reason Not To Be Apathetic | Malachi 4:1-6
Andy Bradshaw, one of our elders here at Cornerstone, finishes our series in the book of Malachi by giving us reasons not to be apathetic. Discussion Questions 1. What is the significance of the promises of healing and turning the hearts of people to each other in Malachi 4? 2. Is Malachi prophesying about the first coming of Jesus, the second coming of Jesus, both, or neither? 3. Is there a difference between having apathy and being lukewarm? Is there…
God, What Do You Want From Me? | Malachi 3:6-12
Listen to this message from Pastor Ron as we explore the topic of giving as presented in Malachi. Watch Here Discussion Questions 1. Do you think believers today suffer repercussions for “withholding from God? 2. What do you think are some reasons believers don’t give more to God and His work? 3. What kind of blessings can we expect if we are giving God His “due”? Why? 4. If believers gave an amount based upon “what they decided in their…
Does God Care? | Malachi 2:17 – 3:6
Our view of justice may not always align with God’s justice. Listen to this message as Pastor Ron continues his series in Malachi. Watch here Discussion Questions 1. Are there ways and times when we “project” our attitudes and viewpoint upon God? How can we avoid this? 2. Do we sometimes confuse satisfaction with justice? 3. How do we know from this passage that God’s love for us precedes His exacting justice for breaking covenant with Him?
Lack of Leadership | Malachi 2:1-9
In this message from Malachi 2, Pastor Ron explores the great responsibility that comes with biblical leadership. Discussion Questions 1. In light of Malachi 2:1-9 and James 3:1; why are pastor/teachers judged with greater strictness? 2. How can we lend to effective (successful) ministry rather than failure by our pastor? 3. What are the essential responsibilities of a pastor? 4. Why do so many pastors either fail or leave the ministry?
No Respect | Malachi 1:6-14
Israel was confronted regarding their apathy in Malachi. So Pastor Ron helps us to see how we can confront our own apathy in this message called “No Respect”. Discussion Questions 1. What was Malachi referring to when he said the priests despised or showed contempt for God’s name? 2. How do we fall into “ritualistic” worship? 3. How do our accommodations to culture impact our offerings to God? 4. Do you think the closing of so many churches today relates…