THE CROSSING BLOG
Sermon Discussion - John 1:9-13
We’re continuing in the Advent season with week 4. Here are this week’s sermon discussion questions from Rich’s sermon on John 1:9-13.
TPQ: is there a particular gift you can remember getting at Christmas that, not long after you got it, you lost interest in it. Maybe it was a ‘fad’ gift like we see every year. Why do you think we look to things for a sense of fulfillment?
Fads may come & go, but the birth of Jesus impacted the world in a way like no other. Thus, we’re forced to consider who He was and why He was born. The gospel writer compels us to ask what we believe about Jesus.
John earlier called Jesus the Word; now he calls Jesus the Light. He uses the image of light in darkness and harkens back to Isaiah 9.
Jesus is the True Light and His light is exhaustive. It is a light that both exposes and illuminates. His light shows us who we are in the dark, our own sinfulness. We’re also shown the elements of this dark world: acts of terror, sickness, despair.
Jesus was not recognized or acknowledged, even though he was the source of all that is. The world has missed who He is ever since. Even His own people didn’t see Him or receive Him as their expected messiah.
Q: why do you think people don’t recognize Jesus for who He is today? What gets in the way?
The Light of Christ not only reveals who we are and who He is, it also guides us. Through Him, we’re shown the way of belief to become children of God. This is a gift given to us by God. It’s not a natural, manipulated process; it is a reality that originates from God, a birth where He is the father.
Q: what difference does it make that being a child of God is His doing rather than ours?
Q: John makes a point of saying that this also involves our own belief. What keeps people from believing, in 2016 America? How might we help nonbelievers bridge the gap of unbelief through our own relationship with them?
Sermon Discussion John 1:6-8
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his Word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 1:6-8, you can view online here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN3BVf4Hdu8
John 1:6-8 Discussion Questions:
TPQ (Thought Provoking Question) – If you were going to serve on a jury in a court case, what qualites would you look for in a witness?
Pastor Aaron said in his sermon that John the Baptist was the prophet that connected the Old Testament to the New Testament. John 1:8 A simple definition of a prophet is someone sent by God to testify (speak, witness, proclaim) his word to his people. Who are some prophets that come to mind and how did they testify God’s word?
(If you’re leading a discussion, feel free to highlight one of the following prophets.)
Moses – Read Exodus 3 and 4.
Calling: 3:10
Response: 3:11, 4:1, 4:10, 4:13, 4:20
Result: 4:31
Jeremiah – Jeremiah 1.
Calling: 1:4-5
Response: 1:6
Result: 40 years of persevering preaching (with only 2 converts!)
Peter – John 21 (take note of the setting; specifically the location and people present)
Why do you think Peter says, “I am going fishing.”
Jesus asks Peter 3 times if he loves him, why?
Regardless of the different Greek verbs used for love, how does Peter respond to Jesus’ questioning?
As an under-shepherd, how can Peter ultimately demonstrate his love for Jesus? How can we ultimately demonstrate our love for Jesus?
In light of John 20:21, who has Jesus sent you to? (If you’re unsure, pray and ask him to reveal people.)
Pastor Aaron mentioned his passion for Qdoba, do the people God has sent you to know your passions? How might you be able to identify with Jesus to these people? What opportunities are there to invite them into your community (or how can you invite your community in their lives?)
When it comes to sharing the gospel:
How have you responded in fear?
How have you responded in faith?
What are some ways we can grow in sharing our faith? Be specific.
A few suggestions to close your time:
Read Romans 10:8-17
Pray specifically for those God has sent you to.
Send a encouraging thank you note (text, email, phone call) to the one God sent to bear witness in your life
Next Sunday’s passage: John 1:9-13
Sunday Gathering, Dec.11th Advent
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 1:6-8 Worship through Singing: Joy To The World
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
What Child Is This
When Love Came Down to Earth
John 1:1-5 Follow Up Discussion
Here’s a few sermon discussion questions to help our church love God by applying his Word to our lives. Feel free to use these questions for personal reflection, alongside your family, within a smaller discipleship/journey group, or even within the context of your Life Group. If you missed Sunday’s sermon from John 1:1-5, you can view online here: http://thecrossingfc.org/sermons/the-word-is-life-and-light/
John 1:1-5 Discussion Questions:
TPQ (Thought Provoking Question): In his sermon this past Sunday, Aaron described a scene in a dark cave. Where’s the darkest place you’ve ever been? (a cave, a rural road, camping on a mountain, etc.) How did you react to such literal darkness? As we begin to look at this passage in John’s gospel, we’ll see how the apostle John contrasts light & darkness.
1. In verse 1, John uses wording that calls to mind the opening verses in Genesis (In the beginning…). How does this set the tone for the rest of this passage? Why does he want to harken us back to Genesis when he’s about to tell us about the ministry of Jesus in first century Palestine? How does Christ as “the Word” connect with the creation account in Genesis?
2. John goes on to tell us some things about this Word (Jesus). Pastor Aaron brought out 5 characteristics or roles of the Word in these 5 verses. Can you identify them and share a little about the significance of each one?
>> The Word (Jesus) is:
Eternal- John points to Genesis 1 and a new creation, but a story older than time.
Personal- Jesus was with God, in relationship. ‘face to face’. Points to the Trinity
God (divine)- Jesus being not just like God, but God Himself. We’ll see this unpacked in the 7 ‘I am’ statements.
Q: what difference does it make to you that Jesus is God?
Creator- Jesus created all things and He Himself was not created. He is the source & the force behind all creation. (cf Col 1:15-17)
Life & Light- Jesus is the essence of spiritual life & glory that overcomes sin. The darkness has no power or means to overcome or to vanquish the light.
3. How does this knowledge about Jesus affect the way you see Him and act toward Him? Why does John think it’s important for us to know these things about Jesus from the very start of his gospel account
4. Christ is the source of all light & life. Where else do you & I look for ‘life’ rather than in Him? What about non-believers; where do they look for ‘life’ this time of year? How can we, with the knowledge of Who the true Life really is, where pure Light really defeats darkness, how can we connect with those who are searching for life & light? This week? This season? Be specific.
For further reflection on the Trinity:
Here’s a great graphic explaining the trinity: http://www.challies.com/visual-theology/visual-theology-the-trinity
Here’s an article for further reading on the great doctrine of the Trinity: https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2011/09/28/the-doctrine-of-the-trinity-no-christianity-without-it/
How does our view of “1 God, manifested in 3 distinct person’s” challenge your thinking? How does this view of God differ from other religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Sunday Gathering, December 4th Advent
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: John 1:1-5 Worship through Singing: Joy To The World
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
What Child Is This
When Love Came Down to Earth
Sunday Gathering, Nov. 27th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: Micah 5:1-5 Worship through Singing: Come Praise & Glorify
Man of Sorrows
Great Are You Lord
I Will Rise
Cornerstone
Sunday Gathering, Nov. 20th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: Acts 2:42-47 Worship through Singing: Come Praise & Glorify
Man of Sorrows
Great Are You Lord
I Will Rise
Cornerstone
Sunday Gathering, Nov. 13th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: Psalm 133 Worship through Singing: Come Praise & Glorify
Man of Sorrows
Great Are You Lord
I Will Rise
Cornerstone
Sunday Gathering, Nov. 5th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: Romans 13:1-7 Worship through Singing: Our Great God
You Have Searched Me
I Have A Shelter
Grace Alone
After All (Holy)
Sunday Gathering, Oct. 30
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing. Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart: 1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends. 2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them. 3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways! Worship through the Word: Judges 17-21 Worship through Singing: The Church’s One Foundation
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery
I Stand Amazed
In Christ Alone
Nothing But the Blood
Sunday Gathering, October 9th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Judges 13:1-25
Worship through Singing:
Doxology It is Well Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery It is Finished Beautiful King Forevermore
Sunday Gathering, October 2nd
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Judges 10-12
Worship through Singing:
Holy, Holy, Holy You Have Searched Me I Will Glory In My Redeemer In Christ Alone Oh My Soul Aris
Sunday Gathering, August 21st
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Judges 3:7-31
Worship through Singing:
Holy, Holy, Holy You Have Searched Me I Will Glory In My Redeemer In Christ Alone Oh My Soul Aris
Sunday Gathering, Starting book of Judges
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Judges 1:1-2:23
Worship through Singing:
All Creatures of Our God and King Abide With Me Psalm 62 The Church’s One Foundation Come Thou Fount
Sunday Gathering, July 31st
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Psalm 146
Worship through Singing:
All Creatures of Our God and King Abide With Me Psalm 62 The Church’s One Foundation Come Thou Fount
Sunday Gathering, July 24th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Psalm 150/148
Worship through Singing:
All Creatures of Our God and King Abide With Me Psalm 62 The Church’s One Foundation Come Thou Fount
Sunday Gathering, July 10th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Psalm 145:1-21
Worship through Singing:
All Creatures of Our God and King Abide With Me Psalm 62 The Church’s One Foundation Come Thou Fount
Sunday Gathering, June 12th
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
Psalm 107
Worship through Singing:
All Creatures of Our God and King Abide With Me Psalm 62 The Church’s One Foundation Come Thou Fount
Sunday Gathering: Final Message from James
Here is our weekly blog that we post in hopes of helping those coming to The Crossing’s Sunday Gathering to engage and prepare our hearts to worship King Jesus. We will highlight the Scripture that we will preach on as well as the songs we will be singing.
Here are a three simple ways to prepare your heart:
1) Read through and meditate on the text that will be preached that Sunday with your family or friends.
2) Sing, listen or read through some of the song lyrics that we will sing together and ask God to grow and strengthen our faith and understanding of Him through them.
3) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you and the The Crossing in powerful ways!
Worship through the Word:
James 5:19-20
Worship through Singing:
All Creatures of Our God and King Abide With Me Psalm 62 The Church’s One Foundation Come Thou Fount