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On the Website (minden-epc.org) and our Facebook page we are sharing a link to an app after each video is processed.  This app includes a five-day devotional built on the message, a discussion guide, quotes and a summary of the message.  The following material is pulled from each of the discussion guides available this past week.  Look over them and consider how your walk with Jesus would be improved through these questions and applications; and how your witness would begin to resonate in the community.  Please check out the materials; we will include the Sunday Message material in an email on Mondays. 

 

Witnesses For Christ (June 1, 2025)

  • Why do you think God leaves Christians on earth after saving them instead of taking them directly to heaven?
  • What's the difference between trying to change someone's behavior through rules versus through a relationship with Jesus?
  • How would you describe your personal relationship with Jesus to someone else?
  • What makes someone an effective witness for Christ?
  • What fears or hesitations do you have about sharing your faith with others?
  • How does knowing that the Holy Spirit does the actual work of conversion affect how you approach witnessing?
  • What has Jesus done in your life that you could share with others?
  • How can we balance being bold about our faith while still being respectful of others?

Application:  This week, commit to praying daily for God to give you an opportunity to share your faith with someone. When that opportunity comes, take it and simply share what Jesus has done in your life.

 

The Angel of the Lord as The Name

  • Why do you think Moses was more focused on the burning bush not being consumed than on the angel of the Lord initially?
  • How does the image of God as fire represent both His life-giving nature and His dangerous power?
  • What does God's name 'I am who I am' tell us about His character?
  • How does the sermon's discussion about God being present in our past experiences challenge your view of God's involvement in your life?
  • What's the significance of God making covenants with people while they are passive participants (like Abraham being asleep)?
  • How does understanding the meaning of God's name change the way we should approach prayer?
  • What's the difference between viewing prayer as talking at God versus talking with God?
  • How does the concept of Jesus being present when we pray 'in Jesus' name' change how we might approach prayer?

Application:  This week, before praying 'in Jesus' name,' pause and consciously acknowledge His presence. Consider how this awareness might change what you're about to pray and how you pray it. Keep a journal of how this practice impacts your prayer life.

 

The Liminal Church (Wednesday Discussion)

  • What are some signs that a church might be operating in a 'liminal state' without the full power of the Holy Spirit?
  • Why do you think many churches tend to focus more on God the Father and Jesus, while giving less attention to the Holy Spirit?
  • How does the story of the believers in Samaria (Acts 8) parallel some modern church experiences?
  • What's the difference between attracting people through programs and entertainment versus the Holy Spirit's transformative power?
  • How can we distinguish between superficial faith and Spirit-given faith in our own lives?
  • What role does waiting play in our spiritual development, and how can we wait actively rather than passively?
  • How might our approach to evangelism change if we were more dependent on the Holy Spirit?
  • What practical steps can we take to move from being a 'liminal church' to becoming a Spirit-filled church?

Application: This week, commit to spending 10 minutes each day specifically asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you've been operating in your own strength rather than His power. Journal about what you discover and bring one specific insight to share with the group next time.

Why an Obsession with the End-times is a Waste of Time – Part 3

  • How does understanding the covenants as both conditional and unconditional change your perspective on God's promises?
  • What's the difference between being a physical descendant of Abraham and a spiritual descendant?
  • How do you understand the relationship between obedience and receiving God's promises?
  • What role does faith play in being part of God's covenant people?
  • How does this understanding of the covenants affect your view of the relationship between Israel and the Church?
  • What does the phrase 'obedience of faith' mean to you practically?
  • How might this teaching challenge common end-times perspectives?
  • What does it mean to be humble about our interpretations of prophecy?

Application:  This week, reflect on your own relationship with God's promises. Consider how your faith and obedience align with being a spiritual descendant of Abraham. Choose one area where you can demonstrate the 'obedience of faith' more fully in your daily life.