Grace Place Sermon Questions

Icebreaker: Have you ever borrowed something and not returned it? What was it? Why didn’t you return it? Overview: Our lives are an accumulation of all the people, places and things we have experienced. I like to say we are “Just making memories” but the truth is we are also accumulating stuff. The stuff is not necessarily good or bad. It is how we use the stuff that matters. Are we accumulating to make our lives and the lives of others better or are we accumulating stuff so we can have more than someone else? It is not all about us. Don’t let selfishness put out God’s fire. Discussion: One Heart and Soul Read Acts 4:32-5:1-11. What was life like for those living with one heart and soul? What was the common perspective they shared? Describe life based on money and things. Describe life living by power and grace. Selfless and Selfish Living What is the danger of partial surrender? What role does money play in your life goals? Are you controlling money or is money c

Icebreaker: How did you spend the last weekend of summer? Overview: Pastor Ben used the illustration of how when we point a finger at someone, we have three fingers pointing back at ourselves. We may have good intentions in pointing a finger at someone. Perhaps we are discontented with the current situation and would like to see changes made for the better. Those three fingers pointing back at us remind us that we also have a part to play in the situation. By having a holy discontentment, God can use us to be part of the solution. Discussion: Holy Contentment Read Exodus 15:1-3. What was the source of the people of Israel’s holy contentment? What brings us holy contentment? Unholy Discontentment Read Exodus 17:1-3. What was the source of the people of Israel’s unholy discontentment? Unholy Contentment Read Exodus 32:1-6. What was the source of the people of Israel’s unholy contentment? Read Matthew 7:1-5. What brings us unho

Icebreaker: How do you feel about milk? Lover or hater? What is your favorite ice cream? Overview: I have never been a milk lover. I can’t remember ever drinking a whole glass of the stuff. I used only enough milk to wet the cereal in the bowl. A few months ago, I was diagnosed with a cow’s milk allergy. There is nothing that will make you want something more than not being able to have it. A tall, frosty glass of chocolate milk, a solid chunk of sharp Cheddar, a double scoop of cookies and cream ice cream or a long string of mozzarella. . .these are the things of which my dreams are made. Why is it that we are surrounded by the Spirit of God, but we have little desire for the warmth of His Fire within us? We are spoiled children who are satisfied with milk. Our lack of hunger is fighting God’s fire. Discussion: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 ESV. Infants Need Milk Like newborn infants

Icebreaker: How has your life been affected by fire? (home, forest, community, work, school, etc.) Overview: I faced a life-threatening illness in June of 2000 when my head exploded with pain from a brain hemorrhage. The only prayer I could manage was, “God, you’ve got to help me.” And He did. I walked out of the hospital a week later a little singed but alive. God had saved me from something that takes most. He continues to be right beside me when in the dark of the long nights the evil one whispers, “Did God really heal you? If it happened once, it could happen again. You won’t be so lucky next time.” Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said to the king, I say in reply, “I have no need to answer you. The God I serve is able to deliver me!”     Discussion: Read Daniel 3:16-30. The Faithful understand the power of God for deliverance. What did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know about God that the king did not? How did they respond to the king’s threat? What