Grace Place Sermon Questions

Icebreaker: Who was your protector growing up? What is the biggest threat to your children? Overview: A family who leaves an eight-year old boy home alone while they go on a Christmas vacation are certainly not providing the child with a safe home. It makes for a funny Christmas movie though since Kevin is not your normal eight-year old and is well able to defend his home when it is attacked by criminals. Kevin says, “This is my house, I have to defend it.” He is so good at it that Hollywood made FIVE Home Alone movies. It seems his parents never learned. People change when they hurt enough that they have to change, learn enough that they want to change, receive enough that they are able to change. – John Maxwell Joseph, Jesus’ earthly dad, did a much better job of providing a safe home for his son. He sensitively listened and followed God’s guidance even when it meant uprooting his life to protect Jesus from danger. We have Joseph to thank for providing a saf...

Icebreaker: How many pumpkin spice items have you consumed this week? What is your favorite fall flavor? Overview: This month’s sermon series digs deeper into the fundamentals of our faith with Fundamentals 2.0. Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews, a highly educated and respected teacher of the law. He knew the fundamentals of faith; yet, he struggled to understand the truth that Jesus revealed to him. Just like our smartphones, Nicodemus needed an upgrade. What does it mean to be saved? Discussion: Read John 3:10-21. Jesus sees us for who we are Pastor Ben played the “Dove Real Beauty Sketches” video to illustrate the difference between how we see ourselves and how others see us. (Find on You Tube by searching Dove or follow this link https://youtu.be/litXW91UauE .) How did Nicodemus see himself? How did Jesus see him? Why do we need to be honest about who we are? See Jesus for who He is Who do we see Jesus to be? Why is it important for us to...

Icebreaker: What do/did you like most about going back to school? What do/did you like least about going back to school? Overview: The love of Jesus naturally creates a love of others in us. We need the love of other human beings to survive. As Christians, a loving connection with other believers is vitally important to our spiritual development and well-being. Jesus prayed to the Father that we would love, connect and depend on each other. His prayer is that we are one in a spirit of unity with other Christians just as He is One with the Father. Set our hearts ablaze with a desire for unity! Discussion: Read John 17:1-26. Knowing Him Connects Us: How do you feel when you first meet another Christian? Why does knowing Jesus connect us? He Is Glorified In Us: How did Jesus glorify God? How do we glorify God? How does having unity with other believers glorify God? Unity: What does unity with other believers mean? How do we handle differing opinions? ...

Icebreaker: How do you prepare for Easter? What Easter activities will you participate in this week? Overview: As believers, the day we are baptized stands out in our memories. For some of us baptism happens immediately; for others it comes later. Sometimes the delay is due to a lack of available water as was the case for me. Our church did not have a baptistery back in the early 1960’s when I needed it. We had an agreement to use the baptistery at New Hope Baptist down the street. I don’t remember the date, but I remember the day. Jesus’ baptism was a big day as well. It was the public proclamation of who He was – The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!   Discussion: Read Matthew 3:13-17 and John 1:29-34. Share your baptism story. Why was Jesus baptized? How did Jesus identify with sinners? What effect did Jesus’ baptism have on those who witnessed it? What meaning does Jesus’ baptism have to us? When have you felt the Spirit of God on yo...

Icebreaker: What was your favorite part of Easter weekend? Overview: I will admit it: I have never seen “The Passion of the Christ” movie. It disturbs me to see violent scenes in movies or TV. My granddaughter still mocks me because I hid my eyes when the dinosaurs went on a rampage in the last Jurassic movie. I KNEW the dinosaurs were not real, but I still hid my eyes. I have read in scripture about the real torture that our Lord suffered prior to and during His sacrifice on the cross. What He suffered for me is unimaginable, yet I believe His death on the cross gave me eternal life! NOTE: For a PG version of the crucifixion of Christ, check out the TV series, “JESUS: His Life,” on the History Channel. Rev. Kimberly Majeski from Anderson University is a featured Biblical expert on several episodes. Kim grew up at the Grace Place and is the niece of Nancy Ricketts and Sharon Odum. Discussion: Read John 19:1-22 and Philippians 2:8-11. Why were there so many different...

Icebreaker: What is the longest vacation you have ever taken? What is the shortest vacation you have ever taken? Overview: Our family is experiencing a sorrowful season with the death of two family members in four months. We are sad but we still have joy. We have the hope and promise that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones who lived for Christ. The sorrow will soften and sweet memories will remain. Our joy is not based on our circumstances but on the One that fills our spirit with the fruit of His Spirit. Discussion: Read John 16:16-24, Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,   23  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23 ESV What was Jesus trying to explain to the disciples? What does “a little while” mean to us? What is the difference between joy and happiness? On what is our hope based? ...

Icebreaker: Note: Not everyone in your group will have precious memories of their mother. Some in your group may not have known their mother. For women who never had a child, it can be a sad reminder of empty arms. Be sensitive to everyone’s situation.   Overview: On a trip to Ephesus, Turkey, our tour group visited a restored, stone house overlooking the Aegean Sea that is believed by many to be the house where the Apostle John took Mary, the mother of Jesus, after Jesus’ death on the cross. Mary lived in this tiny, mountainside home the rest of her life. No one can say for sure if this dwelling is the actual home of Mary, but I can tell you that when I stepped inside, I was overcome with an emotion that I cannot explain. Mary was a real person who lived and loved her children. She was just like me and millions of other mothers except one of her children just happened to be the Son of God. What precious memories she stored up in her heart! Discussion: Read John...

This Week: Seven weeks ago a small church in a rural community started a revival that was supposed to last a week.  It is still going on and has now moved to a large tent. Well over 100 people have been saved during the revival including a 71-year-old man who had attended that church with his family for many years.  He acted like a Christian, he talked like a Christian and everyone thought he was a Christian.  He knew all about God but he did not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Our number one priority is to know God personally.  There is only one way to Heaven.  Knowledge won't get you there.  Family won't get your there.  Church attendance won't get you there.  There is only one way -- Jesus. Read John 17:1-5 What do you learn from Jesus' prayer for Himself? How can we truly know God? How do we earn eternal life? What five things did the sermon say do not change? Why it is important that our God is unchanging? L...

The following questions can be used as a weekly recap in a small group setting or as a personal study aid for the sermon preached by Lead Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, September 17, 2017.  Past sermons are available offline at www.nashvillechurch.com .  Click on “Media” to view the video. Weekly Warm-up: What principles did your parents teach you? Which one do you wish you had applied better? Which one do you teach others? Weekly Overview: We are truly blessed if our parents taught us obedience and to love God and others from an early age.  Not everyone had Christian parents to teach them these valuable life lessons.  However, it is never too late to learn to love God.  Jesus promised us that God will always be with us in the form of the Holy Spirit if we love God and keep His commandments.  Yes, the love relationship goes both ways.  He loves us but we must love Him and be obedient to Him! Weekly Discussion Questions...

The following questions can be used as a weekly recap in a small group setting or as a personal study aid for the sermon preached by Senior Pastor, Tommy Dove, at the Grace Place on Sunday, April 30, 2017.  Past sermons are available offline at www.nashvillechurch.com .  Click on “Media” to view the video.  For more information on participating in a Life Group study, contact Pastor Jon Green. Weekly Warm-up: What animals have you raised? What work was involved? What animal would you like to see up close? Weekly Overview: Living on this side of the crucifixion and resurrection, we 21 st century Christians are amazed by the lack of belief of the 1 st century Christians who had Jesus in their very midst; yet, did not believe.  It is easy to criticize them when we have sacrificed little for Christ.  We sit in our padded seat world afraid to mention the name of Jesus in our office for fear of being made fun of or losing our job.  If we love ...

Daily devotionals have been prepared to accompany the First Quarter Series, BROKEN.  They ae available at the Welcome Center or online at www.gpbrokenstudy.blogspot.com .  The following questions can be used as a weekly recap in a small group setting or as a personal study aid for the sermon preached by Adult Education Pastor, Jon Green, at the Grace Place on Sunday, January 22, 2017.  Past sermons are available offline at www.nashvillechurch.com .   Click on “Media” and then “BROKEN” to view the video. Small group members are encouraged to bring their completed daily devotionals to their weekly group sessions to share their BROKEN discoveries with their group.  For more information on participating in a small group study, contact Pastor Jon Green. Weekly Warm-up: How many broken bones have you had? How did this injury affect your daily routine? Watch Weekly Video: (optional) Weekly Overview: (skip if video is used) Every week we ...

Daily devotionals have been prepared to accompany the First Quarter Series, BROKEN.  They ae available at the Welcome Center or online at www.gpbrokenstudy.blogspot.com .  The following questions can be used as a weekly recap in a small group setting or as a personal study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, January 8, 2017. Small group members are encouraged to bring their completed daily devotionals to their weekly group sessions to share their BROKEN discoveries with their group.  For more information on participating in a small group study, contact Pastor Jon Green. Weekly Warm-up: What resolutions did you keep last year? What resolutions have you made for 2017? How do you feel about making resolutions? Watch Weekly Video: (optional) Weekly Overview: (skip if video is used) The story of Jacob and his uncle, Laban, is the perfect illustration of a broken promise.  Uncle Laban had promised to g...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, July 3, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, go to http://www.nashvillechurch.com and click on “Media” to either stream the current service or listen to a previous sermon. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study.  For more information on participating in a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: Who is your most admired American patriot? Why? How does his life inspire you? Scripture: Matthew 5:1-3, Romans 10:9, John 13:12-17, Matthew 18:2-4 Lesson: On this July 4 th weekend, we are thankful that our founding fathers realized their need for independence from England.  Because of their courage, we have religious freedom.  In the spiritual realm; though, we cannot have...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, May 29, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, go to  http://www.nashvillechurch.com  and click on “Media” to either stream the current service or listen to a previous sermon. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study.  For more information on participating in a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: What rules do you have in your home? What rules do you have for your car? How do you feel about rules? Scripture: John 14:1-7 Lesson: None of us like rules; yet, without rules we can never know right.  God did not create laws to punish His people.  He gave them laws to teach them to have peace and know Him.  Why is Jesus the Only Way to God?  Because He i...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, March 20, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, listen to the service by going to http://www.nashvillechurch.com and clicking on “Media.” These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on participating in a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: If you were king or queen for the day: How would you spend the day? What kind of transportation would you use? How would you want to be honored? Scripture: John 12:1-19 Lesson: Jesus is back in Bethany at the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary.  Jesus’ death on the cross is eminent although his believers don’t understand that, yet.  Sensitive Mary anoints the LORD’s head and feet with precious oil.   Jesus...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, March 6, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, listen to the service by going to http://www.nashvillechurch.com and clicking on “Media.” These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on participating in a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: What was the first funeral you attended? What was the oddest funeral you ever attended? How do you feel about cemeteries? Scripture: John 11:25-44 Lesson: The stories of Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany give us a glimpse into how Jesus interacted with a real family.  When Jesus arrives, their beloved Lazarus has died.  Martha, when questioned by Jesus about her faith, gives a remarkable statement.  “You are t...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, February 21, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, view the service by going to http://www.nashvillechurch.com and clicking on “Streaming.”  From there you can watch or listen to the service first. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on participating in a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: Tell the group a story about a time when you were sick or hurt.  (Give each person a time to share their story.) Scripture: John 4:39-42 Lesson: Christians are scared to death of “witnessing” to others.  We are afraid we will be questioned about our Bible knowledge and fall short.  The truth is all our mission is to be able to complete this sentence:...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, February 14, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, view the service by going to http://www.nashvillechurch.com and clicking on “Streaming.”  From there you can watch or listen to the service first. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on participating in a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: What do you love?  (First thing that comes to your mind.) Food you love?  Place you love?  Animal you love? Why do we feel so passionately about these things? What is the difference between like and love? Scripture: John 3:1-21 Lesson: Christians are often criticized for judging others.  Usually, the criticism is not because of a judgement ...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Tommy Dove at the Grace Place on Sunday, January 10, 2016.  To get the most from these questions, view the service by going to http://www.nashvillechurch.com and clicking on “Streaming.”  From there you can watch or listen to the service first. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as the topic for a small group study. For more information on participating a small group study, click on "Life Groups" at the top of www.nashvillechurch.com. Fellowship: Icebreaker: What is one challenge you are facing in 2016? How can your group help you with it? Scripture: John 16:33; Romans 5:3-5, 8:16-17; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12 Lesson: As a child I remember my mother singing, “On Zion’s Hill.”  We all knew when she started singing “And when I’ve passed this vale of sorrow, I’ll dwell upon the other side,” it was not a good time...