Grace Place Sermon Questions

Icebreaker: What was your favorite gift this Christmas? What gift are you returning? Overview: We caught a bit of Dolly Parton’s “Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love,” on TV this week. Based on Dolly’s life, it tells the story of a particularly hard winter and a special Christmas gift. Spoiler Alert!) Dolly still believes she was visited by her guardian angel that Christmas. Perhaps we miss receiving the best gifts because we are not waiting and watching for them. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. -- Matthew 2:10b-11 ESV. No matter who we are – wise man, country music icon or a humble writer – we are born to worship and bring glory to Him through the gifts we give. Discussion: Read Matthew 2:1-12. What made the wise men (and the shepherds) so determined? When has God pursued you? W...

Icebreakers: How did you test the boundaries set by your parents? Where did you travel when celebrating Christmas with family? Overview: In the hysterically funny, Christmas movie, “Elf,” Buddy realizes he is not like the other elves and leaves the North Pole and Papa Elf in search of his real father. His father tries to turn Buddy into a corporate businessman like himself. In return, Buddy teaches his father how to love. “I planned out our whole day. First, we make snow angels for two hours, and then we’ll go ice skating, and then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie Dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we’ll snuggle.” –  Buddy Jesus left Heaven and His Father to come to earth as a human baby to learn from Joseph, His earthly father. The story of the adolescent Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem to remain in the temple shows us that Jesus had to learn how to be a human boy through obedience to his earthly parents. The balancing act we ...

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: Who was in charge at your childhood home? Mom? Dad? Grandma? How are chores divided in your home? Overview: In the movie, The Santa Clause,” actor Tim Allen dons a Santa suit and magically appears at the North Pole. He asks the elves, “Who’s in charge here?” and they reply, “You are!” The new Santa is totally overwhelmed by his expanding responsibilities and waistline. The true measure of leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. – John Maxwell Mary’s betrothed, Joseph, found himself in an extremely difficult situation. After careful consideration, he decided on a plan to quietly break his engagement to Mary and let her deal with the unexpected pregnancy alone. God had a different plan for Joseph. An angel appeared in a dream to tell Joseph he was in charge and what his responsibilities would be concerning his new wife and son. When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him. – Matthew 1:24 ESV Discussi...

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: What is your favorite perfume or cologne scent? How are you using essential oil scents? Prayer: During this series on prayer, determine to spend more time in personal prayer each day. As a group, pray before your discussion. Start a prayer log to record requests and answers. Check the church’s weekly email blast for needs to add to your log. Overview: In this week’s lesson, the sinful woman anoints Jesus’s feet with a fragrant ointment. Scents were often used by cultures where personal hygiene was not as convenient as it is today. These days not everyone responds favorably to fragrances. I recently attended a multi-day convention where all attendees were asked to refrain from using fragrances to accommodate other attendees with allergies to fragrances. I must admit I felt a little uncomfortable without my signature fragrance each day. Jesus enjoyed the luxury of the sweet, fragrant anointing. He knew it was an expression of her appreciative heart that was ...

Icebreaker: What is your dream car? When have you been tempted to spend money on a luxury item? Prayer: During this series on prayer, determine to spend more time in personal prayer each day. As a group, pray before your discussion. Start a prayer log to record requests and answers. Check the church’s weekly email blast for needs to add to your log. Overview: Temptation can make us do things we wouldn’t normally do. I once bought an expensive purse during a “retail therapy” session after a difficult day at work. I didn’t need the purse. I didn’t really like the purse. Once I came to my right mind, I returned the purse. It would have been better had I prayed in my weak moment for God to rescue me from my temptation instead of trying to salve my hurt feelings with pretty things. An expensive purse is a harmless example of a momentary temptation. Sometimes the results of temptation are more hurtful and have ramifications that can span generations. Heavenly Father deliver...

Icebreaker: What is the average age of a piece of clothing in your wardrobe? How often do you buy new clothes? Seasons? Trends? Prayer: During this series on prayer, determine to spend more time in personal prayer each day. As a group, pray before your discussion. Start a prayer log to record requests and answers. Check the church’s weekly email blast for needs to add to your log. Overview: Have you ever seen the TV show “Strange Inheritance?” The odd things that people inherit from their family is fascinating. So fascinating that the series is in its fourth season. Most of us have no need for the world’s largest bottle cap collection or a bug museum but the inheritance that our Heavenly Father has for us is worth everything. After all, He gave His precious son to buy it for us. Discussion: Review theme scripture from Matthew 6:5-15. Read Galatians 3:27-4:7. Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. -- Matthew 6:9 NLT Who is God? Why must His nam...

Icebreaker: What is the best thing anyone (not Jesus) has ever done for you? How do you like to show your concern for someone? Prayer: During this series on prayer, determine to spend more time in personal prayer each day. As a group, pray before your discussion. Start a prayer log to record requests and answers. Check the church’s weekly email blast for needs to add to your log. Overview: Social media has changed the way we communicate with others. Remember when on your birthday you would receive a few birthday cards in the mail instead of 100 posts on your Facebook page? It is nice to know so many people thought of us on our special day. Social media is also an effective way of inviting hundreds of people to pray for a need just when the prayer is most needed. When a friend says, either on social media or in person, “I am praying for you,” it touches our heart. Our prayer joins with the prayers of others to petition God concerning a single need. There is mighty powe...

Icebreaker: What is your favorite warm-weather day activity? What is a perfect summer day to you? Prayer: During this series on prayer, determine to spend more time in personal prayer each day. As a group, pray before your discussion. Start a prayer log to record requests and answers. Check the church’s weekly email blast for needs to add to your log. Overview: Have you ever considered the length of the Lord’s Prayer? It is approximately 60 words depending on the translation you are quoting. The model prayer of our Lord is not a long, wordy one. He instructs us to not speak elaborate prayers that will be admired by others. We have all experienced a well-meaning saint whose prayer went on for several minutes instead of several words. Long, private prayers where our heart is crying out to God are not a bad thing. Jesus prayed all night before His arrest in the garden. God wants to hear from His children. Just like your mom and dad do. Our prayers do not have to be long ...

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...

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 3, 2017.  Past sermons are available offline at www.nashvillechurch.com .  Click on “Media” to view the video. Weekly Warm-up: How do you define success? What makes you feel successful? Why are Americans performance driven? Weekly Overview: This week’s parable is sometimes used to promote the use of one’s physical talents causing people to think their “talent” is less important than others.  But the word talent, as used in this scripture, is a weight measure equal to approximately 75 pounds.  In today’s economy, one talent of silver would be worth about $16,500.  The master was entrusting his servants with enormous wealth and responsibility.  He did not give some servants more because they were physically talented.  He trusted some more than oth...

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, July 9, 2017.  Past sermons are available offline at www.nashvillechurch.com .  Click on “Media” to view the video. Weekly Warm-up: What was the last new skill you learned? How often are you required to re-train at your job? What new skill would you like to learn? Weekly Overview: Christianity is not really a religion; it is a relationship.  Attending a certain church or following a set of rules is not what is required.  Jesus said we are to love God first and love others more than we love ourselves.  It sounds simple but it is not easy. Weekly Discussion Questions: Read 1 Corinthians 13:2-3, Acts 10:9-20, Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37 What was God telling Peter in the vision? Why was this such a radical idea? What value is theology and doctrine? ...

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 are 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 Senior Pastor, Tommy Dove, at the Grace Place on Sunday, March 12, 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 Life Group study, contact Pastor Jon Green. Weekly Warm-up: How does it feel to find your “groove?” What do you love doing so much that you forget to eat? Watch Weekly Video: (optional) Video is available at www.gpsermonquestions.blogspot.com or on th...