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...

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...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon by Rev. Rich Tiner, at the Grace Place on Sunday, August 31, 2014. To get the most from these questions, go to http://www.graceplace.us and click 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 hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us. Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week) Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic) When have you been gone from your home or hometown a long time? What was your experience when you returned? How did people react to your return? Scripture: (Read the word together – use different readers, different versions, ...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached by Pastor Kathy Tack at the Grace Place on Sunday, July 27, 2013. To get the most from these questions, go to https://soundcloud.com/#graceplacehermitage and 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 hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us. Fellowship: (Break bread with your community, share life from last week, announcements for next week) Icebreaker: (Get to know your fellow believers a little bit better using this week’s topic) What is your favorite city?   Why? What is the biggest city you have ever visited? If you could travel any country, what country would it be? Worship: (Optional for communities who have the time and talent) “All over the World”   Matt Redman (Find video on...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached at the Grace Place on Sunday, December 16, by Pastor Tommy Dove. To get the most from these questions, go to www.graceplaceonline.us and listen to the sermon first. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as a basis for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us . Explore: What does the word “home” mean to you? How do you feel when you see a homeless person? Have you ever volunteered for a soup kitchen or “Room in the Inn?” What was your experience when you volunteered? Scripture Reference:   John 14:1-6 Excavate: How does your faith give you a sense of home? What does having a home in Heaven mean to you? What does your home in Heaven look like? Extract: How does your group make you feel at home...

The following questions are to be used as a study aid for the sermon preached at the Grace Place on Sunday, December 9, by Pastor Tommy Dove. To get the most from these questions, go to www.graceplaceonline.us and listen to the sermon first. These questions can be used in your private Bible study during the week or as a basis for a small group study. For more information on hosting or leading a small group study, click on "GP Small Groups" under "GP Ministries" at www.graceplace.us . Expl ore:  What sights, smells or foods evoke a feeling of home to you? How do you help strangers feel at home at your house? What special things do you do at Christmas to create a homey atmosphere?   Scripture Reference: Galatians 3:26-29   Excavate: What attribute unites us as children of God? What characteristics do we share with our brothers and sisters? How do our differences try to separate us?   Extract: The whole world is celebrating th...