Today’s Bulletin
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Philippians 3:19-26
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
“All of the pain in this world is the closest we Christians will ever get to hell and all of the happiness in this world is the closest that unbelievers will ever get to heaven. In death we have God to comfort us, but the unbeliever has no one.” - Harriett Reymond
Sermon Discussion questions
It’d Be A Shem To Begot Terah: Genesis 11:10-32
Ice Breaker: If you had to eat one meal from a fast food restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This Week Specific
From the statistics shared about death, what stuck out to you the most? Why do you think the reality of our mortality is so easy to ignore or downplay in our daily lives?
Brian said our goal should be, “Teaching people to live, preparing people to die.” How can focusing on this goal change your daily perspective and priorities? What are some practical ways we can remind ourselves of this each day?
Paul says in Philippians 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." If you're honest, is living for Christ your highest priority and biggest passion? What are some things that compete for that top spot in your heart?
Brian said, “Paul did not think those things were true (about Christ), he knew them as absolutely true." What are some areas of biblical truth that you intellectually believe but don't fully live out with deep hearted conviction? How can you grow in that?
The 13-year-old's profound quote was, "All of the pain in this world is the closest we will ever get to hell and all of the happiness in this world is the closest that unbelievers will ever get to heaven." Discuss how this perspective aligns with or challenges your typical view of suffering and pleasure.
In what ways are you using your talents, money, time and energy for "fruitful labor" that helps yourself and others grow in their faith in Jesus? What is one practical step you can take to be more intentional about this?
The sermon said pursuing intimacy with Christ requires "seeking Him in the Scriptures." What are some ways we can prioritize diligently seeking the Lord through studying and meditating on God's Word?
The sermon concludes "May we view death, not as something to be feared, but an event that brings us into the very presence of God." Does the reality of being with Jesus after death fill you with more hope, joy or apprehension? How can we grow in our eternal perspective?
Paul says that he is “hard pressed” to choose between life and death. What can we do to get that same mindset Paul?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?