Sermon Study Guides
Sermon Guide 10/26
Small Group Guide: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open your hearts to His presence and power.
Icebreaker
Share a time when you tried really hard to accomplish something in your own strength but failed. What did you learn from that experience?
Key Scripture
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Sermon Summary
This message explores how Jesus himself relied on the Holy Spirit during his earthly ministry, and how much more we need the Spirit's presence and power in our lives. The disciples didn't fully understand Jesus' mission even after three years with him—they expected a political/military Messiah. But Jesus promised them power through the Holy Spirit, not for their own advancement, but to be witnesses for Him. John Wesley's Aldersgate experience illustrates how transformation happens when we stop relying on our own efforts and surrender to the Holy Spirit's power.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples still didn't understand Jesus' mission even after spending three years with him?** What were they expecting, and how was Jesus' kingdom different?
2. What does it mean that Jesus promised power "when the Holy Spirit comes upon you"?** What is this power for, according to Acts 1:8?
3. Jesus said the power wasn't for the disciples themselves, but to be His witnesses.** What's the difference between power for ourselves versus power for witness?
Personal Reflection
4. The sermon asked: "How often do we rely more on strategic plans than we do on the Holy Spirit?"** When have you been guilty of this? What did it look like?
5. John Wesley tried to "earn his way into feeling the faith" through more religious activity.** In what ways do you sometimes try to pull yourself up by your "spiritual bootstraps" instead of relying on the Holy Spirit?
6. Wesley's transformation came when "he felt his spirit strangely warmed."** Have you had a moment when you experienced the Holy Spirit's presence in a tangible way? What happened?
Going Deeper
7. The sermon mentioned that if Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, how much more do we?** What does this tell us about the nature of the Christian life and our dependence on God?
8. The disciples were told they would be witnesses "in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."** Where is your "Jerusalem" (immediate community), your "Judea" (broader region), your "Samaria" (uncomfortable place), and your "ends of the earth"?
9. The pastor said, "We've lost our fascination with Jesus."** Do you agree? What would it look like for you personally to recapture your "first love" for Jesus?
Application
10. The sermon ended by saying we're "absolved of all responsibility for making it work" but not absolved from "seeking Jesus and relying on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit."** What's the difference? How does this change your approach to church, ministry, or your personal spiritual life?
- Key Takeaways
1. Jesus himself relied on the Holy Spirit during his earthly ministry—we need the Spirit even more.**
2. The Holy Spirit's power is given to us not for our own advancement, but to be witnesses for Jesus.**
3. We cannot manufacture spiritual growth or church success through our own efforts and strategies alone.**
4. Being filled with the Holy Spirit transforms us from failure to fruitfulness, as seen in John Wesley's life.**
5. The church's mission is to proclaim Jesus as the hope of the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit.**
Practical Applications
This Week, I Will:
**Spiritual Practice:**
- Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to specifically pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and guide you
- Before making decisions or starting tasks, pause and ask, "Am I relying on my own strength or the Spirit's power?"
**Witness Opportunity:**
- Identify one person in your "Jerusalem" (immediate circle) who needs to hear about Jesus
- Ask the Holy Spirit for an opportunity to share your faith story or invite them to church
- Practice telling your "Aldersgate moment"—when/how you came to know Jesus personally
**Community Action:**
- Share with one other person this week about a struggle you're facing and ask them to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance
- Look for one way you're trying to "earn" God's favor through activity rather than resting in His grace—confess it and release it
**Group Challenge:**
- As a group, commit to pray daily for Aldersgate Church to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for witness in your community
---
Reflection Exercise
Take 5-10 minutes of quiet time. Complete these sentences:
- "An area where I've been relying on my own strength instead of the Holy Spirit is..."
- "If I truly believed the Holy Spirit's power was available to me, I would..."
- "My 'Jerusalem' where God is calling me to witness is..."
- "One step I need to take to recapture my fascination with Jesus is..."
---
Closing Prayer
Pray together, inviting the Holy Spirit to:
- Fill each group member afresh with His presence and power
- Give boldness to be witnesses for Jesus
- Help you rely on Him rather than your own strength
- Transform your church to impact your community for God's kingdom
---
**Remember:** "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses." This is not just a command—it's a promise!
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open your hearts to His presence and power.
Icebreaker
Share a time when you tried really hard to accomplish something in your own strength but failed. What did you learn from that experience?
Key Scripture
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Sermon Summary
This message explores how Jesus himself relied on the Holy Spirit during his earthly ministry, and how much more we need the Spirit's presence and power in our lives. The disciples didn't fully understand Jesus' mission even after three years with him—they expected a political/military Messiah. But Jesus promised them power through the Holy Spirit, not for their own advancement, but to be witnesses for Him. John Wesley's Aldersgate experience illustrates how transformation happens when we stop relying on our own efforts and surrender to the Holy Spirit's power.
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples still didn't understand Jesus' mission even after spending three years with him?** What were they expecting, and how was Jesus' kingdom different?
2. What does it mean that Jesus promised power "when the Holy Spirit comes upon you"?** What is this power for, according to Acts 1:8?
3. Jesus said the power wasn't for the disciples themselves, but to be His witnesses.** What's the difference between power for ourselves versus power for witness?
Personal Reflection
4. The sermon asked: "How often do we rely more on strategic plans than we do on the Holy Spirit?"** When have you been guilty of this? What did it look like?
5. John Wesley tried to "earn his way into feeling the faith" through more religious activity.** In what ways do you sometimes try to pull yourself up by your "spiritual bootstraps" instead of relying on the Holy Spirit?
6. Wesley's transformation came when "he felt his spirit strangely warmed."** Have you had a moment when you experienced the Holy Spirit's presence in a tangible way? What happened?
Going Deeper
7. The sermon mentioned that if Jesus needed the Holy Spirit, how much more do we?** What does this tell us about the nature of the Christian life and our dependence on God?
8. The disciples were told they would be witnesses "in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."** Where is your "Jerusalem" (immediate community), your "Judea" (broader region), your "Samaria" (uncomfortable place), and your "ends of the earth"?
9. The pastor said, "We've lost our fascination with Jesus."** Do you agree? What would it look like for you personally to recapture your "first love" for Jesus?
Application
10. The sermon ended by saying we're "absolved of all responsibility for making it work" but not absolved from "seeking Jesus and relying on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit."** What's the difference? How does this change your approach to church, ministry, or your personal spiritual life?
- Key Takeaways
1. Jesus himself relied on the Holy Spirit during his earthly ministry—we need the Spirit even more.**
2. The Holy Spirit's power is given to us not for our own advancement, but to be witnesses for Jesus.**
3. We cannot manufacture spiritual growth or church success through our own efforts and strategies alone.**
4. Being filled with the Holy Spirit transforms us from failure to fruitfulness, as seen in John Wesley's life.**
5. The church's mission is to proclaim Jesus as the hope of the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit.**
Practical Applications
This Week, I Will:
**Spiritual Practice:**
- Set aside 10-15 minutes each day to specifically pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh and guide you
- Before making decisions or starting tasks, pause and ask, "Am I relying on my own strength or the Spirit's power?"
**Witness Opportunity:**
- Identify one person in your "Jerusalem" (immediate circle) who needs to hear about Jesus
- Ask the Holy Spirit for an opportunity to share your faith story or invite them to church
- Practice telling your "Aldersgate moment"—when/how you came to know Jesus personally
**Community Action:**
- Share with one other person this week about a struggle you're facing and ask them to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance
- Look for one way you're trying to "earn" God's favor through activity rather than resting in His grace—confess it and release it
**Group Challenge:**
- As a group, commit to pray daily for Aldersgate Church to be empowered by the Holy Spirit for witness in your community
---
Reflection Exercise
Take 5-10 minutes of quiet time. Complete these sentences:
- "An area where I've been relying on my own strength instead of the Holy Spirit is..."
- "If I truly believed the Holy Spirit's power was available to me, I would..."
- "My 'Jerusalem' where God is calling me to witness is..."
- "One step I need to take to recapture my fascination with Jesus is..."
---
Closing Prayer
Pray together, inviting the Holy Spirit to:
- Fill each group member afresh with His presence and power
- Give boldness to be witnesses for Jesus
- Help you rely on Him rather than your own strength
- Transform your church to impact your community for God's kingdom
---
**Remember:** "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses." This is not just a command—it's a promise!
Sermon Guide 10/19
Small Group Guide: Keeping Our Focus on Jesus
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to focus on Jesus and apply the sermon's message.
Key Takeaways:
Many churches have lost their fascination and captivation with Jesus.
The church's primary focus should be on Jesus, not superficial preferences or arguments.
All churches grounded in Scripture and focused on Jesus are teammates, not competitors.
Jesus has always existed as part of the Trinity and was involved in creation.
God's self-sacrifice on the cross reconciles us to Him.
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus helps us persevere in our faith.
Discussion Questions:
The pastor suggests that many churches have "lost their first love" for Jesus. What are some signs that a church or individual might be experiencing this? How can we reignite that passion?
Reflect on the story about the Sunday school class. How might we sometimes oversimplify our faith or reduce it to easy answers? How can we deepen our understanding of Jesus?
The sermon mentions that 72% of Abilene is not in church on Sunday mornings. What are your thoughts on this statistic? How might we as a church respond to this reality?
How does understanding Jesus as part of the Trinity and involved in creation impact your view of Him? Does it change how you relate to Jesus?
The pastor uses the analogy of a hand grenade in a foxhole to explain God's self-sacrifice. How does this help you understand the concept of Jesus' death on the cross?
What does it mean practically to "fix our eyes on Jesus" in our daily lives? How can we maintain this focus amidst life's distractions?
Practical Applications:
Daily Focus: Commit to spending dedicated time each day in prayer and Scripture reading, focusing specifically on Jesus.
Self-Reflection: Examine your recent complaints or frustrations about church. Were they focused on preferences or on reaching the unsaved? How can you shift your focus?
Community Outreach: Brainstorm ways your small group can engage with the 72% in your community who don't attend church. Plan an outreach activity.
Ecumenical Appreciation: Identify other churches in your area that are focused on Jesus. Pray for them and consider ways to collaborate rather than compete.
Spiritual Discipline: Choose one spiritual practice (e.g., fasting, journaling, silent meditation) to help deepen your relationship with Jesus this week.
Closing Prayer: End your session by praying for each other, asking God to help everyone keep their focus on Jesus throughout the week ahead.
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to focus on Jesus and apply the sermon's message.
Key Takeaways:
Many churches have lost their fascination and captivation with Jesus.
The church's primary focus should be on Jesus, not superficial preferences or arguments.
All churches grounded in Scripture and focused on Jesus are teammates, not competitors.
Jesus has always existed as part of the Trinity and was involved in creation.
God's self-sacrifice on the cross reconciles us to Him.
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus helps us persevere in our faith.
Discussion Questions:
The pastor suggests that many churches have "lost their first love" for Jesus. What are some signs that a church or individual might be experiencing this? How can we reignite that passion?
Reflect on the story about the Sunday school class. How might we sometimes oversimplify our faith or reduce it to easy answers? How can we deepen our understanding of Jesus?
The sermon mentions that 72% of Abilene is not in church on Sunday mornings. What are your thoughts on this statistic? How might we as a church respond to this reality?
How does understanding Jesus as part of the Trinity and involved in creation impact your view of Him? Does it change how you relate to Jesus?
The pastor uses the analogy of a hand grenade in a foxhole to explain God's self-sacrifice. How does this help you understand the concept of Jesus' death on the cross?
What does it mean practically to "fix our eyes on Jesus" in our daily lives? How can we maintain this focus amidst life's distractions?
Practical Applications:
Daily Focus: Commit to spending dedicated time each day in prayer and Scripture reading, focusing specifically on Jesus.
Self-Reflection: Examine your recent complaints or frustrations about church. Were they focused on preferences or on reaching the unsaved? How can you shift your focus?
Community Outreach: Brainstorm ways your small group can engage with the 72% in your community who don't attend church. Plan an outreach activity.
Ecumenical Appreciation: Identify other churches in your area that are focused on Jesus. Pray for them and consider ways to collaborate rather than compete.
Spiritual Discipline: Choose one spiritual practice (e.g., fasting, journaling, silent meditation) to help deepen your relationship with Jesus this week.
Closing Prayer: End your session by praying for each other, asking God to help everyone keep their focus on Jesus throughout the week ahead.
Sermon Guide 10/12
Small Group Guide: Foundations - Grounded in the Word
Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and guide your discussion.
Key Takeaways:
1. The foundation is crucial for building both physical structures and our Christian lives.
2. Knowing God's will requires knowing God's Word.
3. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correcting, and equipping believers.
4. We must be grounded in Scripture to discern truth from deception.
5. Teaching children the Scriptures is a vital responsibility for families and the church community.
Discussion Questions:
1. Pastor mentioned five foundational elements for the Christian life. Which of these do you feel strongest in, and which do you feel needs the most growth?
2. How often do you engage with Scripture? What are some challenges you face in consistently reading the Bible?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing Scripture to discern God's will. Can you share an experience where Scripture helped you make an important decision?
4. How can we, as a church community, better support and encourage each other in studying God's Word?
5. Pastor said, "Never trust a single thing I have to say on its own merits. Check everything I tell you according to the Scriptures." How does this statement challenge our approach to sermons and teaching?
6. Discuss the importance of teaching children the Scriptures. What are some practical ways we can incorporate this into our families and church life?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to a daily Scripture reading plan for the next week. Share your plan with the group for accountability.
2. Choose a verse from today's sermon to memorize this week.
3. Identify one area in your life where you need guidance. Spend time this week searching Scripture for wisdom in that area.
4. If you have children or interact with youth in the church, brainstorm one new way to engage them with Scripture this week.
5. Practice discernment by fact-checking something you hear or read about faith against Scripture.
Closing Prayer:
Close by praying for each group member to grow deeper in their understanding and application of God's Word in their daily lives.
Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and guide your discussion.
Key Takeaways:
1. The foundation is crucial for building both physical structures and our Christian lives.
2. Knowing God's will requires knowing God's Word.
3. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, correcting, and equipping believers.
4. We must be grounded in Scripture to discern truth from deception.
5. Teaching children the Scriptures is a vital responsibility for families and the church community.
Discussion Questions:
1. Pastor mentioned five foundational elements for the Christian life. Which of these do you feel strongest in, and which do you feel needs the most growth?
2. How often do you engage with Scripture? What are some challenges you face in consistently reading the Bible?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of knowing Scripture to discern God's will. Can you share an experience where Scripture helped you make an important decision?
4. How can we, as a church community, better support and encourage each other in studying God's Word?
5. Pastor said, "Never trust a single thing I have to say on its own merits. Check everything I tell you according to the Scriptures." How does this statement challenge our approach to sermons and teaching?
6. Discuss the importance of teaching children the Scriptures. What are some practical ways we can incorporate this into our families and church life?
Practical Applications:
1. Commit to a daily Scripture reading plan for the next week. Share your plan with the group for accountability.
2. Choose a verse from today's sermon to memorize this week.
3. Identify one area in your life where you need guidance. Spend time this week searching Scripture for wisdom in that area.
4. If you have children or interact with youth in the church, brainstorm one new way to engage them with Scripture this week.
5. Practice discernment by fact-checking something you hear or read about faith against Scripture.
Closing Prayer:
Close by praying for each group member to grow deeper in their understanding and application of God's Word in their daily lives.
Sermon Guide 10/5
Small Group Guide: Aldersgate - A Place of Healing and Hope
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and open hearts to His message of hope and healing.
Key Takeaways:
1. Aldersgate is more than a church; it's a family that supports each other through all seasons.
2. God's timing is perfect, even when we don't understand it.
3. It's okay to not be okay - vulnerability and honesty about our struggles are welcomed.
4. Our personal stories of faith can be powerful testimonies to God's work.
5. Grief and transitions are challenging, but God and our church family are present through it all.
Discussion Questions:
1. Samantha Spencer shared how Aldersgate helped her rediscover her voice and passion. How has Aldersgate impacted your faith journey?
2. Leah Holamon talked about walking in the "I don't know" moments of life. Can you share a time when you had to trust God despite uncertainty?
3. Cheri Bates discussed God's timing and unanswered prayers. How have you experienced God's timing in your own life, even when it didn't align with your plans?
4. Jon Hayden spoke about grief and the importance of vulnerability. How can we as a church family better support each other during times of loss and struggle?
5. All the speakers emphasized the idea of Aldersgate as a family. What does it mean to you to be part of the Aldersgate family?
6. How can we apply the message of hope and healing we've heard to our daily lives and interactions with others outside our church community?
Practical Applications:
1. Share Your Story: Take time this week to write down your personal faith story, focusing on how God has worked in your life through Aldersgate. Consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement.
2. Practice Vulnerability: In your daily interactions this week, try to be more open about your struggles and challenges. Invite others to do the same.
3. Support System: Identify someone in your life or in the church who might be going through a difficult time. Reach out to them with a message of support or a small act of kindness.
4. Unanswered Prayers Journal: Start a journal where you note prayers that seem unanswered. Reflect on how God might be working in those situations, even if it's not clear yet.
5. Family Time: Plan an activity or gathering with your Aldersgate "family" - perhaps a small group dinner or coffee meetup - to strengthen those bonds of community.
Closing Prayer:
Close your session by thanking God for the Aldersgate family, asking for His continued guidance and healing presence in your lives, and for the strength to be vulnerable and supportive of one another.
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and open hearts to His message of hope and healing.
Key Takeaways:
1. Aldersgate is more than a church; it's a family that supports each other through all seasons.
2. God's timing is perfect, even when we don't understand it.
3. It's okay to not be okay - vulnerability and honesty about our struggles are welcomed.
4. Our personal stories of faith can be powerful testimonies to God's work.
5. Grief and transitions are challenging, but God and our church family are present through it all.
Discussion Questions:
1. Samantha Spencer shared how Aldersgate helped her rediscover her voice and passion. How has Aldersgate impacted your faith journey?
2. Leah Holamon talked about walking in the "I don't know" moments of life. Can you share a time when you had to trust God despite uncertainty?
3. Cheri Bates discussed God's timing and unanswered prayers. How have you experienced God's timing in your own life, even when it didn't align with your plans?
4. Jon Hayden spoke about grief and the importance of vulnerability. How can we as a church family better support each other during times of loss and struggle?
5. All the speakers emphasized the idea of Aldersgate as a family. What does it mean to you to be part of the Aldersgate family?
6. How can we apply the message of hope and healing we've heard to our daily lives and interactions with others outside our church community?
Practical Applications:
1. Share Your Story: Take time this week to write down your personal faith story, focusing on how God has worked in your life through Aldersgate. Consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement.
2. Practice Vulnerability: In your daily interactions this week, try to be more open about your struggles and challenges. Invite others to do the same.
3. Support System: Identify someone in your life or in the church who might be going through a difficult time. Reach out to them with a message of support or a small act of kindness.
4. Unanswered Prayers Journal: Start a journal where you note prayers that seem unanswered. Reflect on how God might be working in those situations, even if it's not clear yet.
5. Family Time: Plan an activity or gathering with your Aldersgate "family" - perhaps a small group dinner or coffee meetup - to strengthen those bonds of community.
Closing Prayer:
Close your session by thanking God for the Aldersgate family, asking for His continued guidance and healing presence in your lives, and for the strength to be vulnerable and supportive of one another.
Sermon Guide 9/28
Small Group Guide: Sharing Our Faith
Opening Prayer: Ask a volunteer to open the session in prayer.
Ice Breaker Question: Share about a time when you felt reluctant to do something you knew was right. How did it turn out?
Key Scripture: Jonah 1, Luke 15:4-7, John 20:21, 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions that God cares for the lost. How does this idea challenge or comfort you?
2. Reflect on the story of Henry Da Massa searching for his daughter. How does this parallel God's pursuit of us?
3. The sermon states, "We are sent to the lost." How does this make you feel? Excited? Nervous? Unprepared?
4. Share about a time when you felt God was calling you to witness to someone. What was the outcome?
5. How does the story of Charlie Peace challenge our complacency in sharing our faith?
6. Discuss the connection between prayer and salvation mentioned in the sermon. How might this impact your prayer life?
Key Takeaways:
1. God deeply cares for those who are lost and actively pursues them.
2. As Christians, we are called to be God's hands and feet in reaching out to others.
3. Our willingness to share our faith can have a significant impact, even if we don't always see the results.
4. Prayer is a powerful tool in the process of evangelism and salvation.
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify one person in your life who may not know Christ. Commit to praying for their salvation daily.
2. Practice sharing your testimony in 2-3 minutes. Be prepared to share it with the group next week.
3. Look for opportunities to invite someone to church or a church event in the coming month.
4. Set a reminder on your phone to pray for the salvation of others at a specific time each day.
Closing Prayer: Thank God for His love for the lost and ask for courage and opportunities to share your faith this week.
Follow-up: Next week, start the session by asking if anyone had an opportunity to share their faith or invite someone to church.
Opening Prayer: Ask a volunteer to open the session in prayer.
Ice Breaker Question: Share about a time when you felt reluctant to do something you knew was right. How did it turn out?
Key Scripture: Jonah 1, Luke 15:4-7, John 20:21, 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4
Discussion Questions:
1. The sermon mentions that God cares for the lost. How does this idea challenge or comfort you?
2. Reflect on the story of Henry Da Massa searching for his daughter. How does this parallel God's pursuit of us?
3. The sermon states, "We are sent to the lost." How does this make you feel? Excited? Nervous? Unprepared?
4. Share about a time when you felt God was calling you to witness to someone. What was the outcome?
5. How does the story of Charlie Peace challenge our complacency in sharing our faith?
6. Discuss the connection between prayer and salvation mentioned in the sermon. How might this impact your prayer life?
Key Takeaways:
1. God deeply cares for those who are lost and actively pursues them.
2. As Christians, we are called to be God's hands and feet in reaching out to others.
3. Our willingness to share our faith can have a significant impact, even if we don't always see the results.
4. Prayer is a powerful tool in the process of evangelism and salvation.
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify one person in your life who may not know Christ. Commit to praying for their salvation daily.
2. Practice sharing your testimony in 2-3 minutes. Be prepared to share it with the group next week.
3. Look for opportunities to invite someone to church or a church event in the coming month.
4. Set a reminder on your phone to pray for the salvation of others at a specific time each day.
Closing Prayer: Thank God for His love for the lost and ask for courage and opportunities to share your faith this week.
Follow-up: Next week, start the session by asking if anyone had an opportunity to share their faith or invite someone to church.