The Body is Honest

Jonathan Shradar preaches on lamenting as a church from Ephesians 5:15-20. Lament is essential for the health and wholeness of the church.

Sermon notes

Questions to keep the conversation going:

Why do we feel like we have to put on a "good face" around others in the church?

How does being honest about our pains and troubles bring us closer to health and wholeness?

In the aspects of lament (turning, complaint, asking, trust), which is most difficult for you and why?

How can you support, and the body encourage, those in seasons of lament?

The Body is Gathered

Jonathan Shradar preaches on Hebrews 10:19-25 in our Body Life series. The life of the Christian is lived with others.

Sermon notes

Questions to keep the conversation going:

How much does grasping the finished work of Christ for us inform our posture toward community? If you realize your salvation is the work of another are you more likely to let others in?

Why is community essential for building faith, hope, and love?

How important is the Sunday gathering for believers? What are other practical ways in which we gather?

How do we prioritize life with others in the midst of conflicting demands on our time?

The Body is Led

Jonathan Shradar preaches in our Body Life series on 1 Peter 5:1-5. By the grace of God the church is led by those that are here, happy, and humble.

Sermon notes

Questions to keep the conversation going:

Why do we despise "authority" like we are prone to do?

How can we learn to trust authority in the church, and how guarded can we be before it distracts us from the purposes Jesus has called us to?

Why do we have a hard time opening our lives to others in the church, especially elders?

Would you describe our elders as happy? What are the signs of it and how do we play into their willing service?

How does our hope in Jesus equip us to be part of the church?

The Better Word

Jonathan Shradar preaches on John 6:60-71. Following Jesus costs you but it’s the only way to real life.

Sermon notes

Questions to keep the conversation going:

What are the things of Christianity that are seen as “hard sayings” in our day? How do we approach these things clinging to truth but reacting with grace?

Why is earning your way to God appealing to us? Are you more incline to pride or despair when it comes to your self-sufficiency?

If Jesus gives abundant, real, eternal life that can be lived now, what does that look like practically?

How does the hope of Christ keep us going in life? How can we get more of that?