http://www.gcfweb.org/ en-us Sermons from Grace Community Fellowship in Eugene, Oregon. Sermons from Grace Community Fellowship in Eugene, Oregon. Steve Hill Grace Community Fellowship info@gcfweb.org Copyright Grace Community Fellowship 2010 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:00 -0900 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:00:00 -0900 clean http://www.gcfweb.org/img/gcf_logo_podcast.jpg http://www.gcfweb.org/ web@gcfweb.org Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000 No questions this week Bob Welch Six Lessons from "It's a Wonderful Life" 0:43:15 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Bob Welch, Six Lessons from "It's a Wonderful Life" Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Looking for Love - Discussion Questions 1. What character traits are the most important to see in a potential mate? 2. If you are married, how much did you consider character traits beforehand? 3. The Song of Solomon is sometimes called the Song of Songs. This book of the Bible is love poetry composed by King Solomon which describes initial attraction, courtship, marriage, sex, conflicts, and deepening intimacy. Why do you believe people are surprised by the content of this book, which is contained in a sacred text? 4. As you read Song of Solomon 1:1-8, what do you notice? How is the woman attracted to Solomon? [Scholars note that the woman is attracted by Solomon's physical appearance and character. To praise someone's name is to honor their character.] 5. What attracted you to your spouse in the beginning? If you're single, what do you find attractive in others? 6. Tier one attraction is physical and tier two attraction is character (1:3). Is it indeed difficult to move your attraction from physical traits to character traits? How so? 7. Discuss 1-2 ways parents can teach their children to see beyond physical attraction and look for character/spiritual depth. 8. The story of Isaac was presented as a helpful guide to finding a mate (Genesis 24:1-8). How critical is it to marry someone who shares the same spiritual commitments and convictions? Steve Hill Love Songs: Looking for Love 0:51:16 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Love Songs: Looking for Love Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Falling in Love - Discussion Questions 1. Discuss what the definition of and characteristics of a dating relationship looks like today. Is it different for middle school and high school students compared to adults? If yes, how so? What would cause you to stop dating someone once you started a dating relationship? 2. If you are in a dating relationship, does it consist of spending time together with no strings attached, and mutual respect? Explain. 3. If you're married, in what ways did your dating relationship contain the elements listed in #2? 4. Obviously, a major reason we are drawn toward another relates to physical attraction. In your dating experience, how does/did your physical attraction to the other person compare to your attraction to the person's spiritual maturity? What was the outcome? Be honest! 5. As you read Song of Songs 1:9-2:7, how would you describe the emotions of the woman and the man? How has your mate made you a better person? How has your mate encouraged your spiritual maturity? 6. If you (the guys) were to rewrite 1:9-10 in today's language, what might you say? If you (the gals) were to rewrite 2:3-5 in today's language, what might you say? 7. How can affirmative words change the nature of a relationship? 8. In what ways did your parents provide (or not provide) you with a role model for dating and marriage? What is the most difficult lesson you learned while dating? 9. Pastor Steve gave the following homework assignments: (a.) 1-8-2012: Tell your mate 5 things you appreciate about their character or make a list of the characteristics you desire in your future mate. Did you complete the assignment? How did it go? (b.) 1-15-2012: Take your mate on a date! What did you do and how did it go? When was the last time you took your spouse on a date? What are the two main (and probably lousy) reasons you don't go on dates more often? Steve Hill Love Songs: Falling in Love 0:48:17 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Love Songs: Falling in Love Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Getting Engaged - Discussion Questions 1. Does the person you are dating exhibit maturity and a willingness to be committed to you? If yes, what has he/she done to demonstrate this commitment? 2. How important are these ideas in #1 to the growth of a relationship? Why? 3. Tell your group how you got engaged. Did you plan it or was it spontaneous? 4. What are a few ways that you and your spouse are still individuals and not a team? Is this situation a good thing or not? How can your relationship become an "us identity" instead of a "me identity?" 5. As you read Song of Songs 2:8-3:5, what images are confusing? How does the woman feel about the man? How does he feel about her? 6. In Song of Songs 3:4, some scholars note that the mother's house is sometimes referred to as the place where marital plans were made (Genesis 24:28; Ruth 1:8). This approach emphasizes that the marriage plans in 3:4 are followed by the royal wedding procession (3:6-11) and the wedding night (4:1-5:1). Did you seek the approval of your parents before you were married? If you are a guy, did you seek the approval of your wife's parents? If you're single, is this something you intend to do? 7. Foxes are portrayed in a negative sense in the Old Testament and the reference to foxes in 2:15 seems to be pointing toward issues that hurt the couple's relationship. What are the top three common problems that seem to face couples? Have you experienced these problems and, if so, how did you resolve them? Steve Hill Love Songs: Getting Engaged 0:40:03 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Love Songs: Getting Engaged Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Married at Last - Discussion Questions [1.] Have you ever or do you currently believe the soul mate myth? Explain. [2.] Whether you are married or not, identify at least 2-3 pieces of "baggage" you know for sure you would be bringing into a relationship. [3.] If you are married, at what point in your marriage did you realize that your spouse had more baggage than you thought? At what point did you realize you yourself had more baggage than you thought? [4.] If you are newly married, do you believe you are willing to honestly listen to your spouse's concerns about expectations? Even if you are not newly married, are you willing to honestly listen to your spouse's concerns about expectations? Why or why not? [5.] Pastor Eric talked about the hard work of communication in relationships. Has it been your experience that this is true or not? Explain. [6.] In what ways have you taken your baggage to the foot of the cross and asked Jesus to help you deal with it? [7.] Is it helpful to understand that marriage is a commitment before God to another person, baggage and all, not to your personal dreams and desires? How will that play out in your marriage or future marriage? [8.] Take time as a small group to pray for each other's baggage and how it affects relationships. Eric Fuller Love Songs: Married at Last 0:45:40 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Eric Fuller, Love Songs: Married at Last Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Hot Sex - Discussion Questions [1.] Read through Song of Songs 4:1-5:1. Why is it difficult to talk about sexuality in a church setting? [2.] In chapter 4 of Song of Songs, the newly married couple arrived at the Hilton for their honeymoon. Keeping it appropriate for your group, what was it like for you on your honeymoon? What was it like to be newly married? [3.] Did you have premarital counseling? In what ways was the counseling helpful or inadequate in your new marriage? [4.] If married couples view sex as a gift from God, how might this change their thought process about sex? How does it change your thought process? [5.] What are 2-3 reasons why it is important to have a solid, Biblical view of sex? What are the potential repercussions of an inadequate view of sex? [6.] Discuss the truth of this statement: "Men are like microwaves and women are like crock pots sexually speaking." How is emotional intimacy connected to sexual intimacy? Steve Hill Love Songs: Hot Sex 0:45:23 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Love Songs: Hot Sex Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Marriage Conflicts - Discussion Questions [1.] Did you see your parents argue? How did they resolve conflicts? [2.] In what ways do you imitate your parents when dealing with conflict? In what ways have you changed the way you deal with conflict? In what ways do you still need to change? [3.] Using a scale of 1 to 5, how often do you have conflict over the following? Money Chores Hobbies Time Parenting Romance In-Laws Habits Other [4.] How often do your arguments have a winner and a loser? Is the winner/loser outcome desirable? Why or why not? [5.] What does it mean to fight fair? Describe what it looks like to fight fairly and unfairly. [6.] Do you find it difficult to forgive and let go of previous hurts? How can the scriptures be helpful? Luke 7:40-50, Ephesians 4:32, 1 Peter 4:8. Steve Hill Love Songs: Marriage Conflicts 0:38:34 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Love Songs: Marriage Conflicts Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Love Songs: Going Backward - Discussion Questions [1.] Do you believe talking about sex in church (i.e. the Song of Solomon) is a healthy idea or is it distracting from the gospel? Explain. [2.] Pastor Eric stated that men view women as a commodity in regard to their sexuality in today's culture. In your own experience, do you find this claim to be true or not? How so? [3.] Identify 2-3 ways that we can slowly begin to change the view of women as a commodity in our culture. [4.] In Song of Solomon 7:1-9, Solomon is heaping words of beauty on his bride, building up her confidence and self-esteem. Discuss how emotional intimacy leads to physical intimacy in the marriage relationship. [5.] Describe the scene and what is important to Solomon's bride in Song of Solomon 7:10-13. How does their adventure end? [6.] What are specific ways the husband can cherish his wife in regard to sexual intimacy? What are specific ways the wife can respect her husband in the same regard? [7.] In your own experience, how much does your own identity determine or influence your intimate relationship with your spouse? [8.] Talk about where your identity lies today and how that compares with how God identifies you. Eric Fuller Love Songs: Going Backward 0:43:07 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Eric Fuller, Love Songs: Going Backward Sun, 26 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Worship Wars - Discussion Questions [1.] What would you say was your understanding of the Trinity before the sermon? Has it changed in any way? Has it been challenged in any way? [2.] Read Genesis 3:1-11. Can you paraphrase this passage together as a group? [3.] Describe the significance of verses 4-6. In what way does the serpent challenge Eve's understanding of God's Word? [4.] What is a way that you have twisted your understanding of God's Word in your life, past, or present? Can you identify the idol you were worshipping in order to do that? [5.] What are common idols in our lives? What are some idols that you can think of that might not be so obvious? [6.] Describe some ways that you feel you obey, trust in, and sacrifice to God. [7.] How has your understanding of worship and its importance in our lives been challenged or encouraged this week? Jon Green Worship Wars 0:47:27 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Jon Green, Worship Wars Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Transformers: My Spiritual Journey - Discussion Questions [1.] Which words best describes your spiritual life? Growing, Complacent, Flourishing, Stalled, Don't care [2.] According to Pastor Steve's "Stages of the Journey," where do you see yourself spiritually right now? Explain. [3.] Read Romans 12:1 from The Message and from a translation. What is the point of Romans 12:1? [4.] Describe what it looks like in today's culture to offer your body (entire life) to God. [5.] How does God's mercy and grace motivate you to total commitment to God? Or does it? [6.] In your group, have everyone share one thing that can move them forward in their relationship with Jesus. Take time to pray for each person in that way. Steve Hill Transformers: My Spiritual Journey 0:49:01 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Transformers, My Spiritual Journey Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Transformers: Life Change - Discussion Questions [1.] Of the four categories on the spiritual continuum, where are you today? Were you in that same spot last week? Last month? Last year? (The sermon notes from Sunday have a one sentence definition so that you can best understand each stage.) (A.) Exploring Christ (B.) Growing in Christ (C.) Close to Christ (D.) Christ Centered [2.] Romans 12:2 has a negative command and a positive command. In your own experience, why would you say both are necessary to Paul's audience? [3.] Paul gives the purpose of the command when he says, "Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." What does it mean to "test and approve?" [4.] If you were to "test and approve" this week, what is one thing you would work on? [5.] Which command is most important for you: to not conform or to be transformed? Explain and give an example. [6.] The Apostle Paul indicates transformation occurs when our minds are renewed. Is there something specific that needs to change in your thinking toward a life situation or another person? How so? [7.] Four spiritual catalysts were mentioned by Pastor Steve on Sunday. Which one seems to be the most important for you at this point in your life? Why? What is a simple step for you to take in that direction today (and tomorrow)? [8.] Did you use the green dot? Steve Hill Transformers: Life Change 0:51:25 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Transformers, Life Change Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Transformers: Spiritual Service - Discussion Questions [1.] Read Romans 12:3-8 from The Message and from a translation. What do you like best about the paraphrase? [2.] Did you have the opportunity to read Romans 12 this past week? What observations did you make from it? In what ways do those observations affect your life? [3.] Share an example of how serving others changed you. What specific aspect of your life changed (i.e., attitudes, beliefs, lifestyle)? [4.] Paul says in Romans 12:3, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought." Why would Paul write these words between verses 2 and 4? How does a healthy view of ourselves impact our service to others? [5.] Describe 1-2 specific ways that serving benefits the church family. What are you good at when it comes to serving others? [6.] In what ways are you using your gifts? What holds you back from using your gifts more fully? [7.] Why would the Apostle Paul add the phrase "do it cheerfully?" The Message says, "Keep a smile on your face." [8.] Did you take the opportunity this week to randomly serve someone? Tell the group about your experience. Steve Hill Transformers: Spiritual Service 0:42:29 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Transformers, Spiritual Service Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Transformers: Facebook Friends - Discussion Questions [1.] How many friends do you have on Facebook? How many of them are close friends you talk to at least once a week or so? [2.] Does friendship equal love? How so? [3.] Discuss how Romans 12:9-13 is a relationship strategy. The Message paraphrase says, "Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." [4.] Over the past six months, would you say your love is growing deeper for others or not so much? Explain. Describe two to three barriers that prevent you from deepening your love for others. [5.] From Sunday's sermon: Real Love occurs when the Real You shows up and meets the Real Needs for the Right Reason in the Right Way. How does this phrase fit Romans 12:9-13? [6.] The phrase "Spiritual Friends" might be new to you. What does it communicate to you in a practical way? [7.] Why are spiritual friendships critical for followers of Christ? [8.] What are some catalysts that help our hearts grow in love for others? Talk in your group about ways to develop deeper friendships. Be sure to incorporate your answers to the second part of number 4 in your discussion. Steve Hill Transformers: Facebook Friends 0:37:16 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Transformers, Facebook Friends Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Transformers: The Evil Aimed at You - Discussion Questions [1.] Think of the person who has hurt you the most in life. In what ways have you attempted to resolve this wound? What has been helpful, or not helpful? [2.] How do you feel about Romans 12:14? What does it mean to bless your enemy? What does it mean to curse your enemy? [3.] Jesus said something similar in Matthew 5:43-45. How do Jesus' words impact you? [4.] How is forgiveness related to loving or blessing your enemy? Why is forgiveness important to your spiritual growth? [5.] Someone once said, "Forgiveness does not mean you forget an event took place. Forgiveness does not mean you become a door mat for others. Forgiveness means you can let it go." Do you find this statement easy or difficult to embrace? Why? [6.] As you read Romans 12:14-21, what statement is the most difficult for you to contemplate? Explain. [7.] Why does God prohibit personal retaliation? What happens when we pay back evil for evil? Do you have an example? [8.] Describe one way good can overcome evil, even if it is not simple. Steve Hill Transformers: The Evil Aimed at You 0:43:20 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Transformers, The Evil Aimed at You Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000 The Wall: Mortality... No small group discussion questions this week. Steve Hill The Wall: Mortality 0:41:24 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, The Wall, Mortality Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000 The Wall: The Financial Wall - Discussion Questions [1.] "I've hit the wall" is a common phrase. What kind of wall have you hit recently? Describe what happened at your wall. (A.) Financial (B.) Relationship (C.) Calamity [2.] Many people have hit the financial wall in the last few years. What does it feel like to hit a financial wall and what are some factors that cause people to hit it? How might Proverbs 6:6-8 be applicable to the financial wall? [3.] What are one or two pieces of advice you might offer to someone who is at the financial wall? [4.] Are the importance of budgets overrated? If yes, how so? In your experience, what makes it difficult to stick to a budget? [5.] Giving is a spiritual maturity issue. What are some common excuses people use for not giving? Do you feel content about your level of financial giving? Why or why not? [6.] How would you describe your spending style? How has your spending style impacted your life? (A.) Compulsive (B.) Impulsive (C.) Revenge (D.) Boredom (E.) Status [7.] How do you feel about the statement, "God expects you to be a manager not an owner?" Why is good financial stewardship important? (Psalm 24:1, 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, 8:12, 9:7) Steve Hill The Wall: The Financial Wall 0:39:42 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, The Wall, The Financial Wall Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000 The Wall: The Relational Wall - Discussion Questions [1.] Describe a relational wall you are facing now. How did you get to this point? Is there anything you would do differently in this situation? [2.] Read James 4:1-3 in the New International Version and The Message paraphrase. Describe the tone of the passage. According to James, what are the sources of personal conflict? How have you seen this play out in your life? [3.] Anger is often the result of frustrated expectations or unmet desires. Talk about one way you have experienced the detriment of anger in a relationship. [4.] The longer someone stays on the relational wall, the deeper the resentment becomes. Paul tells us to, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." (Ephesians 4:31). How can someone effectively release these things? What has worked for you? What hasn't worked? [5.] By releasing resentment and grabbing God's grace, relationships can be restored. Describe a relationship in your life that had hit the wall but since improved. What factors helped to resolve the issues? Did your relationship with Jesus help or hinder the process? Explain. [6.] Describe one relationship that has not improved. What is one specific step you could take to help repair it? Have your group pray for you in this way. [7.] Why is this verse so difficult to apply at all times? Ephesians 4:32. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Steve Hill The Wall: The Relational Wall 0:37:39 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, The Wall, The Relational Wall Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:00:00 +0000 The Wall: When the Bottom Falls Out - Discussion Questions [1.] Describe a time when God said no to your prayers. In what ways, if any, did it cause you to doubt or maybe even run away from Him for a season? Did it cause you to question His existence or motivation? How so? [2.] When God says no to you, do you submit to His will or try to deal with the situation in your own strength? What was the result of your choice? [3.] Read 2 Corinthians 12:10. How is Paul able to delight in his weaknesses? [4.] Read Matthew 26:36-46. What are some of your observations of this passage? In what way can you relate to Jesus knowing how He handled going to the cross? Does thinking about this connection with Jesus strengthen your relationship with Him or not so much? [5.] How could the story of Paul's "thorn" strengthen your faith? Describe a "thorn" you have in your life. [6.] Do you find wisdom or disbelief in considering Jesus' response in the garden (Mt. 26) when God seems uncooperative? Explain. Eric Fuller The Wall: When the Bottom Falls Out 0:48:01 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Eric Fuller, The Wall, When the Bottom Falls Out Sun, 06 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000 No Discussion Questions this week Brent O'Neill Life On Purpose 0:41:34 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Brent O'Neill, Life On Purpose Sun, 13 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Rock Solid: The Bible - Discussion Questions [1.] To what degree have you struggled with the reliability of the Bible? What are the most significant questions you have? [For additional research on this topic, we suggest the following: The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel, How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Mark L. Strauss (especially ch. 8)] [2.] Three key words were used about the Bible: Submission, Stewardship, and Substitution. Discuss these questions. (a.) Submission: How much do you struggle with the concept of the Bible being the final authority for spiritual and moral living? Why is submission to Scripture an important issue in today's culture? (b.) Stewardship: What does being a sound steward of God's Word look like on a daily basis? (c.) Substitution: What have you substituted in the place of Scripture for decision-making or guidance? [3.] Review the following Scriptures: Revelation 22:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 30:5-6 and Deuteronomy 4:2. What is the primary point of each passage? How do these passages compare and contrast with each other? Steve Hill Rock Solid: The Bible 0:36:59 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Rock Solid, The Bible Sun, 20 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000 Rock Solid: How We Got Our Scripture - Discussion Questions [1.] In your experience and circle of friends, how do you believe people describe the Bible? (a.) Fiction book (b.) Religious book with some good advice (c.) Inspirational reading (d.) God's Word (e.) Other [2.] Why do some people have a difficult time accepting the Bible as God's Word? To what degree do you struggle with this concept? How has it changed for you over the past 5-10 years? Why? [3.] Read 2 Peter 1:19-21 in a translation and compare it with The Message paraphrase. What is Peter's main point? Why is Peter defending the inspiration of the Scripture in this context? [4.] Peter states that the Scripture is similar to a light shining in a dark place. How is God's Word a light? How do you see this idea playing out in our culture today? Give specific ways that God's Word has influenced a decision you made. [5.] Read 2 Timothy 3:16 and compare it to 2 Peter 1:19-21. According to 2 Timothy, how does Scripture impact our lives? Has this been true in your life? How so? Steve Hill Rock Solid: How We Got Our Scripture 0:39:53 Grace Community Fellowship, Eugene, Oregon, Steve Hill, Rock Solid, How We Got Our Scripture