True Wisdom from the Book of James
James 1:13-27
The Word of God – James 1:13-27
Messages
Sunday sermons
2nd Jan 2022 – Dr. Steve Dunn – Trials and Temptations
True Wisdom from the Book of James
James 1
Trials and Temptations – James 1
26th Dec 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – Mary, a Sword will Pierce Your Soul
Countdown to Christmas
Luke 2:35
Mary, a sword will pierce through your own soul – Luke 2:35
19th Dec 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – The Visit of the Shepherds
Countdown to Christmas
Luke 2:1-7
The Visit of the Shepherds – Luke 2:8-20
12th Dec 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – The Birth of Jesus
Countdown to Christmas
Luke 2:1-7
The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-7
5th Dec 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – Jumping for Joy!
Countdown to Christmas
Luke 1:39-56
Mary meets Elizabeth -Luke 1:39-56
Discussion Questions
1) Why did Mary visit Elizabeth? List some possible motives and reasons you think they are valid.
2) We can understand Elizabeth being filled with the Holy Spirit but what about John being filled with the Spirit while still in the womb? Luke 1:15 cf 1:41.
3) How do Luke 1:15, 31,35,41-44 inform the Christian view on abortion? See also Psalm 139:13-16.
4) For major events in Israel’s history a song was written and sung, usually one per major event. The Magnificat is one of the 4 songs celebrating Christmas which shows how significant an event it is. Do you know the other 3? Do you know their Latin names? If you scan through from this passage to chapter 2:35 you will find the other 3 (a sort of “where is Wally). Some seem more like a speech than a song. If all else fails, try Google or a Bible dictionary or phone a friend.
5) The Magnificat is Latin for magnify the Lord. How can we make the Lord Jesus bigger in the perceptions of people, in our church services and in our own lives?
6) Throughout the story of Christmas the words “Joy” and “rejoicing” pop up repeatedly. Why does Christmas bring joy and what things can turn our Christmas into a joyless holiday?
21st Nov 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – Gabriel Announces Jesus’ Birth
Countdown to Christmas
Luke 1:26-38
The Angel Gabriel visits Zecharias -Luke 1:26-38
Discussion Questions
1. Many modern people have problems with miracles. List the reasons you think are responsible for this mind-set.
2. Moderns also have problems believing in Angels and heaven. Do the large number of well-documented near-death experiences have any
bearing on the issue?
3. On what basis was Mary selected to be the mother of the baby Jesus? (Luke 1:30-31)
4. Why is the virgin birth of Christ pivotal to the Christian faith? If we take it out of Christianity, what is left of our faith?
5. Is the gospel of Luke reliable? Can you state some reasons for this? (Luke 1:1-4)
6. Does the statement “for with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37) mean that if we believe we can do anything we want to do?
7. What difference does the fact that Jesus, the word became flesh and lived among us make to you?
14th Nov 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – Gabriel visits Zecharias
Countdown to Christmas
Luke 1:1-25
The Angel Gabriel visits Zecharias -Luke 1:1-25
Discussion Questions
1. How do we maintain our faith when the culture around us is not conducive to our faith?
2. What are some of the reasons that God does not seem to answer the prayers of good sincere Christians who have prayed for years?
3. Rejection is a difficult burden to bear. What are some ways you have found helpful in dealing with it?
4. When Alexander the Great made Greek the official language of the world, God used it to prepare the way for the spread of the gospel. How else did God prepare the ancient world for the coming of Jesus?
5. What made John the Baptist great in the eyes of the Lord? Matthew 11:7. John 1:22-28.
6. Age is one reason for cutting back on the work of the Lord. Can you list other reasons why we may be reluctant to attempt things for God?
7th Nov 2021 – Dr. Steve Dunn – Prepare the Way for the Great God
Countdown to Christmas
Isaiah 40:1-17
Prepare the Way for the Great God – Isaiah 40:1-17
Discussion Questions
1. God is the God of all comfort, the father of mercies. Are you personally in need of comfort this week? In what practical ways can we be like Him and bring comfort to others?
2. Read 1 corinthians 14:3 “those who prophesy speak to other people building them up, and giving them encouragement and comfort.” How can we use our speech to build others up, encourage them and comfort them? Before we speak, could we ask ourselves the question: “does what I have to say build up, encourage or comfort the other person”? Could this be our motto in our buildup to Christmas?
3. In verse 2 God comforts Jerusalem by acknowledging they have had a hard time, forgiving their sins and seeing they have suffered enough. Can we do the same with people who have hurt us?
4. How can we prepare the way for the Lord in our own lives and in the church? (Verses 3-5)
5. How do verses 6-8 help us set our priorities as we make daily decisions or set goals for the future?
6. Why has the Bible survived intact after 2000 years of bad treatment? (Verse 8)
7. Can you remember specific examples in your life when you found Jesus to be your shepherd? (Verses 9-11)
8. Verses 12-15 show God as the all-powerful, all-wise creator and sustainer of all things. How has God spoken to you through his creation? Have you found it a source of comfort?
31st Oct 2021 – Pastor Dr. Brian Krum – The Secret to Contentment
In/Joy Life
Philippians 4:10-20
The Secret to Contentment – Philippians 4:10-20
Discussion Questions:
1. How do you usually respond to others when they express concern for you? How does Paul respond?
2. Why is Paul so glad that the Philippians gave and looked out for his needs?
3. Paul has been quite affectionate toward the Philippians throughout this letter. What do you see in this passage that might explain some of the feeling of intimacy and affection?
4. Can you tell of a time when giving was both beneficial to the receiver and the giver? How has giving and receiving affected your relationships in the past?
5. Paul, in prison, is still rejoicing, and is content in the most trying of circumstances and states of need. What is his secret to contentment? [Reference back to 4:6-9, as well as verses 13 & 19.]
6. What circumstances most control or undo contentment? What would it be like to practice and know contentment even when life is hard? What step could you take towards contentment today?
7. Paul knew what it meant to be in need. Would you share about a time when you experienced neediness? What was the result?
Life Application:
Please be sensitive to feelings that might have arisen from past needs that were not met. Do healing and/or forgiveness need to take place?
Are there needs within the group today? Pray over them, and explore whether the group might be able to help meet those needs. Or, is there another need you all know of that you can help meet?