St. Matthew's Anglican Church | Sermon Followup 2008 Archive

Sermon Followup 2009 Archive

Sept 20th , 2009

Solomon could have asked God for anything, but he chose to ask for wisdom. What do you think motivated him to ask for this?
Solomon, as part of the chosen people of Israel, was hugely blessed by God. In what ways was Solomon also a blessing to the people and nations around Israel?
Jesus calls us to seek first his kingdom, rather than to worry about financial security and material things. How are you managing to seek his Kingdom first? What does this look like in your life? How would you like to seek his kingdom more? Discuss this with a friend or your mPod, and pray about your answers together.

Sept 13th , 2009

What does the Lord say when David suggests that he build God a “house”? What fundamental principle does this teach us about where God dwells? What are the implications for our use of buildings as God’s people?
How does it make you feel to know that God has been planning the redemption of Israel all through their chequered history? What does this teach us about God? Why do you think it was important for people of Jesus day to identify him as being from David’s line?
How do you see the outworking of God’s dwelling (and implied blessing), in the call of Matthew by Jesus? Who does Jesus spend time with? Who does he prioritise? What are the implications for His followers then and today?

Sept 6 th , 2009

When you read the account of Samson’s life, (Judges 13-16), he like many of the other leaders in the bible had some serious character flaws. What are your “Fatal Flaws”? (eg. In your relationships to the opposite sex? In your relationship to God?)
Samson none the less was used by God. How might you achieve victory over these flaws? How might you grow closer to God to gain self control (Galatians 5:22)? Do you need to “turn back” to God?
Is there someone you can discuss these things with discreetly, in order to be held accountable?

Aug 30th , 2009

Who has been involved in your upbringing & growth as a Christian? What pivotal learning points can you remember being taught? What fundamentals would you pass on to someone you were training in Christian living?
What do you notice as key in God’s call to Joshua? What does the Lord require of Joshua? What does God promise?
What is the response of the people? How do you think their response will help Joshua? How do you think Joshua felt when he heard their response?

Aug 23rd , 2009

Have you ever had a “burning bush” (Kairos) experience when you were convinced God was speaking to you? What did He say? What did you do about it?
Have you ever felt called by God to do something but inadequate to complete the task? How has God provided? Did He surprise you?
How might you/we respond to our church’s current Kairos moment? What do you think God might be saying to us/you? Do you feel as though you/we are adequately equipped for the task? How might God provide for us?

Aug 16th , 2009

How have you found using the e100 readings over the last few weeks? Has it been helpful? What have you learned or been reminded of?
Joseph was used in amazing ways by God, even though for lots of years of his life, this looked highly unlikely. What does this show you about God? Does this resonate in your own life and experience?
God’s purposes of establishing a chosen people to work through in blessing the whole world comes through clearly in the story of Joseph. How does that connect with our community here at St Matthew’s today?

Aug 9th, 2009

Ch.32

Jacob continued wrestling and striving with God all night, seeking blessing. What areas in your spiritual life require greater persistence?
What memories and fears caused Jacob’s anxiety as he went to meet Esau? How did he prepare for the meeting? Look at Jacob’s prayer 9-12, section by section.
Do you have some deep concerns for your self, your family, your church, your community? Take time – alone like Jacob, or in your group - to cry out in passionate, definite, fervent and dependent prayer to the God in the power of the Spirit in the name of Jesus.

Ch 33

What do you consider the most important elements in effective reconciliations?
If you were asked to state simply and clearly how to be reconciled to God, what would you say?

Aug 2nd, 2009

Compare Genesis 1-2:3 with Gen 2:4-25. Why do you think there are two accounts of creation? Write a list of all the things you learn about God and about Humans in these two accounts.
Why do you think God made humans?
What do you think God is trying to communicate about himself in Genesis 1 & 2 and in scripture generally? Where else might you find out about God? What’s the difference between what you find out about God in scripture and what you find out from other sources?

July 19th, 2009

Think of the various ‘needs’ you have in your life. Where does ‘experiencing forgiveness and reconciliation with God’ feature on the list?
What was the most significant experience you have had of being forgiven, or of forgiving someone else? What did you learn from this?
The man in the story was brought to Jesus by his friends. What role have friends had in your own journey of faith? What role have you been able to play in other peoples faith journey’s?

July 12th, 2009

What do you understand by the term “Lamb of God”, which John the Baptist uses to refer to Jesus? (cf John 1:29-31) What did the first disciples know already (about God generally and/or the Messiah specifically) that helped them understand who Jesus was?
Who was it who first introduced you to Jesus? What was/is it about Jesus that caused/s you to follow him? Do you think it’s the same for everyone?
What aspect of Jesus might be the thing which causes your person of peace to follow Jesus? How might you introduce Jesus to them?

July 5th, 2009

Paul was greatly distressed when he saw all the idols in Athens. What are you 'greatly distressed about' in the world around you? Might God be leading you to get involved in some way?
Paul was invited by the philosophers to talk about Christianity. How would you feel if you had a similar opportunity? What would you say?
Paul says that God created the world so that men and women would seek him and reach out for him and find him. What could you do this week, to help someone seek and reach out to Jesus?

June 28th, 2009

Do you currently have a “Person of Peace”? If you do, how’s the relationship going?
What are some of the recreational or other contexts for connecting naturally with others in your life?
What is one thing you could do this week to make a meaningful, gospel connection in that context?

June 21st, 2009

Where do you think the safest place to "try out" prophecy is? Why? Who do you think is meant to benefit from prophecy?
Why do you think Paul makes "such a big deal" of prophecy and its practise? What do you think the implications are for "speaking the words of God" to other people?
What aspect of the prophetic are you prepared to engage with now? What do you need to get clarification on? How do you think you can support those who have or want the gift of prophecy, even if you don't?

June 14th, 2009

In this historical account (John 4:1-42) of just one episode of Jesus' ministry, some 2000 years ago, what amazes you most about Jesus? How has this 'supernatural' ability of Jesus to know things about us changed? What does God know about you that no one else knows?
Why do you think that the woman was so impacted by what Jesus knew about her? What do you think was at the heart of this encounter for Jesus? How would it affect you and your friends if a complete stranger was able to "speak into your lives" like that?
If it's true that Jesus is inviting us to "come and be a part of what God is doing in the world", how does it make you feel to think that you might be the one with the "knowing"? How would you make sure that your heart's purpose would match God's?

June 7th, 2009

What do you see as the fundamental difference between the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy? Why does Paul say he prefers one over the other? (see 1 Cor 14:1-25)
Have you ever been in churches (either ours or other ones) where this has occurred in public worship? What was your experience like? What effect did it have on you?
Why do you think most churches don’t tend to get involved in this kind of thing? Why do you think St Matt’s is choosing to? How does it make you feel and how do you see yourself getting involved?

May 31st, 2009

Jesus said if we know him, we also know the Father. To what extent can we say this about ourselves?
"We're in it together!" Think of one area of your life which you can invite God, and other people, to be more involved in this week.
We'll be thinking more about prophecy and hearing God's voice in the next few weeks. Take a few moments this week to prayer and ask God to speak to you. If nothing seems to happen - try again the next day! Talk to a friend about your experience.

May 24th, 2009

Whilst the word that came to Jeremiah the Prophet was specifically for him, in what ways can you relate to his response? What characteristics of God can you glean: in relation to the prophet; in relation to the nations?
Compare today's passage (Jer 1:4-19) to last week's, (1 Sam 3:1-19). What similarities & differences can you see between the two prophets and between their two messages?
What fundamental differences can you discern between their messages and any messages we might receive today; culturally, contextually, (i.e. Since the coming of Jesus and Holy Spirit at Pentecost), individually and communally?

May 17 th, 2009

Whilst the word that came to Jeremiah the Prophet was specifically for him, in what ways can you relate to his response? What characteristics of God can you glean: in relation to the prophet; in relation to the nations?
Compare today’s passage (Jer 1:4-19) to last week’s, (1 Sam 3:1-19). What similarities & differences can you see between the two prophets and between their two messages?
What fundamental differences can you discern between their messages and any messages we might receive today; culturally, contextually, (i.e. Since the coming of Jesus and Holy Spirit at Pentecost), individually and communally?

May 9 th, 2009

This week let's consider the first time that God the Holy Spirit encountered us. How did this occur, and what were the circumstances and significant factors?
The passage mentions water. Why is water so important in the process that the passage describes? The passage also talks about idols. Is there still idol worship today, or is idol worship a thing of the past?
Finally, what does the writer mean by the exchange of hearts of stone with hearts of flesh?

Apr 26th, 2009

Who do you most admire for their sacrificial lifestyle? What is it specifically that they do or have done that you respect?
How do you feel about laying your life down so that others might live? In what practical ways might this be possible? What dangers might there be in this attitude?
Jesus literally gave his life. In what situations might you be called to give your life? (Literally and/or metaphorically). What would you need to know to be convinced that it was right to do so?

Apr 19th, 2009

Does John 20 verse 19 suggest that the disciples may still have been doubting? What convinced them that Jesus had truly risen from the dead? What moved Thomas to make his wholehearted committal to faith? How can one who has not see the Lord Jesus be led to faith in the risen Lord?
In verses 21-23, the risen Christ commissions his apostles. Consider: by what authority, by what power and for what purpose does he send them?
Though Peter failed he was recommissioned by Jesus What can this teach us about the Peter’s condition and the nature of the Saviour, Jesus Christ?

Apr 5th, 2009

In the run-up to Easter, take a few moments to reflect on the difference that Jesus' servanthood, his suffering and his death has made in your life. Thank him for this in a few moments of prayer - and find a way of sharing this with someone else this week.

Mar 29th, 2009

Describe an occasion when you may have experienced God’s goodness in a special way in your life. What were some of the consequences or actions that followed? Was there some lack of responses to that experience of God’s special power in your life that you might have regretted?
Are we sometimes tempted to make what may be called an expedient response to a crisis or stressful situation? What guidelines does scripture provide for making decisions at such times?
“As this bread was scattered upon the hills and was gathered together and made one, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.” In what ways do these words challenge us to missionary ministry at St. Matthew’s?

Mar 22nd, 2009

How are we, as followers of Jesus, to approach death?

How much does the subject of death cross your mind?
Many people fear death, why do you think this is?
In the passage you may have noticed that Jesus has His own agenda, which surprises those around Him. What lessons can we learn about this, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
What are the things that you regret about the past? How are you able to overcome living in regret?
What positives can you offer when discussing the subject of death?

March 15th, 2009

Think about the people you know at St Matt’s. What gifts and abilities stand out about them? Make a list of all the people you know and all the things they do. Give thanks to God for them right now. How would you approach learning from those people?
How do you think you might have appeared on other people’s lists? How about giving thanks to God for who you are right now. How could you help others to develop gifts and skills like yours?
What about the gift of generosity? How have you exercised it in the past? How are you using it now? What challenges and threats are there to the exercising of this gift, personally and as a church? What challenges and threats are there to using any gift?

March 8th, 2009

Reflect on the last few weeks’ talks on Finding Financial Freedom. What has God said to you? How have you chosen to respond?
Think about the five motivations for giving we talked about today; self-interest, obedience, gratitude, vision, and love. Which of these motivations are strongest for you currently? Which of these motivations would you like to be more important in your own giving?
We’ve talked about accountability many times at St Matt’s—about having at least one person to whom you give permission to ask you hard questions about your life. Who are you accountable to about your giving and finances?

March 1st, 2009

Other than your house, what is your biggest debt? Are you in control of it, or is it in control of you?
How do you feel about your debt? Does it enhance your life or burden it?
When was the last time you saved up for something before you bought it? How did that feel?
How do you think your debt or savings affects your Christian Witness?

Feb 22nd, 2009

What new concepts regarding financial stewardship have you learnt so far in this series? Would you say you have a financial plan? What form does it take?
How do you make decisions about you church tithe? “10/10/80” – are you starting from the right direction or are you an “85/10/whatever’s left” kind of person?
How would you describe your spending patterns: Impulsive; Compulsive; Revenge; Boredom; Special Interest; Status? How do you think God might be speaking to you about your pattern?

Feb 15th, 2009

What good decisions have you made in regards to money in the past? What bad decision have you made?
Do you feel financially free? What can you identify that is making you feel constrained? What would you like to achieve with your money?
What do you think financial freedom should look like for St Matt’s? Have you thought about your part in that?
Some people say, “The last part of us to be converted is our hip pocket” – what do you think about that?

Feb 8th, 2009

As we’re beginning another year together; here’s a quick reminder of the purpose of the Follow-up Questions. The idea behind them is to maximise the benefit of the sermon. That is, let’s make each sermon as much of a Kairos moment as possible by: observing, reflecting, discussing, planning, accounting & acting on what God seems to be saying through the sermon.

We recommend joining an M-Pod where discussion on the topics will often be led and should ultimately lead to mission/action as individuals and groups. But you can just as easily do this after the church services or over a coffee with a friend, etc. The important thing is to try to make the most of what God wants for your life.

So, some good questions to ask after this week’s sermon, which is mainly about our Vision for the church, are:

Where are we at (really) with the Vision? (Where am I at?)
Where do we want to be? (Where do I want to be / what do I want to achieve?)
How will we get there? (How can I get involved / contribute to what’s happening?)