Real – Real Commitment
February 16, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. Our sermon this week dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not found in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What is one thing you have committed to for a long time (hobby, job, relationship, etc.)? What made you stay committed?
- Have you ever backed out of something you initially felt confident about? What held you back?
- If you could describe your commitment to faith in one word, what would it be?
The Main Idea:
When we say we are in, we will have REAL Commitment
Scripture
- Luke 18:18-23 – The Rich Young Ruler
- Revelation 3:14-22 – The Church of Laodicea
- Acts 19:18-20 – The Ephesians Burning Their Past
- Luke 9:23-25 – Taking Up Your Cross
- Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission
Discussion
- In Luke 18:18-23, what was the rich young ruler’s struggle with commitment? What modern-day “wealth” or comfort keeps people from fully committing to Christ?
- In Revelation 3:14-22, how does Jesus describe the church of Laodicea? What does being lukewarm in our faith mean, and how can we avoid this?
- The Ephesians in Acts 19:18-20 physically burned their past to show their commitment to Jesus. What symbolic (or literal) steps must we take today to show our commitment?
- Luke 9:23-25 speaks about denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus. What does this practically look like in daily life?
- Matthew 28:18-20 is Jesus’ command to make disciples. Why do you think commitment to Christ includes personal faith and sharing that faith with others?
- How do you think comfort and security impact our willingness to commit fully to Jesus?
- What “ships” do you need to burn to surrender to Christ’s calling in your life fully?
Action Steps
- Identify one thing that is holding you back from full commitment to Christ. Pray about how to surrender it this week.
- If you have never been baptized, consider taking that step of commitment.
- Make a tangible step toward serving in your church—whether joining a ministry, signing up to volunteer, or increasing your generosity.
- Reach out to one person this week and encourage them in their faith journey.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, grace, and patience as we learn what it means to be fully committed to You. Help us to release the things that hold us back, to step out in faith, and to trust You completely. Give us the courage to burn the ships of our past and walk boldly into the future You have for us. Strengthen us to love You with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and to live lives that glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Real – Real Grace
February 9, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. Our sermon this week dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not found in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- Can you share a time when someone showed you unexpected grace? How did it impact you?
- Why do you think it’s often easier to receive grace than to extend it?
- Have you ever found it difficult to forgive someone? What made it hard?
The Main Idea:
WHEN WE FAIL ONE ANOTHER, AND WE WILL, WE WILL OFFER REAL GRACE.
Scripture & Discussion
1. The Reality of Failure
📖 Matthew 10:32-33 (NLT)
- Why do you think acknowledging Jesus publicly is tied to how He acknowledges us before God?
- Have you ever struggled with standing firm in your faith?
📖 John 18:17-18, 25-27 (NLT)
- What do you think Peter was feeling when he denied Jesus?
- How do we sometimes deny Jesus in our daily lives?
2. Jesus’ Restoration of Peter
📖 John 21:9, 15-17 (NLT)
- Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him?
- What does this interaction teach us about grace and restoration?
3. The Call to Offer Real Grace
📖 Matthew 18:15-17 (NLT)
- How does Jesus instruct us to handle conflict with others?
- Why is seeking restoration instead of condemnation important in relationships?
📖 Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
- What does it mean to forgive as Christ forgave us?
- How can we actively show kindness and compassion even when it’s hard?
4. Understanding the Challenge of Grace
📖 Romans 5:8 (NLT)
- How does this verse challenge our view of who deserves grace?
- How can remembering the grace we’ve received change how we extend it to others?
Action Steps
- Identify someone in your life who may need grace and take one intentional step toward reconciliation.
- Pray for God to help you extend grace, even when it feels undeserved.
- Meditate on Ephesians 4:32 this week and ask God to reveal areas where you need to grow in showing grace.
Prayer:
“Father, thank You for the grace You have lavished upon us through Jesus. We confess that we often struggle to extend grace to others, especially when we feel hurt or betrayed. Teach us to love like You, to forgive like You, and to seek restoration rather than condemnation. Help us to be real people pursuing the real Jesus, together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Real – Real Risk
February 2, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. Our sermon this week dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not found in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- If your faith were a song title, what would it be? (“Jesus Take the Wheel” is a great example!)
- What’s the smallest thing you’ve ever prayed for? The biggest?
- On a scale from 1-10, how big is your faith? What led you to rate it that way?
The Main Idea:
We will be faith-filled followers who take real risks for Jesus.
Scripture Passages
Jesus was amazed by both lack of faith and great faith:
- Mark 6:5-6 – Lack of Faith
- Luke 7:9 – Great Faith
How big is your faith? Rate yourself: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Three Faith-Filled Facts
- You cannot play it safe and please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
- As long as you have a guarantee, you don’t have faith. (Hebrews 11:1)
- You have to step away from your security to step toward your destiny. (Hebrews 11:8)
More Scripture Reading
- Hebrews 11 – The Hall of Faith
- Matthew 16:25 – Losing life to find it
- 2 Samuel 10:12 – Be strong and courageous
- James 1:5-6 – Ask for wisdom in faith
- 1 Peter 1:5-9 – Tested faith is genuine
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We live by faith, not sight
Discussion Questions
- Have you ever had a moment of faith like the centurion in Capernaum? What inspired you to believe?
- What specific fears or doubts hold you back from complete faith in God? What could help you strengthen that trust?
- What are some things you’ve learned in the past when you stepped out in faith?
- In what areas are you relying on a guarantee instead of God’s amazing grace?
- What securities could be keeping you from your destiny? How radical are you willing to get to let go of them?
- What is something that you know is good but still scares you?
Action Steps
- Group Challenge: What are we doing as a group that requires faith-filled, big-thinking, bet-the-farm risk-taking? What else can WE do?
- Personal Challenge: Write down three godly risks you’re inspired to take. Post the list somewhere visible for the rest of this series.
- Church Challenge: What faith-filled step will you take to be more a part of the WE in our church?
- Get Involved: Pick one way to engage in faith-filled action with our church community.
Prayer:
Ask God to increase your faith, to help you step out of your comfort zone, and to trust Him fully with your future.
Real – Real Family
January 26, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. This week’s sermon dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What is a tradition or unique quality that makes your family special?
- Who is someone outside your biological family who has made you feel like part of theirs?
- What comes to mind when you hear the word “family”?
Scripture Passages
Mark 3:31-35 (NLT)
- “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
John 13:35 (NLT)
- “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NLT)
- “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
- “Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Colossians 3:9-15 (NLT)
- “Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Discussion Questions
Opening Reflections
- When you think of the phrase “real family,” what qualities stand out to you?
- How do Jesus’ words in Mark 3 challenge or affirm your view of family?
Digging Deeper
- Why do you think Jesus prioritized the family of God over His biological family in Mark 3?
- How can we balance the needs of our biological families with the call to serve the family of God?
- John 13:35 says our love for one another proves we are His disciples. How can we demonstrate this love in practical ways?
- According to Ephesians 4, unity requires humility, gentleness, and patience. Which of these is the hardest for you to practice in relationships?
- In Colossians 3, Paul calls us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. How does this affect how we handle conflicts in the church?
Personal Application
- Reflecting on the BIGGER question: Do I display this kind of commitment to my church brothers and sisters? What’s one area where you can grow?
- How can your group actively “fight to be a real family” in the coming weeks?
Action Steps
- Identify a Need: Reach out to a fellow church member this week to check in, offer help, or simply encourage them.
- Forgive and Reconcile: If there’s tension or unresolved conflict with someone in the church, take a step toward reconciliation.
- Serve Together: Plan a group activity to serve the church or the community as a united family.
- Commit to Gathering: Make it a priority to attend small group and Sunday services regularly to strengthen your spiritual family.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for inviting us into Your family and calling us Your children. Help us reflect Your love by how we care for one another. Teach us to prioritize unity, humility, and forgiveness so the world may see Your presence in us. May we grow in love and commitment to one another, standing together as a real family of faith. We ask for Your Spirit to guide us as we pursue You together. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Real – Real People
January 19, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. This week’s sermon dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What is your favorite childhood game of hide-and-seek, and do you have a funny memory of playing it?
- What would you do if you could be completely invisible for one day, and why?
- What’s one thing most people don’t know about you but wouldn’t be surprised to learn?
Scripture Passages
- Genesis 3:6-9 (NLT)
- 2 Timothy 1:8 (NLT)
- Revelation 12:11 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
- Exploring the “Why” of Hiding
- Read Genesis 3:6-9. Why did Adam and Eve feel the need to hide after their sin?
- How does shame impact our willingness to be vulnerable with others?
- Have you ever felt like you needed to “sew fig leaves” to cover something about yourself? What was that like?
- The Power of Authenticity
- Discuss how authenticity can positively impact relationships, workplaces, and leadership. Why do you think Gen Z values authenticity so highly?
- What practical ways can we model “real people pursuing the real Jesus” in our daily lives?
- Courage to Share Our Stories
- Read 2 Timothy 1:8. Why might someone feel ashamed to share their faith or testimony?
- Revelation 12:11 says, “They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony.” How does sharing our story help us grow stronger in faith and defeat fear?
- Sharing Our Testimony
- Break into smaller pairs or groups and discuss these elements of testimony:
- Before Christ – What was life like before knowing Jesus?
- How You Met Jesus – What key moments or people led you to Christ?
- What Christ Is Doing in You Now – How is God working in your life today?
Action Steps
- Write Your Testimony
This week, write down your testimony using the framework discussed (Before Christ, Meeting Jesus, and What Christ Is Doing Now). - Share Authentically
Commit to sharing a piece of your testimony with one person this week. It could be a friend, family member, or coworker. - Embrace Vulnerability
Identify one area in your life where you feel tempted to “hide” and pray about how you can become authentic.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for seeing us fully and loving us completely. Give us the courage to leave behind our “fig leaves” and live authentically in Your grace. Help us to embrace our imperfections, knowing that You use them to display Your perfect love. Strengthen us to share our stories so that others may see Your power and goodness in our lives. May we be real people who reflect the real Jesus to a world in need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Real – Real Purpose
January 12, 2025
Description:
In a world filled with distractions and competing definitions of success, it’s easy to lose sight of why we are truly here. This week’s sermon dives into God’s design for our lives, revealing that our ultimate purpose is not in personal achievements or fleeting pursuits but in fulfilling the great commission. Being a disciple maker is not just a calling for a select few; it’s a purpose embedded in every believer’s identity. Explore how Jesus’ example and command to “go and make disciples” equips us to live lives of eternal significance, impacting others while drawing closer to God.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever shared with someone? How did they react?
- Imagine you were at a well like the woman in the story. Who is one unexpected person you would love to bump into and why?
- What’s the most unique or memorable way someone has shared good news with you?
Scripture Passages
Matthew 28:19 (NLT):
- 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
John 4:19 (NLT):
- 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet.”
Deuteronomy 18:15 (NLT):
- 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
John 15:8 (NLT):
- 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.
Acts 11:26 (NIV):
- When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Discussion Questions
- In the story of the woman at the well, how did Jesus demonstrate intentionality in reaching someone often overlooked? What can we learn from his approach to evangelism?
- How does the concept of bearing fruit in John 15:8 connect to making disciples? What kind of “fruit” do you think Jesus expects from our lives?
- The woman at the well immediately told others about her encounter with Jesus. What does that teach us about the role of personal testimony when it comes to sharing the gospel?
- Jesus met the woman where she was, both physically and spiritually. How can we apply that principle to share Christ with others?
- How do you spell filling our purpose as disciple-makers bring glory to God, as described in John 15:8?
Action Steps
- What fears or obstacles have kept you from sharing your faith like the woman at the well? How can you overcome them?
- Who is someone in your life that you feel God is calling you to reach out to? What step can you take this week to engage them in a meaningful conversation about faith?
- How can your small group or Fork Christian Church better support one another in fulfilling our purpose as disciple-makers?
Prayer:
God, thank you for revealing to us the true purpose of our lives, to know you, and to make you known to others. We are humbled by the example of Jesus, who reached out with love and truth to those in need, just as he did with the woman at the well. Help us to follow his example, sharing the hope and joy of the gospel with those around us. We ask for courage to step out in faith, wisdom to speak your truth with love, and sensitivity to meet people where they are. May we bear fruit that glorifies you, as you have called us to be disciple-makers in every aspect of our lives.
Real – Real Truth
January 5, 2025
Description:
We are a real family who together pursue the real Jesus. We empower one another to lead right, live real, love deeply, and give completely to the purpose Jesus is calling us to live. We make disciples in our homes, in our hobbies, and in other habitats around the world. Every Sunday, we keep it real, keep it relevant, and keep it about Jesus so that every day, we keep it real, keep it relational, and keep it all about Jesus. In this sermon series, we go to the real truth in order to be real men, real women, and real families who are pursuing the real Jesus together!
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What conspiracy theory have you heard of that made you question its validity? Why?
- Share a time when you discovered something you believed was true turned out to be false.
- Who has been the most influential person in shaping your understanding of truth?
Scripture Passages
Jeremiah 17:5, 9 (NLT):
- “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.”
- “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT):
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT):
- “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT):
- “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
John 8:31-32 (NLT):
- “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Discussion Questions
- In Jeremiah 17:5 and 9, why is trusting in human strength and the heart warned against? How does this apply to discerning truth today?
- What does Proverbs 3:5-6 teach us about finding guidance and truth? Share a time you struggled to trust God’s direction.
- Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as alive and powerful. How have you experienced the Bible revealingthe truth in your life?
- Voddie Baucham describes the Bible as a reliable historical document. How does this understanding strengthen your faith in its truth?
- In John 8:31-32, Jesus speaks of remaining faithful to His teachings. What practical steps can we take to live out this truth daily?
Action Steps
- Evaluate Your Sources: Reflect on the primary sources of truth in your life (Google, social media, family, friends, Scripture). Are they reliable?
- Commit to Bible Study: This week, choose one of the passages above to study using the 3 Steps:
- Observation: What does the passage say?
- Interpretation: What does it mean?
- Application: What will you do about it?
- Memorize Scripture: Select one verse from this study to memorize and meditate on daily.
- Engage in Conversations: Share what you’ve learned about truth with a friend or coworker and ask for their thoughts.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of all truth. We confess that we often rely on our own understanding or the opinions of others. Help us to trust in You with all our hearts and seek Your will in everything we do. Guide us as we study Your Word and reveal Your truth to us through it. May we live as disciples of Christ, faithful to His teachings, and let Your truth set us free. In Jesus’ name, Amen.