Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Evangelism: Sharing the Good News

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

When we read stories, especially those found in the Bible, we cannot help but compare ourselves with the characters we read about. I'm curious, when you read this parable of Jesus, did you see yourself more like the rich man or did you see yourself more like Lazarus?

What kind of insights did you get about yourself from this story?

How do we keep from responding to people in a stereotypical fashion? (E.g. Assuming that all wealthy people are greedy. Or assuming that all homeless people are lazy, or that they have put themselves in a bad situation.)

What is our responsibility to the people right outside our own doors?

Is it easier to share the Gospel with a rich man, or with a beggar who is hungry and suffering?

The reading for the day is:

Joshua 9:3–10:43

Luke 16:19–17:10

Psalm 83:1-18

Proverbs 13:4

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

In this passage, Jesus is talking about principles of discipleship. I know that our theme this week has been growing in holiness. How are holiness and discipleship connected to each other?

So here in this passage, Jesus taught us to count the cost of being a disciple. We have to be willing to give up everything to follow Jesus. I suppose there is also a cost to becoming more holy, or becoming more like Jesus.

Do you think your calling to be a disciple of Jesus is like an unfinished building? How?

Do you think you're calling to be holy is similar to facing a vast army that you cannot defeat? Describe that.

The reading for the day is:

Joshua 3:1–4:24

Luke 14:7-35

Psalm 80:1-19

Proverbs 12:27-28

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

I love this passage of scripture. I have heard it quoted on more than one occasion, especially when people faced situations that made them afraid. Three times God told Joshua to "be strong and courageous” (vv. 6, 7, 9). Is this one of your go-to verses when you are facing fear?

So this is not just a passage that teaches us to be strong and courageous because God is with us, it is also a passage that teaches us the importance of studying and obeying the Word of God?

What does studying the Word of God look like for the average person who has a family, a job, and responsibilities?

What are some of the favorite tools that you use to help you study the Bible?

The reading for the day is:

Deuteronomy 34:1—Joshua 2:24

Luke 13:22–14:6

Psalm 79:1-13

Proverbs 12:26

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

So often I hear Christians make comments on some major headline and put their own perspective or even give a Biblical interpretation about the event. I read the scripture today and realized that is nothing new.

I have heard some people who claimed that this story did not take into account how fig trees produce fruit. Some people have said that a fig tree was not expected to produce a crop until the third year. So in the story, the owner of the vineyard was being unreasonable. Is that accurate?

How do we strike a balance between warning people about fruit bearing and encouraging people about fruit bearing?

Was there ever a season of sterility in your Christian walk? How did God bring you out of that?

The reading for the day is:

Deuteronomy 33:1-29

Luke 13:1-21

Psalm 78:65-72

Proverbs 12:25

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

Yesterday we talked a lot about how one generation assumes they are the standard for the next generation. When I read verse 56, it seemed like a perfect description of the generation we live in. We can interpret the weather (sort of?), but we miss the clear signs of the spiritual timeline in which we live.

That is an interesting perspective, especially because in our modern generation, Christians are often accused of being divisive. Are you suggesting it is actually Jesus who creates division?

Obviously we do not want to see families divided. How do we respond when one or two members of a family unit believe in Jesus and it creates division within that family?

What kind of division do we see in our day that might be a "cloud," or a sign that we should pay attention to?

The reading for the day is:

Deuteronomy 32:28-52

Luke 12:35-59

Psalm 78:56-64

Proverbs 12:24

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Sanctification: Growing in Holiness

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Sheryl Daughety, and Wendy Korbusieski discuss the following questions:

I noticed in the reading today that God used a song to teach Israel about keeping His teachings.

What are some Christian songs you learned as a child that taught you Godly principles that helped you in life? (e.g. Jesus Loves Me; Amazing Grace; This Little Light of Mine; etc.)

How much responsibility should one generation take for the actions of the next generation?

Are you concerned about the future generations of America?

The reading for the day is:

Deuteronomy 31:1–32:27

Luke 12:8-34

Psalm 78:32-55

Proverbs 12:21-23

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Salvation: God’s Solution to Sin

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

Earlier this week, we talked about this section of Luke being called the Travel Narrative. It describes Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, where He would be crucified. I noticed that this was the only house on that journey that actually welcomed Jesus.

You know, I’ve heard about this passage a lot. I’ve heard a lot of preachers talk about how Martha was busy with all the preparations of a meal, and Mary was just sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him teach. But I’ve never really thought about this passage in the context of Jesus going to Jerusalem and needing a place to welcome Him.

Do you think of yourself more like Martha or more like Mary?

Jesus clearly commended Mary for listening to His teaching. But don’t we need both kinds of people in the church? We need both workers and worshipers, right?

The reading for the day is:

Deuteronomy 26:1–27:26

Luke 10:38–11:13

Psalm 76:1-12

Proverbs 12:15-17

Theme From Sunday's Sermon: Salvation: God’s Solution to Sin

On this edition of One Single Story, Pastors Stephen Mizell, Jay Rivenbark, and Alyssa Bream discuss the following questions:

We’ve been talking this week about salvation as God’s solution for sin. We’ve talked about being familiar with Jesus’ teachings and miracles without being converted. We’ve talked about the dangers of rejecting the message of Jesus. And we’ve talked about Jesus’ radical call to follow Him first and foremost. When I was reading the psalm in our daily reading today, I was hit with a strong reminder that there will be a Judgment Day for the wicked if they reject God’s salvation.

So, God’s judgment tastes good? I’ve always thought of judgment as something bad. In this illustration, why would it not be bitter-tasting?

Is sin sort of like a tasty alcoholic drink? You just keep drinking, becoming more numb and more drunk on sin over time, unaware of coming judgment?

Does it bother you that the psalmist presented God as a barkeeper slash assassin?

What is the solution for avoiding this cup of wine?

The reading for the day is:

Deuteronomy 23:1–25:19

Luke 10:13-37

Psalm 75:1-10

Proverbs 12:12-14