WORSHIP GUIDE: September 8, 2024
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10:45am
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MESSAGE NOTES
”Finding Hope in Fixed Realities”
Series: “Live as an Exile: A Study of 1st Peter”
Brett Ferguson, GPC Member
1 Peter 1:1-3
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Exiles Find
Jesus is
Our Identity:
Sanctified by the
What are you allowing to define you?
GRACE POINT CHURCH SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
September 8, 2024
Speaker: Brett Ferguson
Title: “Finding Hope In Fixed Realities”
Series: 1 Peter “Live as Exiles”
Primary Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-6
Opening Prayer, Ice-Breaker, Worship: (begin with prayer, a fun ice-breaker, or a time of worship)
Recap & Context of Sermon:
Exiles find hope in a fixed reality. We have been elected by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and atoned by the blood of Jesus. When our identity is in Christ, we have a living hope, as well as a “fixed response” as He makes us more like Him.
Read the Text: 1 Peter 1:1-6
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,” (ESV)
Key Verse this Week:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
Small Group Discussion Questions:
- Our true identity is as “elect exiles,” what does it mean to be an exile? What does this mean for us today?
- Brett used the example of staying with “your people” when getting off the cruise ship at a stop. How are we called to live differently as exiled people?
- Read 1 Peter 1:3 - what does it mean to have a living hope? How does that change the way we live our lives? How has a living hope encouraged you in your walk with Christ?
- Apart from the Gospel, we do not have a fixed reality. What temporary identities have you found yourself in even in the past week? How can we as a group live out our identity as exiles in a temporary world?
- We have been elected by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and atoned by the blood of Jesus. How do these truths give us hope? Flesh out each truth.
- What is our “fixed response” as elected exiles in light of these truths in the previous question? How can we live out that response this week?
Application: We were exiles, with no fixed realities. Yet because of Christ, we have been elected by the Father, sanctified by the Spirit, and atoned by the blood of Jesus. We have a fixed response as Jesus becomes our center of focus.
Time of Honor: “Outdo one-another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). Take a few minutes to honor one-another in the group, encouraging in traits that you see modeled well as followers of Christ.
Prayer: How can we as a group help/support/pray for one-another?
GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP: October 26 through November 2 – We have roughly 8 spots available. For more info about this trip reference click HERE.
FOUR NEW GROUPS Worshipping together on Sundays is essential for Christ-followers, but we all need the connections and support we find only in Groups. We’ll have some new groups staring in August/September! Find information about our groups, including the new ones, HERE, or go HERE to explore becoming a leader. Contact Jared@gracepointchurch.net or Tim@gracepointchurch.net if you need help.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES: New studies begin in September, “Revelation” on Tuesday mornings. “The Lord’s Prayer,” 6am, Thursday, and “Encountering God” on Thursday evenings. See details and register HERE.
GPC MEN’S FALL DISCIPLESHIP STUDY: THE GOSPEL OF MARK: This eight-week study will be taught by GPC Elder Gary Peevy, with two options: Mondays at 6:00am (beginning September 9) or Wednesdays at 7:00pm (beginning September 11). Register HERE.
CORE CLASS: THE ESSENTIALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH: Curious about what we believe and why we believe it? Join us for this two-week class as we explore the seven core doctrines of Christianity: the Trinity, the full deity and humanity of Christ, the spiritual lostness of the human race, the substitutionary atonement and bodily resurrection of Christ, Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, the physical return of Christ, and the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. Childcare is provided and light refreshments and coffee will be available. There is no cost for the course. Taught by Jared Stevens. Register HERE.
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