10.25.15 | Gospel In Community: A People Thinking Biblically

Dr. David Whitaker | James 1:18-27

God's Word humbles us. Most of us tend to look at the Bible as a book full of good advice. And when we come across something that doesn't quite agree with us, we skip over it. We take some things and leave others. But if the Bible is the authoritative truth and guide for life, we have to live under its authority. All or nothing.

Download or listen to A People Thinking Biblically to hear more.

10.18.15 | Gospel in Community: Love Selflessly—Consider the Source

Roger Malech | 1 John 4:7-11, 19

The Bible is God's love story to us. Scripture says that God is love... but what does that mean? How do we know what love feels like or how to love others? What is the source?

Download or listen to Love Selflessly—Consider the Source to hear more.

These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.

  1. What is your take away from this message?
  2. What does the idea that you are beloved mean to you? What comes up in you consider that you are the "Beloved of God"?
  3. Consider the times you have been able to love those who are "unlovable." What is the common circumstance or theme?
  4. Have you experienced times when you have asked God to change your heart toward someone, and it didn't happen? How did you respond? Did you notice something between you and God? How did you and God work it out?
  5. What does God think about you? Is it difficult to believe that Jesus likes you?
  6. Read the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). Of the main characters, who is ambivalent toward his father's love? Who believes he is not worthy and stays away? Who believes he is worthy? Who believes he is not worthy but comes close anyway? Which of the brothers received grace?
  7. Consider the source of love. How do we come to the source of love? If we know we can't earn God's love, what is the reason we tend to try so hard to do so?
  8. What do we require of others in order for us to love them?
  9. What does God require of us in order for Him to love us?
  10. Applying Scripture to our lives is important. Contemplate the truth that we love because God first loved us. Thank Him for his grace-filled love!
  11. Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study.

10.11.15 | Gospel in Community: Relationship Matters

Dr. David Whitaker | Genesis 1:26-31, 2:18; Acts 2:42-47

Everything that has been happening in our culture—the campus shootings, the Syrian refugee crisis, the Middle East, our own U.S. politics—it's overwhelming. It reminds us that relationships are broken, but they are so vital to our lives. But there's a struggle happening...

Download or listen to Relationship Matters to hear more.

10.4.15 | Gospel in Community: Gospel of Grace

Dr. David Whitaker | Ephesians 2:1-10

How does God's grace affect us individually? Collectively? As a church? In school? At work? God's gospel of grace should be permeating every area of our lives. Each and every one of us needs to grow up in this gospel and we need each other to do that. 

Download or listen to Gospel of Grace to hear more.

These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.

  1. What is your take away from this message?
  2. What was one of the best gifts you received as a child? What made it so special to you?
  3. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What does it mean to be "dead in sin"? What caused this? Why must God take the initiative to give life? How does Christ's experience (1:20-23) compare to ours (2:5-7)?
  4. What is the relation between wrath and love (2:3-4)? Between grace and works (2:8-10)?
  5. Read John 1:14-18. How would someone "full of grace and truth" treat others? Have you received his grace and truth? Are you giving grace and truth to others?
  6. Applying Scripture to our lives is important. What is keeping you from receiving God's grace? What is keeping you from giving God's grace?
  7. Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study.

9.27.15 | Gospel In Community: God's Revelation

Dr. David Whitaker | Matthew 7:24-27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Our mission as a church—as Morgan Hill Bible Church—is to connect into a vital relationship with Jesus. This bottom line comes straight from Scripture—from the Great Commission. And Scripture is the revelation of God.

Download or listen to God's Revelation to hear more.

These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.

  1. What is your take away from this message?
  2. Read Matthew 7:24-27. How do the differences and similarities between the two house builders reflect the people who heard Jesus? What kind of commitment is Jesus calling for here?
  3. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What does Paul say about the origin and purpose of Scripture?
  4. How is this relevant to what he said earlier (see 2 Timothy 3:1-15)?
  5. Why would the temptation to tell people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear be a temptation?
  6. What was Jesus focused on (see John 5:17, 19, 30)? How will you build the same into your own life?
  7. Applying Scripture to our lives is important. Is the foundation of your life on solid rock or sand (in other words, do you just believe in the Bible or are you surrendered to it)? What would you have to tear down in order to shore up that foundation? How can someone else help you in this process?
  8. What is the "next step" that the Lord is leading you to take? Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study.

9.20.15 | Gospel In Community: What is this Community?

Dr. David Whitaker | Ephesians 4:1-16

Why do we get together every week? Church, youth groups, small groups... why? And what does it look like when a community of believers allow the Gospel be the center of everything we do? How does that affect us and our community? 

Download or listen to What is this Community? to hear more.

These questions are provided for your further study and application of this message. It is helpful to discuss your answers with others such as your Community Group, family, friends or an accountability partner.

  1. What is your take away from this message?
  2. Reading between the lines, what do you think Paul was concerned about in Ephesus?
  3. What qualities ought to characterize a "life worthy of the calling?" What happens when believers live out these qualities? How does each quality promote unity? How does viewing God the Father add to our unity?
  4. What is the purpose of the various gifts (vv.8-13)?
  5. What is the different between the unity that already exists (vv.3-6) and the unity that is still to come (vv.13-16)?
  6. What is the climatic point of the passage? How will this happen?
  7. Of the 5 qualities listed in v.2, which one needs to be developed most in your life? What relationship will profit from that quality now?
  8. What does "speaking the truth in love" mean as opposed to love without truth or truth without love?
  9. From this passage, what is the problem with living the Christian life apart from the church? In what way do you need others? What strength can you give others?
  10. Applying the Scripture to our lives is important. What is the "next step" that the Lord is leading you to take? Write out a prayer in response to what the Lord has taught you through this study.