Digging Deeper Sermon Resources
Diving Deeper sermon recap
Sermon Small Group locations and times:
Wednesdays @ Rolling Hills Church Community Center 6p-8p
Wednesdays @ The Drayer’s house 8030 Saltsburg Road Plum, PA 15239 6:30p-8p
Subject: Reflecting on Sunday's Sermon: Righteousness and Redemption
Dear Church Family, I hope this message finds you all well and reflecting on the powerful sermon we shared this past Sunday. As we continue to ponder the teachings, here are some key takeaways from Genesis: Roots of Our Redemption – God Hears: -
**The Impact of Righteousness**: Our presence and actions as righteous individuals can have a profound and positive influence on our families, coworkers, and community leaders. Like Abraham's intercession for Sodom, our righteousness has the power to preserve and bless our society. -
**Divine Judgment and Human Responsibility**: The story of Sodom and Gomorrah challenges us to consider the nature of God's justice and our own roles in maintaining a moral and just community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of human responsibility in upholding divine standards of virtue. -
**The Power of Persistent Prayer**: Abraham's negotiation with God teaches us about the significance of persistent prayer for just causes. It encourages us to continue praying boldly for matters that align with God's will, such as our church's financial freedom and the transformation of our cities. -
**A Call to Action and Reflection**: The sermon is a call to action for us to let our righteousness shine brightly, becoming a beacon of change in our cities. Through grace and the unwavering efforts of the faithful, we can inspire transformation and redemption. As we move forward this week, let us carry these messages in our hearts and allow them to guide our thoughts, prayers, and actions. Together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond.
Blessings,Pastor Greg
**Disclaimer: This email and many of the questions, devotional, and transcript are provided by Pulpit AI and therefore are not necessarily the views, opinions, or interpretations as held by Rolling Hills Church or its leadership.
Discussion Questions:
Standard Questions:
1. What encouraged you most from the message?
2. What convicted you most from the message?
3. What changes are the Lord calling you to make in light of the message?
4. What's one thing you can share from the message with family or friends?
5. Did you learn anything new from the message?
Specific Questions:
1. In the sermon, Abraham's intercession for Sodom is highlighted as an example of the power of prayer. How can we apply this example to our own prayer lives, and what does this teach us about interceding for others, even when we feel they may not deserve it? (Refer to Genesis 18:22-33)
2. Reflecting on the sermon, consider the sins of Sodom as outlined in Ezekiel, which include pride, excess, neglect of the poor, and sexual immorality. How do these issues resonate with the challenges faced in contemporary society, and what steps can we take to address them in our own communities? (Refer to Ezekiel 16:49-50)
3. The sermon discusses the role of the righteous in society and their impact on their surroundings. In what ways can our personal righteousness influence our family, coworkers, and community? Discuss how we might embody Christian values to effect positive change. (Refer to Matthew 5:13-16)
4. Considering the historical role of the church in civil and women's rights, as mentioned in the sermon, how can the church today continue to be a force for justice and righteousness in the world? (Refer to James 1:27 and Micah 6:8)
5. The sermon encourages persistent prayer, especially for causes aligning with God's will. Share a time when persistent prayer made a difference in your life or the life of someone you know. How can we be encouraged by this to continue praying for our cities and communities? (Refer to 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
6. Reflect on the sermon's emphasis on teaching the next generation about righteousness. What are practical ways we can instruct children and young people in our community to follow God's ways? Discuss the long-term impact this can have on society. (Refer to Proverbs 22:6 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
7. In the sermon, the speaker prays for the church's financial freedom from mortgage debt, believing the resources could be better used for ministry. How can we responsibly manage our resources to ensure they are being used in a way that honors God and furthers His work? (Refer to Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
8. Discuss the concept of divine judgment and human responsibility as presented in the sermon. How do we reconcile a loving God with the reality of divine judgment, and what is our responsibility in responding to sin in the world? (Refer to Romans 2:6-8 and 2 Peter 3:9)
9. The sermon concludes with a prayer for righteousness and salvation for our cities. How can we, as individuals and as a church, contribute to the spiritual transformation of the places we live? (Refer to Jeremiah 29:7 and Luke 10:2)
10. As we think about the sermon's call to action, what are some tangible ways we can demonstrate grace and be unwavering in our efforts to bring about change in our society? (Refer to Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:14-17)Day 1:
Reflecting on Righteousness and Intercession
Bible Reading: Genesis 18:16-21
Devotional:Today, let us consider the nature of righteousness as we read about Abraham's concern for Sodom. God shares His plans with Abraham, recognizing him as a man who will teach his descendants to follow the way of the Lord. Abraham is set apart by his righteousness and his commitment to instruct future generations in justice and virtue. Reflect on the importance of leading by example and passing on the values of faith to those who come after us.
Question for Reflection:1. How does Abraham's role as a leader and instructor of righteousness challenge you in your own sphere of influence?
Prayer Focus:Ask God to help you embody righteousness in your daily life and to give you opportunities to teach and model these principles to others.
Day 2: The Sin of Sodom and God's Righteous Judgment
Bible Reading: Genesis 18:22-33
Devotional:In this passage, we see Abraham's boldness in conversing with God, as he pleads for Sodom. He demonstrates the impact a righteous person can have, even potentially sparing a city from judgment. This intercession highlights the interplay between divine justice and mercy. As you read, contemplate how the desire for righteousness and justice can lead us to intercede for others.
Question for Reflection:2. How can Abraham's intercession inspire your own prayers for your community and the world
Prayer Focus:Pray for your community, that God would raise up righteous individuals who would stand in the gap and intercede, bringing blessings and transformation.
Day 3: The Echoes of Sodom's Sins in Today's Society
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 16:49-50
Devotional:Ezekiel provides more insight into the sins of Sodom, which included pride, excess, and neglect of the poor. These issues are still relevant today. As you reflect on these verses, think about how these same sins manifest in modern society. Consider what actions you can take to combat these issues in your own life and community.
Question for Reflection:3. What steps can you take to address issues such as pride, excess, and neglect of the poor in your daily life?
Prayer Focus:Pray for a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others, and ask for guidance on how to actively work towards justice and compassion in your surroundings.
Day 4: Persistent Prayer and the Heart of God
Bible Reading: Genesis 18:23-32
Devotional:Abraham's persistence in prayer demonstrates his deep concern for the righteous living in Sodom. His dialogue with God shows us that persistent prayer aligns with the heart of God, especially when it concerns His will for justice and mercy. Today, let us learn from Abraham's tenacity and remember that God is attentive to the cries of the righteous.Question for Reflection:4. In what areas of your life do you need to exhibit more persistence in prayer?
Prayer Focus:Commit to praying persistently for a specific concern in your life or in the world, trusting that God hears and responds to the persistent cries of His people.
Day 5: Righteousness as a Beacon of Change
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16
Devotional:As Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, we are reminded of our role in society. Righteous living is not passive; it actively seeks to influence and transform. Reflect on how your personal walk with God can become a beacon of change in your community, leading others towards redemption and the love of Christ.
Question for Reflection:5. How can you live out your faith in a way that positively impacts those around you, serving as a light in the darkness?
Prayer Focus:Ask God to empower you to live righteously and to shine brightly, so that others may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.