Church Encourager

Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 4 Discussion Guide

1 Sermon Summary

In this sermon, we explored the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, focusing on the crossing of the Red Sea. This event is a powerful symbol of salvation and God’s decisive action to deliver His people from bondage. The sermon emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s plan and His ability to lead us from death to life, just as He did for the Israelites. We were reminded that true freedom is found in worshiping and serving the Lord, and that fear can often cloud our judgment and lead us away from God’s path.

The sermon also highlighted the role of Moses as a representative of the people, standing before God on their behalf, much like Jesus does for us. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are set free from the power of sin and death, and we experience a “crossover moment” from death to life. The message encouraged us to rest in God’s presence, trust in His deliverance, and embrace the true freedom that comes from knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

2 Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thankful for the opportunity to gather and learn from Your Word. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive the message You have for us today. Help us to be attentive and responsive to Your guidance. May Your Holy Spirit move among us, bringing clarity, understanding, and transformation. We pray that we would leave this place with a deeper trust in You and a renewed sense of Your presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

3 Ice Breaker

What is your favorite way to spend a relaxing day?

4 Key Verses

1. Exodus 14:13-14 – “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.'”
2. John 5:24 – “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
3. Romans 8:1-2 – “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
4. Exodus 14:21-22 – “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”
5. Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

5 Questions

1. What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
2. How do you think the Israelites felt when they saw the Red Sea part before them?
3. Can you share a time when you felt God delivered you from a difficult situation?
4. What does true freedom in Christ mean to you?
5. How can we remind ourselves to keep God in the equation of our lives, especially during challenging times?
6. In what ways can fear impact our decisions and actions? How can we combat this with faith?
7. How does the concept of a “crossover moment” from death to life resonate with your personal faith journey?
8. What steps can we take to deepen our trust in God’s plan and His deliverance in our daily lives?

6 Life Application

This week, take time each day to reflect on a specific instance where God has delivered you or shown His faithfulness in your life. Write it down and thank Him for His provision and guidance. Share one of these reflections with a friend or family member to encourage them in their faith journey.

7 Key Takeaways

1. Trust in God’s Deliverance: Just as God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, He can make a way for us in seemingly impossible situations. Trusting in His plan and timing is crucial for experiencing His deliverance.
2. True Freedom in Worship: True freedom is found in worshiping and serving the Lord. When we focus on God and His ways, we are set free from the bondage of fear and sin.
3. The Role of Jesus as Our Representative: Moses stood before God on behalf of the Israelites, pointing to Jesus, who stands before God on our behalf. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are set free from sin and death.
4. The Power of a Crossover Moment: Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior brings a decisive change in our status from death to life. This “crossover moment” is a pivotal point in our spiritual journey.
5. Overcoming Fear with Faith: Fear can cloud our judgment and lead us away from God’s path. By spending time in God’s presence and trusting in His promises, we can overcome fear and make decisions rooted in love and faith.

8 Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful message of deliverance and freedom that we have heard today. We are grateful for Your faithfulness and the ways You have moved in our lives. Help us to trust in Your plan and to keep You at the center of our decisions. May we experience the true freedom that comes from worshiping and serving You. As we go from this place, may Your peace and presence go with us, guiding us and strengthening our faith. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.

Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 3 Discussion Guide

1 Title

“Behold the Lamb of God: Understanding Redemption”

2 Summary

In this sermon, we explore the significance of the lamb as a symbol of redemption and sacrifice throughout the Bible, from the story of Abraham and Isaac to the Passover in Exodus, and culminating in the New Testament with Jesus as the Lamb of God. The sermon delves into the difficult topics of the plagues, particularly the death of the firstborn in Egypt, and how these events demonstrate God’s sovereignty over false gods. It also addresses the concept of debt and redemption, illustrating how Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid the debt of sin for humanity. The sermon encourages believers to “behold the Lamb of God” and reflect on the profound implications of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

3 Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather today to delve into Your Word and the message we have heard, we ask for Your Spirit to guide our hearts and minds. Help us to be open to the lessons You have for us, to understand the depth of Your love and the sacrifice of the Lamb. May our discussion be fruitful and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

4 Ice Breaker

What is one of your favorite childhood memories? (This question invites sharing of personal stories and can lead to connections over shared experiences or emotions.)

5 Key Verses

• Exodus 12:13 (NIV): “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.”
• John 1:29 (NIV): “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”

6 Questions

1. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus?
2. What does the Passover event reveal about God’s character and His plan for redemption?
3. Why was it necessary for a debt to be paid for our sins, and how does this concept relate to our own experiences with forgiveness?
4. How does the absence of a physical lamb at the Last Supper with Jesus and His disciples enhance our understanding of Jesus as the Lamb of God?
5. In what ways can we “behold the Lamb of God” in our daily lives and spiritual practices?
6. How does the idea of Jesus as our redeemer change the way we view our relationship with God?
7. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus took on the debt of sin for all humanity?
8. How can we communicate the significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God to those who may struggle with understanding the concept of sacrifice and redemption?

7 Life Application

This week, take time each day to “behold the Lamb of God” by reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for you. Consider one way you can demonstrate gratitude for this gift, whether through an act of kindness, sharing your faith, or spending additional time in prayer and worship.

8 Key Takeaways

Title: The Lamb as a Symbol of Sacrifice
The lamb throughout scripture symbolizes sacrifice and redemption. From the Old Testament stories to the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God, we see a consistent theme of God providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him through the sacrifice of a lamb.

Title: The Necessity of Redemption
Redemption is a core theme of the Bible, highlighting the need for a debt to be paid for sin. Just as the Israelites were saved by the blood of a lamb, Jesus’ sacrifice pays our debt, offering us forgiveness and a restored relationship with God.

Title: Jesus Fulfills the Passover
Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples redefines the Passover meal, emphasizing His role as the Lamb of God. His sacrifice fulfills the ancient tradition and establishes a new covenant, marking the beginning of a new era of grace.

Title: Beholding the Lamb of God
To “behold the Lamb of God” is to recognize and meditate on the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is an invitation to deepen our faith and live in the light of the redemption He has provided for us.

9 Ending Prayer

Lord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. May the truths we’ve discussed today take root in our hearts and bear fruit in our lives. Help us to live in the fullness of Your redemption and share the good news with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.