The Odd One Out
Summary
Pastor Fua delivered a sermon about how God loves and chooses the 'odd ones out', using the story of David's anointing from 1 Samuel 16. He emphasized that while people judge by outward appearances, God looks at the heart. The message focused on how God's plans are different from our own, and how He often chooses unexpected people to accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand how You see us. Help us to see beyond outward appearances and understand Your perfect plan for each of our lives. Guide our discussion and reveal Your truth to us today. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Share a time when you felt like the 'odd one out' in a situation. What made you feel that way and how did you handle it?
Key Verses
1 Samuel 16:7
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Zechariah 4:10
Matthew 23:27-28
Questions
What does it mean that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances?
How have you experienced God's plans being different from your own plans?
In what ways can feeling like an 'odd one out' actually be a blessing in disguise?
How does David's story encourage you in your own journey with God?
What are some 'small beginnings' in your life that God might be using for His purposes?
How can we maintain humility while being used by God for His glory?
What characteristics does God value in a person's heart?
How can we better align our plans with God's plans for our lives?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you feel like an 'odd one out' and intentionally thank God for how He might be using that situation for His glory. Look for ways to serve others from that unique position He has placed you in.
Key Takeaways
God sees beyond outward appearances and looks at the heart
God's plans are often different from our plans but always better
Being the 'odd one out' can be part of God's perfect plan
God uses unlikely people to bring Him glory
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for choosing us despite our perceived weaknesses or differences. Help us to embrace Your plans for our lives, even when they differ from our own. Give us the courage to serve You faithfully from whatever position You've placed us in. May we bring glory to Your name through our willingness to be used by You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Baptism Service Mar 2025 Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon focused on a baptism service where multiple individuals shared their testimonies and were baptized. The service highlighted themes of transformation, coming to Christ regardless of one's past, and the power of making a public declaration of faith. The testimonies shared ranged from those who grew up in church to those who had just discovered faith, demonstrating God's work in different people's lives.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss your Word and the powerful testimonies we've heard today, we ask that you would open our hearts and minds to what you want to teach us. Help us to be encouraged by the stories of transformation and new life in you. Guide our conversation and help us to grow closer to you through it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Share about a time when you made an important public declaration or commitment in your life. How did it feel before and after?
Key Verses
2 Corinthians 5:17
Matthew 3:16
2 Corinthians 9:7
Questions
What stood out to you most from the testimonies shared during the baptisms?
Why do you think public declarations of faith like baptism are important?
How does the concept of 'coming as you are' impact your view of approaching God?
What chains in your life do you need God to break?
How does hearing others' stories of transformation encourage your own faith journey?
What does it mean to you that God accepts us as we are but loves us too much to leave us that way?
How can we support new believers in their faith journey?
What steps can you take to make your faith more public in your daily life?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been holding back from fully committing to God. Take a specific step toward surrendering that area to Him, whether through prayer, accountability, or action.
Key Takeaways
God accepts everyone as they are - no need to be perfect before coming to Him
Baptism represents dying to old life and rising to new life in Christ
Transformation is a journey that begins with a decision to follow Jesus
Community support is crucial in the faith journey
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for the beautiful reminder today of your transforming power in people's lives. Help us to be bold in our faith and willing to take steps of obedience, just as we witnessed in these baptisms. Give us the courage to live out our faith publicly and to support others in their journey with you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
From Blind To Ablaze
Summary
Pastor Fu delivered a powerful sermon based on the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark 10:46-52. The message focused on three key aspects of transformation: having bold faith, seizing the moment, and following a greater path. Through Bartimaeus's example, the sermon illustrated how true transformation comes from crying out to Jesus without hesitation, taking immediate action when called, and following Jesus beyond just receiving healing.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive the truths You want to reveal to us. Like Bartimaeus, help us to be bold in our faith and ready to respond to Your call. Guide our discussion and help us to see the greater path You have for each of us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Share a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone to seize an important opportunity. What made you take that step?
Key Verses
Mark 10:46-52
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Isaiah 35:5
Psalm 34:17
Questions
What does having 'bold faith' mean to you personally?
How do you typically respond when others try to silence your faith?
What 'cloaks' (old ways of living) might you need to throw off to follow Jesus more fully?
How has shame or fear held you back from seizing moments God has given you?
What does it mean to see beyond the immediate miracle to God's larger purpose?
How can we maintain bold faith even when facing opposition or criticism?
What's the difference between just receiving from Jesus and truly following Him?
What greater path might God be calling you to walk beyond your immediate needs?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been hesitating to step out in faith. Make a commitment to take bold action in that area, whether it's sharing your faith, serving others, or addressing a personal struggle. Remember Bartimaeus's example of immediate response when Jesus called.
Key Takeaways
True transformation requires bold faith that cries out to Jesus regardless of opposition
Don't hesitate when God calls - seize the moment immediately
Following Jesus means going beyond receiving healing to walking a new path of discipleship
Your past limitations and shame don't define your future purpose in Christ
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, like Bartimaeus, we want to move from spiritual blindness to being ablaze for You. Give us the courage to cry out boldly, the wisdom to seize the moments You provide, and the commitment to follow You completely. Help us throw off anything that holds us back from Your greater purpose for our lives. In Your name we pray, Amen.
The Power Of HIS Word Discussion Guide
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's Word in our lives, highlighting how it brings joy, peace, and new growth. The speaker encourages the congregation to let God's Word be central in their lives, promising that it will produce spiritual fruit and lead to a life filled with joy and peace. The message also challenges believers to let go of control and allow God's peace to lead them, resulting in new and beautiful things growing in their lives.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You 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 receptive to Your guidance and to apply Your teachings in our lives. May Your Word transform us and lead us to live with joy and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one thing that brought you joy this past week?
Key Verses
Isaiah 55:10-13
John 15:11
John 14:27
2 Corinthians 5:17
Questions
What does it mean for God's Word to be central in your life?
How can we experience the joy that comes from God's Word?
In what ways does God's peace differ from the peace the world offers?
Can you share a time when you experienced God's peace in a difficult situation?
What are some 'thorns' in your life that God wants to replace with new growth?
How can we ensure that our joy and peace overflow to impact others?
What steps can you take this week to deepen your connection with God's Word?
What new things do you believe God wants to grow in your life this year?
Life Application
This week, spend intentional time each day reading and meditating on God's Word. Reflect on how it can bring joy and peace into your life and identify one area where you can let go of control and allow God to lead.
Key Takeaways
God's Word is powerful and always accomplishes its purpose.
Living with joy and peace is possible when God's Word is central in our lives.
God's peace is a deep, lasting peace that comes from knowing He is in control.
New and beautiful things can grow in our lives when we let go of old habits and embrace God's Word.
Our joy and peace should overflow to impact the lives of others.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the message we have received today. Help us to keep Your Word at the center of our lives, allowing it to transform us and bring us joy and peace. May we be vessels of Your love and grace, impacting those around us. Guide us in the week ahead and help us to trust in Your plans for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.