June 22: The Power of a Breakthrough
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Clem invites us to consider the possibility of a much-needed summer breakthrough instead of just a break. Drawing inspiration from the Old Testament prophet Micah, Pastor Clem shares how Jesus, our King and Breaker, leads us through life’s obstacles. He recounts the story of Abram, who faced fear and despair amidst his own doubts, illustrating how God intervened and provided the breakthrough he desperately needed. Pastor Clem poignantly reminds us that God doesn’t fixate on our failures; rather, He focuses on what lies ahead. We’re encouraged to remain committed to the process of growth and to pray for breakthroughs in courage, commitment, and heart.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
Here is a 9 minute clip of the message: https://vimeo.com/1095642637
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to have a 'breaker' in your life, as mentioned by Pastor Clem? How can we align ourselves with this 'breaker' when facing obstacles?
In Genesis 15, God tells Abram not to fear and reminds him of His promises. Why do you think fear often holds people back from believing in God's promises?
A breakthrough often requires a change in perspective, like when God took Abram outside to see the stars. Why do you think it's important to change our perspective in difficult times?
What are some obstacles in your life that you feel are holding you back from experiencing a breakthrough?
What is an area in your life where you feel you need a breakthrough in your heart?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for prayer requests from the group.
• Pray for God’s help in applying the message of breakthrough in our lives.
• Seek courage to confront any obstacles we are facing this week.
• Ask for help to Trust God’s process in our personal journeys.
June 15: What Every Child Needs to Hear
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Kendrick Vinar's sermon focuses on honoring fathers while highlighting the essential emotional needs every child has from their dad: love, pride, acceptance, support, and belief. He emphasizes the importance of verbally expressing love and appreciation, as these affirmations help establish a strong foundation for a child's identity and self-worth. By sharing personal anecdotes and emphasizing God's unconditional love, Pastor Kendrick encourages everyone to not only receive these affirmations from their Heavenly Father but also to extend them to others. Ultimately, the message is one of grace, ensuring that we all recognize our inherent value and potential through love and support from both earthly and heavenly fathers.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
Here is a 13 minute clip of the message: https://vimeo.com/1094181523
Discussion Questions 💬
Why is it important for children to hear 'I love you' from their fathers, and how can this phrase impact their emotional well-being?
What does it mean to you when someone says 'I believe in you'? How can expressing belief and encouragement shape someone's future?
Pastor mentioned that hearing 'I'm pleased with you' is important for fostering self-esteem. How can knowing that God is pleased with us, based on scripture, motivate us in our daily lives?
In what ways can dads change the narrative around Father's Day from criticism to honor, as suggested in the sermon?
How does the idea that 'your past does not need to define you' resonate with you, particularly in terms of receiving love from God and others?
What do you need to hear from your Heavenly Father?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for prayer requests first.
• Pray for the ability to verbally express love and encouragement to those around us this week.
• Seek God's guidance in applying the sermon principles in daily interactions.
• Ask God to help us experience His love, pride, and belief in us throughout the week.
June 1: Faith Built to Last
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Kendrick Vinar emphasizes the importance of faith built to last, highlighting that true faith in God can sustain individuals through life's trials. He encourages the church to not only believe in God's existence but to experience a personal relationship with Him, as faith enables one to stand firm in the face of challenges. Using the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he illustrates that God can deliver us through difficult circumstances, and even if the outcome isn't what we desire, trusting in God's goodness is essential. Ultimately, Pastor Kendrick calls on everyone to examine their faith, let go of past offenses against God, and embrace a deeper relationship with Him to grow in their spiritual lives.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
Here is a 13 minute clip of the message: https://vimeo.com/1090243383
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to have faith in God, as described in Hebrews 11:6, and why is it important for us to believe that He exists?
Pastor mentioned that trials can strengthen our faith. How have difficulties in your life changed the way you view your faith?
Why is humility important when trying to grow our faith, as mentioned by Pastor Kendrick?
What does it mean to pre-decide our commitments in faith, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did?
How can knowing God more deeply help us trust Him in difficult situations, according to Pastor Kendrick?
What is God putting on your heart?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for prayer requests first. • Pray for courage to stand firm in faith amidst trials. • Ask God for opportunities to grow your faith this week. • Seek guidance in trusting God’s plan, even when it's difficult.
May 25: What Do You Do When You Don’t Know What to Do?
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Jeff Little answered the question, "What do you do when you don't know what to do?" We praise. Pastor Jeff shared a powerful story from Acts 16, highlighting how Paul and Silas, despite facing imprisonment and opposition, chose to pray and praise God, resulting in a miraculous breakthrough. The pastor encouraged the congregation to embrace praise as a weapon during difficult times, illustrating that it can lead to powerful spiritual breakthroughs and transformation, just as seen in Paul and Silas' experience. He concluded by reminding everyone that God's greatness surpasses all challenges and invites them to magnify Him through their praise.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
Show you own clip of the message. The full message can be found here: https://vimeo.com/1087521560
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to 'build a legacy that honors God' as discussed in the sermon?
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but they chose to pray and sing praises to God. Why do you think praising God was their response in such a difficult situation?The sermon discusses the idea that opposition often comes when you are following God's plan. How can we recognize and deal with the opposition we face in our lives?
What role does praise play in overcoming difficulties, according to the sermon?
Pastor emphasizes that praise is more powerful than we often realize. In what ways can you learn to praise more actively in your own life?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask God to help us apply the principles of building our lives on the foundation of Christ throughout this week. • Pray for the courage to praise Him even in difficult circumstances. • Ask for prayer requests from participants to support each other this week. • Seek God’s guidance in areas of our lives where we feel lost or uncertain.
May 18: A Legacy Build to Last
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Kendrick Vinar emphasizes the importance of recognizing and living in alignment with God’s kingdom rather than the kingdom of self. He encourages attendees to develop a “kingdom passion” that influences their daily lives, urging them to serve others as ambassadors of Christ. By understanding our unique shapes—spiritual gifts, hearts, abilities, personalities, and experiences—we find our calling to build God’s kingdom collectively. The message concludes with an invitation to embrace this calling and actively participate in community life, helping one another grow in faith and service through the Dream Team.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
There is an 14 minute clip at https://vimeo.com/1086149501 that you can show your small group.
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to have a 'kingdom passion' as discussed in the sermon?
How does seeking first the kingdom of God change our daily priorities and concerns, based on Matthew 6:33?
Which part of the S.H.A.P.E. acronym (Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) do you feel most confident about—and which part do you feel unsure about? Why?
How have your past experiences—especially painful or challenging ones—shaped the way you relate to and serve others today?
We learned that “when we use our S.H.A.P.E., ministry becomes life-giving.” Have you ever served in a way that felt draining? How might that have been misaligned with your God-given shape?
Which part of your S.H.A.P.E. do you believe God is asking you to use more boldly right now—for His Kingdom or in your daily life (home, work, school, relationships)?
What’s one area in your life where your spiritual gifts or abilities could meet someone else’s need right now—either inside or outside the church?
What Dream Team do you want to join?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for any prayer requests from the group.
• Pray for the courage to follow a kingdom passion in their lives.
• Request God's guidance to help apply the sermon teachings throughout the week.
• Ask for strength to live for God and not for ourselves.
May 11: A Family Built to Last
Message Recap 🎬
Pastor Kendrick Vinar emphasizes honoring mothers and the importance of family dynamics during his sermon. He encourages the congregation to see the good in their family members, affirming that God is proud of each mother's efforts. The pastor outlines three key steps for improving family relationships: seeing the good, forgiving the bad, and creating a positive future together with God's help. Ultimately, he reminds everyone that a strong family foundation is built through love, honor, and faith in God.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
There is an 9 minute clip at https://vimeo.com/1083643183 that you can show your small group.
Discussion Questions 💬
Why is it important to see the good in our family members, especially when there may have been past conflicts or misunderstandings?
What does it mean to forgive the bad, and why do you think it's often more challenging to forgive family members than friends or acquaintances?
In the sermon, Pastor mentions the concept of creating the best future for family relationships. How can we actively participate in creating positive changes within our families?
How do the scriptures, such as Proverbs 11:27, highlight the importance of our perspectives on family relationships?
Pastor Kendrick talked about the importance of speaking words of life and encouragement to our family. Why do you think verbal affirmation is so powerful?
What is God putting on your heart as your next step?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for any prayer requests in the group.
• Pray for eyes to see the good in family members this week.
• Ask God to grant strength to forgive any wrongs experienced.
• Seek guidance in creating a culture of faith and hope within families.
May 4: A Marriage Built to Last
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Kendrick Vinar's sermon emphasizes the significance of building lasting relationships, particularly marriages, through a biblical lens. He underscores that marriage is a spiritual union designed by God, meant to reflect His love and bring unity, and emphasizes that each individual's growth and transformation within the relationship is crucial. Pastor Vinar encourages couples to engage in prayer, forgiveness, and mutual respect to strengthen their connections, while also reminding singles to choose partners based on shared values and spiritual compatibility. Ultimately, he stresses that marriage is not just a contract but a commitment that can positively impact future generations and should be treated with importance and intentionality.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
There is an 10 minute clip at https://vimeo.com/1081915859 that you can show your small group.
Discussion Questions 💬
Why do you think Pastor Kendrick emphasized the importance of focusing on becoming the right person rather than finding the right person when looking for a partner?
What does Ephesians 5:21 mean when it says to 'submit to one another out of reverence for Christ'? How does this work in marriage?
How does marriage being a spiritual union change the way we view the commitment involved in getting married?
What do you think about the 3 kinds of love and putting them in the proper sequence? Is this a helpful guide for your romantic relationships?
What are some practical steps you can take to ensure open communication and understanding in your future relationships, as encouraged by the pastor?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for any prayer requests from the group.
• Pray for God to help us apply the principles of marriage discussed in the sermon to our relationships.
• Ask for courage to change and grow in our personal lives this week.
• Seek guidance on how to strengthen our connections with loved ones.
April 27: A Life Built to Last
Sermon Recap 🎬
Pastor Kendrick Vinar spoke about building a life that lasts, emphasizing the importance of having a solid foundation in Christ, especially during life's inevitable storms. He encouraged listeners to engage with a new six-week series called "Built to Last," where they could deepen their faith and form relationships within the church community. Drawing parallels from the Sermon on the Mount, he highlighted that obedience to God's word leads to a life built on the rock, while neglecting it leads to instability. Ultimately, Pastor Kendrick reminded everyone that while storms may come, trusting and obeying God provides strength and peace through life's challenges.
Ice Breaker 🧊
Ice Breakers at http://gracelife.com/icebreakers
Message Clip 📼
There is an 8 minute clip at https://vimeo.com/1079537935?share=copy that you can show your small group.
Discussion Questions 💬
1) What do you think Pastor shared about the importance of building your life on a solid foundation? How does this relate to the parable Jesus told about the wise and foolish builders?
Pastor discussed how both builders heard the words of Jesus, but only the wise man acted on them, which made his house stand firm in storms.
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge or storm in your life? How did your actions or decisions help you stand firm during that time?
2) Pastor mentioned that storms are inevitable in life. Why do you think he believes this is important for us to understand?
He emphasized that storms can come to anyone and everyone, regardless of their choices, and that being prepared for them is essential.
How can understanding the inevitability of storms help you handle difficulties when they come your way?
3) What role does obedience play in having a life built to last, according to Pastor's message?
Pastor stated that obedience is the key to building a strong foundation by putting Jesus’ words into practice, not just hearing them.
Can you think of an area in your life where you feel challenged to obey? How can you take steps to follow through on that?
4) How did Pastor relate personal experiences with storms in his life to the larger message of finding joy and peace during challenges?
He shared his own struggles and how he relied on faith and God’s promises to navigate through difficult times.
What are some ways you can rely on your faith or support from others when facing your personal challenges?
5) Pastor pointed out that we often focus on the outward appearance while neglecting what is inside. Why do you think this happens?
He reminded us that God cares more about what is going on in our hearts rather than how we appear to others.
Reflect on your own life: How can you ensure that you are nurturing your inner self while not only focusing on your outward appearance?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for prayer requests from the group first.
• Pray for courage to face and trust God through the storms in our lives.
• Ask God to help us apply the message of building our lives on His teachings.
• Ask for opportunities to practice forgiveness and love in our daily interactions.