Elizabethtown Alliance Church Sermons

Love One Another Deeply

"Love One Another Deeply"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-one-another-deeplyPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Why do you think Scriptures call us to love one another deeply and daily?2.) What do you think that might look for you to obey that more faithfully this week?3.) Toward the end of the message, Pastor Jim outlined several different groups that may be present within the church. What group might you be apart of? Are there any steps of faith and obedience that you need to take?

Love Your Enemy

"Love Your Enemy"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-your-enemy1.) How is the example of God sending rain on the righteous and the unrighteous a powerful example of loving one's enemy (Matthew 5)?2.) If it's true that we tend to hate (or strongly dislike/distrust) people in "groups", what are some groups that Evangelical Christians tend to consider their "enemy"? What groups tend to view Evangelicals as their enemy?3.) Who are some people within your sphere of influence that may be categorized as belonging to one of these enemy "groups"? What would it look to intentionally pray for them, bless them, befriend them? 4.) Who is an "enemy" that you don't even know personally? How can you love them and pray for them still?5.) This week, in addition to praying for the Church in Afghanistan, consider praying for the Taliban.

Love the Overlooked and Outcast

Love the Overlooked and OutcastDigital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-the-overlooked-outcast1.) Why do you think God's people are called to love mercy and do justice? (See Micah 6:8)2.)  What does it reveal about our God that He took such special interest in the poor, the widow, the fatherless, and the foreigner?  3.) In what ways do we see ministry to these four groups repeated in the New Testament?  What are some of the other groups that are highlighted in the New Testament?  4.) Take time to write down some actual names or categories of people in the Overlooked and Outcast section of your "Expanding My Circle of Relationships" CHART .  Think about contemporary examples of these biblical categories.  Be as specific as possible and begin PRAYING that God would expand your heart with a love for them and show you how you might begin to reach them. 5.) Email a leader at our church and let them know what you're thinking!!!

Loving Your Neighbor-Neighbor

Sermon Title: Loving Your Neighbor-NeighborDigital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/love-your-neighbor-neighborPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Why do you think it's a human tendency to be friends with people who are just like us?2.) What is the danger of having our Lego-block completely full of family and church family? What might you do if you realize that's you right now? 3.) Take time to write down some names of your "neighbor-neighbors". That is, those who are physically close to you where you live, work, study or play. Using the "Expanding My Circle of Relationships" CHART , write down their names on the second concentric circle and begin PRAYING over them, asking God to show you how you might better reach them.4.) What are some practical steps you might begin to take THIS WEEK to put into practice at least one of the relationship principles outlined in this sermon?

The Call to Compassion

"The Call to Compassion"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-call-to-compassionPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Why is true compassion (meaning to "suffer with someone") so difficult for us?2.) How does physical and emotional distance from the poor, the stranger, the widow, the fatherless, our enemies, etc. make it more difficult to even feel, let alone demonstrate compassion to them?3.) What might it look like for our church to begin demonstrating compassion to those in need within our community?4.) What might it look like for YOU to do the same?

Live Upside Down

"Live Upside Down"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/live-upside-downPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) What are some of the principles of this world that at first glance might seem to make sense, but we know are wrong? 2.) Review the "Blessed" statements in Matthew 5. Why are these statements seemingly so "upside down" to our ears as humans?3.) Which are these statements are most difficult for you to grasp or to walk out on a daily basis?4.) What steps can you take to grow in that specific area this week?

SonRise service

Jesus Has the Imperium

Good Friday

Join us as we reflect in Scripture and song the wonder of the Cross.

Becoming Gospel-Fluent

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsWe ALL struggle with our native language of shame, fear, pride, performance-based acceptance, critical attitude toward others, etc.  Which of these emotions and thought patterns do you struggle with the most?How does the Gospel address this particular area of struggle?Which of the Five Gospel Declarations stands out to you the most and why?Take some time to pray Ephesians 1:16-20 over one another.  Pray too that you will become more "fluent" in the Gospel, and specifically these five declarations.

I am COMPELLED

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsIn what ways does (or should) the love of Christ compel us?When you think of someone who is "on fire" for God, what characteristics comes to mind?Why is it so hard to stay "on fire" for God?General William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, would urge his people, “The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart.” What are some practical ways we may tend to the fire on the altar of our hearts?

You are NOT GUILTY

Reflection/Discussion Questions1. Who (or what) are some of the voices in your life that cause a sense of shame, fear, or condemnation?2. How does the fact that you have been declared "not guilty" by God Himself help to silence these voices?3.How do we discern between a voice of conviction/challenge versus a voice of condemnation?

Crave the Gospel

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsRead Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:14-21 again. In what ways do you sense you need Jesus the Anointed One to minister directly to you by His Spirit? Take time to pray through Isaiah 61:1-3 asking Jesus to minister to you personally.

I am FREE

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsIn what ways may you struggle to believe the truths set forth in this message?What truths do you need to choose to believe even if you do not feel them to be true?What are some practical ways to no longer "set" your minds on things of the flesh?What are some practical ways to "set" your mind on things of the Spirit? What area of your life would you like someone to pray for you to experience the victory Christ has given to you?

You are GIFTED and CALLED

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsWhat do you think might be some of your spiritual gifts and why?If you are not sure of what your spiritual gifts are, what might you do to discover them?Why is it so important for YOU to be using your spiritual gift?Why is it so important for the THE CHURCH for you to be using your spiritual gift?Think of the pictures of reliable people--soldier, athlete, and farmer.  In what ways are you behaving more like a civilian, spectator, and consumer right now?

You are LOVED

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsIn what ways do we tend project onto God's divine love for us, our own human understanding of love. Think of the terms Paul uses in Romans 5 to describe the human condition: powerless, ungodly, sinner, enemy of God. How does the fact that Jesus died for us in precisely THAT condition change the way you may view God's love for you today?How would you like to see the love of Christ "compel" you in the days and weeks ahead?

What Do You Crave??

Personal Reflection/Discussion Questions1. What do you “crave” for emotionally and spiritually? 2. In what ways do you seek to satisfy these longings? Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself and others in answering this question as we are all broken in our appetites and pursuits. 3. What do you need to “detox” from?4. In what ways can you intentionally pursue a deeper understanding of the “pure milk” of Gospel?5. Ask the Lord to stir up a deep “craving” for the pure milk of the Gospel.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsIn what ways can you see the world, the flesh, and the devil warring against you, your family, our church, and this community?In what ways may you be seeking to "fight back" against these attacks in a fleshly, worldly, even sinful manner?What does it mean to "put on the full armor" of God?Examine your daily and weekly priorities.  How can you be more faithful to "war" in prayer against these attacks with other believers?

Praying For a Move of God

Prayer Focus #1--Pray that God would revive our hearts with a zeal to continue His ministry in the earth through: Solid teaching of His WordBold and passionate preaching of the Gospel in which we actually pursue lost peopleWitness many miraculously healed leading them to faith in Jesus. Prayer Focus #2Pray that the Lord will grant His compassion to our hearts. Receive by faith a fresh outpouring of His Holy Spirit, anointing us to be His witnesses in the earth, granting us boldness and urgency.Prayer Focus #3Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up workers from THIS church to send into His harvest field—not only in our community, but to the ends of the earth. That He will cause our church to be FULL of people who are praying hard and working hard for the salvation of others.

We Need Power From on High

Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Examine your own heart before the Lord. To what degree as there been unrighteous anger, fear, and grief over this past year? Get beneath the surface. What may be driving that anger, fear and grief? Consider in what ways you are believing lies of the world, the flesh, or the devil or placing your faith and trust in anything besides Christ, His Kingdom and His promises.2.) If need be, take some time to repent of anything the Lord may reveal to your heart.3.) Reflect on the story from Acts 4:1-31. What will YOU do if of our religious freedoms begin to be taken away? What will you do if there is threat of being fined, prosecuted, or persecuted for refusing to worship with other believers. Take some time to pray from Acts 4:25-31 and make it your own.

Oh God I Need You!

Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Why do you think God often waits until we are seeking Him with all of our hearts before revealing Himself more deeply to us?2.) What are those "idols" of the heart, or "broken cisterns" that you find yourself seeking for comfort, pleasure, joy, security, guidance, etc.?3.) Take some time to turn fully away from these. It is not enough to simply acknowledge them. They must be forsaken in order to experience the full life of the Spirit God has promised you in the Gospel.

We Need Revival

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsWhat may be grieving the Holy Spirit in your life, marriage, and family right now? In what ways do you see that our church may be grieving His heart? How might you respond in interceding prayer? How may you posture yourself this week to personally seek the Lord, asking for a greater vision (like Isaiah) of His holiness and majesty?Commit to praying daily for revival--for you, your spouse and children, our church, and the Church around the world

Follow Me

Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Do you want to follow Jesus... really? In what ways do you need to repent of following Jesus casually?2.) If one of the evidences of someone who is truly following Jesus is the work of the Holy Spirit in them to move them toward the lost to become "fishers of men", how are you doing in this area? If there is not much burden, urgency or commitment to reach the lost, what areas of your heart and life may need yet to be surrendered to follow Jesus more fully?3.) Who is your one? Take some time to pray for them right now and prayerfully consider how you may reach out to him/her/them this week. And if you don't have someone that you are actively praying for and working for their salvation, ask God to reveal someone to you this week.4.) Who is that person or people group that you struggle to love. Ask God to help you to repent of any pride or religious spirit toward them.

We Must Repent

1.) In what ways does my life reflect someone who is still only half-dead? That is, where I see that the influence of my "body of death" (Romans 7:24) or old pattern of sinful thinking, feeling, and behaving is still alive and well and gaining victory over my new nature?2.) In what ways does my life reflect someone who is still only half-devoted? That is, that I am not fully consecrated to the Lord and the work of the Gospel . Also, there may be "idols" in my heart that continue to demand my affection, my trust, and to satisfy God-given desires my way, rather than God's way? 3.) Think through the "How Do I Know I Need Personal Revival?" list. What areas may indicate my need for personal revival?4.) Think through the "What Daily Repentance/Rest Looks Like" and really familiarize yourself with the process.

Christmas Eve 2020

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Jesus, Light of the World

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsWhat is the evidence that people in general, but even we as Christians, tend to be "underwhelmed" by the story of Christmas?Why might this be the case?What can you do THIS Christmas week to meditate on the wonder of the Incarnation?

How Then Shall We Live?

"How Then Shall We Live?"Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/how-then-shall-we-live-1tpnoolo9lQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1.) As terrifying and devastating as it will be, why should we “look forward to the day of God…” (vs. 12a)?2.) Why is the call to live “holy and godly lives” the only appropriate response to the day of the Lord (vs. 11)? 3.) Why must we “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him” (vs. 14)?4.) What might happen if we don’t? (see verse 17)5.) In regards to the Day of the Lord, how may we “speed its coming” (vs. 12b)? (see Matthew 24:14)

What IS the Day of the Lord??

"What IS the Day of the Lord??"Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/what-is-the-day-of-the-lordQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. It is clear from the Old Testament that the Day of the Lord is a Day of Yahweh’s vengeance on the wicked. How does this picture of God’s justice and wrath toward sin impact you? 2. In what ways have we overemphasized, or deemphasized, this aspect of God’s character?3. Jesus said there will be both a great falling away before He returns but ALSO that the Gospel will be preached to all lands. How should these two prophecies inspire us to live regardless of how difficult things may become?

Day of the Lord

"The Day of the Lord"Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-day-of-the-lordQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. How does knowing that the world as we know it will be destroyed by fire change your perspective?2. In what ways is Peter seeking to stir us up to “wholesome thinking” and righteous living?3. Why? (think through the themes of the whole book)

Discerning False Teachers - Week 2

Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/discerning-false-teachers-week-2Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. What fears or desires are in your heart that may soften you to listening to false prophecies?2. What is the fruit of the pastors, teachers, and leaders I listen to?3. How do they receive correction, do they accept it, or do I always feel like I’m in the wrong?4. How can we remain in Truth as we live as “wheat among the tares?” (Matthew 13:24-30) 5. What is my attitude towards fellow brothers and sisters who disagree with me?

Discerning False Teachers - Week 1

Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/discerning-false-teachers-week-1Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. In what ways are past and present Heresies/Heretics impacting the big “C” church today? How are they affecting our little “C” church?2. Are there any areas that you struggle with about God, the Scriptures, or the Christian Faith? If so, how can you deal with them?3. Consider the teachers you like to listen to. What is their motivation? Are they men of sincerity desiring to serve Christ? Or are they peddlers of God’s word who desire to make money? 4. What “hard teachings” in Scripture do you wish were different?5. Is a preacher’s popularity a good sign, a warning sign, or no indication whatsoever? Why?

Watch Out For Wolves

"Watch Out For Wolves"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/watch-out-for-wolvesQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1.) Are you “planted” deeply in God’s Word right now? (see Psalm 1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)2.) What are you tempted to go back to, like a dog to its vomit? What voices in your life may be encouraging you in that direction?3.) Who are you listening to on a regular basis that holds influence over you? (e.g. blogger, musician, preacher, etc.)4.) Evaluate them against the characteristics outlined by Peter in 2 Peter 2. 5.) If you are not sure, who may you talk to that may help you discern?

Faith Received, Faith Perceived

Digital Bulletin - https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/faith-received-faith-perceivedDiscussion Questions::Are we knowing God through a working knowledge, or a walking knowledge? What are you furnishing your faith with? How can you help a neighbor build upon their faith to keep it increasing? Are you growing weary of the process of continuing to furnish the faith you have been given? Are you fighting any fears or doubts that you have been given what only God can provide?

The Path to Peace...

Digital Bulletin https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-path-to-peaceQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion:• If the enemy of God could sneak around and take you out, how might he do it?• What lie or deception could he use to sneak up behind you?• What idea or belief has greatly influenced you but you’ve never really tested it?• What causes you to have less joy and peace, or more fears and worries?

Three Appeals

"Three Appeals"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/three-appealsQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group DiscussionWhat does Peter base his appeal to the elders on? Why do you think?Why is the role of elders to the church so important?What makes the role of elders uniquely difficult?Describe the relationship between the elders and congregation.What attribute does Peter command us to have toward one another? Why is this so important?

We can suffer well when we remember...

Digital Bulletin--Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. What attitude, perspective or expectation might you need to change in order to be ready to suffer well and even rejoice when you face suffering?2. What changes in attitude and actions do you need to make in order to suffer well, remembering that God’s judgment will bring perfect justice in the end?3. What changes in attitude and actions do you need to make in order to help those who don’t yet know Jesus come to know Him? Even those who cause you or your loved ones to suffer?

This is Not the Time To...

"This is Not the Time To..."Digital Bulletin--Questions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. In what ways are you living today light of the fact that we may very well be “in the last few sentences of the last chapter” of world history?2. Why do you think Peter stated that we need to be sober, alert, clear-minded, etc. in order to pray well? What are those things that would dull the heart and mind spiritually, emotionally, and physically?3. On a scale from 1-10, how “deep” would say your relationships with other believers are right now? What could you do that would take your relationships at least one step deeper?4. Do you know what your spiritual gift is? If so, are you being FAITHFUL to use it? And if so, are you careful to be FILLED with the Spirit so that only God gains the glory? If not, what will you do moving forward?5. Prayerfully consider signing on “The Hospitality Challenge”

Suffering Like Jesus

"Suffering Like Jesus"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/suffering-like-jesusPersonal Growth/Group Discussion Questions.To what attitude or mindset should we align our minds?How does Paul model one who suffers well?How are you personally suffering in the body?How does Jesus demonstrate how we should prepare ourselves to suffer?How can the believer have peace about justice that seems presently unserved?What can the believer look forward to after a life of suffering?

Do Good... No Matter What

"Do Good... No Matter What"Digital Bulletin -https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/dont-stop-no-matter-whatPersonal Growth/Group Discussion Questions:1. What are some of the traits that Peter highlights in the beginning of this section? What are some of the ways we apply these characteristics when faced with slander, persecution, etc?2. How can we continue to express them when great trial and trouble comes?3. For what reason have we been called to exhibit these characteristics and to keep showing them to the world?4. Do we live such good lives by our own strength of character? 5. What is the Hope that we have that people should notice? How can we find confidence that we will definitely be able to bear up under trial?6. What now saves us? How can we know we are saved?

A Marriage That Honors

"A Marriage That Honors"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/a-marriage-that-honorsQuestions for Personal Reflection and Group Discussion1. Why is the idea of women being submissive to their husbands so controversial in our larger culture today? How might a godly example of biblical submission and mutual honor be both worship and witness?2. What does inner beauty for women look like according to this passage?3. How do we discern what is immodest or “sexy” in our culture today? Why must we be careful to not project our personal standards too quickly?4. What are the self-evident truths that should cause a husband to treat his wife “according to knowledge”? 5. In what ways may a husband treat his wife as “precious”?

You Want Me to Do What?!?

"You Want Me to Do What?!?"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/you-want-me-to-do-whatQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. How does it strike you that enduring unjust suffering is a part of your “call” as a follower of Jesus?2. Why should we be willing to endure suffering for doing good?3. In what ways are you suffering (big or small) because of your faith? In reflecting on the example of Christ, how well are you enduring that currently?4. Take some time to pray for the persecuted church. You may find it helpful to go to opendoorsusa.org or persecution.com for more information and resources.

Be a Good Citizen

"Be a Good Citizen"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-a-good-citizen-63csz5k92zPersonal Growth/Group Discussion Questions In your own words describe why God has established government on the earth.How are followers of Christ supposed to respond to those in authority? How do we respond when we are being governed by people who are not godly?How do we respond when our government is forbidding what God commands, commanding what God forbids, or going beyond their sphere of authority? Any current examples of this?How would do #4 in a godly, respectful way?

Be a Good Citizen

"Be a Good Citizen"Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-a-good-citizenQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group Discussion1. In your own words describe why God has established government on the earth.2. How are followers of Christ supposed to respond to those in authority? 3. How do we respond when we are being governed by people who are not godly?4. How do we respond when our government is forbidding what God commands, commanding what God forbids, or going beyond their sphere of authority? Any current examples of this?5. How would do #4 in a godly, respectful way?

Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.

Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/act-justly-love-mercy-walk-humblyQuestions for Personal Reflection/Group DiscussionWhat is one ongoing injustice that you are passionate about? If you’re not sure then ask God to help you understand His heart for at least one ongoing injustice. Then prayerfully work through the following questions: Act Justly• In what ways do you need to speak up for truth in this situation?• In what ways do you need to advocate for the vulnerable in this situation?Love Mercy• In what ways do you need to show mercy to the vulnerable in this situation?• In what ways might you show mercy to even the guilty in this situation?Walk Humbly• How does the Gospel impact the way you do all of the above?

Crave the Gospel

Reflection/Discussion QuestionsRead Isaiah 61:1-3 and Luke 4:14-21 again. In what ways do you sense you need Jesus the Anointed One to minister directly to you by His Spirit? Take time to pray through Isaiah 61:1-3 asking Jesus to minister to you personally.

The Priestly Duty of Evangelism

Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-priestly-duty-of-evangelismPersonal Reflection/ Discussion Questions1.) Why do you think Paul described evangelism as a "priestly duty"?2.) Paul told Timothy that he was do the "work of evangelism". Do you think that exhortation is applicable to every believer? Why or why not?3.) Why did God give the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the Church (see Ephesians 4:11-13)? What implication does this have on the congregation in regards to evangelism?4.) This week, let's pray that God would CONVICT our hearts, grant us COURAGE and even POWER for the work of evangelism.

Be Beautiful

Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/be-beautifulPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1) Why do you think that Peter tied the idea of living good (beautiful) lives among the pagans with good deeds?2.) How does our status as "foreigners" and "exiles" impact the importance of this command?3.) What happens when believers are NOT rich in good deeds?4.) Are YOU currently performing your good deeds in a way that is obvious to unbelievers? What unbelievers are your directly impacting? 5.) In what way(s) can you more strategically and intentionally do good deeds "among" unbelievers?

The Passing Pleasures of Sin

Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-passing-pleasures-of-sinPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1) Do you actually believe that the Reproaches of Christ are greater than all the world has to offer? Take a moment to deeply think, are you living in a way where you are being reproached and suffering like Jesus? If not, what are ways God wants you to change your lifestyle to live in a way for Him that reproaches might happen to you?2) Since sin is a Passing pleasure, what can you focus on the next time sin tries to allure you? What can you shift your focus to, bring to remembrance, to show that sin is a passing pleasure and the riches of God are eternal and fulfilling pleasures?3) Do you believe that you've been spiritually eating the "fullness" of what God has for you? Or do you believe that you've only been eating the peel? What does the Lord want you to walk in to experience His fullness?

The Harvest is Past

Digital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/the-harvest-is-pastPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1) What did the Holy Spirit speak to you personally from this message?2) When you share the faith, do you share Christ in a similar way as this message or different? How so if different?3) What most stood out to you about how the Gospel was shared?4) Is there anyone the Lord wants you to share the gospel with?

A Call to Good Citizenship

A Call to Good CitizenshipDigital Bulletin--https://mailchi.mp/alliancechurch/a-call-to-good-citizenshipPersonal Reflection/Discussion Questions1.) Why are we to live very, very carefully before an unbelieving world? 2.) What is some of the ignorant talk of foolish people? What are some of the misconceptions that the world has against us?3.) What is the good that we can intentionally do to silence this ignorant talk?4.) Spend some time praying through 1 Peter 2:17--Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the government.