Revolution Church Annapolis

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:34-40, Luke 10:38-42, & Mark 10:17-27 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus describes how caring for 'the least of these' is actually caring for Him. How does this passage challenge our understanding of what true hospitality looks like?Think about a time when you showed hospitality to someone who was difficult to welcome. How did that experience change your perspective on what it means to see Christ in others?How does the story of Mary and Martha demonstrate the difference between surface-level hospitality and deeper spiritual companionship?In your friendships, do you tend to be more like Martha (focused on doing things) or Mary (focused on being present)? What might need to change in your approach?Kenny talks about 'soul dialogue' versus 'worldly dialogue.' What's the key difference between building relationships for personal gain versus genuine spiritual growth?When was the last time you had a conversation that went beyond small talk to truly meaningful spiritual dialogue? What made that possible?How can we create an environment at Revolution where people feel safe enough to be their whole selves, including their imperfections and struggles?Which relationships in your life could benefit from deeper spiritual conversations, and what's one step you could take this week to nurture that?

SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, Galatians 6:2, & Matthew 26:26-29 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Do church relationships/friendships seem strangely “brittle” at times? Why might this be? What needs to change in how we approach friendships in the church in order to make them more resilient?Kenny shared two stories about church relationships: one lacking commitment but trying to force formation, and another with strong commitment but missing spiritual formation. Have you experienced either frustration before? How do we find the right balance between these two elements?In your current church friendships, which aspect needs more attention: the commitment part or the spiritual formation part?The sermon compares the covenant of marriage to the covenant of the Church. What are some key similarities between these two covenants? How does this comparison illuminate your role in Christian community?Galatians 6:2 instructs us to “bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” How can we practically live this out in our church community beyond Sunday services? What is one specific way you could help bear someone's burden in our church community this week?The sermon suggests that authentic Christian community is urgent in our current world of war, oppression, poverty, and fear. How can deeper church relationships help us be “tangible blessings” to our neighbors?

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23 REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Have you been reading through the Psalms with us so far? What have your experiences with these verses been like?Read Psalm 23 again: what stands out to you here? What claims is the psalmist making about God and/or God’s character? What questions does the psalmist seem to be wrestling with? Have you ever felt like you’re in “the valley of the shadow of death”? What happened in that experience? What helped you to move through it?Paul helpfully (and bluntly!) reminds us that believing God is really with us isn’t always easy to do. Do you sometimes struggle with this? What shape do those struggles take?Paul also points out that God puts His reputation on the line for us in these verses! How does this idea shape/reshape what you think about this Psalm?Once again, this sermon concludes with the invitation to look at Jesus when we are afraid and full of doubts. Is this something you have ever done before? Is it something that feels hard to do? What questions do you still have about God’s “nearness” in times of trouble? What hope might there be?

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:31-47 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:What rules or commandments have felt challenging to you, and how might understanding their deeper purpose change your perspective on following them?Where in your life might you be using 'extra guarantees' because your basic word hasn't been trustworthy?How does Jesus's teaching about loving enemies and going the second mile (Matthew 5:40-42, 44-47) reveal God's ultimate purpose for humanity?Think of someone who has opposed or hurt you. How might understanding their underlying fears or needs change your response to them?Kenny suggested that we already know what it means to be 'real human beings' because it's 'hard-wired into us.' What evidence do you see of this in your own life and in others?When have you felt most authentically 'human' in your interactions with others, and what made those moments different?The sermon concludes that being human is not about following a thousand different rules but about one clear invitation: 'Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' Why isn't this standard meant to be frightening? How might it be encouraging or inviting instead?

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:17-28, John 3:1-3 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:How do you feel when you read what Jesus says it will take to “enter the Kingdom of Heaven”?Kenny talks about how trying to be better or fixing our flaws is like trying to perfectly sand a wall: why isn't “trying harder” enough to meet God's standard of righteousness? In what areas of your life have you been trying to “sand down the rough edges” rather than allowing God to help you start fresh? In Matthew 5, how does Jesus reframe the commandments “You shall not murder” and “You shall not commit adultery”? Why is this distinction between merely not harming and truly honoring others so important? What does it reveal about us and what we’re made for?How do you typically handle anger or conflicts with others? What would it look like to truly honor them as image-bearers of God?The sermon compares trying to become righteous through our own efforts to “carving a tree from a block of wood”: What makes being “born again” (John 3:1-3) such an important concept for understanding Christian growth?What areas of your life might need to be approached with a “growing from a seed” mindset rather than a “chiseling into shape” mindset?Do you believe Jesus’s righteousness really can become your righteousness? What might change in your life if you could?

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:13-16 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls his followers 'salt of the earth' and 'light of the world.' How might these metaphors relate to our purpose as Christians in today's world?The sermon suggests that formation is not about becoming someone different, but rather about revealing who we truly are. How does this perspective challenge your understanding of spiritual growth?What 'baskets' might be hiding your true identity in Christ, and what steps can you allow Jesus to take to remove them?How might the sermon's explanation of salt being mixed with sand help us understand the difference between our true identity and the things that dilute it?What are some 'sandy' elements in your life that might be diluting your effectiveness as a follower of Christ?Kenny shares Kate's story about being light in dark places. How can being different from the world actually create opportunities for ministry… rather than isolation? What fears do you have about standing out as a Christian, and how might God use those differences for His purposes?The sermon suggests that being salt and light isn't just another thing we do, but might be 'the thing.' How would this shift in priority change how we approach our daily lives?

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 1 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Have you ever read through the book of Psalms before? What have your past experiences with these verses been like?Kenny described the psalms as “emotionally earnest.” How might this characteristic help you connect with them? What does it suggest about the Bible that poems like these are included?What emotions have you experienced in your own spiritual journey that you've been hesitant to express to God, and how might the Psalms help you voice these feelings?Looking at Psalm 1, how might the metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water challenge our typical view of the restrictiveness of God's laws/rules? Have you ever experienced God's guidance as life-giving rather than restrictive?The sermon mentions different types of psalms, including laments, thanksgiving, praise, royal psalms, and words of wisdom. Which of these are you most drawn to in your current season of life?When have you experienced a disconnect between your expectations of God's plan and what actually happened? How did you respond?Are you interested in accepting the challenge to read 5 psalms each week this year? Who might you be able to share your experiences with?

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1-4 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:The sermon describes two key components of spiritual formation: the mystical experience of God and practical obedience. Which of these do you find more challenging? Why?In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul describes Christians as being “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” How might this perspective change the way we think about doing good things for others? The sermon compares maintaining our relationship with God to maintaining other important relationships. What are some practical ways we can keep our relationship with God fresh and vibrant? How can we “dwell” more intentionally in God’s love for us (and our love for Him!)?How might viewing spiritual formation as a journey with Jesus as our companion (rather than a solo mission!) change our approach to spiritual growth?As an example of “practical disciplines,” Kenny emphasizes the importance of complete honesty in relationships. What makes telling the truth consistently so challenging? What positive things (or “fruit”) might come from it, if you could commit to this?In this series, we have looked at many of the reasons people avoid the “formation journey.” What is one reason why someone might want to take it? Right now, what is your level of interest in it?

SCRIPTURE: John 6:28-29 & Luke 10:25-28 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:The sermon contrasts two different stories of trust: one involving immediate surrender during a crisis, and another involving an anxious journey through an airport. How do these two stories represent different “visions” of our spiritual formation journey? When in your life have you experienced both types of trust with God: immediate surrender in crisis… or uncertain following, despite your doubts?In John 6:28-29, when the disciples ask Jesus what they must do to do God's works, Jesus responds that they must 'believe in the one he has sent.' Why might this answer have been challenging for the disciples to understand and apply?What areas of your life do you try to 'solve' or control rather than trusting God's guidance?The sermon compares spiritual formation to taking a long journey with someone you're getting to know. How does curiosity play a role in deepening our relationship with Jesus? What questions would you like to ask Jesus as you journey with him?What is the connection between our minds, hearts, and actions in the process of spiritual formation?In what ways have you seen your actions change as a result of knowing and loving Jesus more deeply?

SCRIPTURE: Galatians 5 & Romans 8 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:The sermon today begins with the claim that love is always transformative. How have you seen love change someone's life? Have you experienced it in your own?What specific areas of your life do you think would change if you more fully embraced God's love for you?The sermon discusses how freedom isn't about 'doing whatever we want' but rather about pursuing what we're made to do. How does this perspective challenge common ideas about freedom?Looking at Galatians 5:13-15, how does Paul's connection between freedom and service challenge our conventional understanding?In what ways might serving others actually make you feel more free rather than more constrained?What makes it difficult to 'toggle the switch' and rely on God's Spirit rather than our own strength? What signs might help you recognize when you're trying to operate on your own power instead of God's Spirit?How does viewing surrender as a lifetime process, rather than a one-time decision, change your approach to spiritual formation?What small step of surrender could you take this week as part of your ongoing formation process?

SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 5:1-17 & John 17:1-11 YOU CAN ALSO READ THE MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS WEEK’S SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:Kenny discusses his personal fear that spiritual formation might mean losing his identity. Have you ever wondered about this? Why might some Christians struggle with this fear of transformation?What aspects of your own identity do you feel hesitant about changing as you grow spiritually?How does Jesus's example of never being truly alone challenge our own understanding of rest and restoration?What's the difference between being physically alone and being spiritually isolated? How do you experience each in your life?What unique qualities do you possess that you believe God might want to develop rather than remove?How might trusting God's process of formation actually be easier than creating our own process? What gets in the way of this kind of trust in your own heart/life?The sermon outlines three key aspects of formation: relying on loving company, seeking uniqueness, and trusting the Spirit's guidance. Which of these do you find most challenging? Why?This week, let’s start with loving company! Who might be willing to walk with you this year as you explore the idea of spiritual formation? Can you start a conversation with them this week?

SCRIPTURE: Acts 22-28 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS MESSAGE HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Acts 22, Paul reveals his Roman citizenship to avoid flogging, which changes his entire journey. How do you think Paul felt about his story taking such a different path than Jesus's story?When has God redirected your life in an unexpected way, and how did you handle the change?How does Paul's experience on Malta (healing Publius's father and others) demonstrate that sometimes our 'detours' can become significant moments of ministry?Can you think of a time when what seemed like an interruption in your plans became an opportunity to serve others?How does Jesus's own life demonstrate the value of small, ordinary moments of ministry rather than just dramatic, high-impact events?What areas of your life do you find most difficult to surrender control over to God?What 'common' or ordinary aspects of your life might God be using for His purposes that you might be overlooking?

SCRIPTURE: Acts 20-21 YOU CAN ALSO FIND KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS SERMON HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Acts 20:22-24, Paul says he is “captive to the Spirit” and knows persecution awaits him in Jerusalem… yet he continues anyway. What might this teach us?The sermon contends that Christianity isn't about “outside-in” behavior modification but rather “inside-out” transformation. What's the difference between these two approaches to following Jesus? In what areas of your life might you be focusing too much on external behaviors rather than internal transformation?How does Paul's journey (particularly the way he handles the disagreements about what the Spirit is or is not calling him to do) demonstrate the difference between unity and uniformity in the Christian community?How do you typically handle disagreements with other Christians about important spiritual matters?The sermon identifies three key elements in Paul's life which contribute to his Christlikeness: radical humility, compassionate community, and being enraptured by the Gospel. Which of these do you find most challenging? Why?How might a shift from asking “What Would Jesus Do?” to “Who Does Jesus Say I Am?” change our approach to Christian living?What aspects of your identity in Christ do you struggle to fully believe or embrace?

SCRIPTURE: Acts 16 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS MESSAGE HERE!

SCRIPTURE: Acts 13-15:1-31 REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In Acts 15:19, James says 'we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.' What are some ways churches today might unintentionally make it difficult for people to turn to God?What specific practices or attitudes in your own life might create barriers for others seeking to know God?Matt shares that “belonging is not a reward for behavior; it is the ground on which transformation happens.” What do you think this means? How might this perspective change the way we welcome people into church community?Think of a time when you felt truly welcomed despite your imperfections. How did that experience impact your spiritual growth?What practical steps could you take to build bridges with people who have different beliefs or backgrounds than you?How can you practice “staying at the table,” as Matt describes it? When is this difficult for you? How can you challenge yourself this week?What does it mean to “trade assumptions for stories”?  Why is this important for building unity in the church?Do you sometimes struggle to “choose love over comfort”? What might growth look like for you in this area?

SCRIPTURE: John 13:1-15 YOU CAN ALSO READ KENNY’S MANUSCRIPT FOR THIS MESSAGE HERE!REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:In John 13:2-15, Jesus washes his disciples' feet despite Peter's initial resistance. Why was this act so significant, and what might it teach us about true humility in leadership?When have you struggled to accept help or service from someone in authority, and what did that experience teach you about humility?Can you think of a time when a friend was genuinely vulnerable with you? How did that impact your relationship with them?What makes it hard for you personally to receive acts of kindness from others without trying to minimize them?How does the concept of “costly love” differ from casual acts of kindness, and why is this distinction important for us to remember?The ultimate goal of any act of love is to deepen trust in the relationship. What relationships in your life might benefit from deeper trust? How can you “push through the awkwardness” this week and show someone you really depend on them? How can you make yourself more receptive to someone you love’s sincerity this week? How might getting better at both sharing and receiving acts of love or kindness help you grow as a Christian?How can this help you grow as a neighbor, a coworker, a volunteer, or a citizen?